Thailand 10-Day Itinerary (2026): Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai & Krabi — The Perfect First-Timer Route

Thailand has a special way of feeling like ten trips in one: glittering temples and street-food alleys, ancient ruins that glow at sunset, misty mountain viewpoints, and island days that stretch lazily from smoothie to sunset. If you’ve got 10 days, this route is a greatest-hits itinerary that still feels doable—pairing iconic must-sees with enough breathing room to actually enjoy them.

At a Glance: Where You’ll Go in 10 Days

• Days 1–3: Bangkok (temples, markets, neighborhoods, food)
• Days 4–5: Ayutthaya (UNESCO ruins + easy day-trip/overnight)
• Days 6–7: Chiang Mai (Old City temples, mountain views, night markets)
• Days 8–10: Krabi (Railay, island hopping, emerald water adventures)

Days 1–3: Bangkok — Temples, Markets, and the Best Street Food of Your Life

Bangkok is big, bold, and absolutely worth the sensory overload. The secret is to group sights by area and use the city’s modern transit to keep things easy.

Day 1: Bangkok’s “Classic Icons” Day

Start with Bangkok’s most famous cultural sights:

• The Grand Palace + Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha): A must for first-timers—go early for cooler temps and smaller crowds. royalgrandpalace.th
• Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): A stunner across the river, famous for its intricate, porcelain-like detailing and riverside views. Tourism Authority of Thailand

Local tip: Dress modestly for temple visits (shoulders and knees covered) and bring water—Bangkok heat doesn’t play around.

Day 2: Neighborhood Wandering + Chinatown Eats

Today is about vibes:

• Old Town strolls: cafés, small museums, river views, and temple-hopping at your own pace.
• Yaowarat (Bangkok Chinatown): Come hungry. This is street-food heaven—think peppery soups, grilled seafood, mango sticky rice, and endless snacks.

Day 3: Market Day + Easy City Navigation

If your Day 3 lands on a weekend, make it a classic:

• Chatuchak Weekend Market: One of the world’s most famous markets—souvenirs, art, clothes, home goods, plants, and fantastic food stalls.

Getting around is simple:

• BTS Skytrain: Fast, safe, and air-conditioned—perfect for hopping between neighborhoods without traffic stress. bts.co.th

If Day 3 is not a weekend: Swap Chatuchak for a riverside afternoon (boat ride + relaxed dinner) and save shopping for modern malls or local night markets.

Days 4–5: Ayutthaya — A UNESCO Time Capsule of Siamese History

Just north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya is one of Thailand’s most rewarding history stops. The ruined prangs (towers), headless Buddhas, and crumbling brick corridors feel haunting in the best way.

Day 4: Travel + Temple Loop

Take a short trip from Bangkok (train, driver, or tour) and spend the afternoon exploring:

• Wat Phra Si Sanphet (one of Ayutthaya’s most important temple sites)
• Wat Chaiwatthanaram (gorgeous at golden hour on the river)

Ayutthaya is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and managed as a protected historical park area. UNESCO World Heritage Centre

How to explore: Rent a bicycle for a breezy DIY loop, or hire a tuk-tuk driver for a curated route (especially nice in the heat).

Day 5: Add Context, Then Return

Before heading back to Bangkok (or onward), add one “context stop”:

• Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre: A helpful place to understand the kingdom’s timeline and why the ruins matter. Discovery Thailand

Then return to Bangkok for an evening flight north—or stay flexible and go straight onward if you prefer an overnight in Ayutthaya.

Days 6–7: Chiang Mai — Northern Culture, Mountain Air, and Night Markets

Chiang Mai is calmer than Bangkok, but still packed with culture. Think temple bells, leafy cafés, craft markets, and that “slow travel” feeling.

Day 6: Old City Temples + Evening Market

Start inside the Old City walls:

• Wat Phra Singh: A Chiang Mai essential with beautiful Lanna architecture.
• Wat Chedi Luang: Known for its massive ancient chedi and peaceful courtyard vibe.

In the evening:

• Chiang Mai Night Bazaar: Great for casual shopping and easy street-food grazing.

Day 7: Doi Suthep Views + Nature Reset

Head uphill for the classic Chiang Mai viewpoint experience:

• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: A revered mountaintop temple with panoramic views over the city.
• Doi Suthep–Pui National Park: If you want greenery, short trails, and cooler air, this is the natural add-on. Trusted Thailand

Tonight’s suggestion: Book a relaxed dinner, get a massage, and call it an early night—you’ve earned it.

Days 8–10: Krabi — Railay Beaches, Island Days, and Emerald Water

Fly south to Krabi for the grand finale: warm water, limestone cliffs, and boat days that feel like postcards.

Day 8: Base Yourself and Exhale

Most travelers base in Ao Nang (easy access to tours, lots of food options) or go quieter on Railay if you want a more secluded feel.

Spend the afternoon with:

• beach time
• sunset dinner
• planning tomorrow’s island hop without rushing

Day 9: Island Hopping (Phi Phi + the “Movie Scenery” Route)

A boat tour to the Phi Phi Islands is the iconic Krabi day trip. Thai National Parks

If conditions allow, you may visit Maya Bay (made famous by The Beach). Keep in mind: Maya Bay has a history of conservation closures, including a two-month closure (Aug–Sep 2025) with reopening reported for October 1, 2025—so it’s smart to check current access rules around your exact travel dates. 5 Star Marine Phuket

Easy swap if Maya Bay access is limited during your visit: choose tours emphasizing Pileh Lagoon, Bamboo Island, or snorkeling stops—you’ll still get that crystal-water magic without the stress.

Day 10: Emerald Pool Day + A Gentle Goodbye

Wrap your trip with a nature-focused day:

• Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot) in the Thung Teao Forest area—known for its striking green-blue water and jungle setting.

Plan for an early start to beat crowds, then finish with a final seafood dinner in Krabi.

Essential Tips for a Smooth Thailand Trip

• Pack for heat + temples: breathable clothes, plus one outfit that covers shoulders/knees comfortably.
• Sun + bugs: sunscreen and insect repellent are non-negotiable on beach/nature days.
• Hydrate smart: carry a reusable bottle and buy cold water frequently.
• Plan transit days lightly: flights and transfers are easy in Thailand, but don’t schedule “major sights + travel + a big night” all in one day.

Thailand Visa & Entry Notes (Updated)

Thailand entry rules can change, so confirm before you fly. As of recent official guidance:

• Many travelers (including U.S. tourists) can enter visa-free for stays under 60 days under the updated exemption scheme. Thai Embassy
• The U.S. State Department also notes that pre-arrival online registration may be required, and that you may be asked for onward travel proof and other entry documentation.

Check the official Thai embassy/consulate guidance for your nationality before departure.

Ready for Your Thailand Trip?

This 10-day Thailand itinerary gives you the “big four” regions most first-timers dream about—Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, and Krabi—without feeling like you’re sprinting through the country. It’s cultural, delicious, scenic, and (most importantly) fun.