3-Week Thailand Itinerary: The Best Things to do + Where to Stay

You’re planning to spend 3 weeks in Thailand and you’re looking for the best itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared for you this 3 weeks itinerary in Thailand.

During your 20-21 days trip starting from Bangkok, you will discover some of the country’s best places to visit such as Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

Then, you will head to Southern Thailand to visit Phuket, Koh Lanta, Krabi or Koh Yao Noi (and their beautiful beaches!)

In this guide, in addition to the must-see attractions, I will also give you all my best tips as well as a list of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, how to spend three weeks in Thailand? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1) Bangkok (2 days)

To visit Thailand in 20 or 21 days, you will probably arrive at Bangkok’s main Airport (Suvarnabhumi).

After a long flight, you will want to go to your hotel, drop your luggage and probably take a rest. To do so, you will have 3 options:

• Take the airport Rail Link: the cheapest and fastest way! Departure from the airport’s underground level. With a departure every 15 minutes between 6am and midnight, it’s the easiest way to reach the city center. It costs only 45 Bahts to reach Phaya Thai station, the terminus. If your hotel isn’t nearby, you can then take the SkyTrain (BTS), the metro (MRT) or a taxi.
• Take a taxi (level 1 of the airport) for a costs between 250 and 450 Bahts depending on your destination and traffic jams. In Thailand, never accept a fixed fare and always ask the driver to turn on the taxi meter. It can also be helpful to have the address of your hotel written in Thai.
• Book your private transport by clicking here – The most convenient if you don’t want to bother with anything upon arrival.

Once at your hotel, take a good rest, so you can be at 100% to start your 3-week itinerary in Thailand the next day.

After a good night’s sleep, let’s visit the city of Bangkok!

For your 1st day in Bangkok, you should visit (in order):

• The Grand Palace (500 Bahts), to admire the numerous pavilions, sculptures and statues of the Thai royal family’s former residence.
• Wat Pho (200 Bahts), featuring the largest sleeping Buddha statue in the city: 45 metes long and 15 meters tall!
• Wat Arun (100 Bahts), famous for his 5 Prangs (towers) entirely covered with colorful mosaics.
• The Siam Museum (300 Bahts) or Bangkok National Museum (200 Bahts), both dedicated to Thai history and culture. If you’re traveling with children, the Siam is a better choice (more fun!)
• Khao San Road, to check the jewellery or souvenir shops and have a drink in one of the many bars. It’s especially popular among backpackers.

To end your first day in style, why not opt for a dinner cruise?

It’s really the perfect way to discover Bangkok from another angle and gaze upon the illuminated monuments.

You need to book your dinner cruise by clicking on the button below:

For a more romantic and intimate version, you should go on a small group dinner cruise on an old rice barge:

Spend the night in Bangkok.

On your 2nd day in Bangkok, you should take a walk in the city to discover other monuments and districts.

Here are the best things to do on the second day (in chronological order):

• Wat Saket (Golden Mount Temple), famous of its terrace offering a 360° view of the city. 50 Bahts.
• Chinatown, home to Wat Traimit and its golden Buddha statue weighing no less than 5.5 tons!
• Lumpini park, the ideal place to enjoy a stroll away from the noise and crowds.
• The Siam district, for shopping in one of the huge, ultra-modern shopping centers
• At the end of the day, climb to the top of the Bayoke tower. You will for sure love the view over the whole city! Tickets need to be booked in advance here.
• Alternatively, you can go to the King Power Mahanakhon, which is currently the highest observation deck in Thailand. You need to buy your tickets there.
• And if you’re looking for a bit more action, you can also end the day by attending a Muay Thai boxing match, the national sport. Tickets needs to be bought here.

Spend another night in Bangkok.

To learn more about the best places to visit in Bangkok, you should read my dedicated article: The 30 best things to do in Bangkok.

Accommodation in Bangkok

The best hotels near the Grand Palace and Wat Pho:

