Ten in Thailand
- Joseph Muller
- Mar 20
- 8 min read
If you wanted, you could certainly spend an entire month exploring Thailand, but if you have at least 10 days, you can leave with a greater understanding of the land, the culture, and the beauty. Let’s get started on this grand adventure. We’ll be starting in northern Thailand and ending in the south.
After most likely a long international flight to Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI), you’ll want to spend the first part of your journey in the northern province of Chiang Rai. There’s also a Chiang Mai, but for a more authentic experience on a “time crunch,” we recommend Chiang Rai.
Day 1
We’ll be starting early on day one at the Black House, situated about 30 minutes north of the city. This fascinating museum of black wooden houses is full of horns, crocodile skins, and a variety of different carvings.
Just down the road, be sure to stop at Hill Tribe Village for a souvenir.
This village is home to different nomadic tribes from outside Thailand (including the famous “long neck” Karen tribe) and has become quite the “touristy” attraction. Proceeds are distributed throughout the tribes to support their families and help preserve ancient customs.
The Blue Temple, officially known as Wat Rong Suea Ten, is the next attraction and is also a great place to stop for lunch. The outside might look a little bit drab, but don’t let that fool you; the inside is absolutely incredible. Its bright blue interiors with gold detailing make it one of Chiang Rai’s most photogenic spots!
Just outside the city lies the Wat Huay Pla Kang Temple, home to a huge statue of Bodhisattva Guan Yin, and where you can take a lift to the top and get views of the mesmerizing city below.
One of the most famous landmarks in Thailand (expect a crowd!) is the White Temple, locally known as Wat Rong Khun. This complex temple is covered in white glass tiles and paintings of popular culture.
Not too far away is Singha Park, picturesque with plenty of walking and cycling paths, zip-lining, and tea plantations. There is even a small zoo with zebras, giraffes, and buffaloes to see.
End your day with dinner in the middle of the city, with plenty of options to experience Northern Thailand’s food scene. One of the area’s most delightful dishes is Khao Soi, so be sure to try it. After dinner, take a quick stroll to see the iconic Clock Tower, which lights up brilliantly at night.
Day 2
If you start your second day early, you can skip breakfast because the first stop is the Choui Fong Tea Plantation, which serves plenty of delicious teas, cakes, etc. This plantation is surprisingly modern with great views of surrounding tea fields. Top choices here are the Iced Thai
Green Tea Latte and matcha cheesecake.
The Doi Chang Moob [military] Base is located a little further north and
is an ideal place to see parts of the Golden Triangle region (where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet). It’s been said that getting there is a steep walk on a narrow path but with the most spectacular views to reward. There is also a nice café on the top, so you can rest and refresh to get ready for your next trek.
Then stop in Chiang Saen to explore its well-liked markets and ancient sites, such as the Chiang Saen National Museum and the Wat Phra That Chom Kitti temple. It’ll take about an hour to get back to Chiang Rai, so plan accordingly. Have a nice dinner at your accommodations or find one last restaurant to check out because tomorrow you’re on the way to the hub of Thailand.
Day 3
Now that you’ve experienced Northern Thailand, you’re going to fly about two hours away to booming Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Don’t worry; internal flights in Thailand are quite affordable! Check into your lodging and get started discovering this incredible city. You should know that Bangkok is best explored by visiting the “Old City” and then the “New City.” Today, you’re exploring the Old City.
The first and perhaps top Bangkok attraction is the Grand Palace. Since 1782, this has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (Thailand’s historical name) – and is still used by the Royal Family today.
The complex is made of several buildings, including Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The dress code at the Grand Palace is strict. All visitors’ shoulders must be covered at all times; women are expected to avoid tight-fitting stretch pants, skirts above the knee, or anything revealing; and, men are to wear long pants and a t-shirt. You’ll want to keep water on hand because it gets extremely hot inside the palace – so the earlier you visit, the better.
Bangkok is huge, so finding a fabulous lunch spot will be easy. Then, be prepared to spend the afternoon exploring Wat Pho, a large Buddhist temple housing the famous Reclining Buddha statue, which stands more than 15 meters tall and nearly 50 meters long! It takes at least 2 hours to walk through this complex, complete with more stunning statues throughout. Again, bring a water bottle and be prepared for a little heat.
To cool off, you’ll want to visit one of Bangkok’s trendy malls. Locals are aware of the temperature within the temples, so they keep the malls’ air conditioning pretty low. You may be surprised to need a light jacket, so plan ahead. Shop to your heart’s content and end with a yummy dinner at one of Bangkok’s trendy restaurants.
Day 4
Plan ahead because Bangkok has some amazing breakfast spots.
Check one out for a late breakfast and then head to the Jim Thompson House, named after the American businessman who fell in love with Thailand and helped revive Thailand’s silk industry. It’s beautifully constructed, decorated with incredible art, and is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.
Busy Bangkok can get overstimulating, and Lumpini Park is a great place to unwind. Grab a quick snack, rent a paddleboat, and enjoy some quiet as you drift on the water.
