A PERFECT 10 Day Thailand Itinerary for First Timers

Popularly known as the Land of Smiles, Thailand is a country unlike any other. With elephants roaming wild in northern jungles, bustling city landscapes in the center, and limestone cliffs and beautiful islands in the south, there is something so special about Thailand, and 10 days is the perfect amount of time to visit this country.

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Thailand twice before! The first was my first ever solo-trip when I was 19 years old. The second time, I went back with best friend after graduating college for 10 days (plus another 10 days in Bali!)

So I’ve taken the best of the best from both those trips and made a perfect 10 day Thailand itinerary for first-timers!!

In this itinerary, you’ll split your time equally between Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Koh Phangan. You’ll explore historic temples, volunteer with elephants, and relax on the beautiful beaches. I promise you won’t regret visiting this incredible country!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link or book through an affiliate program, I receive a small commission at no cost to you!

The Perfect 10 Day Thailand Itinerary for First Timers: a Detailed Guide

Getting to Thailand

Most people flying to Thailand from another country fly into Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK). It is the biggest and busiest airport in the country, located just east from central Bangkok. As this 10 day Thailand itinerary starts in Bangkok, I highly recommend flying into BKK!

It usually takes about 30-50 minutes via taxi from the airport to the city center, depending on the time of day and where you are staying. Public buses are also an option, especially for budget travelers, but will take a little longer. Nicer hotels may offer private shuttles, so be sure to check before your trip.

Where to Stay in Thailand

This 10 day Thailand itinerary includes stops in 3 different cities: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, & Koh Phangan, so you will need 3 different accommodations! One of the great things about Thailand is that there is truly something for everyone and every budget.

If you are looking to spend the bare minimum, there are tons of hostels for less than $10 USD a day. Next up the chain, you can get a perfectly acceptable private room at a standard hotel for less than $50 USD a day. If you’re looking to splurge, Thailand has some gorgeous, luxury hotels and villas that are sure to be much cheaper than they are in the States!

Day 1: Bangkok River Cruise + Temples

Explore Bangkok’s Temples

Welcome to Thailand!! Today is your first full day in Bangkok. It’s time to kick off your 10 day Thailand itinerary in the nation’s capital.

Bangkok has so much to offer for all kinds of travelers. You’ll spend your first day getting a feel for the area and seeing the most popular sites. In Bangkok, this means temples! Luckily there are quite a few all within walking distance of each other. If you prefer not to explore on your own on your first day, there are a ton of great tours to choose from in Bangkok.

If you’re up for checking out the sites yourself, below are the main temples you’re going to want to see! Start at the Grand Palace first thing in the morning – as this is the busiest and most popular.

From there, you’re a quick walk or Tuk Tuk ride away from Wat Phra Chetuphon, also known as Wat Pho, the temple of the Reclining Buddha. Then, grab a long tail boat and cross the river to see the famous Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)!

Important to Know: Most of the temples in Bangkok will require your shoulders and knees to be covered. You may also have to remove your shoes, so footwear easy to slip on and off is recommended. Remember that you are entering places of worship, so your attire should be respectful.

Cruise on the Chao Phraya River

When you’ve gotten your fill of temples, another great way to see Bangkok is through a cruise on the Chao Phraya River. There are a ton of companies and tours to choose from if you want a private experience and a guide (you can also lump this into your temple tour from Viator).

However, we just grabbed a long tail boat from one of the many piers along the river and booked a one-hour tour through the canals (called khlongs, in Thai). If you’re looking for something fancier, you can also do a dinner cruise in the evening.

No matter what you choose, touring the canals in Bangkok is a great way to see other sides of the city from a different perspective.

See Bangkok From Above

After your day seeing Bangkok’s temples by streets and by river, don’t forget to check out the city by sky! There are a ton of amazing rooftop bars in Bangkok with awesome views of the city. Some of the most famous are Sky Bar at the Lebua Hotel, Vertigo at the Banyan Tree Hotel, and Octave at the Marriott.

If bars aren’t your thing, Chinatown is another great option for an exciting evening in Bangkok!

Day 2: Shopping + Khao San Road

Shop til You Drop at Bangkok’s Markets

The next stop on your 10 day Thailand itinerary will be dependent on personal preferences, time of year, and day of the week. Either way, it will be full of lots of shopping, which may seem a little boring but is a whole new experience in Thailand. Bangkok is home to a ton of different malls and markets, all with their own unique Eastern flair.

If you are visiting in the summer, and don’t love the idea of being outside all day, I recommend checking out MBK Center, a huge shopping mall in Bangkok. This shopping center has 8 floors and over 2,000 stores, plus 2 food courts. The best part is – free air conditioning, which can be a life saver on hot, summer days.

