10 Days in Thailand: Itinerary, Where to Go & What to Do

If you’re planning to launch a trip to Southeast Asia, spending at least 10 days in Thailand is likely somewhere near the top of your travel plan. Whether you’re keen on a tropical beach vacation, a strong dose of history & culture, or partying until the sun comes up, an epic Thailand itinerary checks all the boxes for visitors.

Dig into the big city vibes of Bangkok before discovering the country’s cultural hinterlands in Ayutthaya and Sukhothai. Venture northward to Chiang Mai to see the nation’s “second city” in action. End your trip with a couple days soaking up island vibes in Koh Samui or slightly quieter options like Koh Tao, Koh Lanta, or Koh Lipe.

Up for the challenge of penning what to do in Thailand in 10 days? Craft the ultimate Thailand travel plan with this complete 10-day itinerary for first-time travellers!

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Where to go in Thailand in 10 days: A complete itinerary

Before we start planning your trip, I’d like to lay down a quick disclaimer. As much as I’d love to tell you that just 10 days is enough to come to grips completely with this fascinating country, it isn’t.

While I don’t doubt that you’ll instantly fall in love with the fragrant lemongrass- and chili-tinged street food in Bangkok, the glowing golden temples of Chiang Mai, the pristine sands of Koh Lipe or the craggy karsts of Krabi, you’ll need to make some tough decisions when crafting out your Thailand travel plan. You simply can’t do it all.

And, fortunately, you don’t have to.

Sunset on Koh Lanta

As Thailand has become a favourite home-away-from-home among digital nomads and ex-pats, many of the itineraries floating out in the blogosphere seem to privilege offbeat places to classic Thai destinations.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with exploring Thailand’s lesser-known corners. But with only ten days at hand—and on a first trip to boot!—sending yourself far off the beaten path just doesn’t make much sense.

You’ll spend far too much time in transit and set yourself up for a heavy case of travel burnout that will, frankly, not be a welcome addition to your travel plans.

Wat Lok Moli in Chiang Mai

This 10-day travel plan tries, instead, to provide a simple all-around introduction to Thailand for first-time travellers. Despite the prevailing view of the travel blogging world, you don’t need to quit your job and travel to Southeast Asia for months at a time to experience it.

This travel plan is proof that you can squeeze in an unforgettable trip even when faced with a time crunch! (Although if you’ve got more time, you’d hardly do better than this 3-month Southeast Asia itinerary).

Even so, you might still feel as if this Thailand trip moves a little fast, certainly a little faster than I normally would recommend here. If you manage to negotiate a couple extra vacation days for this trip, I’d recommend slowing down rather than adding more destinations to the mix.

As tempting as it is on any trip to Southeast Asia, don’t try to throw any more countries into the mix! Unless you’re able to grab several more weeks rather than a few extra days on your vacation, it’s just simply not worth country-hopping aimlessly with limited time.

Bangkok

2 Days

The heart of the Thai nation beats in the big & brash city of Bangkok. If there’s a more polarizing Asian travel destination than Bangkok, I’ve yet to find it. Love it or hate it, though, stopping off in Bangkok is an almost obligatory part of any first-time visit to Thailand.

As far as first impressions go, there’s a good chance that Bangkok won’t give a good one. To many, the Thai capital becomes far more likeable after a week than after spending just one day in Bangkok.

Street in Bangkok

In fact, at first, you might well find that Bangkok’s charms are eclipsed by its annoyances. From the Thai capital’s chaotic traffic to its ongoing scams aimed at unsuspecting tourists, there’s a good chance that your first encounter with Bangkok will be fraught with difficulty.

Don’t let that sway you from getting to know Bangkok.

Dig a little deeper past Bangkok’s brazen surface, and you’ll find a city rife with golden temples, succulent Thai delicacies, and an energy that you just don’t find anywhere else in the country.

Aim to stay at least two days in Bangkok. It surely won’t be enough time to fall in love with Thailand’s “City of Angels,”  but it’ll be long enough to shake off your jet lag and get a small taste of the Thai delights primed to come later on in your trip.