• D Hostel Bangkok: Youth hostel located near the temples and 5 minutes on foot from Khao San Road. Dormitory beds start at €20. Strong points: The location within walking distance to the temples, the cleanliness, the modern decor. Perfect for small budgets!
• Rambuttri Village Plaza: Located 1.5 kilometer from the Grand Palace and 500 meters from Khao San Road. Bright and pleasant double rooms starting at €30 a night, breakfast included. Strong points: Location, the rooftop swimming pools.
• Baan Wanglang Riverside, Bangkok: A hotel located on the riverbank opposite the Grand Palace, only 5 minutes away by shuttle boat. Spacious double rooms with a river view starting at €50. Strong points: The amazing river view, the rooftop, the proximity to the 3 main temples of Bangkok.
• Siri Heritage Bangkok Hotel: A brand new hotel, 10 minutes on foot from the Grand Palace and 1km from the National Museum. Warm and comfortable rooms with a balcony starting at €70, breakfast included. Strong points: The surroundings, the comfortable beds, the friendly staff, the pool. It’s my favorite for its amazing value for money around the Grand Palace!
• Inn a day: located 600 meters away from the Grand Palace. Rooms with unusual and atypical industrial style decoration starting at €100, breakfast included. Strong points: Amazing view of the river and Wat Arun, excellent breakfast, the design.
• Chakrabongse Villas: On the riverbank, only a 15 minute walk to Wat Pho. Rooms and suites with Oriental yet modern decor start at €170, breakfast included. Strong points: The incomparable view of Wat Arun, the excellent location, the pool. It’s my recommendation for a romantic stay in Bangkok!

The best quiet hotels near the metro (to get around easily)

• Bangkok Patio: Located 10 minutes away on foot from the BTS Skytrain. Super spacious and modern studios and apartments with equipped kitchens and balconies starting at €40 per night. Strong points: The pool, the quiet, the location. It’s my favorite for its excellent value for money! Also perfect for family holidays.
• Noursabah Boutique Bed Bangkok: Situated 500 meters from the BTS and Airport Rail Link (a direct line to the airport). Well decorated rooms with super comfortable bed begin at €50 a night with breakfast included. Strong points: The quiet, the comfort, food is available (noodles, yogurt, cereal), water, fruit juice 24 hours a day, super convenient to go to the airport.
• Anajak Bangkok Hotel: Located 5 minutes from the metro and the Airport Rail Link. Very comfortable and cozy rooms starting at €75 a night with breakfast. Strong points: The calm location, the pool, the style of the rooms. An excellent choice for visiting Bangkok or to easily get to the airport at the end of your trip.
• Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn: Situated just a few steps from the metro. Spacious rooms with large bay windows, staring at €115 including breakfast. Strong points: The great value for money, the infinity pool, the delicious breakfast, the direct access to the metro. It’s my recommendation for a high-end stay in Bangkok.
• Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok: Luxury hotel with direct access to Siam Paragon shopping center and the BTS. Elegant and contemporary rooms starting at €230, breakfast included. Strong points: The large pools and garden, the jacuzzi, the spa, the excellent breakfast. The best hotel in Bangkok for a luxurious stay!

2) Ayutthaya (1 day)

Let’s continue your 3-week itinerary in Thailand and head to the famous historical park of Ayutthaya.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s home to several ancient temples built when Ayutthaya was the capital of the kingdom of Siam.

To go to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, you will have the choice between several means of transport to cover the 75 km distance:

• Car: the fastest way, taking only 45 minutes. You should rent a car from Bangkok’s Don Muang airport (not the one you arrived at!). It’s by far the most convenient, as it’s on the way to Ayutthaya.

You should keep your rental car until the end of your road trip in Northern Thailand. You should thus choose “Chiang Rai” as drop off location, it’s the 5th leg of this itinerary. This is what I did during my trip to Thailand and it was just perfect!

The roads are in excellent condition, all in a straight line and there are many gas stations.

I booked on Booking.com Cars, the website that I always use for my car rentals in every country I visit: Canada, Sicily, Greece… and of course Thailand!

You can easily check the rental cars prices by clicking on the button below:

• Train: a train ticket costs only 15 Bahts and the journey takes 2 hours, this is the cheapest option.
• Bus: It takes 90 minutes and costs 50 Bahts
• Minivan: one hour journey for 70 Bahts

To plan your visit to Ayutthaya and easily organize your day, you should read my article dedicated to the historical park: How to visit Ayutthaya?

There, you will find all the info you need: prices, opening times, the most beautiful temples to see, a map and of course all my best tips!

Spend a night in Ayutthaya.

Accommodation in Ayutthaya

• Early Bird Hostel Ayutthaya: Hostel located 700 metres from Wat Mahathat. Dormitory bed from €13, breakfast included. Strong points: friendly staff, cleanliness, privacy thanks the curtain. Perfect for backpackers!
• Baan Baimai Boutique Room: Located 1.7 km from Wat Mahathat or 5 minutes by car. Spacious and well decorated double room from € 27. Strong points: quiet, decor, private parking. An excellent choice for cheap accommodation in Ayutthaya!
• P.U. Inn Resort: Located 5 minutes from the bus station and 10 minutes from Mahathat temple. Comfortable and colourful double room from €45. Strong points: swimming pool, central location, warm welcome.
• Baan Thai House: Located 1.4 km from Wat Yai Chai Mongkon. Spacious villa with balcony and garden or lake view from €65, breakfast included. Strong points: swimming pool, outdoors, good meals, setting, calm.
• Classic Kameo Hotel & Serviced Apartments, Ayutthaya: 5 minute drive from Yai Chai Mongkon Temple. Double room with kitchenette and sitting area, modern and spacious, from €75, breakfast included. Strong points: facilities, comfort, swimming pool, spa.
• Sala Ayutthaya: Located 1.6 km from the historical park and the Wat Chai Watthanaram. Modern double room with exposed red bricks from €140, breakfast included. Strong points: swimming pool, view of the river and the temples, food quality, hotel design. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Ayutthaya!

