10 Days in Thailand – Beaches, Culture, Shows & Wild Fun!
A complete family adventure through Krabi, Phuket, Pattaya, and Bangkok
Sawadee ka! Just back from a whirlwind 10-day escape to the Land of Smiles—Thailand—and I couldn’t wait to pen this down. From the tranquil beaches of Krabi to the buzzing streets of Bangkok, this trip had the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and family fun.
Let’s dive into the highlights of each day, shall we?
Day 1: Arrival in Phuket & Transfer to Krabi
Our adventure began with a smooth landing at Phuket International Airport. Though tired from the long flight, the excitement kicked in the moment we stepped outside to the tropical breeze. A comfortable private transfer took us to Centra by Centara Phu Pano Resort Krabi, nestled near Ao Nang.
The hotel was modern with clean, comfy rooms and a lovely pool surrounded by limestone cliffs — perfect to unwind after the journey. We grabbed a quick meal at our room (packed food from India). In the evening, we went to the beach and there was a fire show going on. Amazing show!
Day 2: 7 Islands Sunset Cruise – Snorkels & Sunsets
After a leisurely breakfast, we geared up for the 7 Islands Sunset Cruise — one of the best ways to explore Krabi’s hidden gems.
We hopped on a long-tail boat, joined by a few other travelers, and cruised across emerald waters, stopping at various islands like Chicken Island, Tup Island, and Phra Nang Cave Beach. Each had its own charm — from soft sandy stretches to unique limestone formations.
Snorkeling was the highlight — vibrant coral reefs and schools of colorful fish awaited just below the surface. As evening approached, the boat anchored at a quiet beach where we enjoyed a BBQ dinner under the sky. The sunset was pure magic, painting the sea gold and orange, followed by a fire show that added to the surreal vibe. What. A. Day.
Day 3: Transfer to Phuket & Phuket FantaSea Show
Time to leave Krabi behind. After breakfast, we were picked up for a private transfer to Phuket, our next base. The journey was scenic — lush hills, roadside markets, and peeks of the Andaman Sea kept us entertained.
We checked into Deevana Patong Resort & Spa, located near the bustling Patong Beach. That evening, we headed for the much-anticipated Phuket FantaSea Show.
It’s hard to describe FantaSea — it’s part cultural show, part theme park, part spectacle. Elephants performing on stage, Thai mythology coming alive through dance, lights, and music — it was grand, colorful, and very Vegas-meets-Thailand. The buffet dinner served beforehand had a good mix of Thai and international cuisine too.
Day 4: Exploring Phuket + Dolphin Show
The day started with the Original Phuket Discovery Tour in the afternoon. We visited iconic viewpoints like Karon and Promthep Cape, admired the Big Buddha, and wandered through Old Phuket Town with its colorful Sino-Portuguese buildings.
Later in the day, we attended the Dolphins Bay Show — a fun experience especially for kids. Watching dolphins leap, twirl, and even paint (yes, paint!) was a joy. They sold the painting later to audience. You can really feel the bond between the animals and trainers. A feel-good end to a well-rounded day.
Phi Phi Island Speedboat Tour
Time for the bucket list moment — Phi Phi Islands by speedboat! We started early, zipped across the sea and hit stunning spots like Maya Bay (yes, the one from The Beach), Loh Samah, and Monkey Beach.
Snorkeling again stole the show — warm waters, colorful reefs, and loads of marine life. Lunch was served at a beach resort on Phi Phi Don, offering views as tasty as the food. Just don’t forget to apply reef-safe sunscreen — the sun gets fierce!
Flight to Bangkok, Transfer to Pattaya
We bid goodbye to Phuket and took a short flight to Bangkok.
A private vehicle whisked us to Pattaya — a two-hour ride through green
countryside and occasional roadside coconut stalls.
Checked into Centara Pattaya Hotel and just relaxed after the travel. The hotel had a decent pool and was centrally located, making it easy to explore nearby. In the evening we visited markets and the nearby 3D Art Museum. If you still have stamina go for Ripley’s Believe it or not, we did not had.
Day 7: Underwater World & Tiger Park Pattaya
This day was for wildlife lovers!
We began at Underwater World Pattaya, a compact yet
engaging aquarium. The 100-meter tunnel with sharks, rays, and giant groupers swimming overhead was incredible. Kids especially loved the jellyfish and feeding sessions.
Next up: Tiger Park Pattaya. Here, you get to safely enter enclosures and click photos with tigers. They range from cubs to full-grown adults. Staff were friendly and cautious. It was thrilling (and a bit nerve-wracking!) to stand next to a majestic tiger, even with a guide nearby. Unforgettable experience.
At afternoon, we decided to visit ‘Sanctuary of Truth’ – the largest wooden structure in the world. Its unfinished but mesmerizing. Its a private property and also has entrance ticket.
Day 8: Off to Bangkok & Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise
After breakfast, we were driven to Bangkok and checked into the plush Rembrandt Hotel & Suites. That evening was something special — the Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise.
Imagine sailing on a lit-up river, passing the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and other landmarks all glowing at night. The live band played everything from jazz to Thai classics and few Indian songs as well, while we enjoyed a buffet of curries, noodles, and desserts. Easily one of the most relaxing and elegant experiences of the trip.
Day 9: Safari World Bangkok – A Wild Ride
Our final full day was all about Safari World — a sprawling complex with both drive-through and walk-in zones.
First, the Safari Park had us driving past giraffes, lions, zebras, and rhinos. It’s open-air, and the animals are free to roam. Later, we explored Marine Park, which had entertaining shows like the Sea Lion Show, Cowboy Stunt Show, and Dolphin Show.
The buffet lunch was better than expected, with plenty of choices. It’s a full-day outing but totally worth it — especially with kids.
Day 10: Departure from Bangkok
And just like that, it was time to say goodbye. A private transfer dropped us off at Suvarnabhumi Airport. As we boarded the flight, I scrolled through hundreds of photos — sunsets, tigers, temples, boat rides, and wide smiles.
Thailand didn’t just meet expectations, it exceeded them in every way. From the stunning islands of the south to the bustling streets of Bangkok, it had something for everyone.
Quick Tips for Future Travelers:
- Pack light – You’ll shop more than you think (hello, night markets).
- Get a local SIM card – Cheap and super helpful for Google Maps & Grab and Bolt (the cab apps).
- Start island tours early – Less crowd, cooler weather.
- Carry power banks – Especially for long excursions and photo-heavy days.
- Try local street food – Safe, tasty, and budget-friendly.
- Respect local culture – Especially at temples. Cover shoulders/knees.