Thailand travel guide - 10 days in Thailand

If you're thinking about taking a trip to Southeast Asia, spending at least 10 days in Thailand is likely at the top of your travel plan.

Whether you fancy a tropical beach holiday, a heavy dose of history and culture, or partying until the sun comes up, an epic Thailand itinerary ticks all the boxes for visitors.

Do you dare to write what to do in Thailand in 10 days? Make the best travel plan to Thailand with this complete 10-day itinerary for first-time travelers...

When to go to Thailand

If there is one thing you learn traveling through Southeast Asia, it is that the weather is a bit unpredictable. Thailand is no different.

In general, the best time to visit Thailand is between December and March. In these months, much of Thailand has the best weather.

In many of the top places to visit in Thailand, such as Bangkok, Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai, these months are the driest of the year and the most pleasant in terms of heat and humidity.

(Though, let's face it, you'll also have to endure a lot of heat and humidity whenever you decide to visit Thailand.)

Do I need travel insurance for Thailand?

One of the questions I get asked the most for any itinerary is: " Is it worth taking out travel insurance? "

Unequivocally, my answer is always the same: yes.

In fact, I would say that travel insurance is one of the most important purchases in the Thailand trip planning cycle.

Recently, the Thai government has pushed to make travel insurance mandatory for all travelers entering Thailand on a tourist visa. Although the official regulations are not yet in force, there is a possibility that they will be in the very near future.

In any case, for the relatively low cost of purchasing travel insurance for your 10-day Thailand itinerary, it's not worth taking any undue risk .

A good travel insurance policy will cover you for things like theft, lost/theft/damage to luggage and, perhaps most importantly, medical expenses and emergency evacuation. Even if you have to make just one claim, you will be able to pay the cost of multiple policies.SafetyWings Travel Insurance

Internet connection

As with much of the region, you shouldn't have much trouble staying connected during your 10 days in Thailand. Many restaurants, cafes, shopping malls and hotels offer free WiFi to their customers.

Even better than relying on public networks, which can, frankly, be quite slow and unreliable, is to connect with an unlimited 4G WiFi router for Thailand .

The device offers speeds of up to 4G LTE nationwide with the ability to connect up to 5 devices.

Other Thailand Travel Planning Resources

Ready to plan your Thailand itinerary? Don't forget the following Thailand travel essentials before you leave.

• Travel guides : As much as I rely on technology, I rarely travel without printed guides. Lonely Planet Thailand offers one of the most comprehensive and up-to-date travel guides in the country.
• Phrase books : Thai is not that easy to speak. You could try trying hard with something like the Lonely Planet Thai Phrasebook & Dictionary , but a book/audio course like Teach Yourself Complete Thai will take you much further.
• Vaccinations : In addition to being up to date on your routine vaccinations, the CDC recommends getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B and typhoid fever for travel to Thailand.

Where to go in Thailand: A complete 10-day itinerary

Before you start planning your Thailand itinerary, I would like to make a brief disclaimer.

Although I would love to tell you that just 10 days in Thailand is enough to fully experience this fascinating country, that is not the case.

While I have no doubt that you will instantly fall in love with the fragrant lemon and chilli street food of Bangkok, the glittering golden temples of Chiang Mai, the pristine sands of Koh Lipe or the rugged karsts of Krabi, you will have You have to make some difficult decisions when making your travel plan to Thailand.

You just can't do it all.

And fortunately, you don't have to.

As Thailand has become a favorite spot for digital nomads and expats, many of the Thailand itineraries floating around the blogosphere seem to favor offbeat locations over classic Thai destinations.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with exploring the lesser-known corners of Thailand. But with only ten days (and on a first trip to Thailand, too) it doesn't make much sense to go off the beaten path.

You'll spend too much time in transit and set yourself up for a bad case of travel burnout, which, frankly, won't be a welcome addition to your travel itinerary.

This 10-day Thailand itinerary instead tries to offer a simple introduction to Thailand for first-time travelers . Despite the prevailing opinion in the travel blogging world, you don't have to leave work and travel to Southeast Asia for months to experience it.

Still, you might feel like this Thailand itinerary is going a little fast, certainly a little faster than I would normally recommend here. If you can manage to negotiate a couple more days of vacation for this trip, I would recommend slowing down rather than adding more destinations to the mix .

As tempting as any trip to Southeast Asia may be, don't try to add more countries to the mix. Unless you can spare several more weeks rather than a few extra days on your vacation, it's simply not worth it to aimlessly go from country to country with limited time.

