10 Days in Thailand | Ultimate Thailand Travel Guide for Families

  • Written by Roi Alfassi
  • Updated October 2025

Thailand is, without a doubt, an amazing country—the tribal and fascinating north, the exotic southern islands with their endless beaches, and of course, the energetic Bangkok. But what if you don’t have much time and still want to experience a little bit of everything? With the right planning, it’s absolutely possible! Here’s a recommended 10-day itinerary in Thailand that will give you a perfect vacation and leave you wanting more…

A Glimpse of the North: From Long-Neck Women to Elephants

You’ve landed in Bangkok – welcome! Don’t linger in the capital just yet, but continue straight to your first destination: Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand. While buses and trains are available, the journey takes around 13 hours, so on a short trip it’s best to take a quick domestic flight right after arriving in Bangkok. Chiang Mai, located about 700 km north of the capital, is the first stop on this Thailand itinerary 10 days adventure.

Chiang Mai is filled with incredible attractions and cultural experiences. The city is famous for its ancient temples, including Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in town; Wat Jed Yod, one of the most significant in Thailand; and Wat Gate, which features a fascinating museum showcasing the city’s history.

For many travelers, no trip to Thailand feels complete without an encounter with elephants—but it’s important to do it ethically. About 45 minutes north of Chiang Mai lies Patara Elephant Farm, a sanctuary dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of elephants rescued from circuses and logging camps. Instead of watching tricks or performances, you can “adopt” an elephant for a day.

In this peaceful, natural setting surrounded by rice fields, waterfalls, and streams, each visitor is paired with a personal guide and elephant. You’ll feed your elephant bananas, help bathe it in the river, and even ride it bareback through the lush landscape. It’s an unforgettable experience that connects you deeply with Thai culture and nature—and you’ll still leave with that perfect photo of you and your new elephant friend.

Flying Through the Trees:

Jungle Ziplines – Flight of the Gibbon
Located about an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai, Flight of the Gibbon is not just another zipline course—it’s a full-on adventure. Here, you’ll soar through the treetops of Thailand’s exotic rainforests with the unique chance—found nowhere else in Asia—to spot wild gibbons living in the area.

The course takes you from tree to tree via ziplines of varying lengths, including the longest, highest, and fastest zipline in all of Asia, along with rope bridges and rappelling from treetops. Add in a traditional Thai lunch and an educational nature walk about the forest’s flora and fauna, and you’ve got a 7-hour experience from hotel pickup to drop-off.

What about safety? Flight of the Gibbon is the only zipline in Asia certified by the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), meeting the strictest international safety standards. Participants must be at least 100 cm tall and weigh under 125 kg. Once you arrive, you’ll meet your Sky Rangers, who will guide you throughout the entire adventure. They’ll provide helmets, harnesses, and a full safety briefing before you set off.

🌐 Website: www.flightofthegibbon.com

After a few days of exploring the city’s various attractions of your choice, it’s recommended to spend an evening at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. This popular market is known for being very affordable and a pleasant place to stroll. You’ll find jewelry, watches, clothing, sunglasses, souvenirs, wallets, artwork, and much more.

After three nights in Chiang Mai, it’s time to head south.

Now It’s Time to Make the Dream Come True

There isn’t anyone who hasn’t dreamed of lying on a soft white beach facing a turquoise, crystal-clear sea—and now it’s your turn to make that dream come true. Southern Thailand is home to several breathtaking islands offering peace, tranquility, and plenty of time to simply relax.

No matter which island you choose, each has its own unique charm. But if you’re looking for a particularly calm, quiet, and pristine destination, Koh Phi Phi is highly recommended. Considered one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand, it features shimmering turquoise waters, lush green vegetation, and magical white-sand beaches. Located about 50 kilometers from Phuket, Koh Phi Phi is a favorite spot for many travelers who often choose to stay here for an extended period.

A short one-hour domestic flight from Bangkok will take you to Phuket. From the airport, you can go directly by taxi or shuttle to the pier and catch a ferry to Koh Phi Phi (alternatively, you can spend a night in Phuket to enjoy another beautiful island). The ferry ride takes about two hours.

Koh Phi Phi offers several fantastic diving spots such as Phi Phi Leh, Malong Reef—which attracts sea turtles year-round—and Shark Point, famous for its stunning coral reefs. This site is highly recommended thanks to the chance of spotting leopard sharks, stingrays, cuttlefish, and sometimes even whale sharks.

Another well-known attraction on the island is the View Point at the island’s summit. Although you’ll need to climb quite a few steps to reach it, the breathtaking panorama is worth it. Many visitors hike up in the evening to catch the magical sunset over the island.

Koh Phi Phi is generally a peaceful and relaxing island, so apart from the attractions, it’s worth simply soaking up the beauty around you and unwinding. In the evenings, you can enjoy local pubs and beach parties. After four full nights of fun, activities, relaxation, and massages, it’s time to return to Bangkok for the final days of your Thailand adventure.

Ending in Bangkok: This Is Not the Place to Rest!

Due to the limited time, the return trip is the same as the way there: ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket, and from there, a domestic flight to Bangkok. You’ll spend two nights in the capital. Bangkok, with its 6.5 million residents, is one of Asia’s largest cities. It’s bustling, crowded, and full of traffic jams—but it’s absolutely worth dedicating two to three days to experience its culture, landmarks, and the daily life of its people.

In Bangkok, you can explore temples, Muay Thai matches, markets and shopping malls, exhibitions, and more. One highlight is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), located near the Grand Palace. Here, you’ll see a colossal statue of a reclining Buddha, 46 meters long and 15 meters high.

Another must-visit is the Pak Klong Talad Flower Market, where you’ll find vibrant stalls full of fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables. The market runs from morning to evening, but the best time to visit is at night, when fresh shipments arrive, creating a lively and colorful atmosphere.

On your second day in Bangkok, set aside time for shopping at the famous MBK Center, one of the city’s most popular malls. Spread over eight floors, it offers everything from clothes, shoes, electronics, and phones to souvenirs, handbags, and more. You could easily spend an entire day here—but don’t forget that Bangkok has much more to offer beyond shopping.

🔗 Official websites:

Of course, if shopping is still at the top of your list and you haven’t had enough yet, you can head to one of Bangkok’s famous markets. A must-see is the massive Chatuchak Weekend Market, best visited on Saturday or Sunday. Although it also opens during the week, it’s on a much smaller scale. With more than 8,000 stalls, you’ll find practically everything here—clothes, accessories, furniture, art, pets, plants, and more—at very reasonable prices.
📍 Address: Chatuchak, กรุงเทพมหานคร, Thailand

Another great option is the Pratunam Market, known for its budget-friendly fashion. Here you’ll find bags, shoes, clothes, and accessories in endless variety, making it a paradise for bargain hunters.
📍 Address: Ratchathewi, กรุงเทพมหานคร, Thailand

In the evening, you can treat yourself to a Chao Phraya River Cruise, often called the “River of Kings.” This iconic river runs through the heart of Bangkok, offering stunning views of the city and glimpses into local life along the banks. Many cruises also include an elegant dinner onboard, combining sightseeing with a memorable dining experience.

Finally, if you still have time (and a few extra baht before your flight), finish your trip with some well-deserved relaxation at a massage parlor. A foot massage or an aromatic oil massage is the perfect way to end ten action-packed days in Thailand, leaving you relaxed and already dreaming of your next visit.

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