Ten days are enough to explore 3 of the best destinations in Thailand. The top three most-chosen destinations typically are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and one tropical island (Phuket or Koh Samui).
You could also choose to venture into the hidden gems, like Kanchanaburi and Khao Sok National Park.
With so much to explore in Thailand, we've specially crafted 5 popular itineraries for your inspiration. We could also customize any itinerary with the key experiences that resonate with you the most.
- Itinerary #1: 10-Day Best of Thailand Tour with Koh Samui Island
- Itinerary #2: 10-Day Classic Thailand Tour for Families
- Itinerary #3: 10-Day Thailand Lantern Festival Tour for Couples
- Itinerary #4: 10-Day Thailand Rain Forest and Beach Escape
- Itinerary #5: 10-Day Island Hopping Tour around Eastern Thailand
- Costs for a 10-Day Trip to Thailand
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Bangkok and Chiang Mai
In Bangkok, our guide Ann and driver "Mr. Ot" (I don't know how to spell his name) were very friendly and professional. You simply can't underestimate the value of having an English speaking guide to show you around, and a driver with a comfortable, sizeable, air-conditioned van take you from place to place. Ann taught us so much about Thailand's history, food, and religion. Mr. Ot always opened our door with a smile, and had cool towels and ice-cold bottled water for us. More
, Apr 2024
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Very great experience our driver D was…
Very great experience our driver D was never late and always had waters and a cold towel for us and our tour guide Som was very informative and had amazing English I recommend them both highly for anyone else traveling More
Rylan Coache, Feb 2024
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Excellent guide in Siem Reap
Our recent time spent in Siem Reap was made even more memorable by our expert guide, Som Piseth. Som was knowledgeable, attentive, flexible and super helpful - we learnt so much about Siem Reap and Cambodia in our 3 days with him. His English was excellent and his knowledge of, and pride in, his country was outstanding. We would highly recommend Som for anyone wanting an excellent guide in Siem Reap! More
Sharon Townshend, Feb 2024
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Itinerary 1: 10-Day Best of Thailand Tour with Koh Samui Island
If you are a first-time traveler in Thailand, this itinerary would satisfy you with a well-rounded experience: exotic city life in Bangkok, rich cultural experiences in Chiang Mai, and a relaxing beach vibe in Koh Samui.
Itinerary Overview:
Begin your Thailand journey with a 3-day stay in the bustling capital of Bangkok. Explore iconic landmarks like Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and the Grand Palace. If you like, get up early to see the monks' ritual chanting in the Wat Pho.
To experience authentic local life, you would have chances to take the local means of transport (a tuk-tuk ride and a longtail boat ride) and gain insight into local markets(Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market).
From Day 4 to Day 6 morning, you'll be immersed in the cultural hub of Chiang Mai. You could take a private cooking class at a local family, partake in the morning almsgiving ritual and hike up to the Doi Suthep Mountain for the panorama views of Chiang Mai.
Spend the last four days relaxing in Koh Samui if you would prefer a quieter, more-exclusive tropical island experience. If you're keen on nightclubs and water activities, Phuket would be a better alternative.
Brief itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok with some free time to get over your jet lag.
- Day 2: Check out the iconic temples (Wat Arun and Wat Pho) with a morning chanting ritual, take a tuk-tuk ride to the Grand Palace, enjoy a long-tail boat ride, and visit Chinatown.
- Day 3: Enjoy a morning visit to Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, and fly to Chiang Mai in the afternoon.
- Day 4: Learn how to make Thai dishes at a local family home.
- Day 5: Experience a morning alms-giving ritual, go on a light hike to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and enjoy an afternoon visit to Wat Chedi Luang downtown.
- Day 6: Have a free morning and fly to Koh Samui in the afternoon.
- Days 7-9: Have some free beach time with water activities.
- Day 10: Fly back home
Itinerary 2: 10-Day Classic Thailand Tour for Families
If you're looking for an immersive family trip in Thailand, take this itinerary as a starting point. In this itinerary, you could visit more family-friendly destinations like Phuket and Kanchanaburi. Meanwhile, your family could do more interactive activities, such as feeding and bathing elephants and making Thai dishes together.