With all that said, let's see what this 10-day Thailand itinerary has in store for you...

1.Bangkok

2 days

The heart of the Thai nation beats in the big, brash city of Bangkok .

If there is an Asian tourist destination more polarized than Bangkok, I haven't found it yet. Love it or hate it, stopping in Bangkok is an almost mandatory part of any first-time Thailand itinerary.

As far as first impressions go, Bangkok probably won't make a good one. For many, the capital of Thailand is much more pleasant after a week than after spending a single day in Bangkok .

In fact, at first, Bangkok's charms may be overshadowed by its annoyances.

From the Thai capital's chaotic traffic to constant scams targeting unsuspecting tourists, your first encounter with Bangkok is likely to be fraught with difficulty.

Don't let that stop you from getting to know Bangkok.

Dig a little deeper than Bangkok's cheeky surface and you'll find a city packed with golden temples, succulent Thai delicacies, and an energy found nowhere else in Thailand.

Try to stay at least two days in Bangkok during this 10-day Thailand trip.

It probably won't be enough time to fall in love with Thailand's "city of angels," but it will be enough time to shake off the jet lag and get a taste of the Thai delights to come later in your trip.

What to do in Bangkok

In a city the size of Bangkok, it will be difficult to get to know the city well with just a couple of days added to the beginning of your Thailand itinerary.

Although many of the best things to see in Bangkok may be quite obvious, some of your favorite moments will simply involve enjoying the finer things in life, such as enjoying a Singha along the riverbank, marveling at a great temple on a Bangkok bike tour , or let the tasty, fiery flavors of Bangkok invade your taste buds.

Start with some of these ideas:

1. Explore the historic Rattanakosin area

If the initial hustle and bustle of Bangkok is already clogging your senses, a day strolling through Rattanakosin , the district

historic city, it will remind you exactly why you chose to visit Thailand in the first place.

There's no better place to start exploring Rattanakosin than the Grand Palace , the official residence of the Thai royal family.

Although much of the complex is closed to visitors, simply walking through it and taking in the Grand Palace's extraordinary architecture is as satisfying an experience as any in Bangkok.

It is possible to enter a handful of temples within the Grand Palace grounds, including Wat Phra Kaew , Thailand's holiest temple, which enshrines the Emerald Buddha.

Also nearby is Wat Pho , Bangkok's largest and oldest temple.

Enter Wat Pho to see its more than a thousand Buddha images and its most impressive sight, a ridiculous 46-meter-long golden reclining Buddha. Even the temple grounds are impressive, featuring a series of beautiful halls and almost a hundred stupas.

Across the Chao Phra River from here is Wat Arun , another of Bangkok's star temples.

With its Khmer spiers and steep facade, Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is truly unique in the city. Climb the steep stairs on the prang side to the terrace for an incredible panorama of Bangkok.

2. Chao Phraya River Cruise

If you liked seeing the temples and palaces of Rattanakosin up close, you'll love watching them float by on a cruise down the Chao Phraya River.

Although you can hop on a cheap water taxi to cruise the river during the day, the Chao Phraya River truly comes to life at dusk, when the soft glow of the Grand Palace and Wat Arun illuminates the night sky.

Want to make the most of the night? Book a luxury Bangkok dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River . The tour includes a Thai buffet, entertainment, and pickup from various hotels in Bangkok.

3. Temple hopping in Bangkok

Aside from the opulent trio of Wat Pho, Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok is packed with more temples than you can shake a stick at. Seeing them all in just two days in Bangkok would be simply impossible. Below are a couple of temples in Bangkok that you should keep an eye on:

• Wat Intharawihan : Late 18th-century temple, famous for its 32-meter-high golden standing Buddha statue.
• Wat Traimit – An incredibly beautiful temple on the outskirts of Chinatown that is justifiably famous for housing a five-and-a-half-ton solid gold Buddha image, the largest of its kind in the world.
• Wat Saket : One of Bangkok's oldest temples featuring an 80-meter-high "Golden Mount" topped by a massive golden stupa.
• Wat Benchamabophit : A beautiful late 19th century temple painstakingly constructed of Italian Carrara marble and adorned in the classic Thai architectural style featuring multi-tiered ceilings and gold ornamentation.

