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10-Day Thailand Itinerary
Hey, imagine landing in Bangkok with exactly $800 for your 10-day Thailand adventure – no international flights included, just pure ground costs for stays, food, transport, and activities. I’ve done this route myself as a budget traveler from India, and it works like a charm if you stick to smart choices like hostel dorms, street food feasts, and overnight trains or cheap domestic flights. This 10 day Thailand itinerary on a budget hits the highlights – Bangkok’s chaos, Chiang Mai’s chill temples, Krabi’s epic beaches – averaging 70–80 USD per day (2,450–2,800 THB) to keep you under budget with room for a couple splurges.
Rates I’m using (update at publish): 1 USD ≈ 35 THB, 1 EUR ≈ 38 THB. Perfect for US/UK readers eyeing a quick escape.
The big picture: Why this route fits $800 perfectly
This 10 day Thailand itinerary on a budget forms a logical triangle: fly into Bangkok, head north to Chiang Mai, then south to Krabi/Ao Nang for beaches, and exit from Krabi or back to Bangkok. It’s beginner-friendly, with minimal backtracking and costs that stay low because Thailand’s budget options are world-class – hostels from 5–12 USD per night, street food under 3 USD per meal, and local transport via Grab or songthaews for pennies.
Expected total spend: 750–790 USD per person, leaving buffer for surprises like a sudden island tour or laundry day. Who it’s for: solo backpackers, couples splitting rooms, first-timers who want variety without luxury. Skip if you hate hostels or need kid-friendly amenities.
| Category | Shoestring (THB/day) | Comfortable (THB/day) | Shoestring (USD/EUR) | Comfortable (USD/EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 250–500 | 600–900 | $7–$14 / €7–€13 | $17–$26 / €16–€24 |
| Food | 250–400 | 400–600 | $7–$11 / €7–€11 | $11–$17 / €11–€16 |
| Local Transport | 100–200 | 150–250 | $3–$6 / €3–€5 | $4–$7 / €4–€7 |
| Activities | 150–400 | 300–700 | $4–$11 / €4–€11 | $9–$20 / €8–€18 |
| Misc (SIM, water, tips) | 100–200 | 150–250 | $3–$6 / €3–€5 | $4–$7 / €4–€7 |
| Total Daily | 850–1,500 THB | 1,600–2,750 THB | $24–$43 / €23–€40 | $46–$79 / €43–€73 |
Days 1–3: Bangkok – Temples, street food, and neon nights
Land in Bangkok and dive into the madness. Stay near Khao San or Sukhumvit for cheap eats and BTS access.
Where to stay in Bangkok on this 10 day Thailand itinerary on a budget
Bangkok’s hostel scene is unbeatable for budget travelers, with central options from 6 USD per dorm bed.
- Budget pick: Mixed dorms near Khao San – 200–300 THB ($6–9 / €6–7) at spots like NapPark Hostel or Mad Monkey, with AC, WiFi, and party vibes if you want them. Perfect for solo travelers on a 10 day Thailand itinerary on a budget.
- Comfort upgrade: Private room for couples – 800–1,200 THB ($23–34 / €21–32) at guesthouses like Ratchadamnoen Hotel, walking distance to temples. Split it, and it’s under 17 USD each.
- Mid-budget gem – Hostels like Lub d Bangkok Siam at 500–700 THB ($14–20 / €13–18) per dorm, with rooftop pools.
Book 2–3 nights for 1,200–2,100 THB total ($34–60 / €32–56).
Day-by-day in Bangkok
Day 1: Arrival & Khao San immersion
Grab a 7-Eleven SIM (300 THB / $9 for 15 days data), check into hostel. Walk Khao San for pad thai (60 THB / $2), mango sticky rice (50 THB / $1), and cheap beer (80 THB / $2). Evening: Riverside walk.
Daily total: 1,200 THB ($34 / €32) – stay 300 THB, food 400 THB, transport 100 THB, misc 400 THB.
Day 2: Temple hop
Grand Palace + Wat Phra Kaew (500 THB entry / $14), Wat Pho (200 THB / $6), ferry to Wat Arun (50 THB / $1). Lunch at street stalls (150 THB / $4). Evening rooftop at Bayon Bayview (cocktail 250 THB / $7).
Daily total: 2,000 THB ($57 / €53) – includes entries.
Day 3: Markets & malls
Chatuchak Weekend Market (free entry, 200 THB shopping/food), Asiatique night market (free ferry). Grab rides (100 THB / $3 total).
Daily total: 1,500 THB ($43 / €40).
Bangkok subtotal (3 days): 4,700 THB ($134 / €125).
