10 Days in Thailand | The Best South Thailand Itinerary

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Are you planning to spend 10 days in Thailand and looking for the perfect itinerary for your stay? Keep reading for the ultimate SOUTH THAILAND itinerary!

With only 10 days in Thailand, it is best to focus your travels on one part of the country to optimize your time exploring rather than traveling around. This itinerary is for the southern part of Thailand, a region known for its stunning beaches, tropical islands, and rich cultural heritage.

I spent 3 weeks in South Thailand exploring all the beaches, islands, and towns and fell in LOVE with it. There are so many different places to see making it ideal for a complete holiday with something for everyone. Thailand exceeded my expectations in every way!

Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences, this South Thailand itinerary has something for everyone. Keep reading for the perfect 10 days in Thailand.

(Disclaimer: Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and you may even receive a small discount. See disclosure for more information.)

10 Days in Thailand | South Thailand Itinerary

Short on Time? Here is a quick summary!
➡️ Day 1-4: Phuket
➡️ Day 5-7: Koh Phi Phi
➡️ Day 9-10: Ao Nang
Book your ferries, busses, and all transfers with 12GO
Best Hotel in Phuket
Best Hotel in Koh Phi Phi
Best Hotel in Ao Nang

Day 1-4: Phuket

Phuket is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand and the perfect place to begin your 10 days in Thailand. It is located in the southern part of the country and has its own airport which makes arrival easy and efficient.

Phuket is known for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant nightlife. But beyond the typical tourist hotspots, this island also has plenty to offer in terms of culture, history, and outdoor adventure.

💡 INSIDER TIP: Fly into Phuket International Airport and start your adventure from here. You will likely find the cheapest flights to this airport making it the perfect place to start. However, the airport is quite far from some towns in Phuket so be sure to book an airport transfer (I booked KiwiTaxi)

There are a ton of amazing things to do in Phuket to keep you busy for weeks, but with a few days here are some of my favorites.

Top Things to Do in Phuket

Explore Phuket Town: Explore the historic Old Town, with its colorful architecture, charming cafes, and boutique shops.

➡️ Click here to book the BEST Phuket town tour

Island Hopping: Take a day trip to some of the nearby islands, like James Bond Island. You can go snorkeling, swimming, or just relax on the beaches.

Beach Day: Spend a day relaxing on one of Phuket’s famous beaches, like Patong, Karon, or Kata.

Adventure Activities: If you’re up for some adrenaline activities, try ziplining through the rainforest, go elephant trekking, or take an ATV tour. Alternatively, take a cooking class or visit a local market to learn more about Thai cuisine.

➡️ Click here to book the top-rated ATV tour in Phuket

Visit the Big Buddha: This massive statue of Buddha atop a hill offers stunning views of the island and its surrounding areas.

Where to Stay in Phuket | 10 Days in Thailand

➡️ Luxury: The Shore At Katathani 
➡️ Mid Range: Sawasdee Village
➡️ Budget: Mountain Seaview Luxury Apartments

Day 5-7: Koh Phi Phi

Take a ferry from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi and spend 3 days enjoying one of the most beautiful places in Thailand. Koh Phi Phi is a group of six islands located in the Andaman Sea, off the west coast of Thailand.

Known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife, Koh Phi Phi has become a popular tourist destination in recent years. It is one of the top places to visit with 10 days in Thailand that promises some of the most beautiful sights in the country.

💡 INSIDER TIP: Get your boat tickets in advance to ensure there is space for the time and date you want. I booked my tickets with 12GO Asia, in fact, I booked every single bus, train, and boat in South East Asia with 12Go and LOVED it.

Here are some of the top things to do in Koh Phi Phi

Island Hopping: Join a private boat tour and jump around to different islands and beaches around Thailand. This is my favorite thing I did in Koh Phi Phi – I chose a private tour so I could skip things I didn’t care to see and focus more on places I was interested in (I skipped going on Maya Beach because it’s so crowded).

Phi Phi Viewpoint: For a stunning panoramic view of the island, you can hike up to Phi Phi Viewpoint, located on the highest peak of Koh Phi Phi.

Monkey Beach: This beach is home to a colony of monkeys, who are not shy about interacting with visitors. You can feed them or take photos with them, but be careful not to get too close.

💡 INSIDER TIP: When I visited Monkey Beach no monkeys came out which was kinda surprising! But the water and beach are stunning so still worth a visit nonetheless!

Scuba diving and snorkeling: The clear waters surrounding Koh Phi Phi offer some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in Thailand. The above-mentioned Phi Phi Island Boat Tour also offers snorkeling. Book it here!

Nightlife: Koh Phi Phi is known for its vibrant nightlife, with bars, clubs, and beach parties that offer music and entertainment until the early hours of the morning.

Long Beach: This beach, located on the southern end of the island, is less crowded than other popular beaches and offers a relaxing atmosphere, ideal for sunbathing and swimming.

These are just a few of the many things you can do in Koh Phi Phi. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, this island group has something for everyone; ideal for only 10 days in Thailand.

Where to Stay in Koh Phi Phi | 10 Days in Thailand

➡️ Luxury: Zeavola Resort
➡️ Mid Range: Phi Phi Phu Chalet Resort
➡️ Budget: P2 Wood Loft

Day 9-10: Ao Nang

End your 10 days in Thailand in Ao Nang, Krabi for the perfect end to your Thailand adventures.