4. Visit a floating market

One of the quintessential Southeast Asian experiences is spending a morning or afternoon at a floating market. 's largest and busiest floating markets , you'll have to walk a little further into the city than you might want to when visiting Bangkok on a short time basis during this Thailand travel itinerary.

Fortunately, there is an easy alternative. The floating market duo of Khlong Lat Mayom and Thaling Chan , located just 12 kilometers from central Bangkok, will allow you to experience a Thai floating market without the hassle of having to travel for hours.

Although most of the action takes place on land, these two markets are the perfect place to enjoy fresh Thai food and soak up the chaos. Try to arrive first thing in the morning to avoid the mega-crowds that inevitably occur.

5. Eat and shop to your heart's content in Chinatown

Chinatown is one of the most interesting corners of Bangkok to explore. Like most neighborhoods of its kind in Asia, Bangkok's Chinatown is packed with shops, restaurants and street vendors.

During the day, navigating the streets of Chinatown is a chaotic experience; However, at night is when everything comes to life.

It should come as no surprise that Chinatown is one of the best places to eat in Bangkok.

Of course, the selection is a little different than other places in Bangkok. Be sure to climb along the busy Yaowarat Road to sample some of Chinatown's culinary delights, whether it's oyster omelettes, dim sum, or coconut ice cream.

6. Join the hordes of backpackers on Khao San Road

As much as I hesitate to recommend it, I'd be doing the independent travel world a disservice if I didn't at least mention Khao San Road .

This infamous stretch of Bangkok bars, restaurants, food carts and shops is one of the most famous backpacker hangouts in the world.

Even if the full Khao San Road experience isn't your style (I know it's not mine anymore), there's no doubt you'll find something appealing along this strip.

If you're new to Bangkok, street snacks are a delicious introduction to Thai cuisine that won't shock your taste buds.

Where to stay in Bangkok

It's no surprise that with the sheer size and expanse of Thailand's 'City of Angels', choosing where to stay in Bangkok can be a challenge. Accommodation in Bangkok ranges from the cheapest backpacker joints to some of the best luxury hotels in the country.

Since you only have a couple of days in Bangkok on this Thailand itinerary, I recommend that you make the most of your trip by choosing some accommodations in the city center, especially in Ratanakosin, Banglamphu or Chinatown.

• The Printing House Poshtel : A very stylish, centrally located hostel that is a step above most budget prices. It offers both dormitories and private rooms with bathroom.
• Norn Yaowarat Hotel : An impeccable and comfortable 3-star hotel, located in the heart of Chinatown. A mix of private rooms with balconies and dorms ensures options for all types of travellers.
• Riva Arun Bangkok : A charming, modern 4-star hotel situated in a stunning riverside location. The night views of Wat Arun across the Chao Phraya from the open-air restaurant are simply divine.
• The Peninsula Bangkok : The most luxurious accommodation experience in Bangkok. Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya, this 5-star hotel offers incredible views of the modern city skyline. Cool off in the elegant outdoor pool or eat authentic Thai food at Thiptara Restaurant to make the most of your stay here.

How to get to Bangkok

By air : It is no surprise that Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) is the largest and busiest in Thailand. Bangkok is a major hub for several airlines, including Thai Airways, Jet Asia Airways and Bangkok Airways. You should have no problem finding flights to Bangkok from most major international gateways.

2. Ayutthaya

1 day

Although it is only 80 kilometers from the capital, Ayutthaya can seem a world away from the modern bustle of Bangkok.

Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya was the royal capital of the Kingdom of Siam for more than 400 years.

That history was not lost in Ayutthaya.

Today, Ayutthaya is one of the best places to visit in Thailand and is known for the ruins of its ancient city, which features temples, palaces and statues.

On this 10-day Thailand itinerary, try to spend at least one day in Ayutthaya . Although it might feel a little rushed Although, it certainly won't be a day you'll soon forget.

What to do in Ayutthaya

The biggest challenge of visiting Ayutthaya is not knowing what to do, but finding a way to fit it all together.

A time-poor Thailand itinerary will simply scratch the surface of the best things to do in Ayutthaya.

However, I promise you that what you will see during your short stay here will be magnificent and unforgettable.

Start exploring Ayutthaya with these ideas:

1. Explore the depths of Ayutthaya Historical Park

With just one day in Ayutthaya, you'll spend most of it touring the mystical ruins of Ayutthaya Historical Park .

This UNESCO World Heritage site is more than just your average temple complex. It's even one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia, and an absolute must on this 10-day Thailand itinerary.