Tip: Bartering is an absolute must while shopping in Thailand! Start by cutting whatever price you are given in half, and expect to meet somewhere in the middle. Make sure to be respectful and kind!

If the weather is manageable and you prefer a more local experience, definitely check out the Chatuchak Weekend market. Open Friday evening through Sunday evening, Chatuchak is the mother of all markets in Bangkok and has everything you could ever need! To get there, take the BTS Sky Train to the last station at Mo Chit – it’s super easy and cost efficient! At the station, just follow the crowd and you’ll be lead to the market.

Party on Khao San road

When you’re done shopping, head over to Khao San Road in the evening. Known as backpacker central in Bangkok, Khao San is one long road that is full of shops, food stalls, bars, restaurants, massage parlors, and more! In my opinion, it’s a must see while in Bangkok.

Spend your evening trying some street food ($1 for a bowl of fresh pad thai), grab a big Chang beer, and people watch while getting a $7 foot massage.

Although Khao San is definitely over run with tourists, it’s the ridiculousness that makes it fun. If you’re there during the day, check out one of the many rooftop pools at local hostels.

If you’re looking for something a little quieter, Soi Rambuttri is also worth checking out. It’s one street over from Khao San Road and has a more relaxed vibe. Banyan trees and cozy restaurants and bars line the street and transport you to a whole other world from crazy Bangkok.

Day 3: Floating Market + Overnight Train to Chiang Mai

Experience a Floating Market

Today you’ll be taking the overnight train to Chiang Mai, but you’ll have plenty of time to do some final sight seeing in Bangkok during the day. In the morning, get an authentic look into the local lifestyle of Thai people by visiting a floating market. There are actually quite a few floating markets in Bangkok to choose from, depending on your preferences.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is probably the most famous one for tourists visiting Bangkok and is about 1.5 hours outside the city. Due to its increasing popularity, some people think Damnoen Saduak is becoming too touristy.

If you are looking for a more authentic experience, check out Khlong Lat Mayom or Taling Chan. Both are much closer to the city center. However, both of these are only open on the weekend!

Train to Chiang Mai

You’ll likely have a few hours to kill before your train to Chiang Mai. Some other popular sites to visit in Bangkok include Lumpini Park, Pak Khlong Flower Market, or Jim Thompson’s house. Whatever you choose, make sure it leaves you enough time to get to the train station 1-2 hours before your departure time!

For this itinerary, I recommend taking the Special Express #9 overnight sleeper train, which leaves from Hua Lamphong station at 6:10pm and arrives in Chiang Mai at 7:15am the next morning. A first class ticket will run about $50, while second class is only $30.

Make sure to book in advance online to guarantee your seat! The #9 train is brand new and air-conditioned. First class means you will have your own private cabin (if traveling in a group of 2) with your own bathroom. Second class is not as private, but still comfortable, with your own bunk and privacy curtains. I recommend booking on 12.Go Asia’s website.

Of course you can also just take a fight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai for around the same price which cuts down your travel time significantly. BUT the overnight train saves you paying an extra night at your hotel in Chiang Mai, and in my opinion, is such a unique experience that you have to try in Thailand.

Day 4: Explore Old City + Thai Massages

Explore old City

Welcome to Chiang Mai – one of the most visited cities in Thailand, nestled in the northern jungles of the country. This is your second stop of your 10 day Thailand itinerary! If you’ve just arrived via the overnight train, grab a taxi to your hotel to drop your bags so you can start exploring!

To get a feel for the area, head over to Old City, the center of Chiang Mai that is laid out in almost a perfect square. There are a ton of things to do in Old City, including temples, shops, restaurants, etc. Spend the morning wandering around the area and checking out the areas that pique your interest.

If you need a restaurant recommendation, Angel’s Secrets Cafe is a cozy spot in the northeastern quadrant of Old City. It has delicious coffee drinks and amazing crepes!

Hit the Spa and Explore the Night Market

After a long morning of walking and site-seeing, there’s nothing better than hitting the spa. Spend your afternoon endulging in a little self care and treating yourself to a traditional Thai massage. If you’ve never gotten a Thai massage, know that it is different than a traditional massage. No oils are used, and instead of being kneaded and rubbed, Thai massages are centered around pulling, stretching, and compressing.

There a lot of spas in Chiang Mai to choose from – Cheeva Spa is a great choice that is located right in Old City. They have a variety of different packages that include body wraps/scrubs, facials, baths, and a variety of massages.

