Thailand North to South in 10 Days
Thailand
Overview
This route covers Thailand's three strongest sides: Bangkok's temples, markets and food scene, Chiang Mai's mountain culture and elephant sanctuaries in the north, and the Andaman coast's beaches and islands in the south — connected by short, cheap domestic flights.
- Duration
- 10 days
- Pace
- Balanced
- Transport
- Mixed
- Estimated budget (comfortable)
- €780–€980
Route
1. Bangkok2. Chiang Mai3. Krabi4. Koh Phi Phi5. Krabi
Highlights
- Grand Palace and Wat Arun in Bangkok
- Ethical elephant sanctuary near Chiang Mai
- Railay Beach's limestone cliffs
- Island hopping around Koh Phi Phi
Worth knowing
- Domestic flights are needed to cover the distances in 10 days
- Krabi and Phi Phi get crowded and hot from December–February high season
- Bangkok traffic can eat into sightseeing time — use the BTS/MRT where possible
Day by day
Day 1
BangkokMain activities
- Arrive
- Khao San Road area evening
Overnight: Bangkok
Day 2
BangkokMain activities
- Grand Palace and Wat Pho
- Wat Arun at sunset
Optional additions
- Chao Phraya river boat
Overnight: Bangkok
Day 3
BangkokMain activities
- Chatuchak Weekend Market or floating market day trip
Overnight: Bangkok
Day 4
Bangkok → Chiang MaiMain activities
- Domestic flight (~1.5h)
- Old city temples: Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang
Optional additions
- Night bazaar
~1.5 hours flightOvernight: Chiang Mai
Day 5
Chiang MaiMain activities
- Ethical elephant sanctuary
- Doi Suthep temple
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Day 6
Chiang Mai → KrabiMain activities
- Domestic flight via Bangkok (~3h total)
- Ao Nang beach evening
~3 hours totalOvernight: Krabi
Day 7
Krabi areaMain activities
- Railay Beach by longtail boat
- Rock climbing or beach time
Optional additions
- Four Islands boat tour
Overnight: Krabi
Day 8
Krabi → Koh Phi PhiMain activities
- Ferry to Koh Phi Phi (~1.5h)
- Viewpoint hike at sunset
~1.5 hoursOvernight: Koh Phi Phi
Day 9
Koh Phi PhiMain activities
- Maya Bay and island-hopping snorkel tour
Overnight: Koh Phi Phi
Day 10
Koh Phi Phi → KrabiMain activities
- Ferry back to Krabi for departure
~1.5 hoursOvernight: Krabi
Alternatives
Shorter version · 7 days
Drop Chiang Mai and spend the extra days on the Andaman coast.
Longer extension · 14 days
Add Chiang Rai's White Temple and the Golden Triangle from Chiang Mai.