Ten days are far from enough when visiting Thailand. It’s a melting pot of culture best explored on a long vacation. But if you’re traveling on a budget or your boss just won’t approve a longer vacation leave, you’re still up for a treat. In this post, I created a brief Thailand itinerary 10 days starting in Bangkok. We’re going to start the journey in the capital then work our way in the must-see attractions and experiences in this vibrant country.
Thailand itinerary 10 days starting in Bangkok
In this guide, my goal is to let you experience the fun, the upbeat, and the laidback sides of Thailand. Still, I try not to pack the itinerary too much, so you’ll have a lot of time for relaxation.
With this, I decided to travel from the capital down south. I call this itinerary the ‘Beach, Sight-seeing, and Nightlife Route’. See below where this guide will take you.
- Day 1 and 2 – Bangkok
- Day 3, 4, and 5- Pattaya
- Day 6 and 7 – Phuket
- Day 8, 9, and 10 – Koh Samui
Day 1 and 2 – Bangkok
In my opinion, the rite of passage for every Thailand tourist is exploring the capital Bangkok. It’s the heart of the country where you’ll get the nitty-gritty of authentic Thai living.
Overall, two days aren’t enough to experience all the good things Bangkok has to offer. Still, this 48-hour route will give you a taste of the city.
Where to stay
Bangkok is quite a massive place in terms of choosing where to stay. Overall, I recommend Siam Square or Sukhumvit for most tourists. Some prefer the Khao San Road, but I don’t recommend this for first-time visitors and traveling alone.
From budget hotels to luxury Bangkok hotels for families, here are a few of my recommendations:
Luxury hotels:
- Anantara Siam (located in Ratchadamri Road)
- Banyan Tree Hotel (located in Sathorn Road)
- Mandarin Oriental Hotel (located in Oriental Avenue)
Budget-friendly hotels:
- Novotel (located in Siam Square)
- Ibis Bangkok Riverside Hotel (located in Soi Charoen Nakhon)
- Ds67 Suites (located in Phra Khanong Nuea)
Overall, your choice of place to stay depends on your budget and preferred location. My rule of thumb is to stay near modes of transportation so that you can make the most out of your stay.
What to do:
Bangkok Day 1 – Morning
The best way to start your trip in Bangkok is to explore the streets and try some local food. I recommend the Charoen Krung Road, also known as the street food haven of Bangkok. Here, you can get a cheap but delicious breakfast of Thai food, including Khao Khao Moo (braised pork leg) or a hot cuppa in Tee Yok Coffee.
Still, you shouldn’t linger too much for your breakfast. An hour should be enough, then we head to visiting sacred temples. But first, make sure that you’re wearing trousers or pants. Also, you should wear a shirt or blouse that covers the shoulders.
Most tourists will go straight to Grand Palace, but this will likely be full of people. But if you’re eager to visit, you can take a taxi from Charoen Krung Road straight to the palace. This will take around 10 minutes and cost THD 135.
If you want to avoid the crowd, you can visit Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan or Golden Buddha temple. Unlike other temples in Bangkok, tourists can approach Buddha statues closely here in Wat Traimit.
If you still have the time, I also recommend that you visit the Wat Bechamabophit Dusitwanaram. This place is also known as the marble temple and is known for its ornate roofs.
Bangkok Day 1 – Afternoon to evening
After your lunch, we will continue exploring temples in Bangkok. You can work your day from Wat Saket to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Wat Phra Chetuphon.
If you still have time left, you can hop on the Chao Phraya Express Boat to cross the river. This way, you can visit the Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan. This is a riverside temple that’s impossible not to see with its towering spire.
In the evening, you can end your first day with the best nightlife experience in Bangkok. You can visit a few clubs, but make sure that you do so with friends. Also, steer clear of Ping Pong shows and shady bars.
Nevertheless, if you want a more laidback night, you can have dinner at a Bangkok restaurant with a view. The Sirocco Sky Bar & Restaurant at State Tower of Bangkok is my favorite. Here, you can enjoy Mediterranean food while overlooking the Bangkok skyline. You can also consider Red Sky Bar in Pathum Wan District.
