10-Day Southern Thailand Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Southern Thailand tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaSouthern Thailand travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Days in Thailand, incl. Bangkok and Koh Phangan

  Dive into southern Thailand's natural wonders over 10 days at Khao Sok's rainforest, Chiew Larn Lake caves, and Koh Phangan's Full Moon Party. Accommodations include The Laguna Chiewlarn and Explorar Koh Phangan Resort, complemented by jungle treks and elephant encounters.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Bangkok

    Begin your Thailand adventure in the vibrant capital. Get a local SIM card with unlimited 5G internet right away - you'll need it to navigate the city. Use Day 1 to rest and adjust to the time zone. On Day 2 visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Go early at 8 AM before the tourist crowds arrive and explore by long-tail boat. Remember to wear long pants and covered shoulders for temple visits later. The Grand Palace has strict dress codes but offers clothing rental for a 200 baht deposit.

    
  • Day 3

    Ayutthaya

    Take a morning river cruise to this UNESCO site and watch Bangkok's skyline transform into countryside views. Visit Wat Yai Chaimongkol to see its 28-meter reclining Buddha and stop at Wat Mahathat to see the famous Buddha head in tree roots. Try the local sweet treat Roti Sai Mai while you're there. In the evening catch an overnight train to Surat Thani. Book first-class cabins if you can for a better night's sleep.

    
  • Days 4-6

    Khao Sok National Park

    After breakfast in Surat Thani head to Thailand's oldest rainforest. You can see elephants go trekking and try canoeing here. Bring good walking shoes and mosquito repellent as the humid weather makes trails slippery. Take a longtail boat on Cheow Larn Lake for bamboo rafting and cave exploring. Start Day 6 with an early morning 3-hour trek to spot wildlife before going to Koh Samui.

    
  • Days 7-9

    Koh Phangan

    Take a quick 20-minute speedboat from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan. While it's known for the Full Moon Party the island offers much more. One traveler shared: "The northern beaches are perfect for yoga and relaxation - a complete contrast to the party scene at Haad Rin." You might want to try a Muay Thai class or join a yoga session during your free time.

    
  • Day 10

    Return to Bangkok

    Catch a morning speedboat back to Koh Samui for your flight to Bangkok. Choose an afternoon flight to avoid getting stuck in rush hour traffic between airports.

    

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• 10 Day Southern Thailand Itinerary, incl. Phuket and Khao Sok

  A 10-day Southern Thailand route takes you to Phuket's Elephant Sanctuary, Khao Sok's Pakarang Cave, and Phang Nga's James Bond Island. The itinerary includes 3 days in Khao Lak, snorkeling at Maya Bay, and canoeing through Bat Cave at Panak Island.

  

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  • Day 1

    Phuket Arrival

    Arrive at Phuket International Airport and head to your hotel. Try to book a midday flight since morning traffic from the airport to beach areas like Kata can get busy. "Avoid staying in Patong Beach—Kata Beach area is much more relaxed and family-friendly," suggests a recent visitor.

    
  • Days 2-3

    Khao Sok National Park

    Leave at 7:30 AM for the 3-hour drive to Khao Sok. Visit the Tsunami Memorial in Khao Lak on your way. Spend the afternoon canoeing through the jungle. The best time for this is between November and April when water levels are good. On Day 3, visit the stunning Cheow Larn Lake. Take a longtail boat across the green waters to Pakarang Cave. You'll need good walking shoes for the 40-minute jungle walk each way. After exploring, take a swim in the clear lake waters.

    
  • Day 4

    Khao Sok Trekking & Khao Lak

    Start with a four-hour morning trek to Bang Hua Rad waterfall. Remember to bring plenty of water and wear proper hiking shoes. The trail gets slippery during rainy season. Head to the beach town of Khao Lak afterward. "Khao Sok's Rock and Treehouse Resort was a real highlight—the guided treks let us spot hornbills and gibbons in their natural habitat," one traveler shares.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Khao Lak Beach Time

    Spend two full days enjoying Khao Lak's quiet beaches. The water is calmest from November to April. Consider getting a Thai massage ($30-40) or checking out the local night market. Stay near Bang Niang Beach to be within walking distance of the best restaurants.

    
  • Day 7

    Return to Phuket & Elephant Sanctuary

    Drive back to Phuket in the morning (2.5 hours). Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary in the afternoon. The program takes about 4 hours. Bring quick-dry clothes since you'll get muddy during bath time. Look for sanctuaries that don't allow riding and keep visitor numbers low.

    
  • Day 8

    Phi Phi Islands Tour

    Take a full-day speedboat tour starting around 8 AM. You'll visit Monkey Beach, Maya Bay (from "The Beach"), and go snorkeling at Pileh Lagoon. Book between November and April for better sea conditions. "The Phi Phi tour feels quite touristy—go with smaller operators who leave earlier to beat the crowds," advises one visitor.

    
  • Day 9

    James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay

    Spend the day exploring Phang Nga Bay's limestone karsts. Leave from Ao Por Pier in the morning. You'll go canoeing through caves and see James Bond Island. The waters here are sheltered, so this trip works year-round. Lunch is included on the boat.

    
  • Day 10

    Departure

    Plan for an hour to get to Phuket Airport from most beach areas. Book an afternoon flight to avoid morning traffic.

    

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• 9 Days in Thailand, incl. Bangkok and Phi Phi Islands

  Southern Thailand's natural beauty shines over 5 days, from Khao Sok National Park's floating bungalows to Ko Phi Phi's pristine beaches. Stays at Krabi Cha Da Resort complement snorkeling with reef sharks and hidden lagoon visits while sampling authentic local culture and cuisine.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Bangkok Exploration

    Start your journey in Bangkok and take time to adjust to the time zone. "The temples and tuk-tuk rides in Bangkok were incredible, but make sure to arrive mid-day to have time to freshen up before the welcome dinner." Visit Wat Pho temple early at 8 AM to avoid crowds and follow it up with a traditional Thai massage. In the evening check out the famous Khao San Road but remember to get enough rest for the next day.

    
  • Day 3

    Bangkok to Khao Sok National Park

    Take the overnight sleeper train south. Many travelers find this journey surprisingly enjoyable. Try to book lower berths as they offer more space and stability. The trip takes about 12 hours so pack some snacks and something to keep you entertained.

    
  • Day 4

    Khao Sok National Park

    You will stay in floating bungalows on the lake which most travelers rate as their top experience. "Waking up to misty mountains and wild elephants bathing in the morning was unforgettable. Bring waterproof bags for your electronics." You can spend your time kayaking and tubing in the world's oldest evergreen rainforest.

    
  • Day 5

    Krabi Region

    Beach time begins in Krabi. Start with the Tiger Cave Temple's 1,237 steps before it gets too hot. "Bring plenty of water and modest clothing for the temple. The stairs are steep but the panoramic views are worth every step."

    
  • Day 6

    Railay Beach Day

    Take a 15-minute longtail boat ride to Railay and Phra Nang beaches. Sit in the middle of the boat for the smoothest journey. These boat-only accessible beaches offer a quieter experience than most tourist spots.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Phi Phi Islands

    Take a 2-hour ferry to the Phi Phi Islands. Go snorkeling in clear waters on a speedboat tour where you might spot reef sharks. "The beach parties are legendary, but save energy for the next day's snorkeling. The UV paint parties start around 9 PM."

    
  • Day 9

    Departure from Phi Phi

    Book late afternoon flights from Krabi or Phuket airports to allow time for the 2-hour ferry journey to the mainland.

    

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