3) Sukhothai (2 days)

Your 3-week trip to Thailand will now take you to Sukhothai, 350 km away from Ayutthaya.

Given the distance, you should plan one full day for the journey, no matter which mean of transport you choose:

• By car, the driving time is about 5 hours on 2-lane or wider highways in very good condition.
• By bus: from Ayutthaya bus station, it takes 6 hours and costs 300 Bahts per person. There are several departures during the day.
• By train: As there is no railway station in Sukhothai, the journey is split into two parts: Train to Phitsalunok (4 hours / 700 Bahts) + Bus from Phitsalunok to Sukhothai (1 hour / 50 Bahts).

Spend the night in Sukhothai.

The next day, it’s time to explore the historical park of Sukhothai!

The first capital of the kingdom of Siam (before Ayutthaya) is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to several beautiful temples.

Just like for Ayutthaya, I have written a dedicated article with all the information needed to make the most of your visit to Sukhothai: Sukhothai: The Definitive Guide.

Spend a second night in Sukhothai.

Accommodation in Sukhothai

• Vieng Tawan Sukhothai Guesthouse by Thai Thai: Located 1.5 km from the historical park. Warm and comfortable double room from €20, breakfast at €4. Strong points: swimming pool, peace and quiet, welcoming atmosphere. An excellent choice for cheap accommodation in Sukhothai!
• Thai Thai Sukhothai Guesthouse: Located 1.5 km from the park. Double room with traditional decor, wooden furniture and garden view from 30€, breakfast included. Strong points: swimming pool, very warm welcome, charming.
• Sawasdee Sukhothai Resort: Located 1.5 km from the historical site of Sukhothai. Spacious bungalow with Thai decor and wooden furniture, from €40, including breakfast. Strong points: swimming pool and excellent outdoor setting, peace and quiet, bike rental and the location close to the park. It’s my favorite for its excellent value for money!
• Sriwilai Sukhothai: Located 1.8 km from the park. Spacious and bright double room with balcony overlooking the rice fields from €80, breakfast included. Strong points: superb setting, large infinity pool, spa, peace and quiet, attentive staff. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Sukhothai!

4) Chiang Mai (3 days)

For the 4th leg of your 3-week itinerary in Thailand, you should visit Chiang Mai, the capital of Northern Thailand.

To cover the 300 km between the two places, you can take:

• Your rental car: The drive takes 4 hours and 30 mins on well maintained roads.
• The Bus from Sukhothai bus station: 6 hours / 300 Bahts
• The Train: first you will need to go to Phitsalunok by bus (1 hour / 50 Bahts) and from there take the train to Chiang Mai (6 to 8 hours / 100 to 600 Bahts depending on the seat type).

Here too, you should count one day to travel between Sukhothai and Chiang Mai. Of course, there is nothing preventing you from taking a stroll around Chiang Mai old town if you don’t arrive too late!

Spend your first night in Chiang Mai.

On the second day, you should visit Chiang Mai’s Old Town, famous for its many temples:

• Wat Phra Singh. Free entrance.
• Wat Chedi Luang, 40 bahts entrance fee
• Wat Inthakhin Sadue Muang. Free of charge.
• The Three Kings Monument
• One of the 3 history museums of the city: the Cultural Centre, the Historical Centre and the Lanna Folklife Museum.
• Wat Chiang Man
• Warorot market
• Wat Saen Fang, Wat Buppharam and Wat Mahawan. Only the Buppharam temple has an entrance fee: 20 Bahts.

To end the day, you should go to the Night Bazaar (during the week) or the Saturday or Sunday evening market during the weekend.

This is the perfect opportunity to start buying some souvenirs to bring back home from your 20-day stay in Thailand. And don’t forget to taste the excellent Thai street food!

If you want to enjoy your evening walking around Chiang Mai Market with a guide and enjoying the best Thai dishes, you should book the best food tour in Chiang Mai by clicking here.

Spend another night in Chiang Mai.