In Ayutthaya Historical Park you will find 67 structures, from ruins that require a little imagination to rebuild to eye-catching temples with impossibly sized Buddha statues that will make you cringe with their grandeur.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Wat Chaiwatthanaram : An ancient royal temple dating back to the 17th century. The temple's design is inspired by the book of the Khmer, with similarities to the great Angkor Wat of Cambodia. More than a hundred Buddha statues dot the surroundings of Wat Chaiwatthanaram.
• Wat Phanan Choeng : A beautiful 14th century temple built on the banks of the Pa Sak River. The temple's imposing 19-meter-high Buddha is one of the most famous and sacred images in Thailand.
• Wat Lokaya Sutha : A restored monastery ruin housing a massive 42-meter-long reclining Buddha statue wrapped in bright orange cloth.
• Wat Phra Sri Sanphet : The most important ancient royal temple in Ayutthaya, dating back to the mid-15th century. It has three stupas, the only remains of the original temple that the Burmese destroyed in 1767.
• Wat Mahathat : A large royal monastery that was originally built in the late 14th century. The ground contains one of Ayutthaya's most famous images, a stone Buddha head tangled between the roots of a tree.

Where to stay in Ayutthaya

Fortunately, choosing where to stay in Ayutthaya is not the challenge you will find in Bangkok.

Not only is the selection smaller, but if you dig a little you can find good rooms near Ayutthaya Historical Park at a decent price.

• Ban Boonchu : A small, affordable guesthouse with a lovely homely atmosphere. Many of Ayutthaya's biggest attractions are within walking distance.
• Baan Tye Wang Guesthouse : A charming 3-star boutique guesthouse set in a peaceful garden. Relaxing on the private balconies overlooking the gardens and canals is the perfect way to end a long day of sightseeing.

• Baan Thai House : A 3-star resort offering beautiful Thai villas and bungalows in a peaceful garden setting. Cooling off in the outdoor pool or relaxing on the balcony with a Singha will recharge your batteries after tackling Ayutthaya to the max.
• Sala Ayutthaya : An elegant boutique hotel with a modern and minimalist design that sets it apart in Ayutthaya. The views of the river and temples from the hotel restaurant or from your room's private balcony are simply stunning.

How to get to Ayutthaya

By train : There are regular trains from Bangkok to Ayutthaya departing from Bangkok Hualamphong. Trains take between 1.5 and 2 hours and cost between 15 and 66 baht depending on the ticket class.

By bus : Buses to Ayutthaya leave from Mo Chit bus terminal in the north of Bangkok. The trip to Ayutthaya (60 baht) should take between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on traffic.

By taxi : If you are a little less adventurous with your transport options and want a quicker and more comfortable route to Ayutthaya, you can opt for a metered taxi. The approximately one and a half hour trip from central Bangkok costs about 1,400 baht ($44).

3. Sukhothai

1 day

Like Ayutthaya, Sukhothai delves into Thailand's past.

For two centuries, just before Ayutthaya, Sukhothai was the royal seat of Siam.

In fact, much of modern Thai culture – be it the country's architectural heritage, arts or language – has its roots in the Kingdom of Sukhothai.

What you will find in this small city, located more than 400 kilometers from Bangkok, is a more relaxing cultural experience than the busier and more accessible Ayutthaya to the south.

Spend at least one day in Sukhothai to visit the main sights.

It will be a bit rushed, no doubt, but it will give you an extra day to relax later on this Thailand itinerary.

Things to do in Sukhothai

Just like in Ayutthaya, with just one day in Sukhothai you will have to scale back your travel plans.

There are plenty of things to do in Sukhothai; You will simply have to accept that you will not reach all of them with little time.

Plan to arrive as early as possible in the morning to make the most of the day.

Start your Sukhothai experience with the following:

1. Delve deeper into Sukhothai Historical Park

With limited time, it is best to focus your efforts on Sukhothai Historical Park .

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this site occupies the ancient site of Sukhothai, the former royal capital of Siam.

Nearly two hundred ruins are spread across the five zones of the Sukhothai Historical Park.

Since you won't have much time, start in the central area, the most popular and easily accessible part of the park, which is located within the old city walls and moat.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Wat Mahathat : A late 13th century temple that is the most important in Sukhothai. This temple is unique for its ensemble of Lanna, Singhalese, Sukhothai and Mon Hariphunchai architectural styles.
• Ramkhamhaeng National Museum : A branch of the National Museum of Thailand where you will find more than 2,000 ancient objects from Sukhothai and its surroundings.
• Wat Si Sawai : One of the oldest temples in the area, dating back to pre-Sukhothai times. The three prangs, built in Khmer style, are quite impressive in their appearance.

