3 Week Thailand Travel Itinerary: From Bangkok to the Islands

Planning a trip to Thailand and not sure where to start? This 3-week Thailand travel itinerary is designed to help you make the most of your time, giving you a taste of the vibrant cities, serene northern landscapes, and stunning southern islands.

After spending a year in Thailand and returning recently, I’ve crafted an itinerary that balances adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.

Whether you have a month to explore or just a few weeks, this guide will ensure you experience the best of Thailand!

When to Travel to Thailand

Thailand’s weather is a tropical monsoon climate. That means that it has 3 main seasons. I would avoid the rainy season as going on excursions is very challenging in downpours.

• Hot season from March to June
• Rainy season from July to October
• Cool season between November and February
• Expect daytime temperatures to be over 86°F (30°C) for most of the year.

Visa Requirements for Thailand

Before you plan your trip to Thailand, check the Thai Consulate website to confirm your country’s visa needs. United States passport holders do not require a visa if they stay under 30 days.

As of June 2024, an announcement was made that some countries have been extended to 60 days however always check the Thai Consulate website for all regulation updates.

Before my first trip to Thailand, I applied for a 90-day visa while I was living in New York at the Thai Consulate. After 90 days in Thailand, I applied for extensions (while visiting other countries like Malaysia and Cambodia) at the local Thai embassy in that country, to extend my stay in Thailand for one year.

Travel Itinerary for Thailand

My 3 weeks in Thailand itinerary will have you arriving in Bangkok, flying to Chiang Mai, flying to Krabi or Pattaya, and then flying back to Bangkok.

There are many other ways to travel the country, such as taking the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and taking buses to each city. However if you only have 3 weeks, flying is your best option to get the most out of your trip.

Download the Grab app (Asia’s version of Uber and Lyft) before you get to Thailand, and a money converter app to understand the cost from Thai Baht to your home currency. I never pay more than $10 USD to get to and from airports in any city.

Days 1-4: Bangkok

Bangkok is a large, busy city with a lot of street traffic. There are local metro trains to get you from point A to point B much faster than driving. However, the city is 1,568.7 square kilometers (605.7 sq mi) so it takes a while to get around.

Think of it like New York City and Los Angeles, but much hotter and with high rises and lots of square footage with multiple diverse neighborhoods.

If this is your first time in Bangkok I suggest staying on the west side of town, near the temples and Khao San Road. If you don’t like crowds, check out my guide on where to avoid the crowds in that area.

In this area of town, you can immerse yourself in the local culture, and see a bunch of temples in one day. Additionally, you will be surrounded by backpackers and other tourists to help you get acclimated to the food and the heat of Bangkok.

Use my 4-day Bangkok itinerary to see the highlights. It includes which day to see the temples, as well as which tours not to miss.

When you return to Bangkok at the end of your trip, I suggest staying on the East side, closer to the malls and the financial district in a high-rise hotel. This way you will see both sides Bangkok has to offer. I will speak more to this near the bottom of the post.

Days 5-11: Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is located in the North of Thailand and it is known as a digital nomad and expat hub. This is where I spent six months of my year in Thailand.

The airport is only a 15-minute drive from anywhere in the city. Use the Grab app to hire a car to get you around. Once in Chiang Mai, you can use tuk-tuks, songthaews (little red buses), or scooters to explore.

If you want a backpacker vibe, stay in the Old City. If you want to experience how an expat may live when they first move to Chiang Mai, stay in the Nimman area.

Chaing Mai is where you can rent a scooter and drive around safely. Check out my guide on how to rent a scooter which includes several places to take the bike including the Mae Hong Son Loop.

Your Northern Thailand travel itinerary can include elephant sanctuaries, tons of Thai cooking classes, and many waterfalls to explore.

From Chiang Mai, you can also take a day trip to Chiang Rai to see the white temple or an overnight stay to Pai to take part in a tubing adventure.

Chiang Mai is also known for watching and practicing Muay Thai. Check out my guide on where to watch live fights and also how to apply for a Muay Thai Visa to stay up to a year in Thailand without needing to do Visa runs.

Days 12-19: Thailand Beaches

This is the time when you need to choose what type of adventure you want to have. No matter which beach you choose, you will need to fly into either Phuket or Krabi airport.

Phuket is more commercialized and modern than Krabi is. I have found it to be a more authentic trip when I fly into Krabi town, stay the night in Ao Nang, take the popular 4 island tour, and then head to an island via the ferry.

You will lose a full day traveling to whatever beach you choose. Between getting to the airport, the flight (anywhere up to 90 minutes), and then getting from the airport to your hotel, it is time-consuming. Consider all that when choosing where you want to spend your 7 beach days.

Four Thailand Beach Options

Thailand has a total of 1430 islands. Not all of them are open to the public and as you can imagine that’s far too many islands to visit in just my one-year stay. I have highlighted four different beach areas which all have different vibes to give you a few options.

Koh Phi Phi

• Known as a party island however both times I visited, it gave me exactly what I needed. Quiet relaxing days, fireshows at night, excellent seafood, and wonderful hospitality.
• Read my guide on where to avoid the crowds at Koh Phi Phi.
• Accessible via Ferry from Krabi, no airport.
• The beaches are rocky but there is a fun nightlife scene (not too wild).