You’ll be glad you didn’t have a heavy lunch because no trip to Bangkok is complete without visiting one of the many night markets! With authentic street food aplenty, you’ll be tempted to try just about everything in sight. Enjoy live music, the ambience, and the best tastes of the city.
Day 5
Day five is perfect for a day trip from Bangkok. If you’re a history buff, you’ll absolutely love Ayutthaya. Take a charming, scenic train ride to this historic town about 90 minutes away. From 1350 to 1767, Ayutthaya was the second kingdom of Thailand and is home to numerous temples in various states of decay, from rubble and ruin to fully functional. You can easily spend most of the day exploring these fascinating sites.
In the early evening, join the crowds and find a floating market – an excellent way to experience Thai life. You’ll navigate through the waterways where market owners sell souvenirs, clothing, exquisite food, appetizing drinks, and more! If you’re a shopaholic (or simply enjoy life’s treasures), you’ll have another reason to call Thailand the “Land of Smiles.” Just be on the lookout: there’s also a train market where a rail track literally runs right through the middle of a crowded market. It’s amazing to see how well everything ebbs and flows and ending your day witnessing a floating market, especially in the evening, will be “one for the books!”
Day 6
Kanchanaburi, about two hours away, makes another nice day trip from Bangkok. Although the gravity of the area is hard to visit, you must see the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai, also known as Death Railway. This railway is a WWII historic sight and a popular one for visitors year-round. Then, lighten up a bit with an afternoon excursion to Erawan National Park. This region is very green and tranquil and is a nice contrast to the busyness of Bangkok. It’s time to relax and enjoy nature-gaze at those glorious mountains and take in the wonder of the surrounding waterfalls. When you’re refreshed, head back to enjoy your last night in Bangkok. Perhaps a sunset bike ride exploring parts of the city or just an evening sampling more of the awesome street food!
Day 7
It’s already day seven, and you’ll be catching a quick flight down to Phuket (pronounced “poo·ket”) after breakfast. Located by the Andaman Sea, Phuket offers something for everyone and is known for beautiful beaches, impressive limestone cliffs, and energetic nightlife. You’ll start off island-hopping the Phi Phi Islands, an island chain made up of 6 islands. You’ll definitely want to make sure your travel designer books a day tour with a reputable tour guide to take you out for the day, as it can be quite complicated trying to navigate the logistics on your own. You’ll love walking the sands and swimming in the pristine waters of Bamboo Island, Monkey Island, and Viking Cave. After a full day of tropical paradise, you’ll probably return around 6 pm. Try a local night market for a quick dinner and get some rest.
Day 8
Today, you can take a later guided tour to James Bond Island and Muslim Fishing Village, where the scenes in The Man with the Golden Gun were filmed! Yesterday’s islands were about R&R; today’s will be about adventure!
After exploring this floating village, stop at one of the many restaurants for a light lunch. You might want to pick up a few souvenirs here, too. They’ll accept dollars if you don’t have Thai Baht but be sure to have small denominations.
Phang Nga Bay, a protected part of the Ao Phang Nga National Park, lies between Phang Nga, Krabi, and Phuket. Once you reach this destination, kayak through the caves of Koh Phanak and limestone rock formations while viewing stunning stalagmites and stalactites.
Have your advisor end the day at Koh Panyee Floating Village. This
village started out with three families looking for the best fishing spot that created their own “island” and eventually grew into a community of more than 400 people. And, they know how to make seafood – so save room for dinner! Finally, venture back into town to participate in some of Phuket’s lively nightlife.
Day 9
Today, you’ll take a speedboat to Krabi, about 90 minutes away. Krabi has laid-back vibes, white-sand beaches, and JUNGLES! Rent a car and spend most of the day at Thung Teao Forest Natural Park. This vacation spot is stunning in every way – spot native birds, lizards, and small mammals along the forest trails; jump across towering limestones; swim in the majestic Emerald Pool; and, be revived in the fabulous hot springs. Once you’re nice and mellow, head to Krabi Town, known for its old-world charm.
See fishing boats lining the dock, small bars welcoming visitors, and picturesque cafés offering evening teas. Mingle with the locals as you amble through beautiful parks before heading back for your last day in Phuket.
Day 10
Ten fabulous days in Thailand are quickly drawing to an end. You’ll want to have a quick breakfast before checking out of your lodging. Before taking the 45-minute ride to the airport, step back in time to explore Phuket Town, the capital. After tin mining made Phuket a prosperous, “boom town” in the 19th century, most of its charm is inspired by Sino-Portuguese architecture. With rows of tightly packed and colorfully painted shops, you definitely don’t want to forego this “Old Town” appeal. Find last-minute Phuket specialty souvenirs like pewter. Then, reflect on all the flavors that make up Thailand's culture: exotic cuisine, colorful temples, dense jungles, amazing caves, hot springs, shopping, bustling city and nightlife, floating markets, and tropical coastlines ... Hope you’ve had an incredible ten in Thailand!
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