Thailand rewards the curious. From Ayutthaya-era palaces and riverside shrines to jungle-wrapped mountains and chalk-white beaches, the former kingdom of Siam offers a thrilling spectrum of culture, cuisine, and landscapes. This 10-day itinerary threads three classic destinations—Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket—so you can savor street food, golden temples, elephant sanctuaries, and island-hopping in one smart route.

Bangkok dazzles with royal monuments, bustling canals, and a food scene that runs from humble charcoal woks to Michelin stars. Chiang Mai, once the Lanna capital, slows the pace with teak temples, cool mountain air, and artisan villages. Finish in Phuket for coral-blue bays, limestone karsts, and day trips to the famed Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay.

Practical notes: dress modestly for temples (shoulders/knees covered), carry small bills for markets, and be respectful at religious sites. November–February is the coolest, driest season; May–October is greener with short bursts of rain. For flights and trains, book early around Thai holidays and festivals.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a city of shimmering contrasts—gilded spires of Wat Phra Kaew, saffron-robed monks at dawn, 24/7 markets, and riverfront skylines reflecting the Chao Phraya. It’s also a global street-food capital, where stalls passed down through generations serve dishes perfected over decades.

• Top sights: Grand Palace, Wat Pho’s Reclining Buddha, Wat Arun’s porcelain spires, Chinatown’s neon canyons, and the khlongs (canals) of Thonburi.
• Food highlights: Jay Fai’s wok-fired crab omelet, Thipsamai’s charcoal pad thai, Krua Apsorn’s crab curries, and late-night tom yum at Jeh O Chula.
• Fun fact: Wat Traimit houses the world’s largest solid gold Buddha, once hidden under stucco for centuries to deter invaders.

Where to stay (Bangkok): Riverside icons and central bases for BTS/MRT access.

• Splurge: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok or The Siam Hotel for serene river views and storied service.
• Resort-in-the-city: Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort.
• Stylish budget: Lub d Bangkok Siam or Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel; also Lub d Bangkok Silom.
• Browse more stays: VRBO Bangkok | Hotels.com Bangkok

Getting in: Fly into BKK or DMK. Compare fares on Kiwi.com or Trip.com Flights. Airport Rail Link (Suvarnabhumi) or taxis get you downtown; BTS/MRT are efficient for zipping around.

Day 1: Arrival, Old Bangkok Stroll, and Night Tuk-Tuk Bites

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off jet lag with a gentle walk around Rattanakosin—peek at Sanam Luang, amble past Wat Suthat, and pause for an iced Thai tea at Blue Whale Cafe near Wat Pho.

Evening: Join a celebrated after-dark food-and-temple hop by three-wheeled tuk-tuk. Book: Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk-Tuk Tour.

Expect glimmering temple courtyards, Yaowarat Street snacks, and classic local desserts. If you prefer DIY, graze Chinatown: crispy pork at Nai Ek, peppery boat noodles, and mango sticky rice.

Day 2: Grand Palace, Canals, and a River Dinner Cruise

Morning: Explore the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew’s Emerald Buddha, then stroll to Wat Pho for the vast Reclining Buddha and traditional massage school. Prefer a guided overview that includes the key temples? Consider this half-day: Bangkok City Highlights Tour: Grand Palace & Three Iconic Temples.

Breakfast picks nearby: coffee and croissants at Maison Chatenet on Charoen Krung, or pandan custard toast at local bakeries.

Afternoon: See Bangkok’s “Venice of the East” on a long-tail boat through Thonburi’s klongs, passing stilt houses and hidden shrines: Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride.

After, grab lunch at Krua Apsorn (order the crab omelet and stir-fried lotus stems).

Evening: Dine as the skyline glows on a Chao Phraya riverboat. Book: The Newest Luxury 5-Star Bangkok Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise.

If you’d rather stay on land, book a table at Nahm for refined regional Thai, then sip cocktails at Tropic City or a rooftop near Sathorn.

Day 3: Floating Markets, Railway Market, and Chinatown Night Eats

Morning: Rise early for Thailand’s most photogenic markets combo: the umbrella-folding Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak’s canals. Book: Half-Day Railway Market and Floating Market Tour in Thailand.

