Thailand in 9 Days: The Perfect Itinerary
Thailand in 9 Days: The Perfect Itinerary
Thailand is just an amazing country, and I honestly think there is something for everyone. From bustling cities and beautiful temples to tropical islands, crystal-clear waters and some of the best food in the world, you can create pretty much any kind of holiday here. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, incredible hotels, beach clubs or a bit of everything, Thailand has you covered.
We spent nine days exploring Bangkok, Koh Tao and Koh Samui, combining a bit of sightseeing with plenty of beach time, great restaurants and some really fun activities. Although nine days is not nearly enough to see everything Thailand has to offer, I think it is a great amount of time to get a taste of the country and enjoy a mix of city life and island living.
Here is our itinerary, along with my recommendations on where to stay, what to do and, most importantly, where to eat!
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1: Bangkok – Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun and rooftop bars
Day 2: Bangkok off the beaten track – Mahanakhon SkyWalk and hidden neighbourhoods
Day 3: Travel to Koh Tao
Day 4: Exploring Koh Tao – Beaches, snorkelling and relaxed island life
Day 5: Travel to Koh Samui
Day 6: Elephant sanctuary – Swimming, feeding elephants and sunset cocktails
Day 7: Boat trip – Snorkelling, Pig Island or Ang Thong National Marine Park
Day 8: Football golf, viewpoints and Fisherman's Village night market
Day 9: Breakfast, pool time and travelling home
Best time to visit Thailand
We actually travelled during the rainy season in September. One important thing to know is that the weather can vary significantly depending on which part of Thailand you visit.
While September falls within the rainy season in Bangkok and much of the country, Koh Samui and the nearby islands tend to follow a different weather pattern, with their wettest months generally coming later in the year.
For this reason, I would strongly recommend checking the weather patterns for each destination on your itinerary rather than assuming that the whole country experiences the same conditions.
Overall, we had a really good experience travelling at this time of year. Firstly, there were fewer tourists than you might expect during the peak season. Secondly, prices were generally more attractive, meaning we could find some fantastic hotels and better rooms for much less than we might have paid at other times of the year.
In our case, the weather was usually very hot during the day, followed by a couple of hours of rain in the evening or just before dinner. On some days in the islands, it did not even rain at all!
General advice
1. Bring cash!
You are going to need quite a lot of cash in Thailand. Many ATMs charge a withdrawal fee, even if you use a card such as Revolut or Monzo, so it is worth planning ahead.
What worked really well for us was bringing pounds in cash and exchanging them once we arrived. The trick is to look for the currency exchange counters on the lower levels of Bangkok airport, around the entrance to the airport rail link, rather than exchanging your money immediately in the arrivals hall. We found much better exchange rates there.
2. What to pack
If you are travelling during the rainy season, I would recommend packing a lightweight rain jacket and a small umbrella. You might not need them every day, but you will be glad to have them when it rains!
I would also bring lightweight cotton or linen trousers, as you will need to cover your knees when visiting certain temples. This applies to both men and women, and some temples have additional dress requirements, so it is worth checking before you go.
Finally, mosquito repellent is essential. Make sure you pack some and apply it regularly, especially in the evenings.
3. Download the right taxi apps
Getting around can be a little different depending on where you are staying. In Bangkok, we found Grab very useful for booking taxis. In Koh Samui, Bolt worked much better for us.
I would recommend downloading both apps before travelling so that you can compare prices and availability once you arrive. Keep in mind that availability can vary depending on the island and the time of day.
Day 1: Bangkok – The classic sights
When we landed in Bangkok, we headed straight to our hotel. For our airport and port transfers, we arranged everything through the taxi service available on Booking.com [booking.com], which worked really well for us.
Where to stay in Bangkok
We stayed in the Sukhumvit 11 area, at Nysa Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 11. The hotel itself was amazing, and I would happily recommend it if you are looking for a comfortable and stylish place to stay.
However, I was not particularly impressed with the surrounding area. It has quite a strong party atmosphere, but not necessarily in a sophisticated way. Personally, it was not quite the vibe I was looking for.
If I returned to Bangkok, I would probably consider Aman Nai Lert or Kimpton Maa-Lai, mainly because they are closer to several of the restaurants I would love to try.