What to do in Bangkok

In a city the size of Bangkok, you’ll be hard-pressed to get to know the city well with just a couple days tacked on at the beginning of your trip. While many of the coolest things to do in Bangkok might be fairly obvious, some of your favourite moments will simply involve relishing in the finer things in life, like enjoying a Singha along the riverside, marvelling at a grand temple on a Bangkok bike tour, or letting the savoury and fiery flavours of Bangkok invade your tastebuds.

Explore the historical area of Rattanakosin

If the initial bustle of Bangkok is already clogging your senses, a day wandering around Rattanakosin, the city’s historical district, will remind you exactly why you chose to visit Thailand in the first place.

There’s no better place to start exploring Rattanakosin than the Grand Palace, the official residence of the Thai royal family. Although much of the complex is closed to visitors, simply walking around and taking in the remarkable architecture of the Grand Palace is as fulfilling an experience in Bangkok as any.

Royal Palace

It’s possible to enter a handful of temples within the grounds of the Grand Palace, including Wat Phra Kaew, the most sacred temple in Thailand that enshrines the Emerald Buddha.

Also nearby is Wat Pho, the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok. Enter Wat Pho to scope out its over one thousand Buddha images and its most impressive sight, a ridiculously-large 46-metre-long golden Reclining Buddha. Even the temple grounds are impressive, featuring a number of beautiful halls and nearly a hundred stupas.

Wat Arun

Crossing over the Chao Phra River from here, you’ll encounter Wat Arun, another one of Bangkok’s star temples. With its Khmer spires and steep-stepped façade, Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is truly unique for the city. Climb up the steep stairs to the side of the prang to the terrace for an incredible panorama over Bangkok.

Cruise along the Chao Phraya River

If you liked seeing the temples and palaces of Rattanakosin up close, you’ll love seeing them floating by on a Chao Phraya River cruise!

Although you can hop onto a budget-friendly water taxi to troll the river by day, the Chao Phraya River truly comes to life after dark when the gentle glow of the Grand Palace and Wat Arun illuminates the night sky.

Want to make the most of your evening? Book a luxurious Bangkok Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya River! The tour includes a Thai buffet, entertainment and pick-up from a number of Bangkok hotels.

Go temple hopping in Bangkok

Aside from the opulent trio of Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok is chock-loaded with more temples than you can shake a stick at. Viewing all of them with just two days in Bangkok would be simply impossible. Here are a couple temples in Bangkok to keep your eye out for:

Wat Saket

  • Wat Intharawihan: A temple dating back to the late-18th century, famous for its 32-metre-high gilded standing Buddha statue.
  • Wat Traimit: An incredibly beautiful temple around Chinatown that’s justifiably famous for housing a five-and-a-half ton solid gold Buddha image, the largest of its kind in the world.
  • Wat Saket: One of Bangkok’s oldest temples featuring an 80-metre-high “Golden Mount” topped with a massive gilded stupa.
  • Wat Benchamabophit: A beautiful late-19th-century temple painstakingly built with Italian carrara marble and adorned with classic Thai architectural style that features multi-tiered roofs and gilded ornamentation.
Visit a floating market

One of the quintessential Southeast Asian experiences is to while away a morning or afternoon in a floating market. To get to the biggest and busiest Bangkok floating markets, you’ll need to trek a little further outside of the city than you might want to while visiting Bangkok on a time-crunch.

Floating Market

Fortunately, there’s an easy alternative. The floating market duo of Khlong Lat Mayom and Thaling Chan, located just 12 kilometres from downtown Bangkok, will give you a Thai floating market experience without the hassle of travelling hours away.

Although you’ll find much of the action takes place on land, both these markets are the perfect place to enjoy some fresh Thai food and soak in the chaos. Try to arrive earlier in the morning to avoid the mega crowds that inevitably follow.

Chow down and shop to your heart’s content in Chinatown

Never short on action, Chinatown is one of the most interesting corners of Bangkok to explore. Like most neighbourhoods of its kind throughout Asia, Bangkok’s Chinatown is jam-packed with shops, restaurants, and street-side vendors.

By day, plying the streets of Chinatown is a chaotic experience; at night, though, is when things truly come alive.

