Thailand is one of the most popular countries for travellers around South East Asia, and with good reason! This country has so much to offer. Keep on reading for your perfect 3-week Thailand itinerary.
Itinerary overview:
- Bangkok
- Khao Yai
- Koh Samui
- Koh Phangan
- Koh Tao
- Koh Sok
- Phuket
- Phi Phi islands
- Krabi
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BANGKOK – 3 days
If you’re flying international, the cheapest flights will get you to Bangkok. This is a good thing as this bougie city has something for everyone. From the crazy nightlife to the beautiful temples, spend 3 days here!
My favourite part of Bangkok are the temples. They are exceptionally beautiful and therefore a must-visit. I visited 6 in total and would recommend them all:
1. Wat Arun
- most popular temple in Bangkok
- entrance: 100 THB, will increase to 200 THB from March 2024
2. Wat Pho
- located on the opposite side of Wat Arun, take a one-minute ferry for 5 THB
- wonderful temple with the iconic laying Buddha
- entrance: 300 THB
3. Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan
- also known as Loha Prasat
- one of my favourites in all of Bangkok
- free access
4. Wat Benchamabophit
- also known as The Marble Temple
- entrance: 100 THB (inner courtyard)
5. Wat Ratchabophit
- located in the centre of Bangkok
- free access
6. Wat Samphran
- also known as the Dragon Temple or Pink Temple
- free access but they do ask for donations
- 40-minute drive from Bangkok Centre – a single ride costs around €15 on Grab
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If you have time left, make a day-trip to 2 spots just out outside Bangkok:
The first one is Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. This place is located 1 hour from Bangkok centre and allows you to shop for souvenirs & street food from a paddle boat.
Not gonna lie: this is a very chaotic & touristy activity! If possible, try to avoid visiting between 11AM & 1PM, as this is the busiest time on the market. However, you must experience this at least once.
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The second stop is Maeklong Railway Market. This is the iconic railway next to hundreds of small shops. It’s so narrow that the train passes just next to your feet! Note that the train only passes 4 times per day, so time your visit. It’s ideal to combine with a trip to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
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KHAO YAI – 2 days
A 3-hour drive from Bangkok, you’ll find Khao Yai. The main reason people visit this region is because of the National Park. The park is huge & ideal for observing wildlife such as gibbons, a wide range of birds & I even saw a python! But the true stars are the wild elephants.
This is one of the few places in Thailand where you can spot wild elephants in an ethical way. They are not being locked up or chased in any way!
Book your affordable stay here!
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KOH SAMUI – 3 days
Head back to Bangkok & take a flight to Koh Samui. Note that Koh Samui has an international airport, so you can also fly directly into this island from another country.
Spend 3 days on the island exploring places such as Overlap Stone 1 & 2, Hin Ta Hin Yai and Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple). Make sure to visit Coco Tams at nighttime to witness their amazing fire show.
Are you searching for the best place to stay on the island? Then look not further then Explorar Koh Samui. This relaxing & luxurious stay offers incredible ocean views from the massive shared pool, or even better: at one of the private pool villas.
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KOH PHANGAN – 3 days
Let’s hop on the ferry and go to Koh Phangan. This island is mainly known for its full moon parties. However, there is so much more to explore on the island. My favourite has to be Bottle Beach Viewpoint. I believe this is the best viewpoint in all of Thailand! Make sure to wear sneakers as it involves some rock climbing to reach the top.
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Wanna enjoy the best sunset on the island from the beach or pool? Then check out Explorar Koh Phangan. This is the ideal spot to enjoy a relaxing, yet entertaining holiday on Koh Phangan!
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KOH TAO – 3 days
Hop on another ferry to Koh Tao. This small island has great vibes offering many bars & cafes. Snorkel at Freedom beach, hike to John-Suwan Viewpoint & make sure to do a boat trip around the island where you visit Koh Nang Yuan and enjoy the mesmerising underwater world.
This island is especially popular for diving.
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KHAO SOK – 1 day
Catch the ferry to Suratani Port & book a transfer (in advance) to the port of Khao Sok National Park. Did you know that this is one of the oldest rainforests in the world? Stunning lakes, huge limestone mountains and a good chance of spotting different types of wildlife, this place is a must-visit!
You can do a day trip or even better: stay overnight in the National Park! The latter will allow you to enjoy the magical surroundings and wake up to an unreal sunrise!
I stayed at 500 Rai Floating Resort and totally recommend them. They offer beautiful & clean overwater villas, a variety of activities such as a wildlife safari, and a floating pool on the lake.
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PHUKET – 3 days
Off to the large island of Phuket! This island has many beautiful spots that are worth your time:
- The Great Buddha
- Mai Khao Beach
- Samet Nangshe viewpoint
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Also consider doing a day trip to explore the Phi Phi islands! The speedboat journey takes around 1 hour & is a great thing to do if you have limited time. If you have some extra days to spare, consider staying on Phi Phi Don as this island has cool vibes and offers the possibility to explore the Phi Phi islands early in the morning (and thus avoiding the crowds).
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KRABI – 3 days
Take a ferry or land transport to Krabi. Ao Nang beach is a great place to be located because of its proximity to the beach & easy access to boat trips that head to Railey Beach, Hong Island & more. You can also visit the Phi Phi islands from here.
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Head over to Khaotong Hill to witness the perfect sunset. This bar/restaurant is a 40-minute drive from Ao Nang Beach and an absolute must-visit! On arrival you need to take a transport up the hill, the price is 60 THB of which 30 THB goes to drinks. After sunset, hundreds of bats fly out. Truly a magical setting.
Opening hours: 10:30AM – 8PM
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Also read: 10-day itinerary in The Philippines