Start your trip in Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. Visit the Grand Palace, a historic and cultural landmark that houses the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. Then, enjoy a relaxing evening at the Asiatique Riverfront, a popular night market with many shops, restaurants and entertainment options.
Take a day trip to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand. Explore the Wat Phra Mahathat temple, famous for its iconic image of Buddha's head in the roots of a tree. Visit the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace and admire the stunning architecture and beautiful landscapes. End your day with a visit to the night market in Ayutthaya for some local food and entertainment.
Take a flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, a cultural hub in northern Thailand. Spend your first day exploring the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple, one of the most sacred and iconic temples in Chiang Mai. Enjoy the rest of the day shopping and eating at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. On the second day, visit an elephant sanctuary, where you can interact with and take care of these gentle giants. End your day with a visit to the Doi Inthanon National Park, which boasts stunning scenery and waterfalls.
Take a scenic drive to the small town of Pai, located in the northern hills of Thailand. Explore the Wat Nam Hoo temple and walk around the quaint town filled with cafes, shops and street vendors. Relax and unwind at the Pam Bok Waterfall or the Sai Ngam Hot Spring before heading back to Chiang Mai.
Take a flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket, one of Thailand's most popular beach destinations. Spend your day lounging and soaking up the sun at the Patong beach, one of the most popular beaches in Phuket. Enjoy the local nightlife and shopping options at the Bangla Road.
Take a ferry to the Phi Phi Islands, a tropical paradise. Spend your first day exploring the Maya Bay, where the famous movie "The Beach" was filmed. Go snorkeling at Monkey Beach or swimming at Loh Samah Bay. On the second day, take a boat tour to Phi Phi Leh Island and visit the Viking Cave and Pileh Lagoon. Relax and unwind on your final day on the beautiful beaches of Phi Phi Islands.
Take a ferry and flight back to Bangkok for your last day in Thailand. Visit the Wat Arun temple, a cultural icon located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Take a stroll through the Chatuchak Weekend Market, the largest market in Thailand with over 15,000 stalls. End your day with a relaxing dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River.
Transportation options in Thailand include taxis, tuk-tuks, buses, and flights. For longer distances, it's recommended to take flights to save time. Taxis and tuk-tuks are common in cities and can be negotiated for a fair price. Buses are also a cheap and efficient way to get around the country, but they can be slow and uncomfortable for longer distances. Expect to spend about 5000 Baht on transportation during this 10-day trip.
If you have more time, consider visiting other destinations in Thailand such as Krabi, Koh Samui, or Sukhothai. If you have less time, consider skipping Ayutthaya or Pai. Be prepared for hot and humid weather, and pack accordingly with sunscreen and light clothing. Respect the local culture and customs when visiting temples and other religious sites.
Thailand has several international airports, including Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), and Phuket International Airport (HKT). Suvarnabhumi Airport is the main gateway to Thailand, located about 30 km east of Bangkok's city center. Chiang Mai International Airport is located about 10 km from the city center, while Phuket International Airport is located about 32 km from Phuket's city center.