Chinatown

It shouldn’t be surprising that Chinatown is one of the most popular places to grab a meal in Bangkok. Of course, the selection is a little different than elsewhere in Bangkok. Be sure to scale along the busy Yaowarat Road to sample some of Chinatown’s culinary delights, whether it’s oyster omelettes, dim sum, or coconut ice cream.

Join the backpacker hordes on Khao San Road

As much as I hesitate to recommend it, I’d be doing the independent travel world a slight disservice if I didn’t at least mention Khao San Road.

This infamous stretch of bars, restaurants, food carts, and shops in Bangkok is one of the most famous backpacker hangouts in the entire world.

Tuk-Tuk on Khao San Road

Even if taking in the full Khao San Road experience isn’t your style (I know it’s not mine anymore), there’s no doubt that you’ll find something compelling along this strip.

If it’s your first time in Bangkok, the tamed-down street-side snacks here are a delicious introduction to Thai cuisine that won’t completely shock the palate.

Where to stay in Bangkok

It’s hardly surprising that with the massive size and sprawl of Thailand’s “City of Angels,” choosing where to stay in Bangkok can be a challenge! Accommodations in Bangkok range from the cheapest backpacker joints to some of the top luxury hotels in the country.

Since you’ve only got a couple days in Bangkok, I’d recommend making the most out of your trip by picking some digs in the city centre, particularly in Ratanakosin, Banglamphu, or Chinatown.

  • The Printing House Poshtel: An ultra-stylish, centrally-located hostel that’s a step above most in the budget price range. Both dorms and private rooms with private bathrooms are offered.
  • Norn Yaowarat Hotel: A spotlessly clean and comfortable 3-star hotel located in the heart of Chinatown. A mix of both private rooms with balconies and dormitories ensures options for every sort of traveller.
  • Riva Arun Bangkok: A delightful and modern 4-star hotel set on a stunning riverside location. The evening views overlooking Wat Arun across the Chao Phraya from the open-air restaurant are simply divine.
  • The Peninsula Bangkok: The most luxurious accommodations in experience in Bangkok. Set upon the banks of the Chao Phraya, this 5-star hotel features incredible vistas of the modern city skyline. Cool down in the graceful outdoor pool or chow down on authentic Thai food at the Thiptara Restaurant to squeeze the most out of your stay here.

Getting to Bangkok

By air: It’s no surprise that Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) is the biggest and busiest airport in Thailand. Bangkok is a major hub for several airlines, including Thai Airways, Jet Asia Airways, and Bangkok Airways. You should have no problem finding flights to Bangkok from most major international gateways.

Looking for cheap flights to Bangkok? I’d recommend searching for airfare deals on CheapOair! I’ve had a lot of luck lately finding SUPERB flight deals here, even compared to other more popular flight engines like Skyscanner or Kayak.

Ayutthaya

1 Day

Although it’s only a short 80-kilometre jaunt from the capital, Ayutthaya can feel worlds away from the modern bustle of Bangkok. Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya was the royal capital of the Kingdom of Siam for over 400 years. And that history was hardly lost on Ayutthaya.

Ruins in Ayutthaya

Today, Ayutthaya is one of the most popular places to visit in Thailand and is renowned for its old city ruins that feature ancient temples, palaces, and statues.

Try to spend at least one day in Ayutthaya. Although it might feel a little rushed, it certainly won’t be a day you’ll soon forget!

What to do in Ayutthaya

The biggest challenge in visiting Ayutthaya isn’t figuring out what to do but finding a way to fit it all in! On a time-crunched trip, you’ll simply skim the surface of all the coolest things to do in Ayutthaya.

Nonetheless, I promise that what you’ll see in your short time here will be magnificent and unforgettable.

Explore the depths of Ayutthaya Historical Park

With only one day in Ayutthaya, you’ll spend the bulk of it scouring through the mystical ruins of Ayutthaya Historical Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is more than just your run-of-the-mill temple complex. It’s perhaps even one of the coolest places to visit in Southeast Asia and an absolute must for this 10-day Thailand itinerary.

