Thailand holds a special place in my heart. A trip there in 2019 inspired me to travel the world three years later. Since then, I’ve returned four times, usually spending 30 days on each visit. Thailand is a remarkable destination, perfect for new travelers eager to explore beyond the typical all-inclusive resorts. This 3-week Thailand itinerary will be invaluable whether you’re just starting to plan your trip or are already deep into the process. It will guide you through Bangkok and breathtaking islands such as the Phi Phi Islands and Chiang Mai, offering a little bit of everything.
Read my blog How Thailand Inspired Me To Travel the World
Bangkok, Thailand – 3 Day Itinerary
Visit Thailand Royalty-The Grand Palace, Reclining Buddha, Wat Arun
If you do one thing in Bangkok, visit the Grand Palace. Thailand holds its monarchy in high regard, and the Grand Palace is definitely a must-see. The Reclining Buddha and Wat Arun are just a short walk away, making it easy to include them in your Thailand itinerary. Be cautious of scams near the Grand Palace. Before you head out, I suggest reading my blog, “How to Avoid These 3 Scams in Bangkok.” A tip for your visit to the Grand Palace: don’t forget to wear long pants; if you don’t have any, elephant pants are available for purchase.
Have a Hangovertini at the Most Impressive Rooftop in Thailand
Bangkok boasts some of the world’s most impressive rooftop bars. While there are many to choose from, my favourite is Sky Bar, located on the 63rd floor of the Lebua Hotel. You may find it familiar, as this is where The Hangover Part II was filmed. It was The Hangover Part II that first inspired my trip to Thailand in 2019. You will recognize the famous steps from the morning after and the helicopter scene where they take Chow away. Sky Bar offers the best views of Bangkok, day or night, overlooking the iconic Chao Phraya River. Enjoy a Hangovertini while taking in the epic view. Tip: You can stay at Lebua for about USD 200 per night, featuring a stunning balcony view of the Chao Phraya River and the city.
People Watch on Khao San Road The Craziest Street in Thailand
Khao San Road is one of the world’s most iconic streets for people-watching. It is chaotic; if you’re looking for a party, you’ll find it here. Inhale some helium, eat a scorpion, enjoy incredible street food, and walk the street with a Chang or a Leo. There’s also a night market, which means Khao San Road has it all. If go-go bars, ladyboys, or ping pong shows are your thing, make your way to Nana Plaza, Soi Cowboy, or Patpong Night Market. You can even visit a ladyboy bar and buy one a drink. You don’t have to participate; many observe, and that’s cool, too.
Get A Thai Massage
Be prepared to see massage parlours everywhere you go in Bangkok. They are everywhere, and nothing compares to a Thai massage, so take advantage of them. A Thai massage costs around CAD 5; the same price applies to pedicures and manicures. This will hold true throughout your trip to Thailand.
Attend a Muay Thai Fight at Rajadmnern Stadium
To see “real” Muay Thai fights, visit Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok. This is the real deal; you’ll see some of the top Muay Thai fighters in the world. I paid about $75 for ringside seats, and yes, I was dodging sweat all night.
Visit One of Bangkok’s Many Iconic Markets
Visit one of Bangkok’s many markets during the day or at night. They are excellent for shopping, dining, and people-watching. My favourites are Chatuchak Weekend Market, Khao San Road, Patpong Night Market, and the floating markets.
Spend an afternoon in Chinatown
Bangkok is home to the world’s second-largest Chinatown. The street food in Chinatown is exceptional, especially at the Old Market on Yaowarat Road. It’s also great for wandering around the city, exploring the markets, and shopping. The wet seafood markets in Chinatown are also incredible.
Do a Street Food tour – Thailand style
A street food tour is perfect for becoming familiar with the street food scene in Bangkok and throughout your trip to Thailand. You can find some excellent tuk-tuk tours on Get Your Guide for about CAD 100. I did an E-Scooter Night Tour with Local Street Food, and it was an awesome experience. We visited historic sites such as Wat Arun, which looks stunning at night, and street food that I would never have found on my own. I love that these are night tours, as Bangkok is such a beautiful city to explore after dark. Here is a link to the tour that I did through Get Your Guide.