For your third day in Chiang Mai, you have the choice between several activities depending on your interests:

1) Visit Doi Suthep National Park and discover:

• The Doi Suthep temple (40 Bahts), offering a panoramic view over the whole province.
• The Bhubing Palace gardens (50 Bahts), the winter residence of the royal family.
• A Hmong village, an ethnic group of Northern Thailand. There are several stalls selling souvenirs and a landscaped garden (10 Bahts).
• Mon Tha Than Waterfall
• Huay Kaew waterfall

To travel the single road in the park, it’s better to have a car or hire a scooter. If you take a songthaew (shared taxi) from Chiang Mai’s Old Town, you have to wait for them to fill up every time to leave.

Of course, you can also opt for a guided tour with transportation included, it’s a great way to discover Doi Suthep!

Simply click on the button below to book it:

2) See elephants in an elephant sanctuary

When visiting an elephant sanctuary, you will be able to help the caretakers feed or wash the elephants. Of course, as it’s about animal preservation, no elephant-back rides are allowed!

In order not to disturb the animals too much, only a small number of visitors are allowed each day. So you really need to book your visit to the elephant sanctuary in advance:

3) Take a cooking class in Chiang Mai

Along with Bangkok, Chiang Mai region is renowned for offering some of the best food in Thailand. It’s thus the perfect place to take a Thai cooking class!

You will first go to the market with the chef to shop for the ingredients before learning to cook delicious dishes. Pad Thai or curries will no longer have any secrets for you 😄.

And if you find the ingredients at home, you can even reproduce the recipes using the booklet provided at the end of the class.

Spend one last night in Chiang Mai.

Don’t hesitate to read my article about the city to learn more about the best places to visit: The 20 best things to do in Chiang Mai.

Accommodation in Chiang Mai

• HOSTEL by BED: Youth hostel located 500 meters from Wat Phra Sing and the Sunday market. The beds are in a modern and clean dormitory and start at 10€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: clean rooms and common areas, a good and healthy breakfast, bottled water. This is the best budget accommodation in Chiang Mai. Perfect for backpackers!
• Wing Bed: Located in the old town, 800 meters from Wat Chedi Luang. Comfortable and cosy double rooms starting at 35€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: brand new building, ideal location, excellent service. It’s my recommendation in Chiang Mai for its outstanding value for money!
• Pingviman Hotel: Located 10 minutes away from the weekend market and 700 meters from Wat Phra Sing. Thai style double rooms with carved wooden furniture, spa bath and balcony, starting at 80€, breakfast included. Strong points: swimming pool, traditional decoration, perfect location, comfort.
• 99 The Heritage Hotel: Located in the pedestrian street of the Sunday night market. Double room with tasteful decoration and very comfortable bedding starting at 135€, breakfast included. Strong points: swimming pool, friendly staff, good location, free mini bar, fruits and cakes available all day long. A great choice for a romantic stay in Chiang Mai!
• Chala Number6: 5* hotel located in the historic center, 200 meters away from Wat Chedi Luang. This luxury hotel offers spacious and very comfortable rooms, starting at 190€, breakfast included. Strong points: swimming pool and garden, lovely staff, charming hotel, snacks offered every day. It’s my recommendation for a luxury stay!

5) Chiang Rai (3 days)

Let’s continue your 20-21-day road trip in Thailand.

After spending 3 days in Chiang Mai, you should go to Chiang Rai, the other famous city of Northern Thailand.

How to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?

• Car: to cover the 200 km between the two cities, it takes 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• Bus: takes about the same time.
• Train: it’s not possible to go to Chiang Rai by train, as there is no train station.

You will arrive in Chiang Rai in the early afternoon and have time to take a walk in the city to discover some of the must-see sights:

• Wat Phra Kaew, the temple where the Emerald Buddha statue (now on display in Bangkok’s Grand Palace) was discovered. The statue you will see in Chiang Rai is a copy, made when the original one was transferred to the Grand Palace.
• The golden clock tower
• Wat Ming Meuang
• Wat Phra Sing
• Wat Klang Wiang
• Wat Jet Yot
• The HillTribe Museum, about the history of the ethnic groups of Northern Thailand.
• The Oub Kham Museum and its superb collection of objects from the kingdom of Lanna. Guided tour mandatory.

In the evening, you should really go to the Night Bazaar, where you can stroll in the alleys and look for souvenirs. With its many food stalls, it’s also the perfect place to eat some delicious Thai street food!

Spend your first night in Chiang Rai.

Let’s start your second day in Chiang Rai with one of the best places to visit during your 3 week holiday in Thailand.

Yes, today, you will head to the city’s most popular tourist site: the famous white temple (Wat Rong Khun).

The White temple construction started in 1997 and it quickly became one of the best known temples in the country.

And that’s for good reason: with its walls covered with white lime and mirror shards, and its beautiful sparkling sculptures, it’s really unique and impressive!

