Thailand 10-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrival & Transfer to Hotel

Arrive at Bangkok's Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), clear immigration, and transfer to your accommodation.

Depending on traffic, this can take 1-1.5 hours.

You can use Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber), a metered taxi, or the A1/A2 bus to Mo Chit Skytrain station for public transport connections. Sukhumvit or Silom are great areas for solo travelers, offering easy access to public transport, diverse dining, and nightlife.

Hotel Check-in & Lunch

Check into your hotel, drop off your luggage, and find a local spot for your first authentic Thai lunch.

Many hotels offer early check-in based on availability. Look for street food stalls or small local restaurants (often called 'shophouse restaurants') for delicious and affordable meals.

Wat Arun & Riverside Exploration

Take a taxi or public transport to the Chao Phraya River and visit Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn).

Climb its central prang for panoramic views. Afterwards, take a walk along the riverside, soaking in the evening atmosphere.

Best to visit Wat Arun in the late afternoon for stunning views, especially as the sun sets and the temple lights up. Cross the river via a ferry from Tha Tien Pier. Dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered).

Dinner at Asiatique The Riverfront

Enjoy dinner at Asiatique The Riverfront, an open-air mall and night market combining dining, shopping, and entertainment with a scenic riverside setting.

It's a great place to meet other travelers.

Take the free shuttle boat from Saphan Taksin BTS station to Asiatique. There are various restaurants, from casual street food to more upscale options. Consider taking a ride on the Ferris wheel for city views.

Floating Market & Train Market Tour

Embark on an exciting tour to the iconic Maeklong Railway Market, where vendors quickly pack up as a train passes, and the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, exploring canals by boat.

This is a fantastic opportunity to meet other travelers and experience unique Thai culture.

Book this tour in advance. It includes transport from Bangkok and is a popular activity for solo travelers. You'll get to taste local snacks and see traditional market life.

Local Lunch After Tour

Grab a quick and delicious local lunch near your hotel or a convenient spot after returning from your market tour.

Ask your tour guide for recommendations for a good local eatery in the area you're dropped off.

Wat Pho & Grand Palace Area

Visit Wat Pho, home to the magnificent Reclining Buddha.

Then, explore the grounds of the Grand Palace (exterior views) and its Temple of the Emerald Buddha. These are among Bangkok's most significant cultural sites.

Dress code is strict for the Grand Palace and temples (no sleeveless tops, shorts, or ripped jeans). Shawls and long pants are available for rent/purchase near the entrance. The Grand Palace closes earlier than Wat Pho, so prioritize accordingly or enjoy the exterior if time is short.

Dinner in Chinatown (Yaowarat)

Experience the vibrant energy and incredible street food scene of Bangkok's Chinatown (Yaowarat Road).

This area comes alive at night and is perfect for a solo foodie adventure.

Take a Grab or MRT to Wat Mangkon station. Walk down Yaowarat Road, sampling various dishes from different stalls. Don't miss the seafood, dim sum, and famous durian if you're brave!

Rooftop Bar Experience

Enjoy a drink at one of Bangkok's famous rooftop bars, offering spectacular views of the city skyline.

A great way to unwind and potentially chat with other travelers.

Sky Bar at Lebua (famous from 'The Hangover Part II'), Vertigo and Moon Bar at Banyan Tree, or Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar are popular choices. Dress code is usually smart casual.

Morning at Chatuchak Weekend Market (if weekend) or MBK Center

If it were a weekend, Chatuchak Weekend Market is a must-see for incredible shopping and local vibes. As it's a weekday, explore the MBK Center, a large shopping mall known for electronics, clothing, and souvenirs.

MBK Center is easily accessible by BTS Skytrain (National Stadium station). Chatuchak is only open on Saturdays and Sundays. For a weekday market experience, consider Or Tor Kor Market near Chatuchak (more upscale food market).

Relaxing Thai Massage

Indulge in a traditional Thai massage to relax before your evening flight.

A perfect way to soothe tired muscles and experience Thai wellness culture.

Many massage parlors are available throughout Bangkok. Look for highly-rated local spots. A foot massage is also a great option.

Last Bangkok Lunch

Enjoy a final Thai lunch in Bangkok before heading to the airport for your domestic flight to Chiang Mai.

Transfer to Don Mueang Airport (DMK)

Allow ample time for traffic when transferring back to Don Mueang Airport (DMK) for your domestic flight.

Aim to be at the airport 2 hours before departure for domestic flights.

Use Grab, a metered taxi, or Airport LimoBus Express. If taking public transport, take the BTS Skytrain to Mo Chit, then the A1/A2 bus to DMK.

Flight to Chiang Mai

Board your evening flight from Bangkok (DMK) to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX).

You requested a flight around 8:30-9:00 PM. Please note that specific enriched flight data from DMK to CNX was not available for this exact date and time. This is a placeholder for a typical flight duration.

Chiang Mai Arrival & Hotel Check-in

Arrive at Chiang Mai airport, transfer to your hotel in the Old City or Nimman area, and check in.

Get settled for your exploration of Northern Thailand.

Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Visit

Spend a heartwarming day at an ethical elephant sanctuary, learning about these magnificent creatures, feeding them, and observing them in their natural habitat.

This offers a hands-off, respectful interaction.

Booking well in advance is highly recommended as ethical sanctuaries limit visitor numbers. Many tours include hotel pickup/drop-off and lunch. 'Blue Elephant Thailand Tours' is a highly-rated ethical option.