Ayutthaya Historical Park

At Ayutthaya Historical Park, you’ll find 67 structures, ranging from ruins that require a little imagination to piece together to striking temples sporting impossibly large Buddha statues that will shrink you with their grandeur.

Here are a few of the highlights:

  • Wat Chaiwatthanaram: A former royal temple dating back to the 17th century. The temple’s design takes a card from the Khmer playbook, bearing similarities to the grand Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Over a hundred Buddha statues pepper the area around Wat Chaiwatthanaram.
  • Wat Phanan Choeng: A beautiful 14th-century temple built on the banks of the Pa Sak River. The temple’s imposing 19-metre-high Buddha is one of the most famous and sacred images in Thailand.
  • Wat Lokaya Sutha: A restored monastery ruin that’s home to an enormous 42-metre-long reclining Buddha statue draped in a bright orange cloth.
  • Wat Phra Sri Sanphet: The most important former royal temple in Ayutthaya dating back to the mid-15th century. Features three stupas, the only remnants of the original temple that the Burmese destroyed in 1767.
  • Wat Mahathat: A large royal monastery that was originally built in the late-14th century. The grounds contain one of the most famous images in Ayutthaya, a stone Buddha head entangled within the roots of a tree.

Where to stay in Ayutthaya

Fortunately, choosing where to stay in Ayutthaya is hardly the challenge you’ll encounter in Bangkok. Not only is the selection smaller, but if you dig a little, you should be able to find good rooms close to the Ayutthaya Historical Park at a decent price.

  • Ban Boonchu: A small budget guesthouse with a delightful homey atmosphere. Many of the biggest attractions of Ayutthaya lie within walking distance.
  • Baan Tye Wang Guesthouse: A lovely 3-star boutique guesthouse set in a tranquil garden. Chilling out on the private balconies that overlook the gardens and canals is the perfect way to end a long day of sightseeing.
  • Baan Thai House: A 3-star resort-style property offering beautiful Thai villas and bungalows in a placid garden setting. Cooling down in the outdoor pool or relaxing on your balcony with a Singha will recharge your batteries after tackling Ayutthaya to its fullest.
  • Sala Ayutthaya: A stylish boutique hotel boasting a minimalist modern design that sets it apart in Ayutthaya. The river and temple views from the on-site restaurant or your room’s private balcony are simply stunning!

Getting to Ayutthaya

By train: There are regular trains from Bangkok to Ayutthaya departing from Bangkok Hualamphong. Trains take between 1.5 and 2 hours and cost between 15 and 66 baht, depending on the ticket class.

By bus: Buses to Ayutthaya depart from the Mo Chit Bus Terminal in northern Bangkok. The trip to Ayutthaya (60 baht) should take you anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the traffic.

By taxi: If you’re a little less adventurous with your transportation choices and want a quicker, more comfortable route to Ayutthaya, you can opt for a metered taxi. Expect the approximately 1.5-hour journey from central Bangkok to cost around 1,400 baht ($44).

Sukhothai

1 Day

Like Ayutthaya, Sukhothai glimpses deeply into Thailand’s past. For two centuries, just before Ayutthaya, Sukhothai held the royal seat of Siam. In fact, much of the modern Thai culture—whether it’s the country’s architectural legacy, arts, or language—traces its roots back to the Sukhothai Kingdom.

Sukhothai

What you’ll find in this small city, located over 400 kilometres from Bangkok, is a more relaxing cultural experience than the busier and more accessible Ayutthaya to the south.

Give yourself at least one day in Sukhothai to take in the main sights. It’ll be a bit rushed, no doubt, but it’ll afford you an extra day to relax later.

What to do in Sukhothai

Just as in Ayutthaya, with only a day in Sukhothai you’ll have to ratchet down your travel plans. There are a ton of things to do in Sukhothai; you’ll simply need to accept that you won’t get to all of them on a time crunch.

Plan to arrive as early in the morning as possible to make the most of your day.

Launch your Sukhothai experience with the following:

Dig into Sukhothai Historical Park

With limited time, you should focus your efforts on Sukhothai Historical Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site occupies the ex-site of Old Sukhothai, the former royal capital of Siam.

