10 Days in Thailand: Bangkok & the Islands
Temples and street food in Bangkok, then limestone cliffs and turquoise bays across the southern islands.
10 days · Nov–Feb (cool, dry season) · Great for first-time visitors and couples who want city culture plus beaches
This ten-day loop pairs Bangkok's temples, markets and canals with two contrasting island regions: the Andaman limestone scenery around Krabi and the Gulf beaches of Koh Samui. You move by a short domestic flight and ferries, trading temple-hopping for snorkelling and long-tail boat rides as the days go on. It suits first-timers who want one big city and plenty of beach time without backtracking.
Day by day
- 1
Arrive in Bangkok
Settle in and ease into the city with an evening by the river.
- Check in around the Old City or riverside
- Sunset drink or dinner overlooking the Chao Phraya
- Walk a night market or street-food lane
- 2
Bangkok temples
See the city's headline temples and the royal heart of old Bangkok.
- Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha)
- Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho
- Cross the river to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn
- 3
Markets and canals
Trade temples for markets, klong boat rides and modern Bangkok.
- Long-tail boat through the Thonburi klongs (canals)
- Browse Chatuchak Weekend Market or IconSiam
- Street-food dinner in Chinatown (Yaowarat)
- 4
Fly to Krabi
Short flight south to the Andaman coast and beach-town life.
- Morning flight Bangkok to Krabi
- Settle into Ao Nang
- Sunset stroll along Ao Nang beachfront
- 5
Railay Peninsula
Boat to the cliff-ringed peninsula reachable only by sea.
- Long-tail boat to Railay
- Relax on Phra Nang Beach
- Watch rock climbers on the limestone walls
- 6
Four Islands tour
Hop between Andaman islets for snorkelling and beach time.
- Visit Koh Poda and Chicken Island
- Snorkel over coral and sandbars
- Beach picnic and swim stops
- 7
Cross to Koh Samui
Travel to the Gulf coast and switch islands.
- Transfer by flight or ferry to Koh Samui
- Check in near Chaweng or Bophut
- Evening at Fisherman’s Village, Bophut
- 8
Samui sights
See the island's temples and landmark viewpoints.
- Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) and Wat Plai Laem
- Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks (Hin Ta Hin Yai)
- Beach time on Chaweng or Lamai
- 9
Ang Thong Marine Park
Day trip to the archipelago of forested limestone islets.
- Boat tour to Ang Thong National Marine Park
- Kayak among the karst islands
- Hike to the emerald lake viewpoint
- 10
Departure
A final beach morning before flying home or onward.
- Morning swim or massage
- Last Thai meal near the beach
- Transfer to Samui airport for departure
Plan your trip
Best time to go
Nov–Feb (cool, dry season)
Getting around
In Bangkok use the BTS Skytrain, MRT and Chao Phraya river boats to skip traffic. Between regions fly domestically, then rely on long-tail boats, ferries and songthaews (shared pickups) on the islands.
Where to stay
- Bangkok Old City (Rattanakosin) — walk to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun
- Ao Nang, Krabi — beach-town base with easy boats to Railay and the islands
- Chaweng or Bophut, Koh Samui — main beach strip vs. quieter Fisherman’s Village charm
Budget
Thailand is affordable mid-range; street food and local transit cost little, but inter-island flights, ferries and speedboat day tours are the real expenses. Book domestic flights early for the best fares.
Good to know
- Fly Bangkok to Krabi (about 90 minutes) rather than taking the long overnight bus or train.
- Dress modestly for temples: shoulders and knees covered, shoes off inside.
- Book island day tours a day ahead and check the sea forecast, as speedboat trips cancel in rough weather.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for Thailand?
This itinerary is built as a 10-day route for Thailand, with a day-by-day plan you can adapt in TripAlta.
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
For this TripAlta plan, the suggested timing is Nov–Feb (cool, dry season).
How should I get around Thailand?
In Bangkok use the BTS Skytrain, MRT and Chao Phraya river boats to skip traffic. Between regions fly domestically, then rely on long-tail boats, ferries and songthaews (shared pickups) on the islands.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
Consider Bangkok Old City (Rattanakosin) — walk to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun; Ao Nang, Krabi — beach-town base with easy boats to Railay and the islands; Chaweng or Bophut, Koh Samui — main beach strip vs. quieter Fisherman’s Village charm.
How should I budget for Thailand?
Thailand is affordable mid-range; street food and local transit cost little, but inter-island flights, ferries and speedboat day tours are the real expenses. Book domestic flights early for the best fares.
Can TripAlta personalize this itinerary?
Yes. Use TripAlta to turn the idea into a personalized plan with dates, travelers, bookings, budget notes, and day-by-day adjustments.