How long should you spend in Thailand? It’s a question I thought a lot before booking a trip to my very first Asian country. A week is too short, and not many can spare the time and money for a month-long trip… 10 days in Thailand is probably the minimum amount you should spend on the land of smiles. It is a huge country, after all.

This itinerary is specifically located to southern Thailand: Starting in Bangkok, before continuing onto Phuket and the Phi Phi Islands/Koh Phi Phi. I’m glad I stuck to the south because next time I visit Thailand, I can concentrate on Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Pai. I would love to visit more islands too, though. Learning to Scuba Dive in Koh Tao is on my bucket list and I still want to get a Sak Yant tattoo… See what I mean? There are so many things to do in Thailand. But for starters, here is my 10 days in Thailand itinerary. 

Please note: Every section of the itinerary will link to my blog posts about that specific region. Each of these blog posts has a thorough and detailed itinerary. Each itinerary includes where to eat and drink, information on flights and transport in Thailand, where to find good accommodation in Thailand and anything else you need to know. I’m not going to leave you high and dry on your amazing trip to Thailand, friends! I’ve got your back.

10 Days in Thailand

Using your Phone in Thailand

My trip to Thailand was literally my first time in Asia. I hadn’t left the continent since my stint as a Camp Counsellor in Pennsylvania in 2012. So, I never needed to think about SIM cards, data roaming charges and all that fun stuff.

I checked with my phone carrier and if I wanted to use my phone (locked, under contract) in Thailand it would cost me £6 a day and my data would be capped to a certain amount per day. No thanks.

Luckily, I still had my old mobile phone so I decided the best thing to do was to bring my old (unlocked) phone to Thailand and buy a new SIM card for that phone. Definitely, the right decision!

There are always tonnes of different carriers with stalls in Thai airports. I chose AIS purely because they had their prices advertised, and they charged 599THB (£14.49) for unlimited data, no calls or texts, for 15 days. I was completely fine with this package because it covered my entire time in Thailand and I was planning on using Facebook messenger/WhatsApp to stay in touch with family back home. However, if you want to use Grab Taxi whilst in Thailand, you’ll need a working phone number. Just something to keep in mind.

And don’t worry about having to set anything up, the staff know exactly what they’re doing and will take care of everything for you!

Days 1-3: Bangkok

Start your 10 days in Thailand in the country’s heaving capital city, Bangkok! I stayed at the Siam Design Hotel and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone staying in Bangkok. Cool design, infinity pool, great breakfast… what more could you want?!

On day one of your three days in Bangkok, you’ll visit the important buildings and temples such as The Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun. You’ll also watch the sun go down on Wat Saket and spend the evening amongst the hectic nightlife on Khaosan Road.

Day two involves the Siam malls and checking out the uber-interesting Jim Thompson House Museum. From there, you’ll head to Lumpini Park and the Thonburi neighbourhood across the Chao Phraya river.

On your final day in Bangkok, you should head to the Chatuchak Weekend Market and take a Thai cooking class!

Read more details about the itinerary, transport and accommodation here:

3 Days in Bangkok: A Perfect First Timer’s Guide

Day 4: Phuket Town

After spending three days in Bangkok, fly to Phuket and book a taxi to Phuket Town! You couldn’t possibly spend 10 days in Thailand without visiting Phuket Town, in my humble opinion. This small city was one of my favourite places on my trip to Thailand. It’s bursting with art galleries (I have no idea why) and street art as well as gorgeous colourful buildings and cafés for brunch! It would be my heaven if it wasn’t so humid.

It’s the perfect place to stopover for one night before continuing on to Phi Phi Islands. I stayed at the Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel in Phuket Town and I’m not sure there’s anywhere nicer in the city.

Read more details about the itinerary, transport and accommodation here:

Things to do in Phuket Town, Thailand: One Day Guide

Day 5-6: Phi Phi Islands

After spending one night in Phuket Town, take the ferry from Rassada Pier to the Phi Phi Islands and spend at least two nights here. It might be a party island but there are plenty of secluded hideaways if you’re not one for messy nights out (hello there kindred spirit!).

Whilst on the Phi Phi Islands, book a half-day snorkelling trip around Koh Phi Phi Lei. This is where ‘The Beach’ in Maya Bay is situated and I wrote a post all about what it’s like to visit ‘The Beach’ since it’s closure.

And, if you have time, hike to Phi Phi Viewpoint in time for sunrise/sunset.

Read more details about the itinerary, transport and accommodation here:

2 Days in Koh Phi Phi, Thailand: Tours, Bars & the Village

Day 7-9: Phuket (Karon Beach)

Take the ferry back to mainland Phuket and spend three days attempting to explore the rest of Phuket. I’m not going to lie, this might be when you wish you’d booked longer than 10 days in Thailand! I suggest you base yourself in Karon Beach. It’s quieter than Patong but not as quiet as Kata Beach.

There are so many things to do in Phuket. I, personally, loved my James Bond Island tour in Phang Nga Bay. You also have to visit the glorious Big Buddha that can be seen from most places on the island. And, if you have time, visiting an Elephant Sanctuary has got to be a bucket list moment.

Read more details about the itinerary, transport and accommodation here:

Things to do in Phuket: 3 Day Guide for First Time Visitors

Day 10: Back to Bangkok

Your 10 days in Thailand ends here! You probably have to fly back to Bangkok to catch your flight home. Sad face. But I hope you have an awesome trip to Thailand!!

And that’s my own 10 days in Thailand itinerary including Bangkok, Phuket and Phi Phi islands! Are you heading to Thailand any time soon? Let me know in the comments below! 

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11 Clichéd Things you MUST do on your first trip to Thailand