Itinerary Overview:
Upon your arrival in Bangkok, you'll have a city tour with top-rated experiences, such as the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Pho. On Day 3, venture into historical Kanchanaburi from/to Bangkok. You and your kids could take a historical train ride across the famous Bridge over the River Kwai and visit Kanchanaburi Military Cemetery.
On Day 4, fly to the northern cultural Chiang Mai and enjoy a free afternoon. Prepare for the exciting Elephant Sanctuary on Day 5. What could be more special for the whole family than walking, preparing food, feeding and bathing elephants together in an exotic country? On Day 6, you'll head to Doi Suthep Mountain for the panorama views and spiritual Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in the morning. In the afternoon, visit a local family, pick up organic vegetables from their gardens, learn to cook Thai dishes and sample dishes that you created together.
Fly to the fabulous island of Phuket on Day 7, a great beach destination for a family getaway. For the last 3 days, you could enjoy your quality family time in the beachfront bungalows, hop on a private speed boat to the Phi Phi Islands, and have fun in doing water activities.
Brief Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok with some free time to get over your jet lag.
- Day 2: Visit Wat Arun and Wat Pho for the morning chanting rituals, take a tuk-tuk ride to the Grand Palace, enjoy a long-tail boat ride, and go to Chinatown.
- Day 3: Enjoy a day excursion to Kanchanaburi, visit the Bridge over the River Kwai and take a historical train ride.
- Day 4: Have a free morning, then fly to Chiang Mai, and explore the night market or enjoy a Thai spa.
- Day 5: Participate in a day program at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, which includes feeding, walking, and bathing elephants.
- Day 6: Enjoy a morning visit to the historical temples of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Wat Chedi Luang, and have an afternoon Thai cooking class at a local family's home.
- Day 7: Take a morning flight to Phuket and begin your beach relaxation
- Days 8-9: Take a private speed boat to the Phi Phi Islands or enjoy water activities in Phuket.
- Day 10: Fly back home
Itinerary 3: 10-Day Thailand Lantern Festival Tour for Couples
If you want to enhance a romantic trip with exclusive moments, this itinerary is the best choice for you.
You could indulge yourself in the Lantern Festival celebration (usually in November) with its massive floating lanterns and sky lantern releases. The tropical island would also provide laid-back intimate hours for you and your partner.
Itinerary Overview:
Your 10-day romantic journey would start from Bangkok. During your 3 days in Bangkok, you would take a guided tour of the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho and get close to the local life through market tours including Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
Over the following 3 days, you'll discover the highlights of Chiang Mai, including the elephant sanctuary, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Wat Suan Dok. Then celebrate the Lantern Festival, including releasing sky lanterns, making and releasing your floating lanterns, and watching the festival parade.
Conclude your romantic trips with some beach time in Phuket during the last 4 days. For memorable experiences, we could help to arrange adult-only hotels and resorts and book special coulddlelit dinners. If you prefer luxury resorts and a more tranquil atmosphere, Koh Samui is a great alternative.
Brief Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok and take a private transfer to your hotel
- Day 2: Visit Wat Arun and Wat Pho with a morning chanting ritual, take a tuk-tuk ride to the Grand Palace, enjoy a longtail boat ride, and go to Chinatown.
- Day 3: Have a morning visit to Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, and fly to Chiang Mai in the afternoon.
- Day 4: Take a morning visit to the historical temples of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Wat Suan Dok, and join in with the Yi Peng Lantern Festival celebration and releasing of sky lanterns after dark.
- Day 5: Enjoy a free morning, make your own floating lantern, have a sunset dinner with river views, release your floating lantern, and see the festival parade.
- Day 6: Take a half-day Memorable Caring Experience in Elephant Rescue Park: feed elephants, walk with them, hug them, and bathe them.
- Day 7: Have a free morning in Chiang Mai and fly to Phuket in the afternoon.
