Need a 3 week Thailand Itinerary? If you are planning a trip to Thailand, you are probably overwhelmed with trying to decide where to go and what to see. Three weeks is a short amount of time to cover such an incredible country. To help you out keep reading for my guide on how to see Thailand in 3 weeks.
We believe you have the right to arm yourselves with as much information as possible before making any decision.
Check below our detailed tips & guide for every places to visit in Thailand, recommendation regarding the inclusion in each theme you prefer, and what you can do based on the time frame you have.
Peddle back in time with the visit of historical Thailand. Beginning at Chiang Mai, escape the city’s traffic to Cowboy Town of Lampang where horses and carriages are still used as a means of transport. Pass through some of the most secluded and beautiful roads in Thailand and observe how the locals live. Stop by the historical Siamese capital of Ayutthaya before arriving at busy Bangkok. Finally, you will head south from the bright lights and skyscrapers of Bangkok to the southern tropical island of Phuket.
Chiang Mai is a land of misty mountains and colourful hill tribes, a playground for seasoned travellers, a paradise for shoppers and a delight for adventurers.
Lampang is one of the Lanna civilizations that is no less attractive than any other province in Northern Thailand. Unique identity to impress visitors are temples and houses are filled with valuable architecture, horse carriage, pottery and Lampang people who have a simple lifestyle and warm hearts. Lampang people also keep the traditions that traditionally inherited the ancient. Before tourists may think that Lampang is a small town and they just pass by. But, it is not right. People who have come to visit all found that Lampang is above expectations. It is a trip that makes your heart smile and is friendly for your pocket.
Uttaradit province might remind people of the legends about the secret town. Currently, the city arch has become one of the most popular landmarks in the province and still has the important stone pillars as well as well-known products such as candy, candlelight, Langsat, Longan and Long Lab Lae - Lin Lablae Durian. In addition, Uttaradit Province also has many other interesting places to explore.
A UNESCO World Heritage City, Sukhothai houses a vast number of historical sites and temple ruins. Sukhothai sees a smaller number of visitors than its more popular counterpart Ayutthaya. Sukhothai’s historical sites, however, are by no means less splendid. Most historically significant temple ruins are housed inside the Sukhothai Historical Park and nearby Si Satchanalai Historical Park. Apart from visiting the historical sites, Sukhothai itself is a quiet rural city where you can still relish the charms of Thailand’s rustic lifestyle.
Kamphaeng Phet, located halfway between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, is one of Thailand's more pleasant provincial capitals. It doesn't see many foreign visitors, despite being one of Thailand's most historic towns. The city helped to protect the Sukhothai and, later, Ayuthaya kingdoms against attacks from Myanmar or Lanna. Parts of the wall can still be seen today, as can the impressive ruins of several religious structures. The modern city still has many traditional wooden houses and stretches along a shallow section of the Mae Nam Ping.
Nakron Sawan, or Paknam Pho, is an important city where four streams, the Ping, Wang, Yom and Nan meet to form the Chao Praya River and is the Gateway to the Northern Region, Nakhon Sawan has many scenic attractions and is noted for its large marsh area "Bung Boraphet" which abounds with "Sua" fish, a special delicacy of the Thai people.
This once-prosperous Siamese trade and political capital goes down as the most glorious as well as the most devastated city in Thai history. Wandering through endless ancient ruin sites, you can’t help but feel humbled by the ingenuity of the Ayodha craftsmen and their powerful spiritual beliefs. Apart from touring Ayutthaya’s history and temples, your visit can be filled with something more recent in terms of the cultural contexts. Ayutthaya also has its own backpacker strip, on Naresuan Soi 1 and Soi 2, where you can find a whole host of affordable western food outlets and bike rental businesses.
Bangkok is one of those cities that never gets old. No matter how many times you’ve been, you’ll always discover something new and exciting to see, do, and eat. It’s got a near perfect mix of food, culture, nightlife, shopping, and affordability that’s unmatched anywhere in Southeast Asia.