Bangkok Day 2 – Morning
On your second and last day in Bangkok, we will go shopping and explore the Bangkok neighborhood.
In the morning, I recommend visiting the Khao San Road. Nevertheless, you should be cautious as this place get pretty crowded, which thieves often take advantage of.
You can purchase some souvenir items and even haggle with a few sellers. If your stay is in time for the weekends, I suggest you visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market. This is located in Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road.
In the Chatuchak Weekend Market, you can dine, shop, or simply explore around. Still, you should consider checking out their massive wardrobe shops as well as art shops.
However, always be careful because it’s easy to get lost in this weekend market. Again, it’s best to visit here with a local or another traveler you trust.
Bangkok Day 2 – Afternoon to evening
You can spend the afternoon eating street food in Bangkok’s Chinatown. Here, you can find authentic Thai food for a very low price.
You can also visit Asiatique, which is a night bazaar by the riverside. It’s also close to Wat Traimit, so finding it is quite easy. Three’s a giant Ferris wheel here, which is a great experience for families. Asiatique is also known for the Calypso Cabaret, where ladyboy shows are held. Tickets aren’t cheap, though.
For the rest of the afternoon, you can hit the malls like Siam Paragon. Or, if you want a peaceful environment, you can explore the Jim Thompson House Museum in Pathum Wan District.
After a tiring second day in Bangkok, you can spend the night at Oishi Grand inside Siam Paragon. This is a convenient choice if you’ve been malling the entire afternoon. They serve eat-all-you-can sashimi and sushi, which is great for ravenous eaters.
But if you’re not craving Japanese food, you’re free to explore other dining options inside Siam Paragon to end the night.
Day 3, 4, and 5- Pattaya
After a short stay in Bangkok, we move south to Pattaya. This city is considered the nightlife hub of the country. It’s dotted with red light districts and is infamous for its sex industry. But if you want to have a great night out, Pattaya will not disappoint.
To get to Pattaya from Bangkok, you can ride a bus, hire airport transport, rent a minivan, or take the train. If you’re going to ask me, the most convenient and safest is riding a bus. Many travel agencies are offering this ride starting from THB 250 (around US$7.5).
Where to stay
When it comes to choosing the place to stay, many tourists prefer staying near Pattaya Beach. After all, the place is packed with shopping, dining, and hotel options, which is convenient for any traveler.
However, Pattaya Beach is known for its rowdy partying, especially at night. This may not be the friendliest environment, especially if you’re traveling with kids. If you’re looking for accommodation in Pattaya, here are my recommendations:
Family-friendly hotels:
- Holiday Inn Pattaya
- LK Metropole
- The Bayview Hotel
- Luxury hotels:
- Cape Dara Resort
- Royal Cliff Grand Hotel
- Hilton Pattaya
Budget-friendly hotels:
- Crown Pattaya Beach
- Sabai Wing
- The Bedrooms Hostel Pattaya
- Nonze Hostel
What to do
There are many things to do in Pattaya, that’s why I dedicated 3 days of your 10-day trip to this place. Here’s how your 3-day stay will go:
Pattaya Day 1 – Morning
On your first day, you can hit Pattaya Beach – as most tourists would do. The Tien Beach and Tawaen Beach are crowd favorites, so expect lots of people during peak season. The same goes for Central Beach (Pattaya Beach).
Overall, there are 15 beaches in Pattaya, so you’ll never run out of options. But if you want a quiet and laidback start in the city, I recommend going to Pratumnak Beach. It gathers smaller crowds than Pattaya Beach, which will give you the privacy that you want.
Pattaya Day 1- Afternoon to evening
Aside from cozying by the beach, your stay in Pattaya won’t be complete without some water adventures. In the afternoon, you can try surfing, flyboarding, diving, and snorkeling. Many hotels offer these activities as add-ons, though you can easily find shops around the beach to avail of it.
In the evening, you can get a taste of Pattaya nightlife by watching the KAAN Show. This family-friendly spectacle is complete with acrobats, special effects, story-telling, and live performances. Both the kids and the kids at heart will love this. This is a 75-minute show that starts at 7:30 pm, which is right on time before dinner.