Where to stay in Sukhothai

Like Ayutthaya, the city center is smaller and more compact, making choosing accommodation in Sukhothai easy compared to other cities in Thailand.

The value here is fantastic, and your baht will stretch further in Sukhothai than other more popular destinations in Thailand.

• Vieng Tawan Sukhothai Guesthouse : A budget guesthouse that far exceeds its value. The rooms are clean and decorated with flashes of modernity and classic Thai charm. The outdoor pool is, as always in warm Thailand, a welcome addition.
• Sawasdee Sukhothai Resort : A 3-star resort with bungalows that exude traditional Thai style and grace. With an outdoor pool and playground along with family bungalows, this is the perfect place in Sukhothai to stay with kids.
• Sriwilai Sukhothai : The most luxurious hotel in Sukhothai. The rooms are well-appointed with modern and regal Southeast Asian design elements. The delightful nighttime views of the lush countryside and Wat Chedi Sung from the outdoor pool are worth the stay alone.

How to get to Sukhothai

By train : There are no direct trains between Ayutthaya and Sukhothai. To travel between the two cities, you have to take a train from Ayutthaya to Phitsanulok, where you have to take a bus to Sukhothai (1 hour).

By Bus : There are regular buses that travel from Ayutthaya to Sukhothai . The trip takes about 6 hours and costs about 310 baht.

4. Chiang Mai

2 days

Much more charming than Bangkok, Chiang Mai seduces travelers like no other city in Thailand.

It has become not only a staple on Thailand's backpacking circuit, but a favorite temporary home for expats passing through.

Even if Chiang Mai were to shed some of its hundreds of temples, it would still be a wonderful city to relax and soak up Thai culture.

Here you will not only find some of the best places in northern Thailand, but also some of its best dishes. This is a city where you will never be hungry and where your taste buds will not stop exploring.

Book at least two days in Chiang Mai on your Thailand itinerary, and more time if you have it.

Chiang Mai is a city you will never feel bad about staying in. In fact, after visiting for the first time, you may find yourself doing just that.

What to do in Chiang Mai

From its incredibly beautiful surroundings to its architectural brilliance, there is an endless list of incredible things to do in Chiang Mai .

Many of the city's typical tourist attractions radiate in its old town and its surroundings.

It's wise to spend a good portion of your two days in Chiang Mai exploring the temples, alleys and food stalls of the old city.

Of course, there is a whole world outside the city waiting to be discovered.

If you manage to spend more than a day in Chiang Mai , move away from the city center and you'll find yourself immersed in misty mountains dotted with tropical forests, rivers and waterfalls.

Don't know how to start exploring Chiang Mai? Here are some ideas:

1. Face the Old City

There's no better way to start your Chiang Mai itinerary than by exploring its Old City .

Home to dozens of temples and some of the tastiest food in Thailand, spending time here is never a waste.

My best advice is to just explore. As you meander through the alleyways, there's no end to what you'll discover.

If you're a little less spontaneous and prefer to travel with a plan, here are some sites in Chiang Mai Old City to keep an eye out for:

•  Wat Chiang Man : The oldest temple in Chiang Mai, dating back to the late 13th century. The most impressive thing about this temple is the chedi , ornate in a mix of Lanna and Sinhalese style with 15 carved elephants and a golden top, and the three-tiered Lanna-style viharn
• Wat Chedi Luang : Called the "Temple of the Great Stupa", this beautiful temple is famous for its imposing chedi . Although much of the chedi was destroyed by an earthquake, its enormous size still impresses.
• Wat Phra Singh : A magnificent 14th-century temple with a striking viharn that is as impressive inside as it is outside.

2. Help in the Elephant Natural Park

Unless you've been living under a total social media blackout (and would that really such a bad thing?), you're probably aware of the dangers of animal tourism.

Fortunately, Elephant Nature Park is not one of those offenders. In fact, it's the opposite!

Here the elephants are not forced to do anything out of the ordinary. There are no tricks. They are not mounted.

Instead, what you'll see at the Elephant Nature Park are these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

When visiting them, you will have the opportunity to interact closely with them, including feeding them, preparing their medication, and bathing them.