You should really go there early in the morning as it quickly gets crowded, with most tourist buses arriving between 9h and 10h. The entrance fee is 50 Bahts.

For the rest of the day, you should do the following (in order):

• A short walk to see Khun Korn waterfall. Free of charge.
• Pass by Singha Park to photograph the tea plantations and take a selfie with the park’s symbol: a large statue of a golden lion. Free of charge.
• Discover Wat Huay Pla Klang, a truly impressive set of 3 temples including a white temple, a large pagoda and, the most impressive, a huge statue of the goddess of mercy nicknamed “the Big Buddha”. Free, but it costs 40 Bahts if you want to go up the statue.
• A visit to the blue temple, the other iconic temple of the city. Free of charge.

Spend a second night in Chiang Rai.

For your 3rd day in Chiang Rai, you can:

• Visit Baan Dam Museum (80 Bahts) or Black House museum, a collection of houses decorated in a very original and maybe a bit gloomy way, with fur, bones, crocodile skins…
• Explore Doi Tung, where you will find the Mae Fah Luang Garden (a very large and beautiful garden) as welll as Doi Tung Royal Villa, residence of the Princess Mother of Thailand. The pass to visit everything costs 220 Bahts and there is an additional fee if you want to go down on a zip line.
• Go on a road trip from Doi Tung to Mae Salong to admire the splendid landscape
• Take the opportunity to walk around Mae Salong market

Then return to Chiang Rai for one last night.

You can find all the details about the best things to do in Chiang Rai in my dedicated article: Visiting Chiang Rai: The Definitive Guide.

Accommodation in Chiang Rai

• Connect Hostel: Youth hostel located 10 minutes from the night market and the bus station. Modern dormitory bed with curtain from 10€. Strong points: cleanliness, modern and really nice common areas, comfortable beds, very friendly staff. This is the best hostel in Chiang Rai. Ideal for backpackers, if you are looking for a cheap hotel.
• Na-Rak-O Resort: Located 600 meters from the Clock Tower and the temples to see in Chiang Rai. Double room with a colorful decoration and a very comfortable bed starting from 21€. Strong points: the availability of the staff, a kitchen for breakfast, the calm. An excellent choice if you’re traveling to Chiang Rai on a budget!
• Nak Nakara Hotel: Located at 2 minutes walk from the HillTribe Museum and the park. Tastefully decorated double room in traditional lanna style starting from €60, breakfast included. Strong points: large swimming pool, free shuttle to the Night Bazaar, comfortable rooms, convenient location. A great choice for its exceptional value for money!
• The Riverie by Katathani: 5 stars hotel located 800 meters from Wat Phra Sing and 1 km from the night market, on the riverside. Modern, luxurious and spacious double room from 100€, breakfast included. Strong points: the huge swimming pool, children’s playground, the view on the river, the jacuzzi, the tennis court. A great choice for a romantic stay in Chiang Rai!
  
• The Meridien Chiang Rai Resort, Thailand: 5 stars hotel complex located 3 km from the night market. Elegant, design and spacious double room from 105€, breakfast at 14€. Strong points: really beautiful outdoor spaces, swimming pool, Spa, riverside location, quietness, free shuttle to the city centre. Simply the best hotel for a luxury stay in Chiang Rai!

6) Phuket (3 days)

For the 2nd part of your 3-week itinerary in Thailand, you will leave the North and head to Southern Thailand. It’s time to enjoy some of the most beautiful islands and beaches of the country!

From Chiang Rai airport, you can take a flight to Phuket.

After a 2-hour flight and a short taxi or bus ride to your hotel, drop your luggage and take half a day to relax.

You can go to the famous Patong Beach for example, have a swim, try water sports such as jet skiing or parasailing or simply sunbath for a few hours.

At the end of the day, you can take a stroll along Bangla Road, the liveliest street on the island.

In the evening, you can for example opt for one of the 2 activities nearby:

• A ladyboy show (men dressed like women). The most renowned is without a doubt the Simon Cabaret. Seats must be booked in advance by clicking here.
• Muay Thai Boxing Fight: If you didn’t had the time to attend a Muay Thai boxing match in Bangkok, you can do it in Phuket. You need to book your tickets here!

Spend the night in Phuket.

For your 2nd day in Phuket, you should rent a scooter to explore the island. You can choose to focus on the East or on the South of the island.

In the East of Phuket, you can see:

• Phuket Town: don’t miss Thalang Street, the colorful houses, Phang Nga Road, Thai Hua Museum and/or Phuket Museum
• Monkey Hill, home to numerous monkeys and offering a panoramic view of the island
• Khao Rang Hill, a famous viewpoint in Phuket

End the afternoon at one of the beaches.

