Discover the Best of Thailand: An Ultimate 3-Week Travel Guide
Thailand is without a doubt worth visiting and is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It is renowned for many amazing things such as its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, rich history, and mouthwatering cuisine.
Because of its popularity amongst travelers worldwide, Thailand offers various amenities to cater to all your travel needs whether they are hotels, resorts, accommodation, travel agencies, and more.
If you are looking to travel to Thailand, we have an ultimate 3-week travel guide around the country that will leave you with the most memorable experiences.
Here are some travel guidelines that you can use as a reference. The time spent in these destinations can vary up to your liking.
2 Days in Bangkok
Start off your journey in the capital of Thailand with the utmost fun activities. Bangkok has so many things to offer as it has enchanting historical temples, amazing food scenes, and a vibrant nightlife. If you think of a city that sleeps, Bangkok is one of them.
Here are some of the most recommended attractions and things to do in Bangkok for 2 days:
Visit the Grand Palace – Indulge yourself in the incredible sight of the Grand Palace located in the heart of Bangkok. There you will find complexes and beautiful temples that give a new perspective on the culture and history of Thailand.
Visit Wat Arun and Wat Pho – Other than the Grand Palace, Wat Arun is one of the most must-see landmarks in Bangkok. It is also one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, dating back to the 17th century. Wat Arun is located just on the opposite side of the Grand Palace overlooking the Chao Phraya River. You will get to see the magnificent architectural structures of the Temple and its captivating carves telling stories from ancient times.
Next to the Grand Palace stands Wat Pho where the infamous Sleeping Buddha lies. Not only does Wat Pho is an important historical site for Thailand but it also offers many activities such as a traditional Thai massage class, merit-making, and exploring the cultural scenes at the temple.
Visit China Town (Yaowarat Road) – Bangkok’s China Town is renowned for its amazing food scenes and rich harmony of both Thai and Chinese cultures. The road stretches for almost 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) and is filled with street food vendors of all sorts of dishes and desserts. Not to mention many Michelin-star restaurants such as Guay Jub Ouan Pochana, Patonggo Savoey, and more. China Town is the perfect place to spend your evening.
Enjoy the city view at Bangkok’s Rooftop Bars – Visit Bangkok’s rooftop bars & restaurants where you can embrace the panoramic views of the city while enjoying an amazing fine dining experience. Here are some of the best rooftop bars in Bangkok; Red Sky Restaurant, Sky Bar at Lebua, Above Eleven, and ThreeSixty Rooftop Bar.
1 Day Trip to Ayutthaya
Just about a 1.5-hour drive from Bangkok locates Ayutthaya, the old capital of Thailand. Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage because of its long history. The highlights of Ayutthaya consist of ancient ruins and temples dating back to the 1500s. This old capital was attacked by Burmese troops in the 1700s and all that’s left is ruins for us to learn and look back at history.
Must Visit Places in Ayutthaya
Wat Mahathat
Wat Ratchaburana
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Wat Chai Watthanaram
Ayutthaya Floating Market
Restaurants overlooking the Chao Phraya River
1 Day in Kanchanaburi
Another historical and naturally beautiful destination. Located in the west of Thailand and borders Myanmar, Kannachaburi offers unforgettable experiences for all visitors. Spend a day in Kanchanaburi and explore what this small little province has to offer.
Visit the Bridge Over the River Kwai – One of the most popular attractions in Kanchanaburi. The bridge was built by the prisoners of war in WWII during the occupation of Japan and is also a part of the death railway. In modern days, the bridge is a tourist spot where visitors can learn about its history or enjoy the scenic view of the Kwai River.
Visit Jeath War Museum – A museum that displays stories and artifacts about the construction and living conditions of the prisoners of war when building the Thai-Burma railways.
Visit Erawan Falls – Nestled in the Erawan National Park, the Erawan Falls are 7-level stunning and pristine waterfalls filled with turquoise water. Visitors can go on a hike, for a swim, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the falls.
2 Days in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is another must-see destination in Thailand. It is located in northern Thailand and was a former Lanna Kingdom. With its rich history and culture, Chiang Mai offers visitors archeological sites of ancient temples and ruins, buzzing Northern cuisines, and cool cafes.