After the show, you can enjoy a lovely dinner at Caprice Restaurant and Bar located in Royal Cliff Beach Resort. It’s a 5-star restaurant, and you can also get a seat overlooking the ocean.
For vegans, there’s also the Yes Vegan Pattaya located in Bang Lamung District in Chon Buri. Unlike with Caprice, prices here are much more reasonable.
If you still have the stamina for the night, you can visit a club or two. The Mixx Discotheque Pattaya is one of the most popular among tourists who want to party. It has a massive 900-square meter dance floor featuring international DJs.
Those who are feeling adventurous can try going to Go-go bars. There are a lot of these places in Pattaya where scantily-clad dancers go around providing entertainment.
Pattaya Day 2 – Morning
Given that you don’t have a bad hangover, your second day in Pattaya can be spent trying outdoor activities. After breakfast, you can pick from these activities to fill your morning:
- Pattaya Ziplining Adventure. This comes in various courses and a different number of stations to suit your adrenaline level. Most of the time, the duration of these ziplining adventures takes 3 to 5 hours. This is perfect for your morning activity, and it’s also great for thrill-seeking kids.
- ATV Adventure. If you’re scared of heights, you can ride an ATV instead. The ATV & Buggy Adventures offer this 3-hour experience that will take you to a 32-kilometer rough-road action.
- Day Tour. Day tours are a great option for a laidback morning. Depending on the tour you booked, it can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours. These tours are inclusive of water activities, food tasting, educational trips, and so on, depending on what you like.
- Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Pattaya offers a morning program for tourists. Here, you can see the elephants and explore the sanctuary. This is a great activity for families.
- Coral Island tour. Many tour companies in Pattaya offer half and whole-day tours to Coral Island. This is inclusive of various water activities like sea walking, snorkeling, diving, parasailing, and more.
- Sky diving. If you want the ultimate thrill, you can try sky diving at 13,000 feet above the ground. Thai Sky Adventures offer this experience, and they are the only full-time company to do so in Southeast Asia. Overall, this activity takes 4 hours and will cost you at least US$500.
There are other activities you can do in Pattaya. If you don’t want to spend extra money, you can explore the city on your own. You can also hire a licensed tour guide for a small fee.
Pattaya Day 2- Afternoon to evening
If you want to make your day simple, you can do 2 to 3 activities above for the whole day. After all, Pattaya is about exploring.
But if you feel that 2 or 3 activities are enough, you can spend the afternoon in the Cartoon Network Amazon Water Park. You can also go to Ramayana Water Park if the former is already full of people.
On the other hand, you can also try indoor attractions like the Art in Paradise Pattaya, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, or the Teddy Bear Museum. All of these are family-friendly, though you have to book your visit ahead of your arrival.
On the evening of your second day in Pattaya, you can watch a ladyboy show. Many ladyboy shows are only available in Pattaya, and it’s something that attracts tourists to the city.
Tiffany’s Show is the most popular and oldest ladyboy show in Pattaya. They’ve been providing entertainment for 40+ years, and they are also the most expensive ones. During the peak season, it’s quite hard to secure a ticket here.
In that case, you can try your luck in Alcazar Show or the Colosseum Show. Based on my research, tickets on these shows are twice cheaper than those from Tiffany’s.
Pattaya Day 3 – Morning
My itinerary on your last day in Pattaya includes visiting parks, shopping, and getting a much-deserved Thai massage.
In the morning, you can visit the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. This is a 600-acre green paradise dotted with golden shrines. You can decide whether you want this to be a half-day or whole-day trip. Take note that the place is huge and there is a lot to explore. You can ride a bike or take the shuttle bus to get around the garden.
Aside from the stunning views, you can also watch the elephant circus. There are also various cultural performances, martial arts exhibitions, and other things to enjoy inside the garden.
For families, there are games that the kids can enjoy. Just make sure that you book your visit ahead to ensure your slot, as this place is popular with tourists during peak season.
Pattaya Day 3 – Afternoon to evening
For this itinerary, you can spend your last afternoon in Pattaya shopping for some goods. I highly recommend that you visit the Pattaya Floating Markets. Here, you can find art galleries, souvenir shops, and fruit stalls, among others.