My advice would be to make a list of the restaurants and bars you want to visit first and then choose your hotel accordingly. Bangkok is enormous, and traffic can be absolutely crazy, so staying somewhere convenient can save you a lot of time. Ideally, I would also choose somewhere within easy walking distance of a metro or BTS station.
After checking in and having a quick shower, we decided to head straight out and explore some of Bangkok's most famous sights.
The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is one of Bangkok's most famous landmarks and an absolute must-visit when exploring the city. Built in 1782, it served as the official residence of the Kings of Siam for over 150 years.
The complex is a stunning display of traditional Thai architecture, with golden spires, intricate details and beautifully decorated temples. Its most sacred attraction is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), which houses a revered Buddha statue carved from jade.
The entrance ticket cost us 500 THB per person, and this was one of the few attractions where we were able to pay by card.
One important thing to remember is the dress code. You will need to cover your knees, and shoulders must also be covered, so make sure you dress appropriately before arriving.
Wat Pho
After visiting the Grand Palace, we walked for around 10 minutes to Wat Pho (Wat Phra Chetuphon), another of Bangkok's most famous temples.
Wat Pho is one of the city's oldest and most impressive temple complexes, best known for its enormous 46-metre-long Reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf. The complex is also considered one of the historic centres of traditional Thai massage and is home to beautiful stupas, colourful mosaics and intricate Thai architecture.
I really enjoyed visiting this temple, and it is an easy addition to your itinerary because it is so close to the Grand Palace.
The entrance ticket cost us 300 THB per person, and you should bring cash to pay.
Wat Arun: The Temple of Dawn
From Wat Pho, we walked towards the river and took the ferry across to the other side to visit Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn.
Wat Arun is one of Bangkok's most iconic landmarks, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The temple is famous for its impressive central tower, decorated with colourful porcelain and seashells that sparkle beautifully in the sunlight. You can climb part of the tower for lovely views over the river and the city.
The ferry crossing cost us around 5.50 THB per person each way, payable in cash, while the temple entrance ticket was 400 THB per person.
I would definitely recommend visiting all three temples on the same day, as they are relatively close to one another and make a great introduction to Bangkok's history and architecture.
Lunch with a view at MITR
After visiting Wat Arun, we crossed back over the river and headed to MITR, a lovely restaurant where we stopped for lunch.
If you can get one of the tables upstairs, even better, as you get an amazing view of the surrounding area. It was a great place to take a break after a busy morning of sightseeing.
Khao San Road
After lunch, we took a Grab to Khao San Road, one of Bangkok's most famous streets, particularly popular with backpackers.
To be honest, I was not particularly impressed. We visited during the daytime, when it was relatively quiet, and I did not find it especially interesting. The street is much livelier at night, with bars, music and plenty of people out drinking.
Still, it is one of those places that you might want to see at least once while in Bangkok, just to experience the atmosphere for yourself. I would not necessarily make it a priority if you are short on time, though.
Dinner and rooftop drinks
For dinner, we went to Above Eleven, a rooftop restaurant serving Peruvian-Japanese fusion food, and the food was so good! It was a great combination of flavours and a lovely place to spend the evening.
After dinner, we headed to Pastel Rooftop, which had great music, a DJ and even a saxophonist playing live. It was a fantastic spot for a few drinks and a fun way to experience Bangkok's rooftop-bar scene.
Bangkok has so many rooftop bars that it can be difficult to choose, but I would definitely recommend including at least one in your itinerary.
Day 2: Bangkok off the beaten track
One of the biggest challenges in Bangkok is getting around. The traffic is absolutely crazy, and even relatively short journeys can take forever, so I would recommend using the metro or BTS whenever possible.
On our second day, we decided to explore a slightly different side of the city.
Mahanakhon SkyWalk
We started the day by taking the metro to Mahanakhon SkyWalk, one of Bangkok's most famous observation decks.
Located at the top of the King Power Mahanakhon skyscraper, it offers incredible panoramic views over the city. One of its main attractions is the glass skywalk, where you can walk across a transparent floor high above the streets below.
The entrance ticket cost us around 1,000 THB per person, which is quite expensive, but in my opinion, it was worth it. The views are fantastic, and it is a fun experience if you want to see Bangkok from a different perspective.
I would recommend checking the weather before booking, as visibility can make a big difference to the experience.
Afterwards, we decided to head back to the hotel for a drink and some time by the swimming pool. After a busy first day, it was nice to slow down a little.