Phuket, Thailand – 3-day Itinerary
You’ve seen the stunning Thailand islands on social media, and Phuket is your gateway to that area. Phuket is also an excellent spot to get your feet wet, as it is a tourist-friendly island and a must for your 3-week Thailand itinerary.
A Day of Relaxation at Patong Beach
You spent three days in Bangkok enjoying the nightlife, exploring temples, and sightseeing. Your legs and mind are tired, and Patong Beach is the perfect place to reset. It is busy, with incredible rock formations, and is great for swimming. Relax, people-watch, soak up the sun, enjoy a massage, and nurse that hangover against a beautiful backdrop.
People Watch at Bangla Road Walking Street
Bangla Road is my second-favourite walking street in Thailand, just behind Khao San Road. Grab a Chang or a Leo from 7-Eleven, stroll down the street, and enjoy the chaos. There are many great bars with excellent entertainment where you can enjoy a drink and take in the awesome street view. Bangla Road boasts a vibrant street food scene and amazing shopping options around the clock.
Visit the Best View of Phuket
If you want the best view of Phuket, visit the Big Buddha. Not only does the Big Buddha live up to its name, but the view is stunning. If you are an experienced scooter rider, remember that the road to the Big Buddha is steep and long. Otherwise, you can take a taxi. Check out my blog, “19 Things You Need to Know Before Your First Trip to Southeast Asia,” for my recommendations on taking taxis in Thailand.
Do an Island-Hopping Tour Visiting Some of The Most Famous Islands in Thailand
If you want to explore islands with jaw-dropping rock formations and beautiful beaches, take a day trip from Phuket. Islands such as James Bond Island and Ko Phi Phi Le, where the movie The Beach was shot, are easily accessible. During a Phuket Island tour in 2019, I visited one of my favourite islands in Thailand, Koh Khai Island.
Thailand’s World-Famous Phi Phi Islands – 3-Day Itinerary
The Phi Phi Islands are just a two-hour ferry ride from Phuket, and it’s not expensive. Check out my blog on Thailand travel tips for information on booking ferries in Thailand. On your way to Koh Phi Phi, you’ll pass by Maya Bay, which is widely regarded as Thailand’s most famous beach and rock formation.
Once you book your trip to Thailand, the impressive rock formations and epic views will take over your social media feeds. Yep, those are the stunning rock formations surrounding the Phi Phi Islands you keep seeing.
Walk Koh Phi Phi and Explore the Beaches
Take a stroll around the island, relax on the Phi Phi beaches on both sides and enjoy some fantastic food. Phi Phi Island is easily walkable, making it the perfect way to immerse yourself in your new surroundings. Be sure to try the fish curry at the Pirates House near the ferry entrance. You can thank me later! You’ll find vibrant nightlife and restaurants along the beach and throughout the island.
Spend a Morning at Monkey Beach
Chances are, seeing monkeys is already on your 3-week Thailand itinerary. Monkey Beach is your best opportunity to do just that, and it’s a guarantee on this beautiful beach. When I say it’s a sure thing, I mean the monkeys are everywhere from the moment you step onto the beach. If you want that monkey selfie with an exotic backdrop, this is your chance. The beach tends to get crowded, so I suggest going early in the morning. To reach the beach, head to the main pier, take a five-minute longtail boat ride and remember to negotiate your fare. This will set you back about $20 to rent a longtail for a few hours.
Spend an Afternoon at The World Famous Maya Bay
It’s the most famous landscape in Thailand, featuring an impressive rock formation. Maya Bay was one of the filming locations for the movie The Beach, so you know it’s fabulous. Take a longtail boat from the Phi Phi Islands pier and check Maya Bay off your bucket list.
Krabi, Thailand – 4 Day Itinerary
You can purchase a ferry ticket from the pier in Koh Phi Phi that will get you to Krabi in approximately two hours. When reserving your ferry, knowing where you’ll be staying is important. Krabi Town and Ao Nang Beach are the main areas for accommodations in Krabi. I stayed in the Ao Nang Beach area.