Days 4–6: Chiang Mai – Temples, markets, and mountain vibes
Overnight train from Bangkok (800–1,200 THB / $23–34, sleeper berth) or AirAsia flight (1,500–2,500 THB / $43–71). Arrive Old City – heart of budget Chiang Mai.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai for budget travelers
Old City guesthouses and hostels are cheap and central, from 250 THB dorms.
- Budget dorm: Hug Hostel or Green Tiger House – 250–400 THB ($7–11 / €7–10), bike rental included sometimes. Ideal for your 10 day Thailand itinerary on a budget.
- Private room pick: Baan Boo Loo Village Guesthouse – 700–1,000 THB ($20–29 / €19–26) for doubles with breakfast.
- Social spot: Stamps Backpackers – 300–500 THB ($9–14 / €8–13) with tours.
3 nights: 900–2,400 THB ($26–69 / €24–64).
Day-by-day in Chiang Mai
Day 4: Old City temples
Wat Phra Singh (free), Wat Chedi Luang (40 THB / $1), night bazaar (dinner 200 THB / $6). Songthaew rides (40 THB / $1).
Daily total: 1,200 THB ($34 / €32).
Day 5: Doi Suthep & cooking class
Songthaew to Doi Suthep temple (200 THB roundtrip / $6, 40 THB entry), Thai cooking class (1,000 THB / $29 splurge).
Daily total: 2,200 THB ($63 / €59).
Day 6: Ethical elephants or markets
Elephant Nature Park day visit (2,500 THB / $71, optional splurge – swap for free hiking) or more markets.
Daily total: 1,800 THB ($51 / €48) (no splurge).
Chiang Mai subtotal (3 days): 5,200 THB ($149 / €139).
Days 7–10: Krabi / Ao Nang – Beaches and islands
Budget flight Chiang Mai to Krabi (1,500–2,500 THB / $43–71 via AirAsia). Base in Ao Nang for beach access.
Where to stay in Krabi/Ao Nang on $800 total
Krabi hostels crush budgets, with dorms from 100 THB.
- Beachside dorm: Pak-Up Hostel Ao Nang – 200–350 THB ($6–10 / €6–9), pool party vibes.
- Private budget: Little Rock Hostel or similar – 600–900 THB ($17–26 / €16–24) doubles.
- Value pick: On the Rocks Ao Nang – 400–600 THB ($11–17 / €10–16) dorms with views.
4 nights: 1,200–2,800 THB ($34–80 / €32–75).
Day-by-day in Krabi
Day 7: Ao Nang beach & Railay
Longtail boat to Railay Beach (200 THB roundtrip / $6), beach time. Street seafood dinner (250 THB / $7).
Daily total: 1,400 THB ($40 / €37).
Day 8: Island hopping
4-island tour (1,000 THB / $29, snorkel + lunch).
Daily total: 2,000 THB ($57 / €53).
Day 9: Kayaking or viewpoints
Kayak rental (300 THB / $9), Tiger Cave Temple hike (free). Sunset viewpoint.
Daily total: 1,500 THB ($43 / €40).
Day 10: Relax & depart
Morning beach, airport transfer (300 THB / $9).
Daily total: 1,200 THB ($34 / €32).
Krabi subtotal (4 days): 6,100 THB ($174 / €163).
| Section | Nights | Accommodation (THB) | Food/Transport/Activities (THB) | Total (THB) | USD | EUR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | 3 | 1,500 | 3,200 | 4,700 | $134 | €125 |
| Chiang Mai | 3 | 1,200 | 4,000 | 5,200 | $149 | €139 |
| Krabi | 4 | 1,800 | 4,300 | 6,100 | $174 | €163 |
| Subtotal (ground expenses) | 10 | 4,500 | 11,500 | 16,000 | $457 | €427 |
| Domestic transport (2 flights / train) | — | — | 5,000–6,000 | 5,500 (midpoint) | $157 | €147 |
| Grand Total (excluding buffer) | 10 | — | — | 21,500 | $614 | €574 |
With buffer for extras, you’re at 700–750 USD, well under $800. Add 50 USD for SIM/laundry/emergencies.
Pro tips to stay under budget
- Book domestic flights 1–2 months out on AirAsia/Nok Air for under 2,000 THB each way.
- Eat street food – pad thai for 60 THB, som tam salad 50 THB.
- Use Grab app for taxis (cheaper than tuk-tuks), songthaews in Chiang Mai (40 THB flat).
- Free activities: temple hopping, beach walks, night markets. Splurge once per city.
This 10 day Thailand itinerary on a budget delivers Thailand’s best without breaking the bank. Safe travels!
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