What I would have done differently
There were a couple of places I would have liked to visit if we had had more time.
One would have been Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, a beautiful temple famous for its enormous golden Buddha statue and impressive interior. It is located away from the main tourist areas, so it would have been a good opportunity to explore a different part of Bangkok. I also had Hidden Bangkok Bistro on my list, as it looked like a lovely place to stop for a bite to eat or a drink while enjoying views of the river and the surrounding neighbourhood.
Another option would have been to visit one of Bangkok's floating markets. These are a great way to experience a different side of the city, although some are further out and require more time to visit. If this is something you are interested in, I would recommend checking which markets are open on the day you plan to go.
Dinner at Khum Hom
For dinner, we went to Khum Hom, a restaurant recommended by the Michelin Guide, and both the food and the atmosphere were fantastic.
It was a great dining experience and definitely one I would recommend if you are looking for somewhere special to eat in Bangkok.
After dinner, we headed to Don't Open the Fridge, where we stopped for a few cocktails. It was a nice way to finish our second day before heading back to the hotel.
Day 3: Travelling to Koh Tao
On our third day, it was time to leave Bangkok and head to the islands.
We flew from Bangkok to Koh Samui and then took a ferry to Koh Tao. Although getting there requires a little more planning than travelling to some of Thailand's other islands, I think it is worth considering if you are looking for beautiful beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere.
How to get to Koh Tao
My biggest piece of advice is to check the ferry and speedboat schedules first and book your tickets as soon as possible, particularly during busy periods. Once you have secured your boat, you can organise your flights around it, as there are several flight options between Bangkok and Koh Samui.
Getting from Koh Samui Airport to the ferry terminal is relatively easy. We booked a transfer through Booking.com [booking.com], and the drive took around 10 minutes. However, make sure you leave enough time between your flight and your boat departure, as you should aim to arrive at the ferry terminal around 45 minutes beforehand.
There are mainly two options for travelling between Koh Samui and Koh Tao: the conventional ferry and the speedboat.
The speedboat is quicker, taking around two hours, while the ferry can take closer to three hours, depending on the service. However, the ferry is generally more comfortable, with toilets, a bar and space to walk around.
If you are travelling with children or are prone to seasickness, I would definitely consider the ferry. Speedboats can be quite uncomfortable when the sea is choppy, so the quicker journey is not always the most enjoyable option.
Where we stayed in Koh Tao
Once we arrived in Koh Tao, we headed straight to our accommodation.
We stayed at Shark Villas, which is located on a beautiful cliff overlooking the sea. The setting was gorgeous, and it was a lovely place to relax and enjoy the views.
However, it is a little far from the main areas of the island, particularly if you want to go out for dinner or explore different beaches. This meant we ended up spending quite a lot on taxis.
If you are travelling as a couple and mainly want to relax, enjoy the views and spend time at your accommodation, I think it could be a great option. However, if you are travelling as a group and plan to go out regularly, I would probably look for somewhere more central.
One alternative to consider is Tao Island Boutique Hotel, if you are looking for something closer to the centre.
Dinner at Charcoal Bay Wine and Grill
After checking in, we spent some time relaxing by the pool before heading out for dinner at Charcoal Bay Wine and Grill.
We absolutely loved it here! The food was fantastic, the wine selection was incredible, and the atmosphere was exactly what we were looking for. It was one of our favourite dining experiences on Koh Tao, and I would highly recommend adding it to your list.
After dinner, we went to Lotus Bar, right by the beach, to enjoy the fire show, cocktails and music.
Day 4: Exploring Koh Tao
We spent our fourth day exploring some of Koh Tao's beaches. The island is known for its beautiful turquoise water and snorkelling spots, so I would definitely recommend setting aside at least one full day to enjoy the coastline.
One important thing to remember is to check the tides before deciding which beach to visit. Some beaches can become very shallow or significantly smaller at low tide, which can affect both swimming and snorkelling.
Ao Leuk Beach
We spent most of the day at Ao Leuk Beach, which is a great spot for snorkelling. The water is beautiful, and there are plenty of opportunities to see marine life close to the shore.
There are also bars and restaurants nearby, so you can easily spend several hours here without having to leave for lunch or drinks.
Bear in mind that access to the beach may require an entrance fee, so bring some cash with you.