Free Time & Relaxation

Return from the elephant sanctuary and enjoy some free time to relax at your hotel, explore the local area, or grab a coffee.

Evening Thai Cooking Class

Join a half-day evening cooking class to learn how to prepare authentic Thai dishes.

This is a fantastic way to meet other solo travelers and immerse yourself in Thai culture.

The 'Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai' includes a market tour to learn about ingredients. Many classes accommodate dietary restrictions.

Chiang Mai Organic Coffee Tour

Embark on a unique journey into the heart of a forest for an organic coffee tour.

Learn about hand-roasting and brewing, and understand a different way of life. This is a deeper dive into nature and local culture, providing a full day's adventure.

This experience is designed for travelers seeking real connection and is a great way to meet like-minded individuals. It offers beautiful natural scenery and a hands-on learning experience.

Dinner in Nimman

After a day of coffee adventures, head to the trendy Nimman area of Chiang Mai for dinner.

This neighborhood is known for its chic cafes, boutiques, and diverse restaurants, popular with locals and expats.

Nimman is great for solo dining with many small eateries and cafes. It's a bit more modern than the Old City but easily accessible by Grab or Songthaew (red shared taxi).

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar Stroll

Take an evening stroll through the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.

Browse for souvenirs, local crafts, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

The Night Bazaar is a classic Chiang Mai experience. Practice your bargaining skills! There are also food stalls and live music in some sections.

Ethical Elephant Encounter

Experience an unforgettable morning at an ethical elephant sanctuary.

Learn about elephant conservation, prepare food, feed, and observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Focus on responsible and hands-off interaction.

Book a half-day morning visit in advance. Many sanctuaries offer pickup from your accommodation. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that can get dirty. This is a great way to meet other travelers.

Transfer to Chiang Mai Airport

Travel from your accommodation in Chiang Mai to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) for your afternoon flight to Koh Samui.

Check-in & Dinner in Koh Tao

Arrive at Mae Haad Pier, transfer to your accommodation, check-in, and enjoy dinner.

Explore the lively Sairee Beach area.

Many resorts offer complimentary pickup from the pier. Sairee Beach is a popular area for dining and meeting other travelers.

Koh Tao & Nang Yuan Snorkeling Trip

Embark on a full-day boat trip around Koh Tao, visiting several prime snorkeling spots, including the famous Koh Nang Yuan with its iconic viewpoint and crystal-clear waters.

Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and exploring marine life.

Most tours include lunch, water, and snorkeling gear. Book with a reputable local operator. This is an excellent activity for solo travelers to meet others.

Relax at Sairee Beach

After your snorkeling adventure, unwind on the expansive Sairee Beach.

Enjoy the sunset, grab a refreshing drink, or simply relax by the ocean.

Sairee Beach is Koh Tao's longest beach, known for its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful sunsets.

Dinner in Sairee Village

Explore the many dining options in Sairee village, from local Thai eateries to international cuisine.

Enjoy a delicious meal and soak in the evening atmosphere.

Walk along the main road of Sairee for diverse restaurant choices. Many bars offer fire shows in the evening.

Full Day Treasure Hunt on Koh Tao

Embark on a unique six-hour immersive treasure hunt experience across Koh Tao.

Work in teams (perfect for meeting people!) to find hidden clues and uncover the island's secrets, combining adventure with sightseeing.

This is a fun way to explore the island and interact with other participants. Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection.

John-Suwan Viewpoint Visit

Hike to the stunning John-Suwan Viewpoint, offering panoramic views of both Chalok Baan Kao and Thian Og (Shark Bay). It's a relatively easy climb rewarding you with spectacular scenery.

Dinner at Shark Bay (Thian Og)

Enjoy a relaxed dinner near Shark Bay (Thian Og) after your viewpoint visit.

The bay is known for its clear waters and occasional shark sightings (reef sharks, harmless to humans).

Check-in & Lunch in Koh Phangan

Arrive at Thong Sala Pier, transfer to your accommodation, check-in, and have lunch at a local restaurant.

Explore the Thong Sala area.

Many resorts offer pier pickup. Thong Sala is the main town and ferry hub, with markets and eateries.

Explore Than Sadet National Park

Discover the lush jungle and scenic waterfalls within Than Sadet-Ko Pha-ngan National Park.

Hike to viewpoints and enjoy the natural beauty. Visit Than Sadet waterfall, once frequented by Thai royalty.

Rent a scooter or arrange a songthaew (shared taxi) to explore. Be mindful of uneven terrain. Look for viewpoints offering stunning vistas of the island's coastline.

Dinner at Thong Sala Night Market

Indulge in a variety of delicious and affordable Thai street food at the Thong Sala Night Market (Pantip Market).

This is a great place to sample local delicacies and soak in the vibrant atmosphere, perfect for solo diners.

The market offers a wide range of dishes, from curries to fresh seafood and desserts. Grab a seat at one of the communal tables.

Relax at Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach

Spend your morning relaxing and swimming at the picturesque Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach.

Known for its soft sand and clear waters, it's a perfect 'paradise beach' to enjoy before your journey back.

This bay offers a tranquil atmosphere and a few beachfront restaurants. Accessible by scooter or taxi from Thong Sala.

Farewell Lunch in Koh Phangan

Enjoy a final Thai lunch in Koh Phangan before heading to the pier for your ferry to Koh Samui.

Transfer to Koh Samui Airport

Upon arrival at Koh Samui pier, transfer to Koh Samui International Airport (USM) for your evening flight to Bangkok.