Itinerary ● Highlights of Thailand in 3 Weeks.
For many young backpackers, an extended tour of Thailand is the ultimate dream getaway. It is easy to see why—few places on Earth offer such a wide variety of breath-taking sights. From relaxing on the gorgeous coast, where glistening white sands meet crystalline blue waters, to opulent temples carved from copper and gold, where local Buddhist monks worship to this day, undisturbed by the burgeoning tourism.
This itinerary will attempt to lay out the perfect route for first-time backpackers to Thailand; condensing many of its highlights and hidden treasures. Traversing the length of the country from the bustling capital of Bangkok, all the way through the mountainous highlands and down to the party-fuelled paradise islands of Southern Thailand.
Bangkok ● Chiang Mai ● Pai ● Phuket ● Koh Lanta ● Krabi ● Koh Phangan ● Koh Tao
Setting off.
Before setting off, you should have an idea of exactly how long you wish to stay in the country. If you have the time, this guide caters to a total of 25 days in Thailand. If you are strictly limited to 3 weeks, simply read through this guide and decide which destinations you would like to opt to stay in for lesser time.
If you live in the UK, you don’t need a visa to enter Thailand if you plan to stay for less than 30 days, although your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry. For the purposes of this itinerary, you will be totally fine, but if you wish to extend your stay, consult the Foreign Office website.
Useful resources.
💰 the Pricing Guide details how to make this trip a reality from £1,200 per person.
Bangkok — 3 or 4 nights.
Kick-starting your tour of Thailand, there is no better place to gain a comprehensive understanding of Thai culture than here in Bangkok—its bustling capital city. Although bombarded by hordes of tourists at all times of the year, Bangkok has retained its magic in spite of rampant commercialisation and pandering to the countless swarms of drunk tourists. Some of the best preserved temples —known as “wat” in Thai —can be found within the city limits, providing a stark contrast between modern day Thailand and its cherished past.
In the centre of the city, the glistening golden exterior of the opulent Wat Phra Kaew houses the sacred Emerald Buddha statue inside. Although not imposing in stature, the statue bears great significance to the local Buddhist community, with the King of Thailand personally changing the Buddha’s cloak three times a year, believing that this will bring good fortune to the country and its people during the changing seasons.
Dorms from £12.17 per night.
Dorms from £7.63 per night.
Within walking distance of the Emerald Buddha, there is another highly revered monument to Buddha housed within the temple of Wat Pho. Commonly referred to amongst Westerners as “the Temple of the Reclining Buddha”, the temple has earned this name thanks to the incredible 150 foot long golden Buddha that resides here. Another must visit temple when in Bangkok is Wat Saket —often referred to as the Golden Mountain Temple —which perches itself atop a huge hill overlooking Bangkok, awarding great views of the city to those to venture to the top.
Offering a highly rewarding experience that should be seized, there are countless cooking schools that offer extensive cooking classes in Bangkok, and are a wonderful, educational way to spend a day in the city. Many of these cooking courses will personally escort you to gather supplies —at locations such as the elusive Damnoen Saduak Floating Market —where you can immerse yourself in the local culture, by purchasing goods side-by-side with locals going around their everyday grocery shopping. If you are considering undertaking one of these day courses, check out the highly acclaimed courses by Chef LeeZ and Cooking with Poo and Friends.
📖 Famous for its vibrant nightlife, delicious food and regal temples, the Bangkok city guide helps to unravel the city.
Chiang Mai — 3 nights.
With frequent daily flights connecting Bangkok to Chiang Mai, from as little as £15.00 one way, your transfer between the two cities will be incredibly smooth and cost-effective. Once you disembark the flight and find yourself in Chiang Mai, you will feel as though you have been transported to another world. A far cry from the hectic modern metropolis of the capital, Chiang Mai has retained its roots, allowing visitors to peer into the history of Thailand.
Plan ahead to ensure that you get a seat on one of the early morning flights leaving Bangkok, as this means you will not miss out on any time in Chiang Mai—it is sure to be action packed! For your first day in Chiang Mai, consider dropping off your bags and immediately straying out of the tourist centre to explore the rugged forests outside the city. The untamed landscape is home to enchanting waterfalls such as Mork Fa or Mae Ya (📷), which draw a small crowd of tourists looking to get off the beaten path.
Dorms from £8.13 per night.
The density of breath-taking temples here in Chiang Mai is unparalleled, showcasing some of the very best temples anywhere in the country. Nestled within the surrounding forests, the idyllic Wat Phra That Doi Kham features a towering Buddha looking outwards over the city. In the centre of the fortified Old Town, the temples of Wat Phan Tao and Wat Chedi Luang stand shoulder to shoulder, making a visit to both an easy double bill. Outside of the city, a stunning jewel is buried in the dense forest, with its iconic copper chedi rising far above the skyline. The temple of Doi Suthep (📷) affords sweeping views of Downtown Chiang Mai, and an elegant courtyard that is picture-perfect.
If you have dreamt of coming into contact with elephants, but wince at the mis-treatment that they endure by most establishments, then a trip to this Chiang Mai sanctuary should be on your bucket list. The world renowned Elephant Nature Park (📷) lies just over an hour north of the Old Town, and is a huge magnet for tourists, who flock to the charitable organisation for the opportunity to have an ethical encounter with these amazing animals.
Rescued from abuse, or from hardships in the wild, the Nature Park allows tourists to become involved in the rehabilitation process of these gentle giants by charging a fee for a day of hands-on support. A price of roughly £50.00 secures you a full day on-site at the park—with transport to and from the site included.
Pai (optional) — 1 night.
