Travel guide
7–10 Days in Thailand: Temples, Street Food & Island-Hopping
Golden temples at dawn, sizzling street food on every corner, neon night markets, and turquoise islands that look almost too perfect to be real — Thailand grabs all five senses at once and never quite lets go.
Here's a relaxed 7–10 day route that pairs Bangkok's buzz and Chiang Mai's calm with island time in the south — plus the little things that make travel smooth, including staying online from the moment you land.
Day 1–3: Bangkok — Temples, Street Food & Markets
Start in the buzzing capital. Watch the sun catch the spires of the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, ride a longtail boat through the canals, then eat your way down Yaowarat (Chinatown) — grilled satay, mango sticky rice, and boat noodles for pennies.
Tip: go early to the Chatuchak Weekend Market before the heat peaks, and hop the Chao Phraya river ferry instead of sitting in traffic.
Day 4–5: Chiang Mai — Mountains, Temples & Lanna Charm
Fly north to Chiang Mai, the laid-back heart of the old Lanna kingdom. Wander the moated Old City's temples, climb to Doi Suthep for golden-hour views over the valley, and spend a gentle morning at an ethical elephant sanctuary.
Tip: time your visit for the Sunday Walking Street — the north's best night market for handmade crafts and northern food.
Day 6–7: Phuket & Phi Phi — Islands & Beaches
Head south to Phuket for big beaches and even bigger sunsets, then speedboat out to Phi Phi and the famous Maya Bay. Snorkel over coral gardens, kayak beneath the limestone cliffs, and end the day with your toes in the sand.
Day 8–10: Krabi or Koh Samui — Your Island Finale
Wrap up in the south. Choose Krabi for dramatic karst scenery, rock climbing at Railay Beach and island-hopping to the Hong Islands — or fly to Koh Samui for palm-fringed resorts, full-moon energy, and the quieter shores of neighbouring Koh Phangan.
Quick Tips for Thailand
- Best time to visit: November–March for cooler, drier weather and clear island days.
- Getting around: cheap domestic flights between regions, then Grab, songthaews, tuk-tuks and ferries locally.
- Plugs & power: Types A, B & C plugs, 220V — a universal adapter has you covered.
- Budget & currency: Thailand is wonderfully affordable — carry some Thai baht (THB) cash for markets and street food.
Staying Connected in Thailand
From Googling the best street stall to navigating island ferries, you'll want data that just works. With Happy Travel SIM you have two easy options:
- Travel eSIM — delivered instantly by email. Scan the QR code and you're online the second you land. Ideal if your phone supports eSIM. Thailand Travel eSIM →
- Physical SIM card — prefer a real card, or your phone doesn't support eSIM? We post your Thailand SIM to your door with free shipping in Malaysia and Thailand, ready to pop in before you fly. Thailand Travel SIM Card →
Both give you fast 4G/5G coverage right across Thailand — no roaming bill shock, and no hunting for an airport SIM kiosk after a long flight.
Ready for Thailand?
Pack your appetite, sort your data before you go, and let the temples, beaches and street food do the rest.
👉 Get your Thailand eSIM, or order a physical SIM (free shipping in Malaysia & Thailand).
Share
Plan your connection before you fly
Choose a travel eSIM or physical SIM for your destination, then use these guides when you need setup or troubleshooting help.