In the evening, head to the north side of Old City and check out the Chang Phuak Gate Night Market. This market is full of street stalls cooking up some amazing local favorites like mango sticky rice, steamed buns, chicken satay skewers.. the list goes on. Not to mention the food here is SO cheap. We came back for more the next night too. Definitely don’t miss it!

Day 5: Elephant Nature Park + Night Bazaar

Volunteer with Elephants

Today is likely going to be the most exciting day on your trip to Thailand – volunteering with elephants!!! No Thailand itinerary is complete without getting to spend time with these gentle giants. However, it is so important to make sure your time with the elephants is helping, not hurting, them.

Because of the popularity of elephants with tourists, there are a lot of businesses in Thailand that exploit elephants to make money and do not care about the well being of these animals. So, before you visit an elephant park or camp in Thailand, make sure to do your research.

Avoid visiting places that offer elephant riding. Instead, look for businesses that have rescued elephants from those types of situations and that focus on caring for the elephants instead.

If you need a recommendation, Elephant Nature Park is just outside of Chiang Mai and is truly a sanctuary for the elephants that live there. You can spend your entire day here with the elephants, getting the opportunity to wash them in the river, feed them bananas, and trek through the jungle.

They also offer overnight visits so that you get to spend more time with the elephants and enjoy the rustic lifestyle of northern Thailand. No matter which option you choose, your time at Elephant Nature Park will definitely leave a lasting impact on both you and the elephants.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

After your day with the elephants, check out the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar in the evening. Located just east of Old City (about a 10 minute walk from the Tha Pae gate), the Night Bazaar is full of hundreds of stalls with vendors selling local and handmade items.

We actually visited the Night Bazaar a few times during our 10 days in Thailand because of how much there was to see. Here you can buy purses, art, trinkets, electronics, the list goes on. It’s a great spot for souvenirs and a fun place to spend the evening.

Pssst: Planning a trip to Asia? Make sure to check out my other blog posts, like my 7 Day Japan Itinerary or my 7 Day Bali itinerary!

Day 6: Cooking Class & Muay Thai

Endulge in a Cooking Class

If you’ve read my other Asia itineraries, you know that a cooking class is ALWAYS on my to do list. Thailand is my favorite country to do cooking classes in because the food is so fresh.

The first time I went to Thailand, my tour guide told me that whatever meat you eat in Thailand, there’s a good chance it was alive less than 48 hours ago. Kinda gross but also good to know that you’re eating fresh meat!

There are a ton of cooking classes in Chiang Mai. I’d recommend picking one that takes you to the market first. This is a great addition to the class – the guide will pick out some of the fruits, vegetables, sauces, etc. that you will be using during the class and explain how they differ from their Western varieties.

We visited Baan Thai Cooking School and we absolutely loved it! They were very professional and we made a TON of food. No matter what company you choose, definitely don’t eat before the class! You’ll likely be making several courses and you’re going to want to eat everything – so start the class on an empty stomach and enjoy.

Most places will give you a recipe book when you finish the class so that you can make those delicious meals at home!

Take a Muay Thai Class

In the afternoon, spend some time learning about one of the most popular activities for Thais – Muay Thai! Muay Thai, or “Thai Boxing”, is considered the national sport of Thailand. It’s a great way to get a feel for the local culture while in Thailand, and something unique to the country.

The best part of Muay Thai is that you don’t need any kickboxing experience – most gyms will offer beginner classes in English. We visited the Chiangmai Muay Thai Gym in Old City and had a blast! If you don’t feel like participating, you can also go see a Muay Thai fight at the Thapae Boxing Stadium.

Day 7: Temple + Transfer to Koh Phangan

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Today you’ll say goodbye to Chiang Mai and start the last leg of your trip – Koh Phangan! If you have time to kill in the morning, I’d recommend visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a beautiful Buddhist temple nestled in the mountains of Chiang Mai.

To get there, you can drive, take a songthaew, or if you’re looking for some exercise, hike the “Monk’s Trail” up the mountain! No matter how you get there, as one of the most beautiful and famous temples in Chiang Mai, Wat Phra is worth the visit!

Journey to Koh Phangan

After the temple, it’s time to start your journey south to the island of Koh Phangan. There are a few ways to get there, but due to the distance, I would recommend flying. The best option is taking the direct Bangkok Airways flight from Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) to Koh Samui Airport (USM).

Once on Koh Samui, you will need to take either ferry or speedboat to reach your final destination, as there are no airports on Koh Phangan. Most people use the Lomprayah High Speed Catamaran, which costs around $10 USD and should get you to Koh Phangan in around 30 minutes. Make sure you pay attention to which pier your ferry leaves from on Koh Samui as you’ll need to grab a taxi from the airport to the ferry dock.