When in Chiang Mai, you can…
discover ancient temples and ruins such as Wat Phra Sing, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and Wat Umong. Some of these temples are centuries old and have their own unique history.
visit Chiang Mai’s markets – Chiang Mai Walking Market every Saturday, Sunday Night Market, or Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. There is a variety of food including street food, traditional northern Thai food, international cuisines, and online-famous dishes waiting for you to discover.
visit Doi Suthep – Doi Suthep-Pui National Park is nestled in the north of Chiang Mai City with an area stretching over 260 kilometers (~160 miles). You will get to see the scenic beauty of the mountains and uncover fun activities such as hiking, cycling around the park, discovering waterfalls, overnight camping, and wildlife watching. It is one of the most amazing places for nature lovers.
see elephants in a safe and cruelty-free environment – Elephant Nature Park is a rehabilitation center for rescued elephants where visitors can experience elephants living in their natural habitat. You can also volunteer at the center or take a tour to spend time with these majestic creatures.
2 Days in Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is a mountainous province and is also located in the northmost part of Thailand. When people think about Chiang Rai, they think of the relaxing atmosphere, fresh air, and beautiful mountain scenery. Chiang Rai is also easy to get to, as it borders the northern part of Chiang Mai, visitors can easily hire a private taxi or take a bus to Chiang Rai.
Here are some cool things to do whilst in Chiang Rai!
Visit Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple) – Wat Rong Khun is one of the most must-visit places in Chiang Rai. With the temple being constructed in all white and decorated with glass reflecting the Sun, the temple then offers an outstanding and unique style that attracts visitors from all around. There you can learn about the history of the temple and get to admire the artwork of the famous Chalermchai Kositpipat.
Wander around Khun Korn Waterfall – Khun Korn Waterfall is definitely the best waterfall to visit in Chiang Rai. The waterfall is tucked away in Khun Korn Forest Park, about a 50-minute drive from Chiang Rai City. There you can discover many incredible hiking trails and get to dip yourself in the fresh cool water of the waterfall.
Uncover Baan Dam Museum (The Black House Museum) – Baan Dam Museum is an art museum that displays art pieces and was built with architectural structures inspired by both Northern Thai buildings and contemporary-style architecture. The museum offers a mysterious yet fascinating feel to visitors, making it one of the best places in Chiang Rai to pay a visit.
Doi Mae Salong – Doi Mae Salong is one of Chiang Rai’s beauties that offers lavish nature, beautiful scenery, and a history unlike any other. You can visit Santikiri Village, tea plantations to try their famous Oolong tea, or simply tour around the area to experience the calming lifestyle there.
3 Days in Phuket
Phuket is a tropical paradise friendly for all travelers. The province is the largest island in the country and offers pristine beaches and amazing nature waiting for you to discover. To get the full experience of Phuket, spend 3 days there and it will allow you to admire the island’s beauty and do fun activities to the utmost. As Phuket is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, it offers a variety of amenities and facilities that cater to all your travel needs.
Here are some of the best things to do in Phuket for 3 days!
Explore the Beaches – If you are a beach lover, Phuket beaches are perfect for you. For clear blue water and relaxing beaches, visit Patong, Kata, and Karon Beaches. If you are an adventure enthusiast, visit Nai Harn Beach for amazing waves perfect for surfing. Those are some of the best beaches in Phuket but there are a lot more to discover.
Go On Magical Island Tours – There are many island tours in Phuket and the most popular ones are the Phi Phi Island tours. Most tours in Phuket will pick you up at your hotel or resort early in the morning and take you on a one-day trip to see natural sights and snorkel in the clear blue waters of the Andaman Sea. The most common destinations for island tours are Phi Phi Islands, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, Maya Bay, and snorkeling around the Pi Leh Lagoon.
Or, you can also go on a one-day trip to other islands around Phuket such as Similan Island, Racha Island, or Surin Island. On these tours, you will get to see the natural beauty of the islands up close, snorkel around the coral reefs, and explore marine life.
Visit Cool Hiking Spots – If you are looking for awesome places to hike, head to Freedom Beach, the free way to get to the beach is by hiking up and down the top of the mountain which usually takes around 30 – 40 minutes. But once you get to the pristine soft white beach with clear turquoise waters, it will all be worth it.