Snack on boat noodles, grilled river prawns, and coconut pancakes.

Afternoon: Return to shop Chatuchak (weekends) for textiles and ceramics, or browse Warehouse 30’s galleries along Charoen Krung. Recharge with specialty coffee at Roots or Gallery Drip Coffee.

Evening: Dive back into Chinatown. Dinner at Soi Nana’s Yaowarat eateries—peppery crab fried rice, oyster omelets, and herbal desserts. Nightcap at cozy craft bars or try a Michelin street-stall tasting with this guided option: Bangkok Michelin Food by Tuk Tuk - Hotel-pickup Lunch or Dinner.

Chiang Mai

Nestled in northern mountains, Chiang Mai blends ancient Lanna heritage with a creative, café-rich present. The Old City is wrapped by a moat and brick gates, sheltering teak temples, leafy lanes, and monk chants at dawn.

• Top sights: Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang in the Old City, sunrise at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, artisan villages in San Kamphaeng, and the Hmong market on Doi Pui.
• Flavor trail: Khao soi at Khao Soi Khun Yai or Khao Soi Mae Sai, sticky rice and sai ua sausage at local markets, and thoughtful coffee at Ristr8to or Akha Ama.
• Good to know: Sunday Walking Street Market is a cultural sampler—handwoven textiles, hill-tribe crafts, and temple courtyards turned food courts.

Where to stay (Chiang Mai):

• Luxury boutique: 137 Pillars House.
• Upscale resort-vibe: Shangri-La Hotel, Chiang Mai.
• Eco and serene: Green Tiger House.
• Great-value hostel: Green Sleep Hostel.
• Browse more stays: VRBO Chiang Mai | Hotels.com Chiang Mai

Getting there from Bangkok: Morning flights take ~1h15–1h30 (often US$35–90). Compare on Kiwi.com or Trip.com Flights. Classic option: overnight train (11–13 hours, roughly US$18–40)—bookable via Trip.com Trains.

Day 4: Fly North, Old City Temples, and Lanna Dinner

Morning: Fly Bangkok → Chiang Mai. Taxi or Grab into town and check in.

Afternoon: Temple-hop inside the moat: Wat Phra Singh’s elegant viharn, Wat Chedi Luang’s 14th-century brick stupa, and tiny gems like Wat Phan Tao (teak). Coffee break at Akha Ama La Fattoria.

Evening: Dinner at Huen Phen for northern recipes (try gaeng hung lay pork curry and bamboo shoots), or SP Chicken for charcoal-roasted gai yang. Browse the Night Bazaar or, if Sunday, join the Walking Street Market for crafts and street snacks.

Day 5: Doi Inthanon National Park Day Trip

Head into the highlands to visit Thailand’s highest peak, cloud forests, and terraced waterfalls. Book: Doi Inthanon Waterfall and Royal Project Chiang Mai.

Expect photogenic Twin Pagodas, cool misty viewpoints, Karen villages, and a seasonal flower bloom at the Royal Project. Pack a light jacket and walking shoes.

Day 6: Sunrise at Doi Suthep, Artisan Villages, and Nimman Night

Morning: Beat the crowds at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep; ascend the naga staircase for sunrise bells and a panoramic view. Breakfast after at Ristr8to Lab (award-winning latte art) or Rustic & Blue (farm-to-table plates).

Afternoon: Visit Bo Sang umbrella village and San Kamphaeng workshops to see celadon, lacquerware, and silk weaving. Lunch on khao soi at Khao Soi Khun Yai (arrive early; sells out) or Khao Soi Mae Sai.

Evening: Explore Nimmanhaemin’s boutiques and bars. Dinner at Ginger Farm Kitchen (organic northern staples) or Tong Tem Toh (grilled pork jowl, spicy nam prik). Nightcap at craft cocktail spots around One Nimman.

Phuket

Phuket is Thailand’s island gateway—emerald headlands, Sino-Portuguese shophouses, and a coastline dotted with coves from laid-back Nai Harn to family-friendly Kamala. It’s the launchpad for Phang Nga Bay’s karst towers and the Phi Phi archipelago’s neon-blue shallows.