Sukhothai Historical Park

Almost two hundred ruins are scattered among the five zones of Sukhothai Historical Park.

Since you’ll be tight for time, start with the central zone, the most popular and easily accessible section of the park that lies inside the old city walls and moat.

Here are a few of the highlights:

  • Wat Mahathat: A late-13th century temple that’s the most important in Sukhothai. This temple is unique for its array of Lanna, Singhalese, Sukhothai and Mon Hariphunchai architectural styles.
  • Ramkhamhaeng National Museum: A branch of the National Museum of Thailand where you’ll find over 2,000 ancient artefacts from Sukhothai and the surrounding area.
  • Wat Si Sawai: One of the oldest temples in the area, dating back to the pre-Sukhothai era. The three prangs, built in Khmer style, are quite stunning in their appearance.

Where to stay in Sukhothai

Like Ayutthaya, a smaller more compact city centre makes choosing where to stay in Sukhothai a cinch compared to other cities in Thailand. The value here is fantastic, and your baht will stretch further in Sukhothai than in other more popular destinations around the country.

  • Vieng Tawan Sukhothai Guesthouse: A budget guesthouse that punches well above its weight in value. Rooms are clean and decked out with flashes of both modernity and classic Thai charm. The outdoor pool is, as always in balmy Thailand, a welcome addition.
  • Sawasdee Sukhothai Resort: A 3-star resort featuring bungalows simply oozing with traditional Thai style and grace. With an outdoor pool and children’s playground offered along with family bungalows, this is the perfect place in Sukhothai to stay with the kids.
  • Sriwilai Sukhothai: The most luxurious hotel in Sukhothai. Rooms here are well-appointed with both modern and regal Southeast Asia design elements. Delectable evening views of the lush countryside and Wat Chedi Sung from the outdoor pool are worth the stay alone.

Getting to Sukhothai

By train: There are no direct trains between Ayutthaya and Sukhothai. To travel between the two cities, you’ll need to take a train from Ayutthaya to Phitsanulok where you’ll need to catch an onward bus to Sukhothai (1 hour).

By bus: There are regular buses that travel from Ayutthaya to Sukhothai. The journey takes about 6 hours and will cost about 310 baht.

Chiang Mai

2 Days

Far more loveable than Bangkok, Chiang Mai charms travellers like no other city in Thailand. It’s become not only a solid staple on the Thailand backpacking circuit, but a favourite temporary home for expats roaming through.

Temple in Chiang Mai

Even if Chiang Mai shed some of its hundreds of temples, it would still be a wonderful city to relax and soak up Thai culture. Here you’ll find not just some of the most interesting sites in Northern Thailand, but some of its tastiest food. This is a city where you’ll never go hungry and where your tastebuds will never stop exploring.

Carve out at least two days in Chiang Mai, or more time if you have it. Chiang Mai is a city where you’ll never feel bad lingering. In fact, after visiting for the first time, you might just find yourself doing just that.

What to do in Chiang Mai

From its impossibly beautiful surroundings to its architectural brilliance, there’s a never-ending list of amazing things to do in Chiang Mai.

Much of the city’s typical tourist points of interest radiate in and around its Old City. You’ll want to spend a sizeable chunk of your two days in Chiang Mai exploring the temples, backalleys, and food stalls of the Old City.

Of course, there’s a whole world just outside the city waiting to be discovered, too.

If you manage to carve out more than one day in Chiang Mai, venture away from the city centre and you’ll find yourself immersed in misty mountains punctuated by rainforests, rivers, and waterfalls.

Not sure how to start exploring Chiang Mai? Here are a few ideas:

Take on the Old City

There’s no better way to launch your Chiang Mai itinerary than exploring its Old City. Home to dozens of temples and some of the tastiest food in Thailand, spending time here is never a waste.

Wat Chedi Luang

My advice is to simply explore. As you snake through the alleys, there’s no end to what you’ll discover.

