Ten days is a good length for a first trip to Thailand: three days in Bangkok, three in Chiang Mai in the north and three on the Andaman coast, with a travel day in between. It's a classic winter escape. Two entry rules to know: since September 15, 2026, eligible tourists can enter without a visa for up to 30 days (the former 60-day exemption was removed), and every non-Thai traveller must submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within the 3 days before arrival. The US State Department rates Thailand Level 1, with increased caution near the Cambodian border and in the three southernmost provinces; none of the stops in this itinerary are in those areas.
Photo: Martijn Vonk on Unsplash (Unsplash)
Key facts (checked Oct 28, 2026)
| What | Status | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Visa exemption | ✅ Official (Government of Thailand) | Up to 30 days for eligible nationalities, from Sep 15, 2026; eligibility depends on your passport |
| Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) | ✅ Official (Thai Immigration) | Required for all non-Thai travellers; submit online up to 3 days before arrival |
| US State Department advisory | ✅ Official | Level 1 (Jul 7, 2026); increased caution near the Thai–Cambodian border and in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat |
| Spain MAEC recommendations | ✅ Official | Avoid the Cambodian border areas of Buriram, Surin, Sisaket and Ubon Ratchathani, the Deep South, and the Myanmar border (current Oct 28, 2026; updated Sep 3, 2026) |
| Domestic flights, trains and ferries | ⚠️ Probable | Schedules vary by operator and season |
10-day itinerary (example: Sat Jan 9 – Mon Jan 18, 2027)
Bangkok: Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun
- All day: The Grand Palace and Wat Pho, then Wat Arun across the Chao Phraya by river ferry.
Bangkok: Chinatown and the river
- MorningChinatown (Yaowarat) and a market.
- EveningTime by the river.
- Morning
Day trip to Ayutthaya
- All day: A day trip to Ayutthaya, the old royal capital, by train or road.
To Chiang Mai
- All day: Short flight or overnight train north (probable; check schedules).
Chiang Mai: the old city
- All dayThe old city's temples.
- EveningA cooking class or a night market.
- All day
Chiang Mai: Doi Suthep
- All day: Doi Suthep, on the mountain above town.
To the Andaman coast
- All day: Fly to Krabi or Phuket.
Island boat trip
- All day: Set out by boat around the islands.
Beach day
- All day: A day on the beach.
Last sunset and the way home
- Evening: One last sunset before heading home via Bangkok.
Lets2Go angle: a winter escape with quieter stops
- Season: this is a winter-sun trip; it fits the northern-hemisphere holidays.
- Day trips: Ayutthaya from Bangkok and Doi Suthep from Chiang Mai give you calmer days between the busy hubs.
- Solo-friendly: flights, trains and ferries link every stop, so the route works without a car or a tour.
Safety and practical tips (official sources)
- Advisories: US State Department Level 1 with increased caution near the Cambodian border and in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat (Jul 7, 2026). Spain's MAEC advises avoiding those border areas, the Deep South and areas near the Myanmar border, especially between Tak and Chiang Mai provinces (Sep 3, 2026). Chiang Mai city is the base in this plan; don't head toward the border. Check both advisories again before you travel.
- Entry: check whether your nationality qualifies for the 30-day exemption, and submit the TDAC within the 3 days before arrival on the official immigration site.
- More warm-weather trips: compare with Bali in 7 days or Singapore in 3 days.
FAQ
How many days in Thailand are enough?
Ten days is enough for a first trip that combines Bangkok, the north and the islands. With a week, pick two areas, such as Bangkok and the Andaman coast. Remember that the visa exemption now allows up to 30 days for eligible nationalities.
What's a good itinerary for Thailand?
A classic first route is three days in Bangkok with a day trip to Ayutthaya, three days in Chiang Mai, and three days on the Andaman coast around Krabi or Phuket, with a travel day between each area.
Is 1000 dollars enough for a week in Thailand?
It depends mostly on your choices. What raises the cost: international flights, peak dates such as the year-end holidays, private tours, island resorts and domestic flights. What lowers it: travelling outside peak dates, staying in one or two areas, using trains and buses, and eating at markets.
Is it safe to travel to Thailand right now?
The US State Department rates Thailand Level 1, "exercise normal precautions", with increased caution near the Cambodian border and in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat. Spain's Foreign Ministry advises avoiding those border areas, the Deep South and the Myanmar border. Bangkok, Chiang Mai city and the Andaman islands are outside those areas.
Plan your Thailand trip
Lets2Go is built for seasonal trips like a winter escape. Build your Bangkok, Chiang Mai and island days with the free AI trip planner for your Thailand itinerary: an editable day-by-day itinerary, bookable experiences and a 3D map. Take it with you, even offline, on the App Store or Google Play.
Sources
- Government of Thailand Public Relations Department, Revision of Thailand's Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival Schemes, checked Oct 28, 2026: https://thailand.prd.go.th/en/content/category/detail/id/48/iid/538547
- Thai Immigration Bureau, Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), checked Oct 28, 2026: https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/
- US Department of State, Thailand Travel Advisory (Level 1, Jul 7, 2026), checked Oct 28, 2026: https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/thailand.html
- Spain MAEC, Recomendaciones de viaje: Tailandia (current Oct 28, 2026; updated Sep 3, 2026), checked Oct 28, 2026: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/es/ServiciosAlCiudadano/Paginas/Detalle-recomendaciones-de-viaje.aspx?trc=tailandia
