Itinerary Summary
Land in Bangkok for the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and a Damnoen Saduak floating market day-trip, then fly north to Chiang Mai for old-city temples, Doi Suthep and an ethical elephant-sanctuary day. The r…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Bangkok Arrival: Riverside Stroll and a First Bowl of Boat Noodles
14:00
2.5h
Suvarnabhumi Airport to Khao San transfer
Clear immigration, buy a local SIM in arrivals, then take the Airport Rail Link and a short taxi to a Khao San guesthouse. Allow 90 minutes in afternoon traffic and agree the meter before leaving the rank.
📍 Suvarnabhumi Airport to Khao San, Bangkok
17:30
1.5h
Chao Phraya riverside walk at dusk
Walk the Tha Tien stretch as express boats and temple lights come on. The promenade is flat and free, and the pier area is a good place to watch the river without booking a cruise.
📍 Tha Tien pier, Chao Phraya riverfront
19:30
1.5h
Khao San Road noodle stalls
Pick a stall where the wok is busy and order pad thai and mango sticky rice. Small notes speed up service, and portions are small enough to try two or three dishes.
📍 Khao San Road, Bangkok
💡 Pro Tip: Thailand is UTC+7. Entry rules depend on your passport, so check the Thailand visa section before booking. Land at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang and use the Airport Rail Link or a metered taxi rather than unlicensed touts. Carry some Thai baht for small vendors; cards work in malls and hotels. Temples require knees and shoulders covered, and a light layer helps in air-conditioned trains. Expect 30 to 35 C by day in the hot season and short downpours from June to October.
Days 2-10 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$39035%
Mid-range hotels across Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, 9 nights
Food & DiningUS$22020%
Tom yum, som tam, pad thai, mango sticky rice and grilled seafood
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for a 10-day Thailand trip covering Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket?+
Visa rules depend on your passport. Many US, UK, EU, Canadian, Australian and Japanese holders can enter visa-free for short tourism stays under current rules, but the exemption length changed in September 2026. Check the Thailand visa section and the Thai embassy for your nationality before booking flights.
What is the best time of year for a Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket trip?+
November to February is the cool dry season across all three stops, with temperatures around 25-32°C and calmer seas around Phuket. March to May is very hot inland, and June to October brings the southwest monsoon and rougher water on the Andaman coast. Book this route for the northern winter.
How do I travel between Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket on this itinerary?+
Short domestic flights link all three: Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai to Phuket each take about 1 to 1.5 hours. Book with a low-cost Thai carrier or Bangkok Airways and allow a baggage allowance for hold luggage. Overnight trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are an alternative but eat a day of the trip.
What budget should I plan for 10 days in Thailand at a comfort level?+
Expect roughly $900-1,350 (about EUR 780-1,170) per person excluding international flights. That covers mid-range hotels, three domestic flights, temple entry fees, a day tour or two and everyday meals. Add extra for spa treatments, island cruises and any upgraded beach resort nights.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 10 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $900–1,350 (≈ €780–1,170), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best for: City Explorers
Budget Spreadsheet
Download the customizable budget template for this itinerary.
Unlock Budget DownloadPrint / Save as PDF
Open a print-ready version, then choose Save as PDF in the print dialog.
Unlock Print / PDFYou May Also Like
- Bangkok to Ayutthaya: Temples & Ancient Ruins in 4 DaysThailand · 4 days · Comfort · approx. $520–820 (≈ €460–720), excl. int'l flights
- Northern Thailand Off the Beaten Track: Chiang Mai, Pai & Chiang Rai in 5 DaysThailand · 5 days · Comfort · approx. $670–1,050 (≈ €590–910), excl. int'l flights
- Phuket Beach Holiday: Islands, Karsts & Old Town in 6 DaysThailand · 6 days · Resort · approx. $900–1,500 (≈ €780–1,300), excl. int'l flights