Pattaya

• Not an island, Pattaya is a coastal city and popular with tourists.
• Has an airport, 30 minutes from downtown Pattaya.
• Lots of commercial tourist attractions, and multiple beaches to choose from.
• Many day trips to choose from to visit islands and snorkeling.
• Popular for families with children.

Koh Lanta

• Quiet island with a large digital nomad co-working space and community.
• Accessible via Ferry, Mini Van, or Bus.
• East to rent scooters and visit the National Park.
• Use for relaxing and exploring.
• You take day trips to private islands where you and you may be the only people on the island!

Koh Phangan

• Known for its Full Moon Party, check the schedule for dates.
• Has an airport with cheap flights from all of the Thailand cities.
• If the full moon party is not happening during your visit, it is a very relaxing place to stay.

Annual Festivals:

Thailand is known for its festivals however they can get very crowded so make sure you plan your Thailand travel itinerary in advance!

• Chiang Mai Flower Festival – February
• Songkran (Thai New Year) – April
• Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai) – May
• Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Festival) – June/July
• Vegetarian Festival (Tesagan Gin Je) – October
• Mekong Naga Fireballs – October
• Loy Krathong – November
• Yi Peng (Lantern Festival) – November
• Elephant Festival – November
• Surin Elephant Round-Up – November

Days 19-21: Back to Bangkok

The last days of your trip are for returning to Bangkok and staying in a different neighborhood. I suggest “splurging” on a Bangkok Hotel with a Spa to see a different side of the city.

The east side is also closer to the airport so you can jump in a Grab car the day of your flight and be at the airport in less than 30 minutes at non-peak times.

On my recent trip, we stayed at the Conrad Bangkok and enjoyed the heated sauna and a massage all for under $300 USD for the 2 nights.

Use your final full day to visit the Ancient City or splurge on a Michelin dinner like Ms. Maria and Mr. Singh’s for a third of the price you would pay in America or Europe. Relax at the spa, and enjoy paying under $100 for a 5-star hotel, before returning to your home country!

Final Thoughts

This 3-week Thailand itinerary offers a perfect blend of urban exploration, cultural immersion, and beach relaxation.

By experiencing the vibrant chaos of Bangkok, the serene beauty of Chiang Mai, and the idyllic charm of Thailand’s islands, you’ll get a comprehensive taste of what this incredible country has to offer.

Whether you choose to extend your Thailand travel itinerary or stick to the 21-day plan, each destination will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for Thailand’s rich diversity.

Embrace the adventure, savor the local flavors, and immerse yourself in the unique experiences that await you in the Land of Smiles. Safe travels!

Traveling Tips for Thailand

Is it safe to travel in Thailand alone?

Yes! I have never felt unsafe in Thailand. You can follow the same rules in many countries, don’t walk alone at night and keep your belongings close to you but overall I have never had an issue.

How many days in Thailand is enough?

This all depends on what you want to see. Do you want to spend your time in a city, in the woods, or on the beach?

What should I pack for my Thailand itinerary?

Some essentials for traveling Thailand include light, breathable clothing, comfortable shoes for walking (you know I love my on-cloud sneakers), sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.

What should I wear when visiting Temples?

Comfortable sneakers, long pants or a skirt for women, a scarf to cover your shoulders, and a water bottle are some of the necessary items to pack.

Is it worth going to Thailand for 10 days?

Yes, shorten your time in Bangkok and pick either the North (Chiang Mai) or the South (beaches) to visit.

Can I navigate Bangkok easily on my own?

Yes, Bangkok has efficient public transportation, like the BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, and river boats.

Is there a Beach in Chiang Mai?

No! Chiang Mai is landlocked. There are lakes and waterfalls to visit, however. You can take a quick, 3-hour flight to most of the islands from Chiang Mai Airport to Krabi.

Are there any cultural etiquette tips I should know?

Dress modestly at temples, remove shoes before entering homes or sacred places, and show respect.

Where can I buy groceries in Thailand?

Everywhere! There are Western-like grocery stores all over the country that sell local and international items. Use this guide to read a nutrition label in Thailand.

Is it safe to explore Thailand at night?

While it’s generally safe, stay in well-lit areas, avoid dark alleys, and be mindful of your belongings.

Can I drink the tap water in Thailand?

No, bring your reusable water bottle to keep the water cold, and stop at 7-11 to get bottled water. You can buy large bottles for under $1 USD each.

Should I ride a motorbike around Bangkok?

I wouldn’t, I doubt anyone will rent one to you also. Save the bikes for Northern Thailand and the islands.

How much money do I need for Thailand?

That all depends on how much you want to spend. You can easily spend less than $50 a day with accommodations and food if you stay in hostels and eat at food stalls. Or you can splurge on a fancy hotel, go to the spa, and dine at fancy restaurants.

Can I take a train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

Yes! There are three ways to buy tickets for the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

*This post may contain some affiliate links. If you purchase through that link, I may receive a commission. You will never pay extra for using these links, it will be purely to support the blog. I will only suggest items that I use myself, to enhance your travel experience. Thank you in advance for any support you may give me!

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