Thailand’s original beach resort is no palm-fringed castaway island and arguably is the better for it. Instead, Hua Hin is a refreshing mix of city and sea with lively markets, good golf courses and water parks, excellent accommodation and an ambience that just keeps getting more hip and cosmopolitan. In fact, many visitors never even step foot on the sand.
Prachuap Khiri Khan is the province occupying Thailand’s narrowest possession on the Isthmus of Kra, the land bridge connecting the Malay Peninsula with mainland Asia. About 100 kilometres to the north of Prachuap Khiri Khan is Hua Hin, Thailand’s first Beach resort, which is renowned for world-class golf and spa resorts. Between Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan are Pran Buri, where there are many boutique resorts, and Khao Sam Roi Yot national park, which features soaring peaks, numerous caves and exotic bird lives.
With more than 200 kilometres of coastline featuring numerous unspoiled beaches, Chumphon is an ideal destination for those who are seeking relaxation in a natural and quiet atmosphere and wish to enjoy such activities as sunbathing, swimming, yachting, paragliding, diving, and Snorkelling.
Known in Thai as ‘City of Good People’, Surat Thani was once the seat of the ancient Srivijaya empire. Today, this typical Thai town is a busy transport hub moving cargo and people around the country. It's a great stop if you enjoy real Thai working cities, good southern style street food and nosing around colourful Chinese temples and Chinese shopfronts.
Phuket is among the world’s finest beach destinations, with fine white sands, nodding palm trees, glittering seas and lively towns. It has something for a wide array of tastes and budgets, with hundreds of hotels to choose from, an eclectic choice of dining and plenty of partying options. Aside from visiting the fantastic attractions of Thailand’s biggest island, you can take an exhilarating speedboat trip to the many nearby tropical islands.
Thailand has long been a friendly destination with its fascinating culture and delicious food. This route is packed full of activities and experiences to give you an insight into traditional Thai life. Stay in raft houses on the River Kwai, walk through dense rainforests, put culinary skills to the test and relax on Thailand's tropical beaches.
Bangkok is one of those cities that never gets old. No matter how many times you’ve been, you’ll always discover something new and exciting to see, do, and eat. It’s got a near perfect mix of food, culture, nightlife, shopping, and affordability that’s unmatched anywhere in Southeast Asia.
Chiang Rai City remains a sleepy provincial town with a pleasant atmosphere. Compared to its sister town Chiang Mai, it has a more relaxed and down-to-earth feel but is never short on historical and cultural attractions of its own. Founded in 1262 as the capital of the Mengrai Dynasty, after Chiang Saen, today the city retains a strong Lanna identity, mostly through its impressive collection of temples, art, language, cuisine and music.
Chiang Mai is a land of misty mountains and colourful hill tribes, a playground for seasoned travellers, a paradise for shoppers and a delight for adventurers.
Known in Thai as ‘City of Good People’, Surat Thani was once the seat of the ancient Srivijaya empire. Today, this typical Thai town is a busy transport hub moving cargo and people around the country. It's a great stop if you enjoy real Thai working cities, good southern style street food and nosing around colourful Chinese temples and Chinese shopfronts.
Koh Samui (Samui Island) is a cosmopolitan melting pot, attracting budget travellers staying for a month or two in simple beachside bungalows, to the wealthiest holidaymakers dropping in for a weekend at one of the many luxury resort or villa on the many white sand beaches of Koh Samui.
Step back in time and discover a Thailand steeped in history and oozing with charm. Get off the tourist trail with an overland adventure through Thailand’s Isaan & old Siam province. Leave the frantic energy of Bangkok behind and travel through national parks, former capitals and rural villages. Experience the slower pace of life in the countryside and embrace the rich traditions of Thailand. Marvel at prehistoric wall paintings, come face-to-face with Asian elephants, see awe-inspiring temples, and be enchanted by the rich culture of the Isaan & old Siam people.