If you’re a little less spontaneous and prefer to travel with a plan, here are a few sites in Chiang Mai’s Old City to keep your eyes peeled for:

  • Wat Chiang Man: The oldest temple in Chiang Mai, dating back to the late-13th century. Most impressive in this temple is the chedi, ornamented in a mix of Lanna and Singhalese styles with 15 carved elephants and a gilded top, and the three-tiered Lanna-style viharn.
  • Wat Chedi Luang: Duly named “The Temple of the Great Stupa,” this beautiful temple is famous for its towering chedi. Although much of the chedi was destroyed in an earthquake, its massive scale still impresses.
  • Wat Phra Singh: A magnificent 14th-century temple featuring a striking Lanna-style viharn that’s as impressive inside as out.
Help out at the Elephant Nature Park

Unless you’ve been living under a total social media blackout (and would that really be such a bad thing?), you’re probably aware of the dangers of animal tourism. Fortunately, the Elephant Nature Park isn’t one of those offenders. In fact, it’s quite the opposite!

Elephant Nature Park

The elephants here aren’t forced to do anything out-of-the-ordinary. No tricks. No riding. Instead, what you’ll see at the Elephant Nature Park are these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

By visiting, you’ll have a chance to interact closely with them, including feeding them food, preparing their medication, and bathing them. The experience doesn’t come cheap, but unlike many of the outfits around Thailand, you’ll know that your dollars will be going to help a good cause.

As the Elephant Nature Park lies outside of the city, you’ll need to dedicate an entire day to it if you choose to go. If you’re on a bit tighter travel budget, the Chiang Mai Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is another fantastic ethical option at a fraction of the price.

Stuff yourself at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

If you’ve yet to find yourself drowning in an Asian night market, there’s no better place to start than at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. As expected from a market of this ilk, the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a cocktail of cheap souvenirs, knick-knacks, clothing, and household items.

Night Bazaar

Although the night bazaar is a great place to perfect your bargaining skills, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to test your tastebuds. Dip into the Kalare Food Center, across the street from the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, to try out an array of Thai and Asian cuisine that will knock your socks off.

Where to stay in Chiang Mai

As one of the most popular places to visit in Thailand, there’s hardly any shortage of choice in Chiang Mai. If you’re debating where to stay in Chiang Mai when you’re crunched for time, the answer is pretty simple: the Old City.

Although the city centre is compact and public transportation is plentiful, there’s no more fulfilling place to lay your head in Chiang Mai than the Old City. Not only are most of the top attractions here, you’ll simply find it a delightful place to amble about.

  • De Klang Vieng: A beautiful new budget guesthouse located close to several top Chiang Mai attractions. Rooms include a balcony for your relaxation.
  • Green Tiger Vegetarian House: A remarkably comfortable 3-star inn that’s close to all the action. You’ll simply cherish the amazing views from the fourth-floor vegetarian restaurant.
  • Thai Akara Lanna Boutique Hotel: An impeccable 4-star boutique hotel in the heart of the Old City. Luxurious touches are sprinkled throughout, from the rich room furnishings to the well-manicured garden and outdoor pool area.
  • Pingviman Hotel: A distinctively Thai resort featuring striking classic Southeast Asian design inside and out. The outdoor pool area is the perfect place to lounge after a long day of temple-hopping.

Getting to Chiang Mai

By bus: The quickest and most convenient option for travelling between Sukhothai and Chiang Mai is by bus. Buses depart several times a day from both the Sukhothai Bus Terminal and the Historical Park. Between the two cities, the fastest (and coincidentally the cheapest) buses take about 5 hours and 30 minutes and cost 207 baht.

Koh Samui

3 Days

Coming from the hectic & congested streets of the mainland, the gentle seabreeze of Koh Samui, Thailand’s most popular luxury island getaway, will be instantly soothing for your traveller lungs.

One of the things you might not know about Thailand is that it’s home to about 1,430 islands. Many would argue that in that massive cohort, there are far better islands in Thailand to visit than Koh Samui. And while they’re not necessarily wrong, there are plenty of reasons that Koh Samui sees all the action it does.

Boats on Koh Samui

Thailand’s second biggest island sports well-developed tourism infrastructure and is more easily accessible than many of the other lesser-known islands that hang out among the most beautiful islands in Thailand.

Since we’ve been seriously on the move so far, I’d recommend giving yourself at least 3 days in Koh Samui. This little bout of relaxation is the perfect way to end your Thailand vacation and get your body rested for the long trip back home or to your next destination.