The experience isn't cheap, but unlike many of Thailand's outfits, you'll know your dollars are going to a good cause.

As the Elephant Natural Park is located outside the city, you will have to dedicate a whole day to it if you decide to go.

If your travel budget is tighter, the Chiang Mai Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is another fantastic ethical option at a fraction of the price.

3. Fill up at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

If you haven't yet found yourself drowning in an Asian night market, there's no better place to start than the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar .

As you would expect in a market of this type, the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a cocktail of cheap souvenirs, knick-knacks, clothing and household items.

While the night bazaar is an ideal place to hone your haggling skills, it's also a fantastic opportunity to test your taste buds.

Step into Kalare Food Center , across the street from Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, for a range of Thai and Asian cuisine that will blow your mind.

Where to stay in Chiang Mai

As one of the most popular places to visit in Thailand, there is no shortage of options in Chiang Mai. If you're debating where to stay in Chi ang Mai when you're short on time, the answer is pretty simple: the old city.

Although the city center is compact and public transportation is abundant, there is no more satisfying place to lay your head in Chiang Mai than the Old City.

Not only are most of the major attractions located here, but it is simply a lovely place to walk around.

• From Klang Vieng: A beautiful new budget guesthouse located close to several of Chiang Mai's top attractions. The rooms include a balcony for your relaxation.
• Green Tiger Vegetarian House: An extraordinarily comfortable 3-star inn that's close to all the action. You will enjoy the incredible views of the vegetarian restaurant on the fourth floor.
• Thai Akara Lanna Boutique Hotel : An impeccable 4-star boutique hotel in the heart of the Old City. Luxury touches are scattered throughout the hotel, from the rich furnishings in the rooms to the manicured garden and outdoor pool area.
• Pingviman Hotel : A typically Thai resort with striking classic Southeast Asian design, both inside and out. The outdoor pool area is the perfect place to relax after a long day of visiting the temples.

How to get to Chiang Mai

By bus : The fastest and most comfortable option to travel between Sukhothai and Chiang Mai is the bus. Buses leave several times a day from both Sukhothai Bus Terminal and the Historical Park. Between the two cities, the fastest (and coincidentally the cheapest) buses take about 5 hours and 30 minutes and cost 207 baht.

5. Ko Samui

3 days

Coming from the hectic and congested streets of the mainland, the gentle sea breeze of Koh Samui , Thailand's most popular luxury island getaway, will be instantly soothing to your traveler's lungs.

One of the things you may not know about Thailand is that it is home to around 1,430 islands.

Many would argue that in that huge cohort, there are much better islands in Thailand to visit than Koh Samui.

And while they're not necessarily wrong, there are plenty of reasons why Koh Samui has all the action it does.

Thailand's second largest island has a well-developed tourism infrastructure and is easier to access than many of the other lesser-known islands that are among the best islands in Thailand.

Since we've gotten serious about this 10-day Thailand itinerary, I recommend giving yourself at least 3 days in Koh Samui .

This short relaxation session is the perfect way to end your holiday in Thailand and get your body rested for the long journey home or to your next destination.

What to do in Koh Samui

It seems a shame to burden you with a list of things to do in Koh Samui when, truth be told, the best way to spend your time here might be to do nothing at all.

That said, if you are the active type, there is more than enough activity in Koh Samui to keep you from getting bored.

Whether you're looking to cleanse your soul, please your tastebuds, or keep your muscles primed, start planning your Koh Samui itinerary with these ideas:

1. Relax (or party) on the beach

The first thing to do in Koh Samui is to disconnect after a long week of sightseeing in mainland Thailand.

The island is justifiably famous for its beaches. And even with the influx of travelers flocking to its shores, Koh Samui has some prizes in store.

The best known is Chaweng Beach, a beautiful but busy white sand beach on the east coast of Koh Samui.

Its popularity has sprung up a wealth of accommodation, dining, entertainment and nightlife options. Visit Chaweng Beach early in the morning for a sunrise that will be the highlight of your stay in Koh Samui.

If the crowds and debauchery of Chaweng are not to your taste, you may find other places such as Bophut Beach and its fishing village quieter, or Mae Nam Beach more relaxed.

2. Be Enlightened at the Secret Buddha Garden

One of the most peculiar places you can visit in Koh Samui is the Secret Buddha Garden .

Located on one of the highest mountains, the Secret Buddha Garden features a series of unique hand-carved statues reflecting Buddhist themes.