After spending most of the day at the beach, we returned to Charcoal Bay Wine and Grill for dinner and then went back to Lotus Bar for drinks.
Both places had been such a highlight of the previous evening that we were more than happy to repeat the experience!
Is Koh Tao worth visiting?
I really enjoyed Koh Tao as a relaxed stop on our itinerary. It is a beautiful island, particularly if you enjoy snorkelling, swimming and spending time by the sea.
However, I would say that it is relatively quiet compared with some of Thailand's other islands. The atmosphere is particularly suited to travellers looking for a laid-back beach holiday, couples wanting to relax and people interested in diving and snorkelling.
If you are looking for a more lively destination with lots of restaurants, beach clubs and nightlife, you might find Koh Tao a little too quiet.
Personally, I liked having it as part of our trip, but whether I would recommend it depends on the kind of holiday you are looking for.
Day 5: Travelling to Koh Samui
The following day, we took the speedboat back to Koh Samui, where we would spend the rest of our holiday.
Where to stay in Koh Samui
One of the trickiest things about Koh Samui is deciding where to stay, as the island is quite large and each area has a different atmosphere.
Here is my take on the main areas:
Chaweng: This is one of the liveliest parts of the island, with plenty of nightlife, bars and restaurants. It is particularly popular with younger travellers and backpackers. Personally, I would avoid staying here if you are looking for a more sophisticated or relaxed atmosphere, although it could be a good choice if nightlife is your priority.
Lamai: The beach is lovely, but I was less convinced by the surrounding area. I did not find the main street particularly appealing in terms of restaurants and bars, so it would not be my first choice for accommodation.
Bophut and Fisherman's Village: For me, this would be the best area to stay. It offers a good balance of everything, with restaurants, bars, a beach and easy access to other parts of the island. I think it is a great option if you want somewhere that feels lively but not too hectic.
If your budget allows, I would recommend looking at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort. It is a beautiful resort in a convenient location.
An easy afternoon by the beach
After arriving and checking into our hotel, we decided to take it easy and spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach.
One of the things I liked about Koh Samui was that it offered a different experience from Koh Tao. There was a wider choice of restaurants, more places to go out for drinks and plenty of options for organising activities, while still having beautiful beaches to enjoy.
Dinner at Kapi Sator
For dinner, we took a short Bolt ride to Kapi Sator, which is recommended by the Michelin Guide.
It was a great opportunity to try more local food, and I would recommend including a restaurant like this in your itinerary if you want to explore Koh Samui's food scene beyond the usual beachside restaurants.
Day 6: An elephant sanctuary in Koh Samui
The next day, we did one of the coolest activities of the entire trip: visiting an elephant sanctuary!
We chose Wild Child Organic Kitchen, a restaurant and wildlife experience associated with Wild Cottages Elephant Sanctuary Resort.
I would recommend booking this experience in advance, as they offer different packages depending on how much time you want to spend there and which facilities you would like to use.
We chose the pool day pass, which cost us 2,500 THB per person. This included the opportunity to feed the elephants, access to the swimming pool and sun loungers, and 1,500 THB in credit for food and drinks.
Honestly, I highly recommend this experience. It was one of the best days of the holiday!
Being able to see the elephants up close was a really special experience, and having access to the pool and facilities meant we could spend the whole day there rather than just popping in for a short visit.
As with any elephant experience in Thailand, I would recommend checking the sanctuary's animal-welfare practices before booking, particularly whether the elephants are free from riding and other activities that may cause them stress.
Dinner at Charm Samui
For dinner, we headed to Charm Samui, and it was just fantastic! We had a great meal and I would definitely recommend adding it to your list.
After dinner, we walked over to Coco Tam's for a cocktail and to enjoy the famous fire show on the beach.
Coco Tam's is one of those places that is particularly popular in the evening, with music, cocktails and a lively beach atmosphere. It is a great spot to finish the day, especially if you want to combine dinner with a fun night out.
Day 7: A boat trip around Koh Samui
One of the activities I would recommend including during your stay in Koh Samui is a boat trip. It is a great way to explore some of the surrounding islands, go snorkelling and enjoy a different perspective of the coastline.
There are two main options I would consider, depending on how much time you have and what you want to see.
