How to see Thailand’s highlights in 10 days—without feeling rushed (plus what to pack, costs, and the best season to go).

Thailand is one of those magical places where you can eat like royalty on a backpacker budget, stumble into a once-in-a-lifetime temple moment before lunch, and end the day barefoot on a beach with a mango smoothie in hand. The only tricky part? There’s so much to do that planning can feel overwhelming.

This updated 10-day Thailand itinerary is designed for first-timers who want the best mix of:

Big-city energy in Bangkok
Ancient history in Ayutthaya
Nature + wildlife in Khao Yai National Park
Island time in Koh Samui
A legendary night out at Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Party (optional, but iconic)

Along the way, you’ll get practical tips on transport, budget, packing, and the best time to visit—with a quick “still open” check for the specific places mentioned.

Note: Your original draft included a “flying chicken catapult” dinner spot. There is a “Flying Chicken” restaurant concept listed online, but reports about closures/uncertainty pop up—so instead of making it a must-do, I’ve swapped in reliably open Bangkok classics and left “Flying Chicken” as an optional “call-ahead” curiosity.

The Best 10-Day Thailand Itinerary (Day-by-Day)

Day 1 — Arrive in Bangkok (easy day + great food)

You made it! Today is all about landing softly: hydrate, eat something delicious, and take a gentle first bite of Bangkok.

Lunch: Cabbages & Condoms
This quirky, charity-run Thai restaurant is still one of Bangkok’s most memorable meals—equal parts tasty and conversation-worthy. Condé Nast Traveler

Go for classic Thai comfort dishes and don’t rush—your jet lag deserves kindness.

Coffee with a twist: Caturday Cat Café
Bangkok loves themed cafés, and if you’re going to do one, a cat café is a cozy choice. Caturday is active online and posts operating hours.
Friendly note: With animal cafés, choose places that look clean, calm, and animal-first. If anything feels off, trust your gut and skip it.

Evening idea (low effort, high reward):

Walk along the river near sunset
Or grab a casual rooftop drink (Bangkok does rooftops like nowhere else)

Day 2 — Bangkok Classics: Grand Palace + Wat Pho + Old Town

Start early. Bangkok is best before the heat (and the crowds) show up.

Morning: The Grand Palace
Check the official schedule before you go—special closures can happen. Royal Grand Palace

Late morning: Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)
Then treat yourself to a massage from the well-known Wat Pho massage program (hours/services listed officially). Wat Pho+1

Lunch option: Kope Hya Tai Kee (old-school breakfast/brunch vibes)
A beloved spot for Thai-Chinese breakfast culture—still widely referenced and thriving. Friday Bangkok

Afternoon: Pick one neighborhood “flavor”

Chinatown (Yaowarat) for food
Talat Noi for street photography + café hopping
Museum day if you want A/C and history

Dinner (updated + reliable): Thip Samai (Pad Thai)
An iconic Pad Thai stop with an active official site listing hours/locations. thipsamai.com

Day 3 — Market Day + Bangkok After Dark

Morning: Chatuchak Weekend Market (if it’s Sat/Sun)
This is the “wander until you forget time exists” experience. Official hours are posted by Tourism Thailand. Tourism Authority of Thailand
If it’s not the weekend, consider a floating market day trip or a smaller local market experience.

Afternoon: Rest + pool time
Bangkok can be intense—this is your permission slip to chill.

Night: Choose your vibe

Khao San Road (loud, chaotic, iconic)
A quieter parallel street nearby for a similar vibe with less sensory overload
RCA if you want Bangkok’s club scene

Day 4 — Day Trip: Ayutthaya (ancient ruins + temple history)

Today you’ll see why Thailand’s history feels so alive.

Go to: Ayutthaya Historical Park
Plan for a hot day—bring water, sunscreen, and light breathable clothes that still respect temples. (Most main sites generally run daytime hours; start early.) Bangkok Attractions Tickets

How to do it well:

Hire a guide (you’ll get so much more out of it)
Or do a small-group tour for convenience
Rent a bicycle if you’re feeling energetic

Back to Bangkok for dinner
Keep it easy—street food, a simple curry spot, or a night market.

Day 5 — Khao Yai National Park (wildlife + waterfalls)

Time for jungle air and wide-open space.

Khao Yai National Park is open daily with posted hours and visitor info.