The statues are scattered across the grounds of an old durian farm, some delicately arranged to speak of myths and legends, while others are hidden among the thick vegetation.

Visiting the private garden is only half the fun of the trip to the Secret Buddha Garden.

Just to see the beautiful surroundings - combining lush jungle landscapes with waterfalls and streams - and a glimpse of the stunning views along the way is worth the trip.

3. Embrace the macabre at Wat Khunaram

It's not often you see a mummy outside of an Egyptian museum or a cheesy Hollywood movie. Let alone a monk mummy.

At Wat Khunaram , on Koh Samui, you'll see just that. And it may, in fact, be as strange as you expect.

Wat Khunaram is home to one of the strangest things you can see in a Buddhist temple: the mummified remains of Luong Pordaeng, a monk who supposedly died while meditating.

Although Pordaeng died more than 40 years ago, his body is extraordinarily well preserved, except for his eyes, which, curiously, are now hidden by imitation Ray Bans.

4. Marvel at the beauty of Ang Thong National Marine Park

It's not that there isn't enough to keep you busy on Koh Samui, but if you're looking for something a little different, there may be no better day trip than the beautiful Ang Thong National Marine Park .

More than 40 islands, located in more than 100 square kilometers of seemingly virgin seas, are waiting to transport you to the tropical paradise you have always dreamed of.

On the islands, lush jungles cling to limestone karst and hide waterfalls, lakes, coves and pristine white sand beaches.

Even the seas surrounding Ang Thong National Marine Park are an attraction of their own, perfect for spotting exotic marine life while sea kayaking, diving or snorkelling.

Ang Thong National Park is open all year round, except in November and December when the monsoon season arrives.

Where to stay in Koh Samui

The insane popularity of Koh Samui has led to an explosion of accommodation options over the years.

Although Thailand's second largest island is known for its luxury selection, choosing where to stay in Koh Samui doesn't have to mean a blown travel budget.

Hotels are spread throughout the island, but the most popular areas remain Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut and Taling Ngam.

• Villa Giacomelli : A small, cozy guesthouse 2 minutes walk from the beach in quiet Taling Ngam. The ridiculously budget rooms are equipped with terraces overlooking the garden.
• Buri Rasa Village : A charming 4-star resort in Chaweng that is completely decked out in impeccable modern Thai style. And if the beachfront location isn't enough, top-notch amenities like the outdoor pool, hot tub, spa, and private balconies will keep you coming back for more.
• Conrad Koh Samui : The ultimate in luxury getaways in Koh Samui. Situated on a private beachfront property spanning 25 acres on the Gulf of Thailand, this 5-star resort offers some of the island's best sunsets from the comfort of your villa. Add to that private infinity pools, a world-class spa, and 5 bars and restaurants, and it's easy to see why the Conrad Koh Samui is one of the best hotels in the entire region.

How to get to Koh Samui

By plane : The only direct flights between Chiang Mai and Koh Samui are operated by Bangkok Airways. For more fare options, you'll need to fly to Bangkok first.

10-day Thailand itinerary: Tips, adjustments and more places to visit

• Fancy relaxing even more during your Thailand itinerary? Swap bustling Koh Samui for a smaller, quieter island like Koh Lipe, Koh Tao or Koh Lanta. These hard-to-reach islands are best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. If you can, book a couple of extra days at the end of your Thailand trip.
• Do you like hiking? Trade your surfer shorts for hiking shoes and head to Pai in northern Thailand.
• Do you want to party until dawn? While it's not somewhere I'd personally go out of my way, there are plenty of things to do in Phuket , a destination most famous for its legendary Patong Beach party culture. Hangovers are not optional here. Don't say I didn't warn you. For party animals, Koh Phi Phi Don, famous as the backdrop for The Beach, is another (slightly less crazy) option.

How much do you want to SAVE on your trip?

When you find your ideal destination in this article, check out the best exclusive DISCOUNTS and OFFERS to organize it.

FLIGHTS

HOTELS

TRAVEL INSURANCE

TRAVEL GEAR

Conclusion: Go out, travel and live your life to the fullest.

This year, treat yourself to a break from the ordinary and seek an adventure abroad. You'll come back refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to bore all your friends with travel stories.

Any time of year is a good time to travel. Discover the best places to travel by month:

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December

If you want to read other articles similar to Thailand travel guide - 10 days in Thailand. You can visit the category Asia.