10-Day Thailand Itinerary for Cultural Immersion

1. Day 1: Grand Palace, Bangkok
   30 minutes (6.1 km) from Suvarnabhumi airport

   Visit the opulent Grand Palace, filled with royal buildings and intricate architectural designs.

2. Day 2: Prasat Hin Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima
   5 hours (377 km) from Bangkok

   Explore the well-preserved Khmer ruins of Prasat Hin Phimai, dating back to the 11th century.

3. Day 3: Pha Taem National Park, Ubon Ratchathani
   6 hours (386 km) from Nakhon Ratchasima

   Marvel at the prehistoric rock paintings and stunning vistas of the Mekong River Valley.

4. Day 4: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai
   7.5 hours (484 km) from Ubon Ratchathani

   Climb the 309 steps to the golden chedi of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a sacred mountaintop temple.

5. Day 5: Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai
   2 hours (115 km) from Chiang Mai

   Step into the surreal white temple of Wat Rong Khun, designed by acclaimed Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat.

6. Day 6: Wat Phumin, Nan
   4.5 hours (269 km) from Chiang Rai

   Admire the dazzling murals inside the Lanna-style Wat Phumin, depicting local life and folklore.

7. Day 7: Ayutthaya Historical Park, Ayutthaya
   10 hours (643 km) from Nan

   Discover the former Siamese capital of Ayutthaya, dotted with ruins of temples and palaces from the 14th to 18th century.

8. Day 8: Sukhothai Historical Park, Sukhothai
   3 hours (243 km) from Ayutthaya

   Marvel at the impressive architecture and Buddha statues of Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

9. Day 9: Wat Arun, Bangkok
   6 hours (424 km) from Sukhothai

   Witness the beauty of Wat Arun, a riverside temple with a striking Khmer-style prang and intricate porcelain decorations.

10. Day 10: Jim Thompson House, Bangkok
    30 minutes (7.2 km) from Wat Arun

    Learn about the life and legacy of American businessman and silk entrepreneur Jim Thompson, amid his charming Thai-style house and lush garden.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Grand Palace (3 hours, ฿500)
• Prasat Hin Phimai (2 hours, ฿150)
• Pha Taem National Park (6 hours, ฿200)
• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (2 hours, ฿50)
• Wat Rong Khun (2 hours, ฿50)
• Wat Phumin (1 hour, free)
• Ayutthaya Historical Park (4 hours, ฿290)
• Sukhothai Historical Park (3 hours, ฿350)
• Wat Arun (1 hour, ฿50)
• Jim Thompson House (2 hours, ฿200)
Total Estimated Costs: ฿1,940

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the ancient city of Lopburi, the elephant refuge at Elephant Nature Park, or a street food tour in Bangkok.

If you have less time, you may skip either Sukhothai or Ayutthaya, or spend only half a day at the Grand Palace. Remember to check the opening hours and dates of attractions beforehand to avoid disappointment.