Your Epic Three Week Itinerary for Thailand

In Destinations/Thailand

Last Updated 06/02/2025 | 5th February, 2025

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Thailand is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful countries on earth. It has incredible culture, scenery, beaches, cities and, of course, food. It’s a popular destination for both budget backpackers and bougie holidaymakers, with accommodation and adventures to suit all tastes and budgets.

This is an absolute jam-packed three-week Thailand itinerary. It is designed for your first trip to this incredible country to allow you to see a variety of what it has to offer! 

If six stops during three weeks seems a little too much for you then I would cut out Krabi (dedicating more time to the beaches on the other side of the country), or Kanchanaburi (however, it would be an awful shame to miss the River Kwai bridge!)

⛅ Be sure to check the weather for the month you plan to travel. Thailand has a tropical climate and in the south of the country, the weather is completely different on the islands on the east than on the west. This could hugely impact your travel plans. 

Days 1 – 4: Bangkok

Bangkok’s huge international airport means that it is the starting point for most people exploring the country. The capital is chaotic, hectic, loud and, at times, an assault on the senses. However, it’s absolutely fantastic! 

Please, do not dismiss Bangkok as merely a transit hub. You should definitely spend a few days here enjoying incredible food, markets, temples and shopping. Some absolute ‘must-dos’ include:

🛍 The World’s Largest Outdoor Market – Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the largest outdoor markets in the world, with over 15,000 stalls selling everything from clothes and antiques to street food and plants. It’s a must-visit for shoppers and food lovers!

🛕The Stunning Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew – Bangkok’s Grand Palace is an iconic landmark that was once the royal residence. Within its grounds is Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), one of Thailand’s most sacred temples, housing a revered Buddha statue carved from a single block of jade.

🥭Bangkok’s Floating Markets – Experience Bangkok’s unique floating markets, where vendors sell fresh fruits, Thai dishes, and handmade goods from boats. The most famous is Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, a colourful and lively attraction offering an authentic taste of traditional Thai commerce.

Bangkok is also known for its very lively nightlife scene. Whilst this isn’t exactly my cup of tea, I still recommend heading down to Khaosan Road, even if it’s just to see what all of the fuss is about. Expect people drinking from buckets, eating cockroaches, and getting up to general debauchery. 

Days 5 – 6: Kanchanaburi 

After a very lively start to your three weeks in Thailand, it’s time to head to Kanchanaburi for some history and nature. 

Whilst Kanchanaburi town itself is a little lacking, there are two main attractions to enjoy in the area:

🪻The Famous Bridge on the River Kwai – Kanchanaburi is home to the Bridge on the River Kwai, part of the infamous Death Railway built during World War II by prisoners of war under Japanese occupation. The bridge has a tragic history, and today, it stands as a memorial with a nearby museum and war cemetery honouring those who lost their lives.

👙Erawan National Park and Its Stunning Waterfalls – One of Thailand’s most beautiful natural attractions, Erawan Waterfall, features seven tiers of turquoise pools where visitors can swim and explore. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, caves, and lush jungle trails, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

We rented a bike and drove to Erawan from Kanchanaburi which is the most cost-effective way to visit. However, it is a very long drive (90+ minutes) so I wouldn’t recommend it unless you are very experienced in driving a moped. Alternatively, you can book a tour from one of the many tourist agencies in town.

Days 7 – 10: Chang Mai

You simply cannot complete a three-week Thailand itinerary without a visit to Chiang Mai. It’s the digital nomad capital of Asia so if you enjoy drinking delicious coffee in beautiful cafes, then this will be the place for you! 

However, there is a lot more to Chaing Mai than lovely coffee shops. Some of my favourite activities include:

🛕Visiting One of Over 300 Temples. Chiang Mai is home to over 300 Buddhist temples, some dating back over 700 years. The most famous is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a stunning golden temple perched on a mountain with breathtaking views of the city.

🏮The Yi Peng Lantern Festival. Chiang Mai hosts the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, where thousands of glowing lanterns are released into the sky, creating a magical spectacle. It coincides with Loy Krathong, a festival where people float candle-lit baskets on the river for good luck.

