{"id":35773,"date":"2022-07-22T11:56:42","date_gmt":"2022-07-22T09:56:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/touristear.com\/?p=35773"},"modified":"2023-09-19T10:05:56","modified_gmt":"2023-09-19T08:05:56","slug":"thailand-10-days","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/touristear.com\/en\/thailand-10-days\/","title":{"rendered":"How (and Why) to See Thailand in 10 Days"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I sometimes refer to 10 days in Thailand as a “goldilocks” trip. It’s not too short; it’s not too long. Of course, you can’t see everywhere in the Kingdom in 10 days, but that’s the point: The trip will leave you as satisfied with what you’ve seen as you’ll be hungry to come back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In around a week and a half, you can spend a few days in Thailand’s main regions: The Bangkok<\/strong><\/a> area, the lush north, and the beachy south. Of course, that’s assuming you’ve never been to Thailand before or are simply looking for an eclectic, country-spanning trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other travelers, particularly those who are returning to Thailand, may choose to dig into an area off the beaten path\u2014the Isaan<\/a> region of northeastern Thailand is an ideal spot for this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of how you spend your 10-day Thailand trip, you’ll find all the inspiration you need below. Don’t forget your travel insurance for your trip<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"thailand\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Why 10 Days are the Perfect Thailand Trip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I’ve spent years of my life in the Kingdom, so it might sound strange to strongly endorse staying just a week and a half in Thailand<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, from the perspective of a less committed traveler, a trip of 10 days (or so) really hits the sweet spot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certainly, I wouldn’t recommend spending any less than 10 days exploring this country, especially not if you’re flying in from the US or Europe; it’ll take you at least a few days to overcome your jet lag<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, 10 days are relatively short enough that you’re unlikely to feel worn out or burnt out. You’ll spend long enough in each place you visit to start getting to know it, but nowhere near enough to get jaded or bored. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ll leave feeling like you understand Thailand (or at least that you’re on your way there) but also hungry to come back and dig deeper when you next get the chance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to Go With 10 Days in Thailand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bangkok<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most international flights<\/a><\/strong> to Thailand arrive in Bangkok, but that’s not the only reason you should spend at least a couple of nights here on your way into the Kingdom. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

There’s something for everyone in Thailand’s capital, from the rooftop bars along Silom, Sukhumvit and Sathorn Roads in the so-called “New City” to the temples and palaces in Rattanakosin and Thonburi, which comprise the “Old City.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bangkok also makes a great base for trips to Thailand’s ancient capital of Ayutthaya and many of Thailand’s famous “floating” markets<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The North<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you plan to see Thailand in 10 days, you’ll likely head north of Bangkok and almost certainly to the walled old city of Chiang Mai<\/a><\/strong>. This is not the only option, however. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Suppose the temples of Chiang Mai city and the surrounding waterfalls and hill tribes don’t appeal to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In that case, you can instead head to sleepier Chiang Rai and the adjacent Golden Triangle (a former opium-producing region<\/strong><\/a> that’s now a culturally eclectic tourism hub) or to still sleepier Lampang, visiting which is like a veritable trip back in time).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Islands<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The bad news? Thailand has way too many islands to see in just 10 days. The good news? If you’re clear about where you want to go, you can see at least a couple of them. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Some travelers head to popular Phuket<\/strong><\/a> or Krabi provinces, where they make onward excursions to islands like Koh Racha and Koh Phi Phi, respectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Others fly to Koh Samui, the anchor of the Chumphon archipelago, which is just a stone’s throw from even more spectacular Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isaan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you want to spend your ten days in Thailand entirely in one region, the underrated northeast (colloquially known as Isaan<\/em>) is a good place to go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although definitely not touristic in any way, Isaan is extremely rewarding for travelers.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Some of my favorite places in Isaan include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n