In the South:

• Wat Chalong (free)
• Big Buddha (free)
• Karon View Point
• Nai Harn Beach
• Windmill Viewpoint and Yanui Beach
• Promthep Cape, the best place of the island to enjoy a beautiful sunset

If you feel like going out at night, you should really attend Siam Niramit show, where a group of actors and dancers are displaying Thailand’s rich history and culture.

You need to buy your tickets here:

For your last day in Phuket, you should go on a boat trip.

Here are the 2 best boat tours from Phuket, choose the one that suits you best!

• A boat trip to Koh Phi Phi, to discover one of Thailand’s most famous islands as well as other equally beautiful places such as Bamboo Island and Khai Island.

Simply click on the button below to book your boat trip:

If you prefer, you can also do this boat tour to Koh Phi Phi from Phuket on a beautiful catamaran. Click here to book it!

• A trip to the Similan Islands, considered as one of the most beautiful diving spots in the world.

To book your trip to the Similan Islands from Phuket, just click on the button below:

Spend one last night in Phuket.

For more information about the best places to visit in Phuket, you should read my dedicated article: The 23 best things to do in Phuket

Accommodation in Phuket

If you want to be on the lively side of Phuket, you should stay around Patong. Here is my selection of accommodation in the area:

• Lub D Phuket Patong: Youth Hostel 5 minutes from Patong Beach and 10 minutes from Bangla Road. Modern and very clean dormitory bed from €12. Strong points: huge swimming pool, common areas with even a boxing ring, design, cleanliness. This is the best hostel in Phuket!
• Mazi Design Hotel by Kalima: Located 5 minutes from the night market and 10 minutes from Bangla Road. Spacious designer double room from €35 per night, breakfast at €7. Strong points: swimming pool, location, comfort of the rooms. It’s my favorite for its excellent value for money in Patong.
• Holiday Inn Express Phuket Patong Beach Central: Located opposite the beach. Modern and warm double room with balcony from €72, breakfast included. Strong points: outdoor facilities, swimming pool, welcoming atmosphere and the friendliness of the staff.
• Phuket Marriott Resort Spa, Merlin Beach: 5-star hotel complex located 2 miles from Patong, right on Tri-Trang beach. Warm and comfortable double room with private balcony or terrace from €110, breakfast at €19. Strong points: sea-side location, private beach, quiet, playground for children, setting. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Phuket!

If you prefer to stay in Phuket Town, here is my selection of hotels:

• Baan Baan hostel: Hostel located in Phuket Old Town. Dormitory bed from €8, breakfast included. Strong points: helpful staff, cleanliness, location, calm atmosphere. The best youth hostel to stay in Phuket Town!
• Ritsurin Boutique Hotel: Located 600 metres from Thalang Street. Clean and well-equipped double room from €28. Strong points: location, cleanliness, friendly staff.
• The Malika Hotel: Located 1.8 km from the old town. Double room with very comfortable bedding and balcony from €38, breakfast at €6. Strong points: swimming pool, quiet atmosphere, friendly staff, ideal location to take the boat to Koh Phi Phi. It’s my favorite for its excellent value for money in Phuket Town!
• Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel: Located in the old town. Double room decorated with great taste from €50 per night, breakfast at €7. Strong points: excellent location, friendly staff, right next to the night market.
• Novotel Phuket Phokeethra: Located 1 mile away from the old town. Super spacious double room, modern design from €85, breakfast at €15. Strong points: setting, comfort, ideal to visit the old town, close to the boat to the islands of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. This is my recommendation for an upscale stay in Phuket Town!

7) Koh Lanta (3 days)

For the next leg of your three-week trip to Thailand, head to another southern island: Koh Lanta.

To get there from Phuket, you need to take the boat from Rassada harbor, towards Phuket Town. Ask your hotel to book tickets for the crossing, it’s usually cheaper than booking on the Internet (instead of 1000 Bahts, we paid 700 with transfer to the port included).

The boat ride is split into two parts: you will first take a boat to Koh Phi Phi (2h30) and then  another one from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta (1h15).

If you prefer to take only 1 boat, you can take a speedboat that will take you directly to Koh Lanta. However, there are not many seats, so you really need to book it in advance by clicking here.

During the journey, you’ll be offered several options to get to your hotel. It’s very convenient, as it means you won’t have to wait or organize the transport upon arrival.

The prices are the same as those you will get if you book the transfer to your hotel when you arrive in Koh Lanta.

In the afternoon, relax on one of the island’s beaches or near your hotel.

Spend the night in Koh Lanta.

The next day, you should do the 4 islands boat trip. As its name suggests, it allows you to discover 4 small paradise islands near Kohl Lanta. It’s really worth it!