Spend an afternoon at Ao Nang Beach
Ao Nang Beach is a fantastic beach with beautiful rock formations. It’s centrally located on the Au Nang strip, which offers excellent shopping and restaurants. Spend a few hours relaxing on the beach and exploring your new surroundings. After that, grab some lunch and a Chang and enjoy.
Up Your Suit Game and Buy a Custom-Fitted Suit
Krabi has many custom suit shops for men, making it a great place to shop for suits. I purchased custom-fit dress shirts and excellent fake watches the last time I visited. I bought my shirts at Garry’s Custom Tailors, which is located across from the beach, near the spot where they sell tours. Three shirts cost USD 138.
Spend an Afternoon at Thailand’s Most Spectacular Beach
Railay Beach is on my world’s top ten beaches list, and since it’s nearby, be sure to include it in your Krabi itinerary. To get there, visit the tourist office across from Ao Nang Beach to purchase a long-tail boat ticket. In just five minutes on the boat, you’ll arrive at Railay Beach. The stunning rock formations, pristine white sand, and perfect swimming conditions make Railay Beach a must-visit. And don’t forget to grab a Chang and enjoy some Thai cuisine at one of the beachside restaurants.
Krabi Offers Some of the Most Exotic Islands in Thailand
You can access many islands from Krabi that are world-famous for their snorkelling and spectacular landscapes. One popular island is Hong Island. This area features some of the most stunning islands in Thailand, located just a short distance away, so be sure to take full advantage of it.
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Chiang Mai “The Real Thailand” – 5-Day Itinerary
I am adding Chiang Mai to this 3-week Thailand itinerary because many consider it to be the real Thailand. While it doesn’t have exotic beaches, it has ethical elephant sanctuaries, temples, rice fields, waterfalls, stunning countryside, and rich traditions. Visiting Chiang Mai is an authentic Thailand experience.
Walk The City and Visit Some of Thailand’s Most Iconic Temples
Chiang Mai is a very walkable city. A perfect way to become familiar with Chiang Mai is to spend a day exploring its many temples. The city is home to over 300 temples, more than any other city in Thailand. Each temple is iconic, built between the 13th and 18th centuries. When you check into your hotel or hostel, you will receive a map of the city highlighting the temples. I researched the temples that I wanted to visit and added them to my Google Maps and too make it easy for you here is a link to my Google Maps Chiang Mai Temples page. Here’s a list of the main temples you may want to see.
Spend an Afternoon at an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
When I first visited Thailand, seeing elephants was on my bucket list. There isn’t a better place for this in Thailand than Chiang Mai. There, you can find an ethical elephant sanctuary, which you can book through your hotel or hostel, and have the time of your life. What I love about this experience is spending time with elephants in their natural habitat. I booked my tour through my hostel, which was Smile Robotist Hostel.
Visit the famous Chiang Mai “Sunday” Night Market
Chiang Mai boasts Thailand’s most authentic shopping and street food markets. The Sunday Night Market is the largest and best, and it seems to go on forever. If you’re in Chiang Mai on a Sunday, spend an evening indulging in the best market in Thailand. Don’t worry if you can’t make it on a Sunday; the Saturday and Weekday Night Bazaars are just as impressive.
Visit the Most Impressive National Park in Thailand
You can find Doi Inthanon National Park tours at your hotel or hostel. It’s an incredible day that begins at Wachirathan Waterfall. After that, you’ll hike into the mountains through picturesque rice fields with unique backdrops for the gram. You will visit a coffee plantation run by locals and see the famous Thai Twin Pagodas, a national treasure. This hike takes you to the highest peak in Thailand and will be a day you’ll never forget.
Thailand has so much to discover. This 3-week Thailand itinerary just scratches the surface and provides a glimpse of what the country offers. If you’re like me, Thailand will leave you wanting more, and you’ll be back. I have been back four times since my first trip to Thailand in 2020. Destinations like Koh Chang, Koh Phangan (home to the famous full moon party), Koh Samui, and Pattaya are places in Thailand that you should also explore. Have the time of your life, but I warn you, this likely won’t be your last trip to Thailand.
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