Bangkok is one of those cities that never gets old. No matter how many times you’ve been, you’ll always discover something new and exciting to see, do, and eat. It’s got a near perfect mix of food, culture, nightlife, shopping, and affordability that’s unmatched anywhere in Southeast Asia.
Buriram (which literally means City of Happiness) is both the name of the city and the province that lies in the northern Khmer region or the northeastern part of Thailand. While the town is a friendly place, it does still have a rural, agricultural vibe to it. The province, on the other hand, holds a good number of Thailand’s must-see Khmer relics, such as Phanom Rung.
Surin, town, east-central Thailand. The town is located on the railway between Nakhon Ratchasima and Ubon Ratchathani and is a trade and production centre for rice, lacquerware, and silk. It has an agricultural college and attracts tourists with its annual Elephant Round-Up.
Despite being one of the major cities in Isan (Northeastern Thailand), Ubon Ratchathani doesn’t get enough credit for its raw beauty. Located along the Mekong and sharing its border with Laos, Ubon Ratchathani possesses a very pleasant kind of eccentricity that’s hard to put into words. Landlocked Isan's very own sandy beaches, prehistoric cave paintings, 3,000-something natural sandstone cliffs and burrows, and even glow-in-the-dark temple – it’s hard to imagine ever running out of things to do in Ubon Ratchathani.
The mighty Mekong River runs past the Thai town of Nakhon Phanom, and it’s safe to say the river contributes much of this out-of-the-way town’s magic. Visitors to Thailand looking to get away from its overcrowded beaches and stuffy cities only need to go north to the Isan region, a short plane hop from the capital, to this riverside settlement bordering Thakhek in Laos. It’s a gathering point for Isan’s Tai minority communities; a crossroads for Thai, Lao, and Vietnamese cultures (helped along by the brand-spanking new bridge linking Thailand and Laos); and a low-key but increasingly popular stop for culture and history seekers.
Sitting on the banks of the Mekong, just across from Vientiane in Laos, Nong Khai has been a hit with travellers for years. Its popularity is about more than just its proximity to Vientiane and its bounty of banana pancakes, though. Seduced by its dreamy pink sunsets and sluggish pace of life, many visitors who mean to stay one night end up bedding down for many more.
Loei is refreshingly well off the beaten track, and so far it has successfully guarded its scenic treasures and small city of approximately 30000 people from coach loads of baseball-capped tourists. This province has kept its charm, and only a tiny handful find their way to this mountainous little bijou. Although geologically akin to Northern Thailand, it is culturally on the cusp of Isan, the expansive northeastern part of the Land of Smiles, which is so delightfully distinctive.
A UNESCO World Heritage City, Sukhothai houses a vast number of historical sites and temple ruins. Sukhothai sees a smaller number of visitors than its more popular counterpart Ayutthaya. Sukhothai’s historical sites, however, are by no means less splendid. Most historically significant temple ruins are housed inside the Sukhothai Historical Park and nearby Si Satchanalai Historical Park. Apart from visiting the historical sites, Sukhothai itself is a quiet rural city where you can still relish the charms of Thailand’s rustic lifestyle.
Uthai Thani is a province abundant in natural resources, such as forests and wildlife. Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Reserve was proclaimed a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site on 13 December 1991. The reserve has jungles, forests, plains, many streams, and most importantly, number of rare and endangered animals. Uthai Thani is a province with relatively unspoiled natural tourist destinations. Visitors can see varying local lifestyles, such as the lives of raft residents on Sakae Krang River, a waterway that aided the birth of the province and which has been a lifeline for its people since ancient times.
While it’s tempting to dramatise Kanchanaburi’s World War II history, there is in fact so much more to the city than the popular trios: Death Railway, Bridge over the River Kwae (Kwai) and the Allied War Cemetery. The city offers a range of delightful diversions, whether bamboo rafting journeys along the River Kwae, Khmer temple ruins tour, or a day out shopping at the gemstone village. The scenic riverside area sets the stage for a leisurely stroll but can also become loud at night due to music from karaoke bars and discos.