- Days 8–9: Have some free beach time.
- Day 10: Depart for home.
If your trip doesn't align with the Lantern Festival, you could also consider our 10-day honeymoon tour.
Itinerary 4: 10-Day Thailand Rain Forest and Beach Escape
This itinerary is tailor-made for active travelers or adventure lovers, featuring exciting outdoor adventures. You could enjoy bustling Bangkok, have thrilling jungle adventures in the Elephant Hills Camp, and seek fun with diverse water activities.
elephant hill-activity-longtail-boat rideItinerary Overview:
You would arrive in Bangkok on Day 1, and then take a classic city tour to must-see temples and the Grand Palace on Day 2.
On Day 3, you would fly to Phuket and stay there overnight before heading to Khao Sok National Park.
From Day 4, you would begin your 4-day jungle adventure with the Elephant Hills, including trekking, kayaking, cruising, and a unique elephant experience. The immersive stay in a tented camp within the jungle would further enrich your adventure.
On Day 7 afternoon, transfer to the unspoiled beaches of Khao Lak. After an exhilarating jungle expedition, you could unwind on the beach before flying home. You could also easily sail to the Similan Islands for their unparalleled scuba diving from Khao Lak.
Brief Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok and take a private transfer to your hotel
- Day 2: Visit Wat Arun and Wat Pho with a morning chanting ritual, take a tuk-tuk ride to the Grand Palace, enjoy a longtail boat ride, and go to Chinatown.
- Day 3: Fly to Phuket in the morning and enjoy some free time in Phuket.
- Day 4: Have a private transfer from Phuket to the Elephant Hills camp in Khao Sok National Park, take a jungle canoe trip down the Sok River, and feed and bathe elephants.
- Day 5: Cruise the enchanting maze of channels in the mangrove forest and go kayaking.
- Day 6: Explore Cheow Lan Lake on a local longtail boat.
- Day 7: Take a morning jungle trek and transfer to Khao Lak.
- Days 8–9: Enjoy some beach time in Khao Lak.
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Day 10: Fly from Khao Lak to Bangkok, then catch your flight home.
Itinerary 5: 10-Day Island Hopping Tour around Eastern Thailand
If you are looking for a journey combining city exploration and a peaceful island getaway, we highly recommend this itinerary to you.
Away from the crowds on popular islands, you could go to the lesser-known islands of Koh Chang and Koh Kood.
Itinerary Overview:
Begin the tour in the capital city of Bangkok with a classic 2-day city tour to visit its magnificent palaces, temples, and bustling streets.
Next, venture to a hidden island: Koh Chang. During your three-day vacation in Koh Chang, take a sunset drink at a beach bar, dive or snorkel to see the colorful fishes and pristine coral reefs, and explore in the mangrove forests.
From Day 6 to Day 10, continue your journey to the incredible "untouched" Koh Kood. Chill out on the private beach of your hotels, discover the stilted fishing village of Ao Salat, and hike to see the beautiful waterfalls.
Brief Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok and take a private transfer to your hotel
- Day 2: Visit Wat Arun and Wat Pho with a morning chanting ritual, take a tuk-tuk ride to the Grand Palace, enjoy a longtail boat ride, and go to Chinatown.
- Day 3: Fly to Trat and take the ferry boat to the island of Koh Chang.
- Day 4–5: Have some free beach time.
- Day 6: Take a ferry boat to Koh Kood.
- Day 7–9: Enjoy some secluded beach time in Koh Kood.
- Day 10: Fly to Bangkok and connect with your flight home.
Costs for a 10-Day Trip to Thailand
A premium Thailand tour typically comes with a daily cost ranging from 200 to 250 USD per person, offering 30–50% off for kids under 10. This price includes private transfers, private guides, 4/5-star hotels, internal flights in Thailand and local experiences.
Usually, prices are higher during the best (drier) months (November to April). You could consider the transitional months (May and October) to save some costs, while still enjoying fairly favorable weather.
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