🐘Elephant Sanctuaries and Ethical Tourism. Chiang Mai is known for its elephant sanctuaries, where visitors can interact with elephants in a responsible and ethical way. However, please be sure to do your research beforehand, as the practices vary dramatically. 

🥊Watch Muy Thai. Muay Thai, also known as “The Art of Eight Limbs,” is Thailand’s national sport and one of the most powerful martial arts in the world. The city has several stadiums where you can experience authentic Muay Thai fights, featuring both local and international fighters.

🍜 Take a cooking class. I’ve been lucky enough to do a few cooking classes in Asia including in Vietnam and Myanmar, however the one in Thailand was my favourite. We made fresh spring rolls, pad thai, red curry, and mango sticky rice. A very fun and delicious morning! 

Days 11 – 13: Krabi

It’s your fourth stop on your three-week Thailand adventure and it’s finally time to hit the beach! As mentioned at the start of this article, you may want to tweak slightly depending on the months you are travelling. 

I actually travelled to Krabi right at the end of the rainy season, and it was fantastic. Yes, there were downpours but they were typically very intense and short-lived. There is a lot to see and do in this region, but pretty much all of it is outside – so be sure to keep that in mind. 

Some of the most popular things to do in Krabi include:

🌴The Famous Railay Beach – Railay Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, accessible only by boat due to the surrounding limestone cliffs. It’s famous for its crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and world-class rock climbing spots.

💦Emerald Pool and Hot Springs – Krabi is home to the famous Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot), a stunning natural lagoon in the Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve. Nearby, you’ll find Klong Thom Hot Springs, where visitors can soak in naturally heated mineral waters surrounded by lush rainforest.

🐟The Enchanting Phi Phi Islands – Just a short boat ride from Krabi, the Phi Phi Islands are world-famous for their dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. Maya Bay, where The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed, is one of its main attractions.

Days 14 – 17: Koh Samui

Koh Samui is typically more popular with holidaymakers than backpackers, meaning accommodation and food is a little more expensive than the other places mentioned in this three-week Thailand guide. 

There are a few resorts on the island but you will not struggle to find small, family-run accommodation options if that is more of your style. I found the beaches in Koh Samui to be some of the best in the whole of Thailand. Shallow, warm water with white sand stretching for miles. 

There are tonnes of options for activities and watersports you can enjoy on the beach too. And if you get itchy feet, some fun things to do include:

🇹🇭 The Mysterious Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks – Also known as Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks, these natural rock formations on Lamai Beach resemble male and female genitalia. According to local legend, they were formed from a tragic love story, making them a fascinating cultural and geological attraction.

🪷 The Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) – One of Koh Samui’s most iconic landmarks, this 12-meter-tall golden Buddha statue sits on a small island connected by a causeway. It is a spiritual and cultural symbol of the island, attracting visitors seeking both beauty and blessings.

Days 18 – 21: Koh Tao

In my humble opinion, Koh Tao is much more beautiful than Koh Samui. However, on a three-week trip around Thailand, I recommend seeing both and working out which one you prefer! 

🤿Koh Tao is known as one of the Best Scuba Diving Spots in the World. Often referred to as the “Turtle Island” it’s one of the most popular places in the world to get a scuba diving certification (not to mention, one of the cheapest!). Its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life, including whale sharks, make it a diver’s paradise.

However, if you don’t scuba dive (like me), snorkelling in this area is fantastic. There are a countless number of tour agencies where you will be able to book a variety of trips. However, if you like to be prepared in advance, this tour includes a visit to Nang Yuan Island, secret snorkelling spots, and lunch. 

As well as snorkelling or scuba driving, be sure to check out the stunning View from John-Suwan Viewpoint. It’s one of Koh Tao’s most breathtaking spots offering panoramic views of the island’s lush jungle, turquoise bays, and surrounding ocean. 

Top Tips for Travelling Thailand 

Get an International Driving Licence. If you plan on renting a car or moped be sure you have purchased your international driving licence ahead of travel. Otherwise, expect to be fined. 

Take Modest Clothes. You will need your shoulders and knees covered when visiting most religious sites such as temples. Be sure you have the correct clothing to be respectful. 

You will need cash. Be sure to take a bank card with no international fees, and check the individual ATMS to assess their individual fees. 

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