If you don’t love the idea of a ferry and don’t mind spending some cash, private speedboats can be arranged to transfer you between islands. However, this is a much more expensive option – expect to spend a few hundred dollars.

Day 8: Beaches + Relaxation

Explore the Beaches

Koh Phangan is where you’ll spend the last leg of your 10 day Thailand itinerary and has a totally different feel than Bangkok or Chiang Mai. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Phangan is known for its legendary Full Moon Party but has so much more to offer!

On your first day, spend time checking out some of the amazing beaches on the island. The best and most affordable way to get around is a scooter, which you can rent for the day for extremely cheap.

If you’re not comfortable renting a scooter, plan to use taxis to get around. Either way, below are some of the best beaches on the island. Also, no judgement if you want to just lay around your hotel pool all day! In fact, I’d highly recommend it for the afternoon.

Salad Beach
Haad Mae Haad & Koh Ma
Leele Beach
Baan Tai Beach

Thong Sala Night Market

If you’re looking for some low key things to do at night, you can check out the Thong Sala Night Market! Grab some cheap, local food and enjoy the culture. After, you can head to The Jelly Bar for some drinks and live music.

Day 9: Snorkeling + Full Moon Party

Snorkeling around the Island

Today, check out some of the awesome snorkelling spots around Koh Phangan. I recommend heading to Haad Rin beach and hiring a long tail boat for the day. This allows you to see the island from a different view point and you can dictate where you go and what you do. The locals will be able to recommend some of the best snorkeling spots to you this way. There are also some organized snorkeling tours on Viator!

If you’re interested in scuba diving, neighboring island Koh Tao is one of the world’s best diving spots. It’s only about an hour’s boat ride from Koh Phangan, so it’s easy to check it out for the day through a dive shop while you’re on Koh Phangan.

Full (or Half) Moon Party

Later in evening, spend your second to last night on Koh Phangan checking out what makes the island famous: the Full Moon Party!! Now this will of course depend on when you are visiting, but don’t worry!

There is basically always some sort of party going on at Haad Rin beach even if it isn’t the full moon – they have awesome bars, buckets of liquor drinks, fire dancers, and more. It really is a must on 10 day Thailand itinerary!

These days, the “Half Moon” parties are becoming just as popular as the Full Moon ones and are a little more low key. No matter when you are visiting, make sure to spend one of your evenings in Koh Phangan checking out Haad Rin beach.

Day 10: Hiking, Waterfalls, and Sunsets

Hiking and Waterfalls

Today is the last day of this 10 day Thailand itinerary, so make sure to check out any other areas of Koh Phangan that you missed. A lot of people come to Koh Phangan and lay on the beach but don’t realize the island has a lot more to offer than just the ocean.

I recommend spending your last day exploring some of the awesome hiking trails and waterfalls around the island. Phaeng Waterfall National Park is a great option – once you reach the waterfall, you can continue on the hike to the Domsila Viewpoint.

Other popular hikes on Koh Phangan include Laem Tham Thong Rak Viewpoint, Bottle Beach Trek, and Haad Yuan Trek. Just make sure you do your research about difficulty levels and choose the hike that is right for you!

Enjoy the Sunset

You’ve probably noticed by now that Koh Phangan has some killer sunsets, which means there are some awesome bars, restaurants, and viewpoints to watch them at. On your last night, I’d recommend checking out ThreeSixBar, Sunset Walk, or Secret Mountain to watch the sunset and enjoy your last night in Thailand!

Final Thoughts

That concludes my 10 day Thailand itinerary for first-timers! As you can see, there is so much to see and do in this incredible country, and 10 days is the perfect amount of time to experience it!

I wouldn’t recommend visiting Thailand for less than 10 days since there is SO much to see and do. But if you really only have a week, I would choose between 2 of the 3 main areas (North, South, & Central). Which you choose really can depend on time of year, preferences, budget, home location, and more!

If you have MORE than 10 days, even better! Here are some areas that I recommend checking out which weren’t featured in this itineary.

Chiang Rai and Pai
Floating Bungalows in Koh Sok National Park
Ayutthaya or Kanchanaburi
Krabi/Phuket Area + Day Trip to James Bond Island
Koh Phi Phi Islands

Another great option is to visit other countries in Southeast Asia! Make sure to check out this guest post on the Ultimate Cambodia Itinerary, written by Sarah from Exponential Travels!

Don’t forget to pin this itinerary for future planning!