I’d wanted to visit Thailand for years before I finally made the trip happen in 2023 and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The pristine beaches, ornate temples, and rich culture make it the kind of destination you can visit time and time again. Months before the trip, I spent so many hours researching on where to stay and what our itinerary should be that I figured I may as well help others out with this simple 10 days Thailand itinerary.
As with many big trips, figuring out your route can be overwhelming, especially when you’re short on time. If you want to see everything, I’d recommend spending at least two weeks in Thailand. But since that’s not always possible, this 10 days Thailand itinerary focuses exclusively on the southern region.
I left out the north- places like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai- not because they’re not worth visiting (quite the opposite!), but because getting there typically requires an overnight bus or internal flight. After the long-haul travel from Canada, I just didn’t have the energy to add another marathon travel day. But trust me, Northern Thailand is still high on my list for a future trip. I’ve heard nothing but amazing things!
So, what you’ll find here is a Southern Thailand itinerary packed with gorgeous beaches, coastal charm, and a thoughtful mix of sightseeing and downtime. If you’re craving a tropical getaway with culture, scenery, and some seriously stunning islands, this one’s for you. Keep reading for my recommendations for 10 days in Thailand itinerary.
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Table of Contents
Preparing for a Trip to Thailand
Many people choose to backpack through Southeast Asia due to the amount of travelling from place to place you’ll be doing. I was on the fence between bring a backpack versus a suitcase and I’m so glad I opted for the backpack. Garrett and I purchased the womens 70 litre Osprey backpack and mens 70 litre backpack before our trip. We got the bigger size, meaning we had to check them and honestly we probably could’ve gone with the smaller carryon size like these ones. As a chronic over-packer let me tell you, you really don’t need much in Thailand. Some other essentials that I was so glad we packed with us were these microfibre towels for beach days, a universal adaptor and portable charger, and essential medicine: ibuprofen, pepto bismol, gravol, etc.
10 Days Thailand itinerary: Quick Look
Note: For this itinerary you will be flying into Bangkok and out of Phuket or vice versa if you do the itinerary in reverse.
Day One: Bangkok
Day Two: Koh Samui
Day Three: Koh Samui
Day Four: Koh Phangan
Day Five: Koh Tao
Day Six: Koh Tao
Day Seven: Krabi
Day Eight: Krabi
Day Nine: Phi Phi Islands
Day Ten: Phuket
Day One: Bangkok
I have mixed feelings about Bangkok, and from talking to other travellers, it seems I’m not alone. Many people absolutely love the city, while others like me, may have left with not the best impression of the city. Truth be told, I think this commonly happens due to the culture shock you experience upon first landing in Thailand, and I think I would enjoy Bangkok a whole lot more if I visited again. I also think that where you stay is really important. Bangkok is such a huge city and it’s nice to stay in a central area that’s close to attractions and restaurants. My recommendation would be to stay in Riverside. It’s beautiful, scenic, and near major attractions like the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho, plus it’s quieter than other areas. My recommendations for hotels in Bangkok would be, Riva Surya Bangkok, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, or Avani+ Riverside.
Spend your first day recovering from jet lag, visiting temples, eating at great restaurants, and exploring the city. We booked a longboat tour which was a unique way to sightsee Bangkok along the river. If you decide to visit temples remember to make sure you’re wearing temple appropriate clothing. Garrett wore jeans and ended up having to buy the fancy temple pants since his jeans had a few rips in them.
Where to Stay in bangkok: 10 Days Thailand Itinerary
Bangkok has a huge range of places to stay depending on your travel style and budget. The Nouvo City Hotel is a fun and affordable option right near the lively Khao San Road. It’s a great pick if you want to be close to backpacker bars, street food, and the Grand Palace.
For something more upscale, check out the Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn, which has a gorgeous infinity pool and direct access to the BTS Skytrain, making it super convenient to get around the city.
If you’re after luxury, The Siam Hotel is a splurge-worthy stay along the Chao Phraya River. It’s peaceful and beautifully designed, and still close enough to explore the city’s historic sites by boat.
No matter where you stay, try to pick a place near the BTS or MRT lines- it’ll save you a ton of time navigating traffic.
