Ten days is the perfect amount of time to taste Thailand properly — a few days of city energy, a few days of northern culture, and a few days of sand between your toes.
Days 1–3: Bangkok
Start in the capital and don't fight the jet lag — lean into it. On day one, keep it simple: a river ferry to Wat Arun at sunset, then dinner at a riverside restaurant. Day two is the big sightseeing day: the Grand Palace and Wat Pho with a guide who can read the crowds, then a longtail canal ride to see old Bangkok from the water. Day three, eat your way through Chinatown after dark, or visit the Chatuchak weekend market if it lines up.
Bangkok highlights
- Grand Palace & Wat Pho (book a guide, it's worth it)
- Wat Arun at golden hour
- A street-food evening in Yaowarat, Chinatown
- A longtail ride through the Thonburi canals
Where to stay
Stay riverside or in the old town (Banglamphu) for the atmosphere, or around Sukhumvit if you want modern comfort and easy Skytrain access. The Skytrain and MRT are far quicker than taxis at rush hour — a genuinely useful local trick.
Days 4–6: Chiang Mai
A short internal flight drops you in the north, where the pace drops with the temperature. Spend day four wandering the old city's temples and the Sunday walking market. Day five belongs to the elephants — we only work with ethical sanctuaries where you observe and feed rather than ride. Day six, get out of town: Doi Suthep temple at sunrise, then sticky waterfalls or a cooking class in the afternoon.
Chiang Mai highlights
- Doi Suthep temple above the city
- An ethical elephant sanctuary visit
- A Thai cooking class (half day, market visit included)
- The Sunday walking street market
Days 7–10: the islands
Fly south for the beach finale. Phuket or Krabi both work as a base, and we usually recommend Krabi for a slightly calmer end to the trip. Spend a day island-hopping to Phi Phi with snorkelling stops, a day doing nothing at all, and your last evening with a seafood dinner and a proper sunset.
Which island base?
- Phuket — bigger, livelier, more hotels and day-trip options.
- Krabi — calmer, with the limestone cliffs of Railay and Ao Nang.
- Phi Phi — the showstopper, best visited by day trip unless you want the after-dark quiet.
How to pace it
The mistake we see most is cramming in too many stops. Three bases in ten days is the right amount. Every extra destination costs you a travel day, and with kids especially, that's the day they run out of patience. If you'd rather not think about logistics at all, our Bangkok to Chiang Mai package already follows this exact rhythm, with all transfers handled. Want the island-heavy version instead? The Phuket & Krabi honeymoon package is the couple's cut of this itinerary. Call us on 020 7946 0958 to tweak it to your dates.
Quick questions, answered
Is ten days really enough for Thailand?
Yes, for the classic three-base route — Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the islands. It's enough to feel like a proper adventure without spending your holiday in transit. Add a few more days if you want a second island or a Khao Sok jungle stop.
Should I do the north first or the islands first?
We usually do city, then north, then beach — it builds energy, then winds down in the sun. Ending on the beach means you fly home relaxed rather than rushing.
How much internal travel is involved?
Two short internal flights (Bangkok–Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai–Phuket/Krabi), each around an hour to ninety minutes. The rest is private transfers, so there's no fiddling with buses.
Can you arrange the whole route?
Yes — our Bangkok to Chiang Mai package follows this exact route with every flight, transfer and tour already arranged.
