Thailand in 9 Days: 4 Recommended 9-day Itineraries to Thailand
- Millie Hopkinson
- From England
- Millie Hopkinson
- From England
- Jonathan Wenzel Tornøe
- From Denmark
- Katie Reid
- From Ireland
Thailand 9-day Itinerary Options
Check out our Thailand 9-day itinerary plans below and explore all the amazing experiences awaiting you in this vibrant country if you have just over a week to spare. From the bustling markets of Bangkok to the tranquil beaches of Koh Samui and the cultural wonders of Ayutthaya, these itineraries will help you make the most of your trip in Thailand!
Itinerary #1: Best of North
| Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bangkok and head to Chinatown for dinner. | Arrival | Bangkok |
| Day 2 | Visit the Grand Palace and Reclining Buddha, then hit a rooftop bar. | Sightseeing | Bangkok |
| Day 3 | Tour the famous Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. | Exploration | Bangkok |
| Day 4 | Explore the stunning age-old temples of the Ayutthaya Historical Park. | Historical exploration | Ayutthaya |
| Day 5 | Pray with monks at Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, and then visit the temples of Sukhothai. | Temple exploration | Sukhothai |
| Day 6 | Marvel at Lampang temples and lakes, then travel to Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle. | Temple visits | Chiang Rai |
| Day 7 | Admire colorful temples, travel to Chiang Mai, and climb Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. | Temple visits | Chiang Mai |
| Day 8 | Visit Chiang Mai attractions like ethical elephant parks and handicraft workshops. | Wildlife exploration | Chiang Mai |
| Day 9 | Shop for souvenirs at a local market and visit more temples before flying back home. | Departure |
With 9 days in Thailand, you can see one region in depth. If you’re more into temples than beach parties, this wholesome culture-focused itinerary is for you. Gawk in awe at Thailand’s most magnificent monuments, including Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, and the Grand Palace. Discover the country’s mystical religion at Buddhist temples like Wat Traimit and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. From morning prayers with Buddhist monks to knickknack shopping in thriving markets, this itinerary brings you the best of Northern Thailand.
Itinerary #2: A Journey of Culture and Relaxation
| Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bangkok and visit Chinatown for dinner. | Arrival | Bangkok |
| Day 2 | Visit the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Golden Buddha. | Temple visits | Bangkok |
| Day 3 | Peruse Chatuchak Weekend Market, join a Thai cooking class, and take a night train heading south. | Food tour | Bangkok |
| Day 4 | Hike and kayak Khao Sok National Park, then stay overnight in an overwater bungalow. | Hiking | Khao Sok National Park |
| Day 5 | Travel to Koh Phangan and head out for a hedonistic night of partying. | Beach exploration | Koh Phangan |
| Day 6 | Relax on a pristine, uncrowded beach or treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage. | Beach relaxation | Koh Phagan |
| Day 7 | Take a longboat tour around the island to explore its hidden beaches and bays. | Island exploration | Koh Phagan |
| Day 8 | Join a beginner-friendly Muay Thai class or practice yoga by the beach. | Beach activities | Koh Phagan |
| Day 9 | Transfer back to the mainland for onward travel or a flight back home. | Departure |
Why spend 9 days in Thailand rushing around when you can enjoy a leisurely, slow-paced holiday? This easy-going itinerary covers three destinations, giving you plenty of time to relax. Tick the top Bangkok highlights off your bucket list before visiting the world-famous man-made lake at Khao Sok. The rest of the trip sees you chilling on Koh Phangan, either reveling in a quarter/half/full moon party or kicking back on a beautiful beach.
Itinerary #3: History, Culture and Nature
| Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
| Day 1 | Start your trip in Bangkok and dine in Chinatown or drink at Khao San Road. | Arrival | Bangkok |
| Day 2 | Take a city tour to see the Reclining Buddha, Grand Palace, and Wat Arun. | City sightseeing | Bangkok |
| Day 3 | Travel to Kanchanaburi to see the Hellfire Pass and the Bridge Over the River Kwai. | Transfer | Kanchanaburi |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Ayutthaya to admire historical sites, and then visit temples in Phitsanulok. | Temple exploration | Ayutthaya |
| Day 5 | Pray with monks in the morning, then visit the ancient city of Sukhothai. | Temple exploration | Sukhothai |
| Day 6 | Travel to Chiang Rai and explore its famous Blue and White temples. | Temple exploration | Chiang Rai |
| Day 7 | Visit a cruelty-free elephant sanctuary, and then check out Wat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai. | Wildlife exploration | Chiang Mai |
| Day 8 | Explore more Chiang Mai temples before hopping on an overnight train back to Bangkok. | Temple visits | Chiang Mai |
| Day 9 | Shop for souvenirs at the Chatuchak Weekend Market, and then fly back home. | Departure |
Keen to experience the best of Thailand in 9 days? This action-packed adventure whisks you between its most exciting destinations. Savor the electric energy of Bangkok, learn the sad stories behind Kanchanaburi, and admire the awe-inspiring history at Ayutthaya and Sukhothai. This best-of excursion also ticks off the top temples, including Wat Arun, Wat Doi Suthep, and Chiang Rai’s famous Blue and White abodes. An authentic, animal-friendly elephant experience in Chiang Mai rounds off the perfect holiday.
Itinerary #4: Island Hopping
| Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
| Day 1 | Touch down in Bangkok and head out for dinner and drinks in Khao San Road. | Arrival | Bangkok |
| Day 2 | Take a sightseeing tour of Bangkok. | Sightseeing | Bangkok |
| Day 3 | Fly to Krabi, bus it to Ao Nang, then hop on a longboat to Railay to kick back in paradise. | Transfer | Krabi |
| Day 4 | Kayak Phra Nang Cave, hike to a Railay lookout, then try your hand at rock climbing. | Hiking and cave exploration | Krabi |
| Day 5 | Take a ferry to Koh Phi Phi and visit the stunning Phi Phi viewpoint at sunset. | Ferry ride | Phi Phi Island |
| Day 6 | Join an island-hopping tour to Monkey Island, James Bond Island, and Pileh lagoon. | Island exploration | Phi Phi Island |
| Day 7 | Catch a ferry to Phuket and treat yourself to a spa or lazy afternoon on the beach. | Ferry ride and beach relaxation | Phuket |
| Day 8 | Check out an ethical elephant sanctuary and catch the sunset at Promthep Cape. | Wildlife exploration | Phuket |
| Day 9 | End your trip in Phuket. | Departure |
Thailand is renowned for having the most beautiful beaches on Earth. And this epic itinerary takes you between its prettiest sandy stretches in one dreamy island-hopping adventure. After dutifully ticking off the essential Bangkok bucket list sites, you’ll fly down to Krabi and settle into the scene at Railay. Next are a couple of blissful days chilling out in Koh Phi Phi before hitting Phuket to sightsee, relax, and explore. All these spots have hectic nightlife, so there’s plenty of opportunity to get rowdy if you please.
Need help in planning your 9-day itinerary to Thailand?
Whether you’re a culture vulture, history buff, or beach bum, Thailand has something for everyone. These superb Thailand 9-day itinerary options cater to travelers of all interests. Pick the best schedule to suit your tastes and start grinning in the Land of the Smiles.
If you have a different timeframe, see our articles on 8 days in Thailand or 11 days in Thailand instead. If you’re not sure, we’ve also covered how long to spend in Thailand. If you are looking for a personalized experience, contact our travel experts for a customized trip to Thailand or a 9-day trip to Thailand.
Other related articles:
One week in Thailand
10 days in Thailand
2 weeks in Thailand