Ao Nang is a popular tourist destination in the Krabi Province of Thailand. It is a beautiful beach town known for its stunning limestone cliffs, clear turquoise waters, and vibrant atmosphere.

There are plenty of things to do in Ao Nang to keep you entertained during your visit.

💡 INSIDER TIP: Krabi is the best place to end your adventures in South Thailand because it has an international airport! This makes it the perfect place to fly out of with many flights daily.

Top Things to Do in Ao Nang

Island-Hopping: Go on a boat tour to explore the stunning nearby islands. Be sure to check out other islands like Chicken Island, Poda Island, and Hong Island, each offering its own unique charm.

➡️ Click here to book the top-rated Island Hopping Tour in Krabi

Rock Climbing: Ao Nang is a renowned rock climbing destination with towering limestone cliffs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, there are options for all skill levels.

Beach Relaxation: Ao Nang Beach itself is a great spot for sunbathing and swimming. Nopparat Thara Beach, located just west of Ao Nang, is another beach where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

Snorkeling and Diving: Explore the vibrant underwater world around Ao Nang through snorkeling or diving excursions. Many tour operators offer trips to nearby coral reefs and dive sites, allowing you to witness an array of colorful marine life.

Visit Railay Beach: Take a short longtail boat ride from Ao Nang to Railay Beach. This secluded paradise is famous for its stunning cliffs, clear waters, and pristine beaches. You can relax on the beach, try rock climbing, or explore the hidden lagoons and caves in the area.

Explore the Emerald Pool and Hot Springs: Take a day trip to the nearby Klong Thom Hot Springs and the Emerald Pool (also known as the Crystal Pool).

This all-day Krabi Jungle Tour brings you to the Emerald Hot Spring and MORE! I recommend it for a complete day tour.

Visit Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea): Located about 9 kilometers northeast of Ao Nang, this temple complex offers a challenging hike up to a viewpoint with panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Where to Stay in Ao Nang | 10 Days in Thailand

➡️ Luxury: Anana Ecological Resort Krabi
➡️ Mid Range: Whalecome Aonang Resort-SHA Extra Plus
➡️ Budget: Little Home Ao Nang

BONUS: Additional Places to Add to your Itinerary if you HAVE TIME!

If you are a fast traveler or want to see more with your limited time there are a TON more places you can add to this itinerary. Luckily Thailand’s transportation system is well-developed, and you can easily reach many of these places by ferry, speedboat, or domestic flights booked with 12Go Asia.

Some additional places that are well worth adding are:

🌴 Koh Lanta: Koh Lanta is a quieter and less touristy island near Krabi. It’s perfect for relaxation, snorkeling, and exploring the local culture.

🌴 Similan Islands: If you’re a diving enthusiast, consider a live-aboard trip to the Similan Islands. They are renowned for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.

🌴 Koh Samui: Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui offers beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and lush landscapes. It’s known for its luxury resorts and wellness retreats.

🌴 Koh Tao: Known as a diver’s paradise, Koh Tao offers affordable diving courses and beautiful coral reefs. It’s a great place to get your diving certification.

🌴 Koh Chang: Koh Chang is Thailand’s second-largest island and offers a mix of natural beauty and adventure activities. You can explore waterfalls, jungle treks, and pristine beaches.

When to Visit South Thailand

South Thailand, including popular destinations like Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, and Koh Phi Phi, generally follows a weather pattern like the rest of the country.

The best time to visit South Thailand is generally during the cool season (November to February) when the weather is pleasant, and the seas are calm. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, the shoulder months of November and February can be good options.

If you don’t mind occasional rain showers and want to take advantage of the off-peak season benefits, visiting during the rainy season (June to October) can be a viable choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it to go to Thailand for 10 days?

Absolutely! I think a 10-day trip to Thailand is the perfect amount of time. However, I’d suggest focusing on one part of Thailand – either the north or the south, depending on your interests.

If you enjoy cultural experiences, exploring the northern part of Thailand with cities like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai is best.

On the other hand, if you’re a beach lover like myself, the southern islands and coastal areas, such as Phuket or Krabi, offer stunning beaches and a plethora of water activities.

How many days are enough to visit Thailand?

The ideal duration to visit Thailand hinges on your preferences and the experiences you seek. With a short 5-7 day trip you can explore specific regions like Bangkok or a beach destination. In 10-14 days, you can delve deeper, exploring both cultural and natural attractions across cities and beaches.

For a complete Thailand adventure, a 2-3 week or longer visit provides more time to see and do more!

Which island in Thailand is best for island hopping?

The best island in Thailand for island hopping is Phuket. As the largest island in Thailand, Phuket serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding islands. From here, you can easily access a variety of stunning destinations.

Travel Insurance

Getting travel insurance before you travel is a MUST. It’s the number one thing you should always pack before travelling that can save you a lot of money, time, and stress. With how crazy travel has gotten recently you need that peace of mind that no matter what happens there is something protecting you from losing out. I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should.

I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should. Below is my favorite travel insurer Safety Wings, enter your details to get a free quote! 

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SSW