And the best thing is that there are swimming and snorkeling stops at each island and everything is included:

• Transfer from your hotel to the harbor
• Full day boat trip
• Snorkeling equipment
• Lunch
• Water and fruits

The price is approximately 1350 Bahts per person (about 40USD).

For your last day in Koh Lanta, you should go on another really nice boat trip, to Koh Rok.

Just like on the previous trip, everything is included, and it costs about 1800 Bahts per person (55USD)

You need to book your boat trip to Koh Rok by clicking here:

If you prefer to stay in Koh Lanta, no problem, you can choose one of these activities:

• Kayaking tours in the mangrove swamp
• First diving experience at one of the many certified diving centers of the island
• Take a traditional Thai cooking class at Cooking with Mon
• Explore Khao Kaew Caves and/or Tiger Cave
• Mu Koh Lanta National Park: you can hike on a nature trail or just enjoy the beach
• A walk through the old town

For more info about the best things to do in Koh Lanta, you should read my other article: How to visit Koh Lanta?

Spend one last night on the island.

Accommodation in Koh Lanta

In Koh Lanta, hotels are located on the west coast of the island, close to the numerous beaches.

As always, the best rooms are fully booked months in advance, so make sure to book as soon as you have your travel dates!

• Hub of Joys Hostel: Hostel located 350 metres from Long Beach. Clean and pleasant dormitory bed from €6 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: friendly staff, 5 minutes from the beach, good breakfast. This is the cheapest accommodation option in Koh Lanta! Perfect for backpackers.
• Long Beach Chalet: Located right on Long Beach. Bright and comfortable bungalow from 25€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: swimming pool, direct access to the beach.
• SriLanta Resort: Located on Klong Nin Beach. Thai style villa with a terrace overlooking the garden from 35€, breakfast at 10€. Strong points: 3 swimming pools, the setting, ideal location to go to the beach, comfort. It’s my favorite for its excellent value for money!
• Kaw Kwang Beach Resort: Located on Klong Dao Beach. Nice and spacious double room from 50€, breakfast included. Strong points: sea-view, very quiet and accessible beach, swimming pool, landscaped garden, free pick-up and drop-off at the port.
• Rawi Warin Resort And Spa: 5 star hotel located 400 metres from Klong Nin Beach. Modern Thai style double room with wooden furniture and balcony from 85€, breakfast included. Strong points: swimming pools, playground for children, view, competent staff, ample and varied breakfast. Ideal for an upscale romantic stay!
• Pimalai Resort & Spa: 5 star hotel located 650 ft from Kantiang Beach. Very spacious and tastefully decorated double room from 210€, breakfast included. Strong points: the splendid infinity pool, dedicated staff, location, view, excellent breakfast. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Koh Lanta!

8) Krabi or Koh Yao Noi (3 days)

For the last leg of your 3 week tour in Thailand, you will have 2 choices: Krabi or Koh Yao Noi.

Koh Yao Noi is the best option if you are looking for peace and quiet while Krabi is more touristy.

Option 1: Krabi (3 days)

From Koh Lanta to Krabi, it takes 2h30 by boat and costs approximately 350 Bahts per person (transport from your hotel to the port included).

Once in Krabi, you will go to Ao Nang, the main seaside resort of the province, where you will stay for the next 3 nights. You can spend a quiet afternoon at Ao Nang beach or at Nopparat Thara beach, which is a bit wilder.

On the next day, you should spend the day on Railay peninsula, accessible by boat from Ao Nang in just 10 minutes (200 Bahts per person).

Railay is famous for its 2 beautiful sandy beaches and turquoise waters: Railay West beach (where you arrive by boat) and Phra Nang Beach, a 15-minute walk from the first beach.

And if you want to take a break from swimming, you can also rent kayaks or paddle boats, or even take a rock climbing course. With nearly 700 climbing routes, Railay is one of the best places in Thailand to enjoy this sport.

To be sure to do this activity safely, you need to book your rock climbing course by clicking here.

The bravest among you can also tackle the climb to Railay‘s viewpoint. 15-20 minutes of climbing with ropes, and then you enjoy a panoramic view over the whole peninsula.

On the last day of your trip, you should really go on a last boat trip with snorkeling and swimming stops. 

The most famous one in Krabi is also called  “4 islands boat trip” ( it’s the same name as the one in Koh Lanta, but the islands you will discover are different).

You need to book it by clicking on the button below:

To learn more about the best places to visit and activities in Krabi; you should read my aricle: The 17 Best Things to do in Krabi.

And that’s it, that’s the end of your three-week stay in Thailand. The next day, head to Krabi airport to catch your return flight.