Best way to visit:

Go with a guide/tour (more wildlife spotting, less logistics stress)
Or base yourself in Pak Chong/Khao Yai area overnight

What you might see: gibbons, hornbills, deer, monkeys—and yes, elephants sometimes (wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, which is part of the magic).

Day 6 — Fly south to Koh Samui (beach reset)

Welcome to island life.

Must-see: Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple)
It’s one of Samui’s most famous sights (and a great viewpoint).

Afternoon: Na Muang Waterfalls
A classic nature stop on the island, with plenty of recent visitor activity reported.

Evening:
Beach dinner + early night (tomorrow can be big).

Day 7 — Koh Samui: Relax… or go fancy

If you want a splurge stay: The Library (Koh Samui)
A design-forward luxury property with an active official site and Michelin hotel listing. thelibrarysamui.com

Optional cultural nightlife: Cabaret show (Samui)
If you’re curious, Koh Samui’s Paris Follies Cabaret remains active and posts showtimes. It’s generally more glam performance than anything explicit. Paris Follies Cabaret

Day 8 — Koh Phangan Full Moon Party (optional, iconic)

If you want the legendary party night, this is the day.

Full Moon Party dates are still posted publicly—confirm your exact date before booking. Full Moon Party Thailand

Smart Full Moon tips (so you have fun and keep your trip intact):

Wear closed-toe shoes (your feet will thank you)
Bring only what you need
Don’t accept “mystery shots”
Arrange your transport home before you go out

Stay on Koh Phangan that night. Ferry + intoxication is not the adventurous flex it sounds like.

Day 9 — Snorkel Day: Ang Thong National Marine Park

Ang Thong is a stunner—limestone islands, bright water, viewpoints, and snorkeling.
It’s listed on the Thai Department of National Parks portal (so yes, it’s an active national park). portal.dnp.go.th

Most people book a tour from Samui or Phangan. Go at a relaxed pace, and let the scenery do the heavy lifting.

Day 10 — Back to Bangkok + Fly Home

If you have time before your flight:

Lumphini Park
A peaceful green break in the city—yes, you may spot monitor lizards (they’re basically Bangkok’s tiny dinosaurs). Complete City Guides

Then it’s airport time. Grab a travel pillow, sip water like it’s your job, and congratulate yourself—you just did Thailand properly.

What to Pack for Thailand (so you’re comfy, not cranky)

Absolute essentials

Light breathable clothing (but bring at least 1–2 outfits that cover shoulders/knees for temples)
Comfortable sandals + one “walking all day” shoe
Rain layer (light jacket or poncho)
Swimsuit + quick-dry towel (optional but handy)
Refillable water bottle
Sunscreen (islands can be expensive for name brands)

Nice-to-haves

Small crossbody bag or sling (easy, secure)
A few N95-style masks if you’re sensitive to city air
A compact umbrella (Bangkok rain is dramatic)

Power adapters
Many hotels have multi-sockets, but a small universal adapter is still a good backup if you’re moving around a lot.

Costs: What a 10-Day Thailand Trip Typically Looks Like (Realistic Ranges)

Thailand can be cheap… or surprisingly luxe. Your budget mostly depends on accommodation style, flights, and nightlife.

Typical daily spend (per person)

Budget: street food + basic rooms + local transport
Mid-range: comfortable hotels, tours, nicer meals
Splurge: upscale resorts, private drivers, rooftop bars

Bangkok food brag (updated)
Bangkok remains one of the world’s great food cities—Michelin Guide Bangkok currently lists around 190+ restaurants in its Bangkok selection pages. MICHELIN Guide
That includes everything from street-food-level meals to fine dining—meaning you can eat extremely well at many price points.

Best Time to Visit Thailand

For many travelers, Thailand’s dry season (roughly Nov–Mar) is the sweet spot: less rain, easier island days, and more predictable plans.

But “best” depends on your goal:

Want perfect beach weather? Aim for peak dry season.
Want lower prices and fewer crowds? Shoulder months can be great—you might trade a few rainy hours for big savings.

Also, Thailand’s island weather varies by coast, so if beaches are your priority, check which side is having its best season.

The Ultimate 10-Day Thailand Itinerary (Bangkok + Ayutthaya + Khao Yai + Koh Samui + Koh Phangan)