Moreover, the floating market is the place to purchase goods from all over Thailand. So even if you didn’t visit other parts of the country, you could still buy souvenirs and other items.
Aside from shopping, there are cultural shows in the floating market in the afternoon.
After shopping and before dinnertime, you can treat yourself to a relaxing spa. There are literally dozens of spas and salons in Pattaya where you can experience authentic Thai massage.
Personally, I recommend the Oasis Spa Pattaya. This is truly an oasis where you can enjoy aromatherapy, Thai, and other types of massage. You’ll get excellent pampering here, which is a great way to destress and relax after a tiring day.
Other great options are Releaf Spa in Thanon Pattaya Sai 2, Cliff Spa in Royal Cliff Hotel, and Grace Spa in Bang Lamung District.
Day 6 and 7 – Phuket
Once you’re done drinking and dancing in Pattaya clubs, we will start to tone down in Phuket. I consider this place the transition before heading to your Koh Samui island retreat.
Phuket is known for its stunning beaches, water activities, and lots of spicy food.
If you wish to skip the noise of Pattaya, direct flights are going from Bangkok to Phuket. It’s a one-hour flight and very convenient.
Overall, Phuket is 332 nautical miles away from Pattaya. Therefore, the fastest and most convenient way to get here is by direct flight from U-Tapao International Airport in Chang Wat Rayong.
Since you only have 10 days to spend, any land or sea travel is out of the window. Even with a ferry ride, you’re going to spend at least 9 hours traveling.
Where to stay
Phuket offers a lot of great places to stay, so it’s quite difficult to pick one. But for most tourists, I recommend accommodation near the beach, so you’ll get access to all the luxuries of the city.
Many tourists prefer Kata Beach, Bang Tao Beach, Patong Beach, and Karon Beach.
As for hotel accommodation, the following are my top picks:
- ibis Phuket Kata
- The Boathouse Phuket
- OZO Phuket
- Kata Rocks
- Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket
- Banyan Tree Phuket
- Cassia Phuket
Don’t worry because there are other budget-friendly accommodations in Phuket. Specifically, areas like Kamala Beach and Karon Beach are significantly cheaper than highly commercialized spots.
But if you have the budget, a nice hotel with a private pool is a great choice.
What to do
You can do many things in Phuket, and two days aren’t enough to capture all of it. But to keep your stay as fun and enjoyable as possible, here’s my recommended 2-day itinerary:
Phuket Day 1 – Morning
You can start your first morning in Phuket with a sightseeing trip. You can book a visit to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary or an island tour with a local agency. Most of these tours are either half-day or a whole day, depending on your preference.
If you intend to join a tour, I highly recommend the Phuket City Tour by SHA Plus Hotel. This is a 5-hour tour that can be booked in the morning or afternoon. The guide will take you to key attractions for a reasonable price. It’s also inclusive of hotel pickup, and the tour is available in English, German, Spanish, and French.
Aside from SHA Plus, other hotels and independent tour agencies offer similar packages.
Phuket Day 1 – Afternoon to evening
After your morning tour, you can spend the afternoon getting a tan on the beach.
Phuket has one of the finest shorelines in Thailand, so you simply can’t miss lounging on one of its beaches. If you’re looking for white sand, the Freedom Beach, Paradise Beach, and Nai Harn Beach.
If you’ve been to Phuket before 2016, you’re probably familiar with the bustle of Surin Beach. Unfortunately, the upbeat local market, clubs, and other establishments are now gone. Local authorities decided to demolish it to restore the beach’s natural beauty.o
So if you want a quieter place in the afternoon, Surin Beach might be the place to be.
Phuket Day 2 – Morning to evening
The next day, your itinerary is a whole-day adventure in the Ko Phi Phi Islands. This stunning place is often the main tourist attraction in Phuket.
And why not? This archipelago of six islands has pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and giant rock formations. Just a warning, though, you may want to extend a day here if you relax ‘too much’. That’s how beautiful it is!
To get to Ko Phi Phi, it’s best to book a guided tour. This will save you from a lot of trouble.