What to do in Koh Samui

It seems a shame to burden you with a list of things to do in Koh Samui when, truthfully, the most ideal way to spend your time here might be doing nothing at all. That being said, if you’re the active type, there’s more than enough going on in Koh Samui to keep you from getting bored.

Whether you’re looking to cleanse the soul, please your palate, or keep your muscles primed, get started planning your Koh Samui itinerary with these ideas:

Chill out (or party) on the beach

Your first order of business in Koh Samui should be to unwind after a long week of sightseeing in mainland Thailand. The island is justly famous for its beaches. And even with the influx of travellers making their way to its shores, Koh Samui has some prizes in store.

Chaweng Beach

Most renowned is Chaweng Beach, a beautiful, but busy white sand beach on the east coast of Koh Samui. Its popularity has sprouted a slew of accommodations, dining, entertainment, and nightlife options. Visit Chaweng Beach in the early morning hour to catch a sunrise that will be the highlight of your stay in Koh Samui.

If the crowds and debauchery of Chaweng don’t tickle your fancy, you’ll might find other spots like the more subdued Bophut Beach & its Fisherman’s Village or the chilled-out Mae Nam Beach more to your liking.

Get enlightened at the Secret Buddha Garden

One of the quirkier places to visit on Koh Samui is the Secret Buddha Garden. Set upon one of the highest mountains, the Secret Buddha Garden features a slew of unique hand-carved statues reflecting Buddhist themes.

The statues are scattered among the grounds of a former durian fruit farm, some delicately arranged to speak of myths and legends while others lie hidden among the thick greenery.

Secret Buddha Garden

Visiting the private garden is only half the fun in the trip to the Secret Buddha Garden. Stalking out the beautiful surroundings—mingling lush junglescapes with waterfalls and streams—and grabbing a gander at the stunning vistas along the way is worth the trip alone.

Embrace the macabre at Wat Khunaram

It’s not often you get to see a mummy outside of an Egyptian museum or a cheesy Hollywood flick. Much less a mummy monk. At Wat Khunaram in Koh Samui, you’ll see just that. And it may be just as weird as you expect!

Wat Khunaram

Wat Khunaram enshrines one of the oddest things you’ll ever see in a Buddhist temple: the mummified remains of Luong Pordaeng, a monk who supposedly died while meditating.

Although Pordaeng died over 40 years ago, his body is remarkably well-preserved with the exception of his eyes, which are, oddly enough, now hidden by knock-off Ray Bans.

Marvel at the beauty of Ang Thong Marine National Park

Not that there isn’t enough to keep you busy on Koh Samui, but if you’re looking for something a little different, there’s perhaps no better day trip than to the beautiful Ang Thong Marine National Park.

Over 40 islands, set among more than 100 square kilometres of seemingly virgin seas, await to transport you to a tropical paradise that you’d always dreamed of. On the islands, lush jungles cling to limestone karsts and hide waterfalls, lakes, coves, and pristine white-sand beaches.

Ang Thong Marine National Park

Even the seas around Ang Thong Marine National Park are an attraction of their own, perfect for scoping out exotic marine life while sea kayaking, diving, or snorkelling.

Ang Thong National Park is open all year round, with the exception of November and December when the monsoon season roars in.

Where to stay in Koh Samui

The insane popularity of Koh Samui has led to an explosion of accommodations options over the years. Although Thailand’s second biggest island is known for its luxury selection, picking out where to stay in Koh Samui doesn’t necessarily lead to a shattered travel budget.

Hotels are scattered throughout the island, but the most popular areas remain Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, and Taling Ngam.