From the mountains to the sea, take you on an adventurous holiday in Thailand covering multiple sports such as hiking, biking and kayaking. Begin at historically rich Kanchanaburi, hike the hills of Chiang Mai before exploring Khao Sok National Park and relaxing on the beaches of southern Thailand.
Bangkok is one of those cities that never gets old. No matter how many times you’ve been, you’ll always discover something new and exciting to see, do, and eat. It’s got a near perfect mix of food, culture, nightlife, shopping, and affordability that’s unmatched anywhere in Southeast Asia.
While it’s tempting to dramatise Kanchanaburi’s World War II history, there is in fact so much more to the city than the popular trios: Death Railway, Bridge over the River Kwae (Kwai) and the Allied War Cemetery. The city offers a range of delightful diversions, whether bamboo rafting journeys along the River Kwae, Khmer temple ruins tour, or a day out shopping at the gemstone village. The scenic riverside area sets the stage for a leisurely stroll but can also become loud at night due to music from karaoke bars and discos.
A UNESCO World Heritage City, Sukhothai houses a vast number of historical sites and temple ruins. Sukhothai sees a smaller number of visitors than its more popular counterpart Ayutthaya. Sukhothai’s historical sites, however, are by no means less splendid. Most historically significant temple ruins are housed inside the Sukhothai Historical Park and nearby Si Satchanalai Historical Park. Apart from visiting the historical sites, Sukhothai itself is a quiet rural city where you can still relish the charms of Thailand’s rustic lifestyle.
Chiang Mai is a land of misty mountains and colourful hill tribes, a playground for seasoned travellers, a paradise for shoppers and a delight for adventurers.
Chiang Rai City remains a sleepy provincial town with a pleasant atmosphere. Compared to its sister town Chiang Mai, it has a more relaxed and down-to-earth feel but is never short on historical and cultural attractions of its own. Founded in 1262 as the capital of the Mengrai Dynasty, after Chiang Saen, today the city retains a strong Lanna identity, mostly through its impressive collection of temples, art, language, cuisine and music.
Known in Thai as ‘City of Good People’, Surat Thani was once the seat of the ancient Srivijaya empire. Today, this typical Thai town is a busy transport hub moving cargo and people around the country. It's a great stop if you enjoy real Thai working cities, good southern style street food and nosing around colourful Chinese temples and Chinese shopfronts.
Krabi is the perfect holiday destination for those looking for a relaxing area in southern Thailand. With over 150 islands off its 150km-long coast line, a jungle-covered interior, towering limestone cliffs, caves, waterfalls and exotic wildlife, Krabi a great selection of natural assets that offer its visitors a wide array of leisure activities for the whole family. Island-hopping, snorkelling, rock climbing, sea kayaking, jungle trekking and scuba diving, are among the most popular occupations that can be enjoyed while on holiday in Krabi.
Embark on this route covering the country’s most iconic spots and natural wonders. See revered temples and monasteries in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. Explore some of Thailand’s most beautiful natural spots in Pai and Phuket. End off this fantastic trip with a relaxing break at the tranquil Koh Yao Noi.
Chiang Rai City remains a sleepy provincial town with a pleasant atmosphere. Compared to its sister town Chiang Mai, it has a more relaxed and down-to-earth feel but is never short on historical and cultural attractions of its own. Founded in 1262 as the capital of the Mengrai Dynasty, after Chiang Saen, today the city retains a strong Lanna identity, mostly through its impressive collection of temples, art, language, cuisine and music.
Chiang Mai is a land of misty mountains and colourful hill tribes, a playground for seasoned travellers, a paradise for shoppers and a delight for adventurers.
