Thailand is a treasure trove of crystal-clear waters, lush mountains, buzzing city energy, and peaceful temples that somehow make you exhale the second you step inside. If you’re dreaming of a “best of Thailand” trip without feeling like you’re sprinting from place to place, this 10-day Thailand itinerary is built for you.

You’ll start with street food and skyline views in Bangkok, time-travel through Ayutthaya’s ancient ruins, soak up culture and night markets in Chiang Mai, and finish with turquoise water and dramatic limestone cliffs in Krabi.

Along the way, I’ve also checked that the major attractions in this itinerary are still operating (and noted key visitor info like hours/requirements where official sources are available).

Quick Itinerary Overview

• Days 1–3: Bangkok (temples, markets, Chinatown, river vibes)
• Days 4–5: Ayutthaya (UNESCO ruins + history deep-dive)
• Days 6–7: Chiang Mai (Old City temples + Doi Suthep + night bazaars)
• Days 8–10: Krabi (Railay, island-hopping, Emerald Pool)

Days 1–3: Bangkok — The Heartbeat of Thailand

Bangkok is loud, lively, delicious, and full of surprises. Think: shimmering temples in the morning, coconut ice cream at lunch, and a rooftop view at sunset.

Day 1: Arrive + Easy Bangkok Night

Do this:

• Check into your hotel and take it slow (jet lag is real).
• Start with a simple “first taste of Thailand” dinner: street food or a casual restaurant.
• End with a riverside walk or a low-key rooftop drink.

Where to stay (easy logistics):

• Sukhumvit (great transit access)
• Silom/Sathorn (central, good mix of hotels)
• Old Town/Rattanakosin (closer to temples; a bit quieter at night)

Day 2: Bangkok’s Iconic Temples + The Grand Palace

This is your “wow” day.

Morning: The Grand Palace + Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha Temple)

• The Grand Palace complex remains open to visitors, with posted hours and ticketing on the official site. royalgrandpalace.th
  Local tip: Go early for cooler temps and fewer crowds.

Afternoon: Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

• Wat Arun is listed as open daily, and it’s one of the most photogenic temples in Bangkok.

Temple etiquette reminder (you’ll be glad you packed this):

• Cover shoulders + knees, and bring a light scarf or overshirt.

Day 3: Markets + Chinatown (Yaowarat)

Option A (Weekend): Chatuchak Weekend Market

• Chatuchak Weekend Market continues to operate, with schedules posted by Thailand’s tourism authority.

Option B (Weekday):
If it’s not the weekend, keep the “market day” vibe by exploring a smaller market or doing a food-focused wander.

Evening: Yaowarat (Bangkok Chinatown)
Come hungry. Walk, snack, repeat. (This is not the night to pretend you’ll “just have something small.”)

Getting around Bangkok:

• The BTS Skytrain is still one of the fastest ways to move around the city, with route/fare tools on the official BTS site. bts.co.th

Days 4–5: Ayutthaya — Step Back in Time

Ayutthaya is one of those places that feels cinematic in real life: ancient prangs, Buddha statues, and temple ruins stretching into the sun.

Day 4: Ayutthaya Day Trip (or Overnight)

Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s absolutely worth the trip. UNESCO World Heritage Centre

How to explore:

• Rent a bicycle for a breezy DIY loop
• Or hire a tuk-tuk for an easy hop-on/hop-off day

Don’t miss:

• Wat Phra Si Sanphet (one of the most famous temple sites) Discovery Thailand
• Wat Chaiwatthanaram (especially beautiful toward late afternoon) Agoda

Day 5: History Deep Dive + Back to Travel Mode

If you stayed overnight, enjoy a calmer morning in the ruins before heading back.

Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre

• This museum-style stop is still listed across travel resources and remains a useful way to understand what you’re seeing in the ruins.

Then either:

• Return to Bangkok for an easy evening, or
• Fly onward to Chiang Mai later in the day to maximize your time up north.

Days 6–7: Chiang Mai — Temples, Mountains, and Night Markets

Chiang Mai is the kind of place where you plan one quiet café morning… and then accidentally fill your whole day with temples, craft markets, and snacks.

Day 6: Old City Temples + Night Bazaar

Must-see temples inside/near the Old City:

• Wat Phra Singh
• Wat Chedi Luang

Evening: Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

• The Night Bazaar area is still an active attraction with ongoing visitor activity.

Day 7: Doi Suthep Day (Views for Days)

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

• Still widely listed as open to visitors, and it’s one of northern Thailand’s most iconic temples. Agoda

Doi Suthep–Pui National Park

• The park remains open, and Chiang Mai news outlets continue to publish updates about fees and access—good evidence it’s actively managed/operational. Thai National Parks

Friendly heads-up: nature trails can occasionally close for restoration or maintenance, so if you have a specific trail in mind, it’s smart to check locally the day before.

Days 8–10: Krabi — Limestone Cliffs and Turquoise Water

Krabi is your exhale. Beach days, boat days, and that “is this water even real?” color palette.

Day 8: Arrive + Railay Beach

Railay is famous for dramatic cliffs, rock climbing, and a laid-back beach scene. Go for sunset and don’t rush it.

Day 9: Phi Phi Islands + Maya Bay (Plan Around Closures)

A Phi Phi day trip is a classic for a reason.

Maya Bay note (important for planning):

• Maya Bay has seasonal conservation closures that can affect access. For example, official-announcement reporting for 2025 cited closure from Aug 1 to Sep 30 for environmental recovery. These dates can change year to year, so check close to your travel date. smartenplus.co.th

Day 10: Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot) + Nature Day

End your trip with a refreshing jungle swim.

• Thailand’s tourism authority lists Sa Morakot (Emerald Pool) as open daily with posted visiting hours and fees. Tourism Authority of Thailand

Packing for Thailand (Tropical-Smart, Temple-Ready)

Thailand’s climate rewards light packing—until the sun or rain reminds you who’s boss.

Bring:

• Lightweight, breathable clothes (quick-dry is your best friend)
• Modest outfit for temples (or a scarf/overshirt + longer shorts/pants)
• Sunscreen + after-sun
• Insect repellent
• Reusable water bottle
• Light rain jacket (especially if traveling in the wetter months)
• Comfortable walking sandals/shoes (Bangkok + ruins = steps)

Thailand Entry Requirements: Visa + Digital Arrival Card (Updated)

Visa exemption (many travelers):

• Thailand expanded its tourist visa exemption to up to 60 days for nationals of 93 countries/territories, effective 15 July 2024, with an option to extend (subject to immigration discretion). สถานกงสุลใหญ่ ณ นครลอสแอนเจลิส

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC):

• Thailand now requires travelers to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online, with the requirement starting May 1, 2025, per official and tourism authority guidance. Tourism Authority of Thailand

Because entry rules can vary by nationality and can change, always double-check based on your passport before you fly. สถานกงสุลใหญ่ ณ นครลอสแอนเจลิส

Final Tips to Make This 10-Day Thailand Itinerary Feel Effortless

• Start temple days early (cooler, calmer, better photos)
• Mix big sights with slow time (your favorite moments will often be unplanned)
• Book domestic flights early if traveling in peak season
• Be flexible with island days (sea conditions and closures happen—nature wins)

Thailand really does have something for everyone—and this route gives you a joyful sampler platter of the country’s most iconic experiences without turning your vacation into a checklist.