Another cool hiking spot in Phuket is Monkey Hill. Monkey Hill offers a 2-kilometer roadway trail up the hill where you will find monkeys in their natural habitat and a stunning panoramic view of Phuket City.
Visit Phuket Elephant Sanctuary – Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is one of the most ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand. The sanctuary is open for tourists to observe elephants living free in the 30-acre area. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary also offers all kinds of tours for visitors to spend time with the rescued elephants in an ethical way.
Explore Phuket Nightlife on Bangla Road – Bangla Road is located right next to Patong Beach and is famous for its vibrant nightlife and street food scenes. There are various restaurants of all international cuisines and entertainment delights such as live music, street performances, and dashing nightclubs.
Watch Muay Thai at Patong Boxing Stadium – Experience the authentic Muay Thai fights at Patong Boxing Stadium every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Go On Fun Outdoor Activities – Phuket offers many outdoor activities for all visitors. You can go on ATV, Kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving, and even yachting tours.
3 Days in Krabi
Krabi is another beautiful province in Southern Thailand close to Phuket. Traveling from Phuket to Krabi is extremely convenient. You can travel from Phuket to Krabi by boat, bus, taxi, and van in approximately 3 hours.
Krabi is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and outstanding nature like you’ve never seen before. Not to mention the pristine beaches and waterfalls that attract travelers from all over the world. Krabi is the definition of a truly relaxing beach vacation.
Here are some amazing things to do in Krabi for 3 days!
Stay at Ao Nang – Ao Nang is a coastal town in Krabi Province where the charming Ao Nang Beach and many other attractions are located in. Ao Nang offers a variety of hotels and resorts of all levels and is also a tourist center.
Along the road by Ao Nang Beach are miscellaneous options of restaurants and street food. There are also entertainment centers such as bars with live music, Ao Nang Drag Show, and gift shops.
Spend a day at Railay (Rock Climbing and more) – Railay Bay is nestled just off the coast of Ao Nang Beach and is surrounded by caves and limestone cliffs. Railay is known for its enticing blue waters and soft white sandy beach. There is a wide range of healthy food options there as well as an adventure activity such as rock climbing, making Railay the perfect place to spend a day relaxing and exploring.
Discover the Emerald Pool – Krabi’s Emerald Pool is located in the Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve. The pool lives up to its name, as it possesses crystal clear blue water that visitors can swim in while overlooking the breathtaking mountainous view. The trail to the Emerald Pool also has absolutely amazing natural surroundings such as jungle trees, ponds, and wildlife sights.
Visit Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Seua) – Krabi’s Tiger Cave Temple offers a stunning view of Krabi Town and sits at the peak of a mountain surrounded by a lush jungle. Getting to the temple can be quite challenging, as visitors need to take around 1,200 steps up the stairs to the temple. However, once you get to the top, the view and cultural findings will be worth it.
Go On a Kayaking Tour – Explore Krabi’s mangroves, caves, and sightsee local wildlife by going on a kayaking tour. There are many spots where you can indulge yourself in the scenic view of Krabi and discover terrific hidden caves such as Ao Thalane and Railay.
Separated Sea Tour (Thale Waek) – Thale Waek is located between Ko Kai, Ko Thap, and Ko Mo. The attraction connects the 3 islands together and forms a walkable sandy path when the tides are low. Visitors can walk from island to island and explore. You can visit Thale Waek by going on a 4-island tour from Ao Nang.
Visit Shell Cemetery – The Shell Cemetery has fossils of all sorts of marine life dating back over 40 million years ago. The fossils are ingrained in the rocks and have become prints where visitors now can walk along and learn about ancient marine life.
Explore the Eastcoast of Thailand: Island Hopping
2 Days in Koh Samui
Koh Samui is an island located on the east side of Surat Thani Province and is also the second largest island in Thailand. Koh Samui is renowned for its coconut trees, rainforests, luxury accommodations, and ravishing beaches. If you are traveling to Koh Samui from Phuket, simply flying from Phuket International Airport to Samui International Airport is the most convenient option.
Here are some fun activities you can do in Koh Samui!
Relax on Samui Beaches – Relax in the warm sun on some of the best beaches in Koh Samui such as Chaweng Beach or Lamai Beach.
