10 days to discover Thailand from north to south

This 10-day itinerary in Thailand begins in the north, in Chiang Mai to be precise.

Chiang Mai is very different from Bangkok. Historically, Chiang Mai was the capital of the Lanna kingdom for 700 years, and only became part of Thailand in 1893.

What to do in four days:

• Stroll the narrow streets of the old town:

There are five gates, including the Tha Pae Gate, which historically served as the main gate for monks, diplomats and other VIPs. In the centre of the old town is the Chedi Luang temple, whose chedi was damaged in the 1545 earthquake.

Wat Phra Singh is one of Chiang Mai's oldest temples. Built in 1345, it houses two medieval Buddha statues. It is also home to 700 very friendly monks who like to chat and practise their English.

• Visit an elephant sanctuary:

The elephant is a national symbol in the country and represents strength, durability and longevity. In Chiang Mai, an ethical elephant sanctuary, Elephant Nature Park, gives you the chance to get close to them without disturbing them for a day. You can feed the elephants, walk near them and enjoy a mud or water bath with them.

• Then discover Chiang Mai's adventurous coastline. The destination has its own "Grand Canyon". This is an old limestone quarry that has slowly filled with water and is now home to a huge water park with zip lines, kayaks and wakeboarding.

• For the last day in Chiang Mai, it's time to relax and take in some culture at the Art Museum in Paradise. Unlike most art museums, this one offers a fun 3D adventure where even the most sensible adults will feel like children. Admission to the museum costs 10 euros.

• Stroll around Rajapruek Royal Park. This well-kept park, easily accessible from central Chiang Mai, offers visitors bright floral displays and unusual sculptures. The park is worth a visit for its orchid pavilion and royal palace. Admission costs €5.

Opulent Buddhist temples, vibrant nightlife, world-class restaurants, exquisite street food, relaxing parks - Bangkok simply has it all. The first day in Bangkok is devoted to exploring the city's most important attractions. On the programme: two mythical temples and a legendary South-East Asian street.

Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is a collection of beautiful and captivating buildings, including the Phra Kaew temple (nicknamed the "Temple of the Emerald Buddha"), the holiest in Thailand and home to a magical emerald stone Buddha statue. It's best to go early in the morning for a peaceful, unhurried experience. Price: 13 euros - Open: daily from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm

Wat Pho

The second most famous temple in the city, Wat Pho is also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Inside, a giant statue of a reclining Buddha is a must-see. A little ritual: drop a coin into each of the 108 pots inside the sanctuary to obtain a powerful Buddhist blessing. Price: €5

Khao San Street

Southeast Asia's most famous street, Khao San, is a little touristy and crowded, but it's a Bangkok icon. After dark, the street transforms into a night market where the daredevils will be ready to try a skewer of scorpions, fried cockroaches or crocodile meat.

Wat Arun

Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn has a Khmer design with a giant tower 70 metres high. The whole temple is inlaid with coloured porcelain and is constantly being renovated to keep its blinding white colour. You can climb the central tower for a panoramic view over the river. Price: €2.50

Lumphini Park

Go to the nearest metro station (Sanam Chai) and take the metro to Lumphini Park (Si Lom station). As Bangkok's largest park, Lumphini is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the megalopolis. An ideal place to picnic under a tree or hire a swan boat to explore the lakes.

Chinatown and Wat Traimit

Bangkok's Chinatown is one of the city's oldest districts. It is a very eye-catching and exotic district that is centred around the main road - Yaowarat. Wat Traimit is the most important temple in Chinatown, known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha. Unlike the other golden Buddhas around Bangkok, this one is not only golden, but made of pure gold. Price: €3

Take a night train or plane south to Krabi or Phuket.

The final days of this itinerary take place in the south of Thailand.

Krabi

This beautiful province in southern Thailand is a must-see with its many beaches, bars, mangrove forests, 150 islands and breathtaking natural scenery.

The Tiger Cave Temple, just a few minutes from the town centre, has a 1,247-step staircase into the mountain which rewards the bravest with a breathtaking view of the town and river.

Visitors can take the 2-minute ferry to Koh Klang, a rustic island with agricultural areas. It provides an interesting insight into rural Thai life that is far from what you may have seen before.

Away from the city of Krabi, Ao Nang is probably the best place to indulge in beach-related activities. As well as the magnificent Ao Nang beach, Nopparat Thara beach and Railay beaches, there is no shortage of bars and restaurants.

Phuket

Pure white sands, aquamarine waters and limestone cliffs await travellers visiting the island of Phuket in south-west Thailand. Surrounded by the Andaman Sea and about an hour by plane from Bangkok, this island is a little slice of paradise.

As well as the beaches, Phuket has a good number of sites and attractions to visit.

The Great Buddha of Phuket

This 45-metre-high white marble statue is wonderfully enthroned on a mountain in the south of Phuket. Not only is the Buddha statue itself worth admiring, but the view from the top is magnificent too. The Big Buddha is perched on a small mountain in the south of Phuket. You'll follow a winding road up to the statue, which can be quite steep in places, but is relatively well maintained. Entry to the Big Buddha is free.

Wat Chalong

Wat Chalong is the largest and most visited temple in Phuket. It consists of several structures, some green areas and countless food and drink stalls. Entry to Wat Chalong is free.