Option 1: A half-day private boat trip
The shorter option is a half-day private boat trip towards the south of Koh Samui, with a stop at a small coral reef for snorkelling before continuing to Pig Island (Koh Madsum).
Pig Island is famous for its pigs roaming around the beach, making it a fun and slightly unusual stop. It is also a lovely place to enjoy the water and take some photos.
I usually look for these kinds of activities on GetYourGuide, as it is an easy way to compare options and read reviews before booking.
If you do decide to book a private boat, I would recommend confirming exactly what is included, whether snorkelling equipment is provided and whether any island entrance fees are extra.
Option 2: Ang Thong National Marine Park
Another option I would have loved to do is a boat trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park.
This beautiful archipelago is made up of dozens of limestone islands, with turquoise water, hidden lagoons, viewpoints and opportunities for kayaking and snorkelling.
Many organised day trips include a visit to a viewpoint, time for kayaking and stops at some of the park's most beautiful spots.
If you have a full day available and want to explore more of Thailand's natural landscapes, this would be a fantastic option. Just bear in mind that the journey can be longer, so I would check the itinerary carefully before booking.
Sunset drinks at The Jungle Club
Before dinner, we decided to head to The Jungle Club, around a 15-minute Bolt ride away from our starting point, to enjoy a drink while watching the sunset.
The views over Koh Samui are beautiful, and it is a lovely place to stop for a cocktail and take in the scenery.
It is also a popular spot, so I would recommend checking whether you need to book ahead, particularly if you are visiting during the high season.
Dinner at Phensiri Thai Restaurant
For dinner, you could try Phensiri Thai Restaurant, which is included in the Michelin Guide's recommendations.
Day 8: Football golf and viewpoints
By this point in the trip, we had already done quite a lot of sightseeing and exploring, so we decided to take it slowly in the morning and enjoy a more relaxed day.
Lunch at Nahm
We started with lunch at Nahm, which was absolutely great. Both the food and the views were fantastic, making it a lovely way to start the day.
I always think it is worth mixing activities with a few good restaurant experiences when travelling, and Koh Samui is a great place to do that.
Football golf
After lunch, we went to play football golf, and it was so much fun!
The idea is a combination of football and golf, where you kick a football around a course and try to get it into the holes in as few shots as possible. It sounds simple, but it is surprisingly entertaining, especially if you are going with a group of friends.
The landscaping was stunning, and we laughed a lot throughout the experience. Everything was also very well organised, which made it even better.
One important tip: make sure you wear trainers, as you will be walking around the course and kicking a ball for quite a while.
Our entrance tickets cost us around 750 THB per person, payable in cash.
Drinks at The Cocoon viewpoint
After football golf, we headed to The Cocoon for a drink and to enjoy the views.
It is a very popular viewpoint and a lovely place to stop for a drink while taking in Koh Samui's scenery. As it can get busy, particularly during the high season, I would consider booking ahead if you want to visit at a specific time.
Fisherman's Village night market
For our final evening, one option I would recommend is visiting the Fisherman's Village night market in Bophut.
The market typically takes place on selected days of the week, including Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, although schedules can change, so check the latest opening days before planning your evening.
It is a great place to wander around, browse the stalls, try different street-food dishes and soak up the atmosphere. If you enjoy discovering local food and picking up a few souvenirs, it is well worth a visit.
Day 9: Travelling home
Unfortunately, our last day in Thailand had arrived!
We woke up and enjoyed a relaxing breakfast before spending a little more time by the swimming pool. There was not much time left for sightseeing, so we decided to make the most of our last few hours before checking out.
Afterwards, we headed to Koh Samui Airport to catch our flight back to Bangkok, where we connected with our flight home.
And just like that, our nine days in Thailand came to an end!
Final thoughts: Is nine days in Thailand enough?
Thailand is one of those destinations where you could easily spend weeks travelling around and still feel like you have only scratched the surface. There are so many islands, cities, national parks and cultural experiences to discover that you could return several times and have a completely different holiday each time.
That said, I think nine days is a great introduction if you want to combine a city break with some island time. We managed to explore Bangkok, discover the relaxed atmosphere of Koh Tao and enjoy the restaurants, beaches and activities of Koh Samui, all without making the trip feel too rushed.
Overall, Thailand was an incredible holiday, and I would happily return to explore more of the country. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, beautiful beaches or unforgettable food, I really do think Thailand has something for everyone.
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