Is your desire to travel to Thailand unavoidable due to high costs? No need to worry! This Thailand travel itinerary 10 days will provide you with the opportunity to explore the best of Thailand without breaking the bank. For less than half the price, you can enjoy everything from busy market squares and ancient buildings to beautiful beaches. Plus, there are plenty of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.
Why You Should Visit Thailand
✅ Affordable and amazing place for such price
✅ Incredible street food and cuisine
✅ A perfect blend of tropical beaches, ancient monuments, and bustling urban centers
Thailand is a great place for backpackers and offers budget-friendly options. For those seeking adventure, relaxation, or both—Thailand has got it. The best part? There is no need to spend a fortune for an unforgettable experience.
Spending a 10-day trip in Thailand will allow you to experience the lively streets of Bangkok, peaceful temples in Chiang Mai, Pai relaxation, and sun-soaked beaches in Krabi and Phuket. Along the way, I will give you a lot of insider advice on saving money.
👉 Discover the ultimate Thailand travel itinerary 10 days by reading the whole article.
Day 1–2: Bangkok – Thailand’s Pulse
Why you should go:
✅ Bold urban markets and rooftop eateries
✅ Classical sites and emblematic landmarks
✅ Traditional Thai culture blends with modern city life
🌆 Hi, Bangkok!
In Bangkok, the most sensory overload can be experienced. The combination of sounds, colors, and smells is alluring. Once settled, you’ll come across a city full of character and endless adventure.
You can start at the Grand Palace. The temples and halls form a maelstrom-like complex that is truly magnificent. For roughly $15, the entrance is a worthwhile expense. But take my word for it: Alongside the palace is Wat Pho, which features a massive statue of reclining Buddha. This place is quite extraordinary and one of the major attractions in the city.
After a brief history lesson, head to Khao San Road for street food and nightlife. With prices ranging from $1–2, you can enjoy pad thai, and there are vendors selling everything from sweet fresh mango sticky rice to juicy spring rolls.
This stop is the perfect way to kick off your Thailand travel itinerary 10 days with a mix of culture, food, and nightlife.
💡 Budget Tip:
Convenient and efficient transportation options, such as the BTS Skytrain or MRT, are available for less than $1 per ride.
🍜 Hidden Gem:
Skip the costly tourist destinations and indulge in a Michelin-starred rice porridge (jok) at Jok Prince – despite its small size and affordability!
Day 3–4: Chiang Mai – The Cultural Capital
Why you should visit:
✅ A wealth of ancient history and temples
✅ Amazing night markets and street food
✅ Access to nature and elephant reserves
🏯 Relax in Chiang Mai
The bustling atmosphere of Bangkok is matched by Chiang Mai, offering a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle. This northern Thai city is known for its relaxed atmosphere and historic charm.
Start off at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The location is positioned on a mountaintop, offering sweeping views of the city. It’s worth the 306-step uphill (or you can take the tram for $1). Entrance is around $1.50.
In the evening, visit the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. A paradise for the bargain-hungry, with an abundance of handcrafted jewelry and vibrant fabrics, as well as tasty street food. For $2, you can indulge in the tangy coconut curry noodle soup known as khao soi—don’t miss out on this opportunity!
Including Chiang Mai in your Thailand travel itinerary 10 days gives you a perfect balance of culture and relaxation.
🐘 Ethical Elephant Experience
Skip the elephant riding tours (which are often inhumane to the animals) and visit the Elephant Nature Park instead. At this elephant rescue sanctuary, you can provide feeding and bathing services for a day at $70, which is well worth the extra cost.
💡 Budget Tip:
You can rent a scooter for roughly $5 per day and travel around the local countryside.
Day 5–6: Pai – The Bohemian Getaway
Why you should visit:
✅ Surrounded by stunning mountains and waterfalls
✅ Hippie, relaxed vibe
✅ Affordable accommodation and food
🌄 Chill in Pai
You’re going to pay for a two-day trip but may end up staying for two weeks! Pai is a small mountain town with a relaxed, hippie-ish atmosphere.
Start your day with a visit to Pai Canyon. These winding and slender pathways offer stunning views, especially during the evening. Best of all—it’s free!
Spend the afternoon in the Pai Hot Springs. You can enter for approximately $2, and it is a truly captivating experience to be in the middle of warm water with lush jungle surroundings.
At night, visit Pai Walking Street. Here, you can enjoy the street food scene with a banana pancake or grilled skewers for only $1–2.
💡 Budget Tip:
You can find bamboo huts or hostels for as low as $5 per night!
Day 7–8: Krabi – The Beach Lover’s Paradise
Why you should visit:
✅ White sandy beaches and crystal-clear water
✅ Well-known limestone cliffs and caves
✅ Excellent opportunities for snorkeling and rock climbing
🏖️ Island Dreams
Krabi is the tropical paradise. Railay Beach is the first destination that can be reached solely by boat. Surrounded by stunning limestone cliffs, the water is crystal-clear.
Take a long-distance boat to discover nearby islands such as Hong Island and Chicken Island. Compared to private tours, group tours cost around $20–25—much cheaper.
For a calm evening, Ao Nang Beach is the perfect spot. Enjoy a Chang beer for $2 and watch the sunset over the Andaman Sea.
Taking time to relax in Krabi is the perfect way to wind down your Thailand travel itinerary 10 days.
💡 Budget Tip:
Avoid dining at beachside restaurants and instead dine at street stalls that sell food for about $3–4 per night.
Day 9–10: Phuket – Party and Relaxation
Why you should visit:
✅ Active nighttime and beach party culture
✅ A great combination of extravagant hotels and affordable options
✅ Stunning sunsets and beach atmosphere
🍹 Final Stop: Phuket
Although Phuket is famous for its nightlife, it’s not limited to that. Enjoy the calm and tranquil atmosphere of Kata Noi Beach during your day trip, unlike the bustling Patong Beach.
During the night, Patong Beach offers some of the most exciting nightlife in Southeast Asia. Drinks are cheap and the mood is high.
Ending your trip in Phuket is the perfect way to complete your Thailand travel itinerary 10 days in style.
Final Thoughts
So, what will a trip like this cost you? Let’s break it down (ISH):
- Accommodation: $10–$20 per night → $150–$200 total
- Food: $10–$15 per day → $100–$150 total
- Transport: $100–$150 total
- Activities: $150–$200 total
- Extras: $50–$100
💰 Total Estimated Cost: Around $600–$800 per person for an unforgettable 10-day trip to Thailand.
Thanks for reading this blog post, i hope you got some inspiration for your next trip.
If you liked this post, you can also read THIS blog post about saving money when traveling to China. CLICK HERE to read that post.
Have a great day!
/Thomas