Uncover Ang Thong National Marine Park – Ang Thong National Marine Park is home to 42 spectacular islands with diverse wildlife, hiking trails, and emerald lagoons. Visitors can go on a tour of the marine park and enjoy island activities such as snorkeling, sightseeing, and paddle boarding.
Explore Samui Nightlife – Koh Samui offers nightlife entertainment such as pub crawling, live music, live performances, and even fire dances by the beach. There are also night markets and restaurants for families to spend their evenings.
Visit Hin Ta and Hin Yai (Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks) – Hin Ta and Hin Yai are unique rock formations overlooking the scenic view of the sea.
Visit Big Buddha Temple – Koh Samui’s impressive and majestic Big Buddha Temple is a great place for visitors to learn about Thai culture and take cool photos of the iconic statue.
Go On a Pig Island Tour – Pig Island is a serene island off the coast of Koh Samui and home to friendly pigs. Visitors can swim and spend their day with the cute animal along the blessed pristine beach.
2 Days in Koh Phangan
Koh Phagan is another island off the coast of Surat Thani Province and is also located just north of Koh Samui. Koh Phangan is known for being a spiritual island because of its popularity amongst visitors who seek health and spiritual escape. The nature scene in Koh Phagan is also extremely splendid. The island offers white sandy beaches and cyan-blue waters for visitors to embrace.
Here are some must-do things when in Koh Phangan!
Visit the famous Full Moon Party – The Full Moon party is one of the most visited festivals in Thailand with over 15,000 visitors every full moon. The Full Moon party consists of concerts, music, beach activities, street food, and parties. It is a place where you get to meet people of all nationalities at once.
Explore Koh Phagan Beaches – Koh Phagan has many stunning beaches that cater to all your needs. For example, Haad Rin, Haad Salad, and Haad Yao are great for relaxation and swimming. Zen Beach is where you can see people gathered together singing and playing instruments. Zen Beach is also a place where you can find calming activities such as yoga, meditation, and more.
Explore the food scene– The food scene in Koh Phangan is highlighted to be healthy and sustainable. There are countless options for vegan and vegetarian menus. Whether they are Thai or international, you will not lack the wellness delights this island has to offer.
Visit Paradise Waterfall – Paradise Waterfall offers a relaxing getaway for tourists and locals alike to enjoy the beautiful scenery and swim in the natural waters overlooking the forest.
2 Days in Koh Tao
Koh Tao is situated off the coast of Chumphon and the nearest island to Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. Surrounded by captivating granite rocks, Koh Tao is a haven for nature and adventure lovers. The island is known for its pristine coral reefs, idyllic beaches, and famous diving spot filled with a laid-back atmosphere.
Here are cool things to do when in Koh Tao!
Snorkeling and Diving – You can go on a diving tour in Koh Tao or sign up for a scuba diving course where you will get to explore the wonders underwater of this island, whether it is the vibrant marine life or lavishing coral reefs. Koh Tao offers freediving courses as well for those adventure enthusiasts. (Note that the diving courses can take up to 2 weeks or more)
Hike up to Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint – Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint offers a panoramic view of three connected islands. It is a short yet challenging hike to the viewpoint but the reward is the breathtaking view of crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. These factors make Koh Nang Yuan one of the most popular tourist spots that give visitors unforgettable experiences.
Relax on Koh Tao Beaches – Visit Tanote Bay, Shark Bay, Sai Nuan Beach, and Sairee Beach for the most relaxing and pleasing experience with incredible nature surrounding these beaches in Koh Tao.
Back to Bangkok
Wrap up your 3-week trip in Bangkok by visiting shopping malls or the weekend Market such as Chatujak Weekend Market where you will find endless stores selling everything you can think of, such as clothes, street food, books, souvenirs, gifts, and many more.
For a luxury shopping experience, visit Siam Paragon, the Siam malls in the area, and Central World. There you will find a wide range of brands and high-end restaurants.
Or, cross the Chao Phraya River to visit Iconsiam. Iconsiam is another luxurious mall built in a mixture of modern and traditional-Thai structure concepts with a view overlooking the river.
Getting a massage or having a spa time before flying home is also another perfect way to end your trip.
Note that the time spent at these destinations can vary and depend on what you want to do. Hope this travel guide can show you more attractions in Thailand that are worth visiting!