Overall, this group of islands can be reached through a 45-minute speedboat ride from Phuket. If you don’t have the budget for a speedboat, you can take the 90-minute ferry ride. Most tours leave at dawn so that you can make the most out of your visit.
Aside from enjoying the beach and water activities, you should also hike to one of the islands’ viewpoints. I suggest going for Viewpoint 3 since it offers the island’s best view. Also, there’s a café on the viewpoint.
In the evening, you can dance the night away in one of the clubs on the island. The Banana Rooftop Bar is a great place to spend the evening since it has a stunning view of Ko Phi Phi, and the food is also magnificent.
If you want an added thrill, you can go to the Reggae Bar, where you can place bets on a Muay Thai fight.
Don’t worry if your two days aren’t enough in Phuket. On the last section of this itinerary, you’ll have three holistic days in Koh Samui as the culmination of your trip.
Day 8, 9, and 10 – Koh Samui
On the last leg of this itinerary, we’re going to a paradise of sparkling beaches: Koh Samui. This island is located in the Gulf of Thailand and is famous for tourists who want the ultimate tropical experience. Here, you’ll get to experience the best of both laidback and upbeat nightlife.
The best way to get to Koh Samui from Phuket is to ride a direct plane. The flight only takes 55 minutes, with prices starting at around THB 3,400 (around US$100).
As for the cheapest way, you can take the bus going to Koh Samui ferry ride. However, this trip will set you back for almost 8 hours. It’s not worth it for someone traveling Thailand in just 10 days.
Where to stay
Koh Samui is the second-largest island in Thailand. That means there are a lot of options if you’re looking for a place to stay.
If you want to stay in the touristy areas, I recommend that you consider Chaweng Beach. However, it’s often crowded and noisy during peak season, but for good reasons. The place has a good party scene, and the beach is also breathtaking.
For those who are looking for a more laidback spot, Lamai is a good choice. It’s still touristy but less crowded than Chaweng Beach.
If you still want a quieter respite, Choeng Mon and Bophut won’t disappoint. These areas are less commercialized, though the beach isn’t as good as more crowded spots. Overall, there are a lot of great beaches in Koh Samui that you can visit during your stay.
When it comes to hotel picks, here are my recommendations:
Luxury hotels:
- Four Seasons Hotel Koh Samui
- Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort
- Anantara Bophut
- Banyan Tree Samui
- Rocky’s Boutique Resort
Budget-friendly hotels:
- City Dance Hotel
- Crystal Lamai Hotel
- Sirin Samui Boutique Hostel
While Koh Samui is a popular tourist spot, you can still find cheap accommodation here. No matter where you’re planning to stay, make sure that you book as early as possible, especially during peak season.
What to do
Koh Samui Day 1 – Morning
There are many things to do in Koh Samui, so we will try to get your first morning as relaxing as possible.
After breakfast, you can take a temple tour around Koh Samui. Sightseeing lets you appreciate the island before you embark on other activities later on.
To go around, you can rent a scooter or car. However, make sure that you’re aware of potential scams. Always check the vehicle and take pictures of any damage, so the rental shop won’t ask you to pay for it. Also, never rent from shops that ask you to surrender your passport.
On your trip, you can visit the main attraction here, which is the Big Buddha Temple located in Ko Phan. This is a tiny offshore island connected to the mainland of Koh Samui. Inside, there’s a 12-meter tall Buddha statue, and you can also shop for amulets and souvenirs in the vendor section.
Aside from that, you can also visit the Hin Lad Waterfall Temple located 3 kilometers south of Nathon Town. It has an idyllic garden, pathways, and Buddha statues. This is a great place for meditation as well as getting close to nature.
If you still have the stamina and time, you can add the following temples to your itinerary: Secret Buddha Garden, Wat Plai Laem, Wat Khunaram, and Wat Khiri Mat, among others.
Koh Samui Day 1 – Afternoon to evening
For lunch, you can take a street food tour. You can book a food tour with a local agency or just go around on your own. Aside from Thai food, the place also has a lot of European and Asian flavors to choose from.
