3-Week Thailand Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Thailand itineraries

Compiled by

NadineThailand travel expert at TourRadar

• 21 Days in Thailand, incl. Bangkok and Chiang Mai

  A diverse 21-day route visiting 9 destinations across Thailand. Marvel at UNESCO Ayutthaya ruins, meet elephants at Chiang Mai sanctuary, stay with hill tribes, and sleep in Khao Sok floating bungalows. Includes cooking classes and jungle treks.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Bangkok & Kanchanaburi

    Start exploring Bangkok's floating markets early in the morning. Take a 3-hour drive to Kanchanaburi for the River Kwai cruise. Visit Erawan Falls on day 3. Arrive by 8:30 AM to avoid crowds and enjoy crystal clear water. Remember to pack water shoes for the slippery rocks.

    
  • Days 4-8

    Chiang Mai & Surrounds

    The overnight train to Chiang Mai is best experienced in a lower berth for better sleep quality. Start your morning at Doi Suthep temple to catch perfect photo lighting. Spend days 5-6 trekking and staying with hill tribes. A previous trekker noted: "The jungle trek was challenging but staying with the hill tribe around the campfire made it worthwhile - bring good hiking shoes and rain gear."

    
  • Days 9-11

    Pai

    This mountain town is a 3-hour drive away on winding roads. You'll find plenty of caves, hot springs and waterfalls to explore. A helpful tip from a fellow traveler: "Take motion sickness pills for the mountain roads - they're very curvy. But Pai's vibe makes it worth it."

    
  • Days 12-14

    Return to Bangkok

    Take a cooking class on your way back. Explore temples by longtail boat in the afternoon to avoid morning traffic delays.

    
  • Days 15-17

    Khao Sok National Park

    Stay in floating bungalows on the lake and kayak near limestone cliffs while watching for wildlife. The humidity is high so protect your electronics with a dry bag.

    
  • Days 18-21

    Koh Phangan

    Your final stop offers snorkeling trips, Muay Thai classes and peaceful beaches. A recent visitor noted: "Bottle Beach was a perfect hideaway - pack good walking shoes as it's a steep 15-minute hike down."

    

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• 21 Day Thailand Itinerary, incl. Bangkok and Phuket

  A grand 21-day tour takes you through 12 major destinations, from Bangkok's temples and Ayutthaya's ruins to Chiang Mai's cooking schools. The route weaves through UNESCO sites and traditional markets before concluding at the serene Phi Phi Island.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Bangkok

    Visit Wat Pho early morning to see monk chanting before the crowds. See the Grand Palace in the morning to beat the heat. Take a long-tail boat through the canals to experience local life. Bring a hat and dress modestly. Visit Wat Paknam temple for its white stupa and museum if you want to avoid tourist crowds.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Kanchanaburi & Ayutthaya

    Start at Mae Klong Railway Market for the 8:30am train passing. Visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market next. Take a 30-minute ride on the Death Railway through the jungle. Visit Ayutthaya's temple ruins by Kermit tuk-tuk in the cooler late afternoon.

    
  • Days 5-7

    Northern Cultural Circuit

    Take a scenic cruise on Uthai Thani's Sakae Krang River to see traditional floating houses. Visit UNESCO sites at Kamphaeng Phet and Sukhothai Historical Park. Rent bikes to explore the parks easily. Stop at Phitsanulok temple to see one of Thailand's most important Buddha images.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Golden Triangle Region

    Visit Mae Salong's tea plantations. Take a boat trip where Thailand meets Laos and Myanmar. The Opium Museum provides interesting historical background. If you visit Chiang Dao caves, bring good shoes and a light. The caves require some crawling.

    
  • Days 11-13

    Chiang Mai

    Start temple visits early before it gets hot. Take a morning cooking class when market produce is fresh. Visit Doi Suthep temple late afternoon for sunset. "The evening food markets were a highlight - come hungry and try the khao soi noodles, a northern specialty."

    
  • Days 14-17

    Phuket

    Book morning flights to Phuket for maximum beach time. Stay in Patong Beach but explore quieter Kata and Karon beaches. Use free days for island tours or Thai massage lessons. Watch the sunset at Promthep Cape.

    
  • Days 18-21

    Phi Phi Islands

    Take the 8:30am ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi. Stay on the east side for quieter nights. "Book snorkeling trips to Maya Bay early - it gets crowded by midday. The viewpoint hike is best at sunrise before the heat."

    

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• 18 Day Thailand Itinerary, incl. Bangkok and Chiang Mai

  An 18-day tour through 6 key Thai destinations, from Bangkok's temples to Chiang Mai's mountains. Float in Khao Sok bungalows, relax on Koh Phangan beaches, snorkel in Phi Phi, and meet elephants, all for approx. $120 per day including accommodation and activities.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Bangkok & Overnight Train

    Start in Bangkok with a full day to adjust to jet lag at your hotel near Khao San Road. "Getting into the city from Suvarnabhumi Airport is easiest by pre-arranged transfer - Bangkok traffic can be overwhelming on arrival." Explore the city by long-tail boat and tuk-tuk. Visit key temples like Wat Pho early in the morning to beat the crowds. Sign up for a Thai cooking class where you'll learn to make favorites like Pad Thai and green curry. Take the overnight train south but pack earplugs and a light jacket for the strong AC.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Khao Sok National Park

    Stay in floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake, a true highlight of the trip. "Waking up surrounded by limestone cliffs and misty jungle was incredible. The basic accommodation adds to the adventure." Go kayaking and look for wildlife, especially macaques in the morning hours. Pack light since you'll need to take a longtail boat to reach the bungalows.

    
  • Days 5-8

    Koh Phangan

    Stay on the sunset side of the island in beachside bungalows. Try Muay Thai boxing classes for beginners or join a yoga session. Book a traditional Thai massage and go island hopping to quiet beaches. One traveler notes: "Book boat trips based on weather forecasts - rough seas can mean cancelled trips. The east coast is calmer during summer months."

    
  • Days 9-11

    Phi Phi Islands

    Take an early ferry to Phi Phi for three days of snorkeling, kayaking and beach exploration. Book a sunset boat trip around the islands with night swimming in bioluminescent plankton. Stay in the main town but be ready for some nighttime noise.

    
  • Day 12

    Phuket

    Use this quick stop before flying north to visit the Big Buddha or watch sunset at Promthep Cape. "Stay in Kata or Karon beach areas rather than busy Patong if you want a more relaxed vibe."

    
  • Days 13-18

    Chiang Mai & Hill Tribe Trek

    Fly to Chiang Mai for your northern Thailand adventure. Visit Doi Suthep temple in the early morning to avoid the midday heat and crowds. Take a 2-day hill tribe trek with a village homestay. "The jungle trek can be muddy - bring good walking shoes and expect basic facilities in the village homestay." Finish with a visit to an ethical elephant sanctuary where you can feed and bathe the elephants without riding them.

    

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