  • Villa Giacomelli: A small friendly guesthouse within a 2-minute walk of the beach in quiet Taling Ngam. The ridiculously budget-friendly rooms are all equipped with garden-view terraces.
  • Buri Rasa Village: A lovely 4-star resort in Chaweng that’s completely decked out with impeccable modern Thai style. And if the beachfront location weren’t enough, top-notch amenities like an outdoor pool, hot tub, spa, and private balconies will keep you coming back for more.
  • Conrad Koh Samui: The ultimate Koh Samui luxury escape. Settled on a private beachfront property spread across 25 acres on the Gulf of Thailand, this 5-star resort serves up some of the island’s loveliest sunsets from the comfort of your villa. Throw in the private infinity pools, a world-class spa, and five on-site bars & restaurants, and it’s easy to see why Conrad Koh Samui is one of the finest hotels in the entire region. Book directly on Hilton.com to get the best price and make your stay eligible for Hilton Honor Points!

Getting to Koh Samui

By air: The only direct flights between Chiang Mai and Koh Samui are operated by Bangkok Airways. For more fare options, you’ll to fly first to Bangkok.

Looking for cheap flights to Koh Samui from Chiang Mai? I’d recommend searching for airfare deals on CheapOair!

More 10-day Thailand itinerary ideas

  • Craving even more relaxation? Swap the busier Koh Samui for a smaller and quieter island like Koh Lipe, Koh Tao, or Koh Lanta. These harder-to-reach islands are best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Grab a couple extra days here at the end of your Thailand trip if you can.
  • Love trekking? Swap your surfer shorts for hiking shoes and make your way to Pai in Northern Thailand.
  • Want to party until the break of dawn? Although it’s hardly place I’d personally go out of the way for, there are plenty of things to do in Phuket, a destination most famous for the legendary party culture of Patong Beach. Hangovers here are not optional. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. For partiers, Koh Phi Phi Don, famous being the backdrop of The Beach, is another (slightly less crazy) option.

Things to know before you go to Thailand

When to go to Thailand

If there’s one thing you’ll learn while travelling in Southeast Asia, it’s that the weather’s a bit unpredictable. Thailand is no different.

Beach on Ko Lipe

Overall, the best time to visit Thailand is between December and March. In these months, much of Thailand is at its most ideal weather-wise. In many of the top places to visit in Thailand, like Bangkok, Ayutthaya & Chiang Mai, these months are the driest of the year and the most pleasant in terms of heat & humidity.

(Although let’s be honest, you’ll still need to suffer through plenty of hot, wet weather whenever you choose to visit Thailand!)

Do I need travel insurance for Thailand?

One of the most asked questions I’ll get for any trip is: “Is it worth getting travel insurance?

Unequivocally, my answer is always the same: Yes. In fact, I’d happily place travel insurance as one of the most important purchases in your Thailand trip planning cycle!

If you’re still leaning on the fence, there’s something else to consider.

Water & Boats @ Ko Phi Phi

Recently, the Thai government has been pushing to make travel insurance mandatory for all travellers entering Thailand on a tourist visa. Although the official regulation isn’t in place yet, there’s a chance it could be at some point in the very near future.

In any case, for the relatively small cost of getting travel insurance, it’s not worth taking any undue risk.

A good travel insurance policy will cover you for things like theft, lost/stolen/damaged baggage, and, perhaps most importantly, medical expenses and emergency evacuation. Even needing to make one claim will more than pay for the cost of several policies!

Other Thailand travel planning resources

  • Guidebooks: As much I rely on technology, I rarely travel without print guidebooks. Lonely Planet Thailand provides one of the more comprehensive and up-to-date travel guides for the country.
  • Phrasebooks: Thai isn’t so easy to speak. You could attempt to slog through with something like the Lonely Planet Thai Phrasebook & Dictionary, but a book/audio course like Teach Yourself Complete Thai will get you a lot further.
  • Vaccinations: In addition to being up-to-date with your routine vaccinations, the CDC recommends getting vaccinations for Hepatitis A & B and typhoid for travelling to Thailand.
Treksplorer

Ryan O'Rourke is a seasoned traveler and the founder & editor of Treksplorer, a fiercely independent guide to mid-range luxury travel for busy people. With over 20 years of extensive travel experience, Ryan has journeyed through over 50 countries, uncovering hidden gems and sharing firsthand, unsponsored insights on what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay. Backed by his travel experience and in-depth research, Ryan’s travel advice and writing has been featured in publications like the Huffington Post and Matador Network. You can connect with Ryan on Twitter/X at @rtorourke.

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