Days Two & Three: Koh Samui
There are a few options to travel from Bangkok to Koh Samui. The easiest and quickest option is to fly but if you are on a tighter budget taking an overnight bus or train and then hopping on the ferry would be a cheaper option. When you arrive in Koh Samui, drop your bags off at your hotel and get into your beach attire. The beaches in Thailand were one of my absolute favourite parts so make sure you make time to relax and enjoy the ocean. You can spend the day at the beach or take the afternoon to explore some of the attractions around Koh Samui like The Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem temples and Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks.
On day two, I recommend booking a day trip out to Ang Thong National Marine Park. We had an amazing time on this tour. We went kayaking and hiked to an amazing viewpoint. Plus meals were included. I highly recommend booking this experience and had to include it in this 10 days in Thailand itinerary.
Where to Stay in Koh Samui: 10 Days Thailand Itinerary
We stayed at the COSI Samui Chaweng Beach and were very impressed with it. It’s a budget hotel but it didn’t feel like a typical budget hotel. It was clean and comfortable and we would absolutely stay here again. If you’re wanting a nicer hotel option I recommend Zazen Boutique Resort in Fishermans Village or The Library in Chaweng Beach. If you’re wanting the ultimate luxury experience definitely stay at The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui.
Day Four: Koh Phangan
Getting from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan is an easy 30 minute ferry ride. They leave every half hour for the majority of the day and you don’t typically need to book in advance. Koh Phangan is famous for its half and full moon parties so if that’s something you’re interested in you may want to arrange your travels around these dates. Other than the party vibes, Koh Phangan has beautiful beaches and great snorkelling, so if you’re not into big parties, there’s still great outdoor adventures to experience!
Where to Stay in Koh Phangan: 10 Days Thailand Itinerary
We stayed in a hotel called Utopia Resort and it was a pretty cool place to stay. It’s situated at the top of a mountain and the view was absolutely amazing. However, it’s located kind of in the middle of nowhere, which made things difficult for us, especially since we didnt rent motorbikes. The hotel did have a shuttle service to get to the beach so we used that and just enjoyed the gorgeous views. That being said, if you’re looking for a more central hotel with easier access to shops, restaurants, and the beach, Utopia might not be the best fit. Areas like Thong Sala, Baan Tai, and Haad Rin are much more convenient if you want to be closer to the action. Le Divine Comedie and SeaEsta Beach in Thong Sala are great if you want to be near the ferry and local markets. For something along the beach with a bit more of a chill vibe, La Plage Resort and Chantaramas in Baan Tai are solid picks. And if you’re there for the Full Moon Party or want to stay near Haad Rin, Tommy Resort or Skymoon are right in the heart of it all.
Days 5 & 6: Koh Tao
Koh Tao was one of our favourite little islands. It’s such a charming place and it’s just a one hour ferry ride from Koh Phangan. One of the huge appeals of this island in particular is it has some of the best scuba diving in the world. Garrett and I had never tried scuba diving but we figured this was the perfect time to do so. Unfortunately I ended up getting a bout of food poisoning right before arriving at Koh Tao and I just wasn’t feeling up to attempting the dive. Despite missing out on this we had a lovely and relaxing time on Koh Tao. t’s one of those places we’d love to go back to—next time hopefully with better timing and a shot at exploring the underwater world.
Where to stay in Koh Tao: 10 Days Thailand Itinerary
Sairee Beach is the main area and a great place to stay if you want to be close to restaurants, shops, and dive schools. We stayed nearby and loved how easy it was to walk everywhere. Wind Beach Resort is a solid mid-range pick right in the heart of it. If you’re after something more low-key, Chalok Baan Kao on the south end of the island is a quieter option with a more local vibe-Taatoh Seaview Resort is a peaceful spot tucked into the rocks with beautiful views. For a bit of a splurge, The Place Luxury Boutique Villas is tucked into the hills and has private pools and epic views, while Jamahkiri Resort is right on the water and has a great on-site dive center. Whether you’re there to dive or just hang out by the beach, there’s something for every kind of traveler.
