10-Day Itinerary: Bangkok, Khao Sok National Park, Koh Samui

  • Day 1: Bangkok Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
    30 minutes (10 km) from the airport

    The Grand Palace is a magnificent and historical royal palace in Bangkok, surrounded by beautiful gardens, temples, and museums. The Wat Phra Kaew temple has a stunning Emerald Buddha statue and intricate carvings.

  • Day 2-3: Khao Sok National Park
    6 hours (400 km) from Bangkok

    Khoa Sok National Park is a natural paradise with waterfalls, lakes, caves, and diverse wildlife. Activities include hiking, kayaking, elephant trekking, and bird watching. Discover the amazing scenery of southern Thailand.

  • Day 4-6: Koh Samui Beaches and Nightlife
    4 hours (250 km) from Khao Sok National Park

    Koh Samui is a tropical island with crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and numerous sea activities like snorkeling, diving, and island hopping. Enjoy Thai food, drinks, and parties at night in the famous Chaweng and Lamai Beach areas.

  • Day 7-8: Explore the Cultural Side of Bangkok
    1.5 hours (80 km) from Koh Samui

    Visit the Jim Thompson House, a traditional Thai style teakwood house and silk museum. Explore the vibrant street art scene in the Bang Rak and Charoen Krung neighborhoods. Try local street food and shopping in the Chatuchak Weekend Market.

  • Day 9: Ayutthaya Historical Park
    1.5 hours (80 km) from Bangkok

    Ayutthaya was once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient temples, palaces, and ruins. Rent a bike or a tuk-tuk to explore the amazing historical park on a day trip.

  • Day 10: Bangkok Final Shopping and Departure
    30 minutes (11 km) from Ayutthaya

    Shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, and more in the popular shopping destinations like Siam Square, MBK, and Terminal 21. Have a final meal of authentic Thai cuisine before heading to the airport for your departure.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (2-3 hours, 500 baht)
  • Khao Sok National Park (2-3 days, 8000 baht)
  • Koh Samui Beaches and Nightlife (3-4 days, 12000 baht)
  • Jim Thompson House (1-2 hours, 150 baht)
  • Ayutthaya Historical Park (1-2 days, 1500 baht)
  • Souvenir Shopping (2-3 hours, 2000 baht)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 23850 baht

Transportation

Travelers can fly to Bangkok, take a train or a bus to Surat Thani, and then a minivan or a ferry to Koh Samui. Transportation costs can range from 500 baht (bus) to 5000 baht (flight) per person depending on the mode of transportation and the season. Travel times can range from 1.5 hours (Bangkok to Ayutthaya) to 4 hours (Khao Sok National Park to Koh Samui) to 12 hours (Bangkok to Surat Thani). It’s recommended to book tickets in advance, compare prices, and check for safety regulations.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can visit other nearby destinations like Krabi, Phuket, or Chiang Mai. If you have less time, you can skip some attractions or choose shorter tours. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes, and a camera. It’s also polite to dress modestly when visiting temples and local communities. Lastly, beware of scams, pickpockets, and traffic congestion.

Airports

Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). BKK is the main airport serving most international flights and some domestic flights. It’s located about 30 km east of Bangkok city center and has various amenities like lounges, shops, restaurants, and hotels. DMK is the second airport serving mostly domestic flights and a few international flights. It’s located about 25 km north of Bangkok city center and has fewer amenities but lower fees. Both airports are well-connected to the city by public transportation and taxis.

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