• Top sights: Phuket Old Town’s colorful mansions, sunset at Promthep Cape, island-hopping in Phi Phi, and sea-cave kayaking beneath limestone arches.
• Eat & drink: Southern Thai heat at One Chun and Tu Kab Khao, old-town sweets at The Feelsion, and market-fresh seafood at Mor Mu Dong.
• Tip: West-coast sunsets are spectacular—book dinner to coincide with golden hour, or grab a beach mat and coconut ice cream.

Where to stay (Phuket):

• Ultra-luxe: Amanpuri or Trisara Phuket (private villas, stellar service).
• Romance: The Shore at Katathani.
• Family/resort classics: JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, or Sunwing Kamala Beach.
• Budget/social: Lub d Phuket Patong.
• Browse more stays: VRBO Phuket | Hotels.com Phuket

Getting there from Chiang Mai: Direct flights are ~2 hours (often US$60–130). Check Kiwi.com or Trip.com Flights. If routing via Bangkok, total travel time is ~3–4 hours door-to-door.

Day 7: Fly South, Beach Time, and Phuket Old Town

Morning: Fly Chiang Mai → Phuket and settle into your resort. Brunch on the beach: smoothie bowls and Thai omelets at a local beachfront café.

Afternoon: Swim at Kata or Kamala; rent a longtail for a quick hop to quieter Freedom Beach if seas are calm. Coffee and cakes at The Feelsion in Old Town.

Evening: Dinner at One Chun (Southern Thai curries, crab stir-fries) or Tu Kab Khao (spicy moo hong pork). If it’s Sunday, stroll the Lard Yai walking street for live music, crafts, and dessert stalls.

Day 8: Phang Nga Bay Sea Caves and James Bond Island

Spend the day gliding beneath limestone arches into hidden lagoons and visiting the famed “James Bond” karst. Book: Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island by Big Boat.

Expect island viewpoints, cave kayaking with guides, and photogenic karst silhouettes. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag, and a light cover-up.

Day 9: Phi Phi Islands Snorkeling Day Trip

Chase that postcard water on a speedboat to Maya Bay viewpoints, Pileh Lagoon, and colorful reefs. Book: Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip w/ Seaview Lunch by V. Marine.

It’s award-winning for good reason—small-group guiding, clear snorkeling spots, and a scenic lunch. Evenings back in Phuket, refuel with seafood at Mor Mu Dong or Go Benz for comforting local rice soups.

Day 10: Ethical Elephants and Departure

Spend a meaningful morning learning about rescued elephants at a pioneering ethical sanctuary—no riding, just observation and gentle interactions. Book: A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.

Return for a quick southern-style lunch (try kanom jeen curries), then transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight home. Compare fares on Kiwi.com or Trip.com Flights.

Food & Coffee Shortlist (sprinkle throughout)

• Bangkok: Thipsamai (charcoal pad thai), Jay Fai (crab omelet), Krua Apsorn (royal-style Thai), Pe Aor (tom yum), Tropic City (cocktails), Roots (coffee).
• Chiang Mai: Khao Soi Khun Yai/Mae Sai (khao soi), Huen Phen (Lanna classics), SP Chicken (gai yang), Ginger Farm Kitchen (farm-to-table), Ristr8to and Akha Ama (coffee).
• Phuket: One Chun and Tu Kab Khao (Southern Thai), Mor Mu Dong (seafood on stilts), Go Benz (late-night rice soups), The Feelsion (desserts).

Getting Around & Budget Notes

• In-city transport: Bangkok’s BTS/MRT beat the traffic; ferries serve riverside sights. Chiang Mai and Phuket rely on taxis/Grab and local songthaews.
• Domestic flights: Expect US$35–130 per leg when booked in advance. Use Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
• Trains (Bangkok–Chiang Mai): Overnight sleepers are atmospheric and affordable—check schedules and fares on Trip.com Trains.

Wrap-up: In ten days, you’ll have tasted Bangkok’s temple-laced river life, breathed Chiang Mai’s mountain air, and floated through Phuket’s cinematic bays. It’s a Thailand itinerary that balances culture, cuisine, and coast—leaving just enough wonder to plan your return.