Days 7 & 8: Krabi
It’s a bit more of a longer trek to get to Krabi from Koh Tao. You’ll need to catch a bus and a ferry which will end up taking about six hours total. Once you arrive in Krabi there is tons to do. You can base yourself in Ao Nang if you want easy access to restaurants and island tours, or head to Railay Beach for something a bit more relaxed and scenic. We loved taking a longtail boat out to the surrounding islands—places like Phra Nang Cave Beach and the Four Islands tour were definite highlights. Krabi has a nice mix of adventure and chill, and it’s worth the journey to get there. It’s also a great rock climbing place and was the first time I tried outdoor rock climbing. Highly recommend trying it out on a guided lesson!
Related: Rock Climbing in Krabi: Conquering New Heights in Natures Paradise
Where to Stay in Krabi: 10 Days Thailand Itinerary
We based ourselves in Ao Nang and found it super convenient. It’s a great jumping-off point for island tours, and there are tons of restaurants, shops, and massage spots within walking distance. We stayed at the COSI Krabi Ao Nang Beach hotel which was reasonably priced and a great location. Ban Sainai Resort is another lovely option tucked away in the greenery but still close to town. If you’re after a beachfront stay, The L Resort is right on the promenade and has a nice pool. For something more scenic, Railay Beach is stunning and only accessible by boat. Railay Bay Resort and Bhu Nga Thani are both great picks if you want to be right on the beach and surrounded by limestone cliffs. Whether you stay in Ao Nang or Railay, you’ll have easy access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the area.
Day 9: Phi Phi Islands
You could either just book a day tour out to Phi Phi Islands and stay another night in Krabi, if you’re tired of moving around so much. Or you can do what we did and catch a ferry to Phi Phi, spend the night on the island and book a private longtail boat tour. Phi Phi islands are a definite must-see on your trip to Thailand. The aqua blue water and the towering cliffs are absolutely unforgettable and there’s a reason so many famous movies and tv shows were set here. Exploring the island via a private longtail boat was definitely worth splurging on. Plus, if you stay on the island you can explore the cute downtown areas restaurants and bars, which was definitely cool to see.
Where to Stay in Koh Phi Phi: 10 Days Thailand Itinerary
If you want to be right in the middle of the action, Tonsai Village is the main area to stay. It’s lively, walkable, and close to restaurants, bars, and the pier. Phi Phi Hotel is a solid mid-range option in this area. If you’re looking for something quieter, Long Beach is a great pick. It’s only about a 10-minute boat ride from Tonsai but feels way more peaceful. Viking Nature Resort and Phi Phi The Beach Resort both offer beautiful views and more of a relaxed, tucked-away vibe. For a true splurge, OUTRIGGER Phi Phi Island Resort on the northern tip of the island is gorgeous and super secluded.
Day 10: Phuket
For your final day of the trip on this 10 days Thailand Itinerary, make your way to Phuket. It’s about a 45 minute ferry ride. We enjoyed Phuket for its lively nightlife, busy markets, and cheap massages. There’s always something going on here. It’s definitely a lot busier and livelier than the islands but it’s a fun way to wrap up your trip, plus you’ll be flying home from the airport here. If you have time, grab dinner by the beach or treat yourself to one last massage before heading home. It’s the perfect spot to squeeze in a little more fun, or relaxation, before the trip ends.
Where to Stay in Phuket: 10 Days Thailand Itinerary
There are tons of hotel options in Phuket. We stayed at two different hotels on Phuket. The first was one that was farther away from everything, but we stayed here just to enjoy the hotel. It was beautiful and definitely worth it. This hotel was called the Panwaburi Beachfront Resort. The pool was a real highlight at this hotel. After this, we wanted to stay in a cheaper hotel that was close to all the action and opted for the Days Inn by Wyndham Patong Beach Phuket. It’s a solid option that’s right next to Bangla Walking Street. Plus there’s an outdoor rooftop pool which was a nice perk. If you’re looking for something just as convenient but with a few more amenities, The Crib Patong has a rooftop pool with city‑views and is just a short walk to Bangla and the beach. Deevana Patong Resort & Spa is another good pick- also close to town with multiple pools, a spa, and a free shuttle to the beach.
10 Days Thailand Itinerary Final Thoughts
Thailand was an absolute dream to explore and it’s totally worth it, even if you only have ten days. This 10 days in Thailand itinerary is the perfect beachy, island itinerary while still capturing some of Thailand’s rich culture. From temple hopping in Bangkok to seeing the mountains surrounding Koh Phi Phi, it’s a trip I’ll never forget and I’m sure you won’t either.
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