Mae Hong Son is a beautiful and remote province in Northern Thailand. Known for its gorgeous nature and mountainous terrain, the province also has chilled-out resorts with a hippie vibe as well as bustling towns. Easily accessed from Chiang Mai, here’s why you should consider adding Mae Hong Son to your Thai travel wish list.
Phuket is among the world’s finest beach destinations, with fine white sands, nodding palm trees, glittering seas and lively towns. It has something for a wide array of tastes and budgets, with hundreds of hotels to choose from, an eclectic choice of dining and plenty of partying options. Aside from visiting the fantastic attractions of Thailand’s biggest island, you can take an exhilarating speedboat trip to the many nearby tropical islands.
Surat Thani
Known in Thai as ‘City of Good People’, Surat Thani was once the seat of the ancient Srivijaya empire. Today, this typical Thai town is a busy transport hub moving cargo and people around the country. It's a great stop if you enjoy real Thai working cities, good southern style street food and nosing around colourful Chinese temples and Chinese shopfronts.
Koh Yao Noi is a large islands situated right between Phuket’s and Krabi’s coasts, at the mouth of Phang Nga Bay. From Phuket, it takes about 45 minutes to get there by local ferry, or 20 minutes by speedboat. The charm of this island stands in the fact that they have not been overdeveloped, and that a peaceful community of Muslim farmers and fishermen is the only human presence. Offering a journey back through time, this island has preserved their ancestral traditions and beautiful tropical landscape.
Take a round tour of Thailand from bustling Bangkok to the north and back covering all the iconic sites with a special touch of luxury. Get to meet locals in their own homes , visit ancient sites and end off this fantastic trip with a relaxing break at the beaches in the southern of Thailand.
Bangkok is one of those cities that never gets old. No matter how many times you’ve been, you’ll always discover something new and exciting to see, do, and eat. It’s got a near perfect mix of food, culture, nightlife, shopping, and affordability that’s unmatched anywhere in Southeast Asia.
While it’s tempting to dramatise Kanchanaburi’s World War II history, there is in fact so much more to the city than the popular trios: Death Railway, Bridge over the River Kwae (Kwai) and the Allied War Cemetery. The city offers a range of delightful diversions, whether bamboo rafting journeys along the River Kwae, Khmer temple ruins tour, or a day out shopping at the gemstone village. The scenic riverside area sets the stage for a leisurely stroll but can also become loud at night due to music from karaoke bars and discos.
This once-prosperous Siamese trade and political capital goes down as the most glorious as well as the most devastated city in Thai history. Wandering through endless ancient ruin sites, you can’t help but feel humbled by the ingenuity of the Ayodha craftsmen and their powerful spiritual beliefs. Apart from touring Ayutthaya’s history and temples, your visit can be filled with something more recent in terms of the cultural contexts. Ayutthaya also has its own backpacker strip, on Naresuan Soi 1 and Soi 2, where you can find a whole host of affordable western food outlets and bike rental businesses.
Chiang Mai is a land of misty mountains and colourful hill tribes, a playground for seasoned travellers, a paradise for shoppers and a delight for adventurers.
Mae Hong Son is a beautiful and remote province in Northern Thailand. Known for its gorgeous nature and mountainous terrain, the province also has chilled-out resorts with a hippie vibe as well as bustling towns. Easily accessed from Chiang Mai, here’s why you should consider adding Mae Hong Son to your Thai travel wish list.
Known in Thai as ‘City of Good People’, Surat Thani was once the seat of the ancient Srivijaya empire. Today, this typical Thai town is a busy transport hub moving cargo and people around the country. It's a great stop if you enjoy real Thai working cities, good southern style street food and nosing around colourful Chinese temples and Chinese shopfronts.
Koh Phangan, with an overall area of 167sqkm, is Thailand’s fifth biggest island. Predominantly made up of granite, Koh Pha Ngan almost unspoilt beauty is accented by a hilly, lush tropical jungle interior, many idyllic, long white-sand beaches and over 20 nearby dive sites.