If you prefer to visit Koh Yao Noi (option 2) instead of Krabi, you will find all the info about Koh Yao Noi a bit below in the article.

Accommodation in Krabi / Ao Nang

• K-Bunk Hostel: Hostel located 15 minutes walk from Ao Nang beach. Dormitory bed from €13. Strong points: the staff, the ambiance, comfortable beds.
• Cocco House: Located 1.5 km away from Nopparat Beach. Very clean and quiet bungalow from €30 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: excellent breakfast, free bike rental, good bedding. It’s my favorite for its excellent value for money in Ao Nang.
• Wake Up Aonang Hotel: Located right next to the beach. Double room with large bay windows and sea view from €50. Strong points: the beach adjacent location and all the restaurants, swimming pool, comfort.
• Phu Pha Aonang Resort Spa: Located 800 m away from Ao Nang Beach. Wooden and parquet floor room with patio from €75, breakfast included. Strong points: lush garden, view of the cliff, swimming pool, free shuttle to the town. This is my recommendation for an upscale stay in Ao Nang.
• The Nine Thipthara Klongson Resort: Located 5 km from the sea. Very spacious and tastefully decorated villa with a spa bath, from €220, breakfast included. Strong points: environment, swimming pool, beautiful rooms. My recommendation for a luxury stay in Ao Nang. The best place to spend a romantic holiday!

Option 2: Koh Yao Noi (3 days)

From Koh Lanta, you can also choose to end this recommended 3-week itinerary in Thailand by visiting the island of Koh Yao Noi (instead of Krabi).

To get there you will first have to take a boat to Krabi ( 2h30 / 350 Bahts ) then another boat to Koh Yao Noi ( 30 min / 300 Bahts per person). A taxi will then take you to your hotel for 100 Bahts.

You can spend the afternoon on one of the beaches or at the swimming pool.

Spend a night in Koh Yao Noi.

For the next 2 days on the island, you will have the choice between several activities:

• The “4 islands” boat trip (yes, it’s the same name – but different islands – again!) – 2500 Bahts per boat, to be divided between the number of persons
• Boat trip to Phang Nga Bay, James Bond Island and Koh Panyee – 4500 Bahts per boat, also divided between the passengers
• Rent a kayak
• A walk at low tide
• Explore the neighbouring island of Koh Yao Yai, which is even less touristy!

You can find all the information about the boat trips and the best things to do in Koh Yao Noi in my article: Koh Yao Noi: The Definitive Guide.

On the last day of your trip, after 3 days in Ko Yao, you will have to go to the airport to catch your return flight. From Koh Yao Noi, you can fly to Krabi or Phuket. It’s up to you to decide what suits you the best.

Accommodation in Koh Yao Noi

• Tha Khao Bay View: Located to the east of the island. Simple bungalow with fan from €25 per night. Strong points: the incredible view of the sea, the location in the middle of nature, the friendliness of the owners. An excellent choice for a cheap stay in Koh Yao Noi!
• Koh Yao Seaview Bungalow: Located on the seafront, 15 minutes away in a songthaew from the port. Very spacious bungalow with a large bed and private terrace overlooking the swimming pool or the sea, from €45 per night. Strong points: the beach is nearby, the calmness, the swimming pool, the really cheap restaurant which provides delicious food in ample quantities. It’s my favorite for its excellent value for money!
• Paradise KohYao: Located to the north of the island. Tastefully decorated room with an outdoor bathroom and private terrace from €95, breakfast included. Strong points: idyllic setting, infinity pool, private beach, location in the bay.
• Cape Kudu Hotel, Koh Yao Noi: Located to the south-east of the island. Spacious and bright double room with very fancy decoration, from €150 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: design, calm, dreamy setting, friendly staff. A beautiful hotel in Koh Yao Noi, perfect for a romantic stay!
• Laguna Villas Yao Noi: Located to the south-east of the island, right on the beach. Beautiful fully equipped villas, a perfect mix of modern and traditional Thai style from €200 per night, including breakfast. Strong points: sea-facing location, large swimming pool, close to excellent restaurants.
• Six Senses Yao Noi: This is the most luxurious hotel on the whole island. It offers splendid villas with private swimming pools and even a butler that will be assigned to you for the duration of your stay. From €570, breakfast included. Strong points: Spa, gym, private beach, comfort, excellent meals, exceptional service. This is clearly the most beautiful luxury hotel in Koh Yao Noi. A dream place to spend your honeymoon or a romantic stay!

If you have any questions for organising your 3 week itinerary in Thailand, please feel free to ask me in the comments section below.

Thailand travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Thailand guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Thailand guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

You’re traveling to Thailand? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Thailand: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Thailand are listed there.

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