One of my top picks here is the Mae Nam Walking Street. It’s located inside Koh Samui’s Chinatown, and it’s bustling with dozens of food stalls. However, most stalls open at 5 pm, right on time for the night market, but you can chance upon a few during the day.
Overall, you can hit the streets of Koh Samui, and you’ll surely find authentic street food. From Pad Thai, Khao Pad, Satay, Kalamae, and more, you’ll be full before noon!
After a hearty meal, you can continue the day by visiting the Fisherman’s Village. This is located in Bophut and is a great place to experience the fusion of Thai and Chinese living.
While the Fisherman’s Village has a plaza for establishments, it managed to retain its quiet and old ways of living. They also have a night market in case you want to spend the entire afternoon and evening here. Make sure that you shop for souvenirs and don’t miss the good food in one of the restaurants in the area.
Koh Samui Day 2 – Morning
Your second day in Koh Samui is all about the beaches. Start with an island hopping tour, which you can book in one of the hotels or shops around.
Depending on the tour’s inclusions, you could visit the Koh Wua Talap, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Mae Koh, Koh Taen, and more. Of course, if you want, you can take the whole day visiting these islands and lounging on their stunning shores.
You can also visit the Ang Thong National Marine Park. This is composed of 42 islands and is home to white-sand beaches, waterfalls, a diverse ecosystem, and fertile mangroves. There are also lakes and coves that you can explore all day long.
Koh Samui Day 2 – Afternoon to evening
If you opted for a half-day island hopping tour, you could spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs. You can also try water activities if you don’t want to stay away from the beach.
Another option is to go for a jungle tour. This will take you to Koh Samui forests on a 4WD Jeep. This is quite a long trip, so you can also swap this to your morning itinerary as you wish.
In the evening, you can go for a sunset dinner cruise with a special someone. It’s available in Bophut, and the boat will sail on a 3-hour sunset experience around Koh Samui waters. You’ll ride on a luxury yacht with a buffet dinner on board.
Koh Samui Day 3 – Morning
You can spend your last day with a final beach retreat. You can use this third day to recover from all the adventures you’ve had in Thailand in the past 9 days.
You can lounge at the beach, get a relaxing massage, or enjoy the azure waters. This is also a great place to get a tan if you haven’t had it yet!
On your last morning, you can relax and tone down. There’s no need to go for adventures or worry about making the most of your trip. By relaxing and letting loose, you’re already getting the best experience.
Koh Samui Day 3 – Afternoon to evening
In the afternoon, you can visit other temples and attractions you missed on the first day in Koh Samui. You can also book a dive or obtain your PADI scuba diving certification for a small price.
Koh Samui is as beautiful underwater as it is on the shore. Marine life is thriving in this place, thanks to the government and divers’ efforts to safeguard the area.
On your last night, you can hang in one of the bars after dinner. For nightlife on a budget, I highly recommend that you go to Soi Green Mango. It’s considered the party central of the island located in Chaweng. You can also bar-hop to nearby places like Sound Pub, Hush Bar, Bar Solo, and Mint Bar.
For those who want to savor the view of the beach, the Ark Bar in Moo 2 is an excellent place to be. Even at night, it has a relaxed atmosphere, so it’s a great place for families with kids.
Another popular beach bar here is Coco Tams. It’s located just outside The Wharf Samui, where you can enjoy the open-air setup. There are beanbags and palm thatches here for a rustic vibe.
At night, Coco Tams screens movies, and there are also fire shows from 7 pm onward. Wherever you choose to spend your last night in Thailand, make sure you have good drinks and good company.
Start packing your bags!
Thailand in 10 days? It may seem like a short time, but with a well-planned itinerary, you can make the most out of your vacation.
We hope that this itinerary guide helped you plan your own trip. In this guide, we only explore the southern part of the country. In the future, we will also create an itinerary covering the north, including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and more.
Whether you’re traveling alone or going for a Thailand honeymoon, this itinerary will suit you well. Of course, you’re also free to tweak and mix-and-match the places in this guide.
Before you go, make sure that you read our post about safety reminders in Thailand. This way, you’ll have a hassle-free and relaxing visit.
Now, book a flight and pack your bags!