A journey of around 3 hours via mini-van (£10 o/w), separates the small town of Pai from Chiang Mai. An optional visit to those who wish to further explore the area, if you are planning to keep the duration of your stay to a strict 3 week limit, then consider skipping here on your itinerary.
Attracting a young and lively crowd, Pai is home to many upbeat and trendy hostels that will make your stay in the town extremely pleasant. Investigate the local hostels and find which one suits you best, as you will want the perfect place to unwind after an arduous day exploring the main attraction—the scenic Pai Canyon.
Buzzas Backpackers.
Dorms from £4.66 per night.
Phuket — 2 or 3 nights.
Returning to Chiang Mai, frequent flights from as little as £30.00 are effortlessly connect you to the tropical bliss of Southern Thailand.
The island of Phuket has established itself as one of the most revered beach destinations in the world, and is unquestionably one of the most visited and lavish destinations in all of Thailand. This is all for good reason—of course—given that this will be your first taste of the pristine Thai beaches that have captivated the imagination of travellers for as long as packs have been on backs.
What was once a quaint coastal town, the beach resort of Patong is a haven for rowdy travellers, who flock here in their droves to bask in the tropical sunshine, letting loose at the numerous bars and clubs that dot the coastline. The sandy Patong Beach is located at the shore of a beautiful crescent bay, and is the centre for most of the action in Phuket.
Outside of the raucous racquet in Patong, there are several options for beach bums to relax in perfect beach-side isolation. The expansive sandy promenade of Nai Thon Beach in the northern reaches of the island is a hidden picture-postcard gem, with its golden sands offering refuge from the burgeoning crowds found in Patong.
At the opposite side of the island, near the southern tip of Phuket, Nai Harn Beach is another contender for most scenic beach on the island. Although far more well-known and popular than Nai Thon, this is still an excellent spot to chill out.
Dorms from £6.99 per night.
Aside from spending time relaxing—or partying—on the beach, there are a few other sights that are well worth taking time away from the coastal delights to experience. Piercing the skies from its mountaintop location, Phuket’s Big Buddha is nestled in the dense forests. Affording sweeping views of the island, the Buddha himself stands at over 100 foot tall. In the north of the island, the charming Soi Dog Foundation has its kennels open to the public, welcoming visitors to meet the adorable rescue dogs, encouraging donations to help sustain their vital charitable work.
the Phi Phi Islands — 2 or 3 nights.
Various options are available between Phuket and Koh Phi Phi—the hub of activity on the paradise islands, with ferries from just £20.00.
Once you have arrived in Koh Phi Phi, most of your time will be spend living it up, as the island is well-known for its lively nightlife and the fun-loving crowds it draws. Aside from partying through the night and recovering by the beach, there is one thing that attracts all visitors to the Phi Phi Islands at least once—the iconic Maya Bay. Ever since it was prominently featured in the movie ‘The Beach’, the island has seen a surge in tourism, nearly to the point of being overbearing. Maya Bay Tours offers a Sunset Cruise to the bay, paired with an expedition snorkelling to see biolumescent plankton, allowing you to beat the crowds for £50.00.
Dorms from £10.48 per night.
Koh Lanta — 2 or 3 nights.
Starting from around £30.00, ferry connections between Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta are readily available to meet the demand, with countless tourists going back and forth between the top destinations every day. It is highly recommended to spend 3 days in Koh Lanta, as the island serves as the perfect jumping off point for some of the best full-day tours in the country. These tours will see you venture into the expanse of the Andaman Sea, to experience the treasures it hides.
The two full day tours that are incorporated in our pricing guide include a visit to the jaw-dropping Emerald Cave (📷) and another which sees you exploring the rugged Koh Rok Noi islands. The Emerald Cave is a sight of pure wonder. This huge open-top cave encases a magical beach, leading out into an enchanting cave full of crystal blue water.
Dorms from £11.64 per night.
Krabi — 3 nights.
Frequent minivan transfers are available between Koh Lanta and Krabi, with the price for a one way journey beginning at around £16.00 during the peak season. Your 3 hour drive will include a short ferry transfer to the mainland, and is included in the price of admission.
Once settled in Krabi, you will be able to explore more of the region’s spectacular beaches. Amongst the most famous in Thailand, the stretch of flawless coastline south of Krabi Town is home to a trio of wonderful beaches: Railay Beach, Ton Sai Beach and Phra Nang Cave Beach.
For the adventurous, a full day tour exploring the nearby Koh Hong Islands are available, with optional additions including snorkelling and kayaking expeditions. These islands are untouched tropical bliss, the dramatic rocky lagoon with its white sand beach serves as a more isolated and relaxing rival to the infamous Maya Bay.
Koh Phangan — 3 or 4 nights.
Make sure to book ahead when travelling to Koh Phangan, as the convenient ferry service that connects Krabi to the island can fill up fast as the date of departure approaches—this is especially true if you are heading to Koh Phangan for the world famous Full Moon Party.
It is recommended that you base the dates of your trip around ensuring that you are in Koh Phangan for one of its monthly full moon parties. Although the event is celebrated across Thailand, the wild festivities that ensue down at Haad Rin are legendary, with fire-dancers, tribal dancing and plenty of alcohol on display. It is highly recommended to stay for in Koh Phangan for at least 3 days if you plan on attending the full moon party, as it is guaranteed you will want to allow yourself a day free of any activities in the wake of the event.
The main reason you want to allow another full day of exploring in Koh Phangan is to arrange a tour of the astounding Ang Thong National Park. Countless densely forested islands are scattered across the Gulf of Thailand, flaunting gorgeous white sand beaches that will evoke visions of being a castaway on a desert island. Prices for the full day tour usually begin from £50.00 per person, and incorporate some of the finest snorkelling in the country.
🏖️ A trip to the picturesque Bottle Beach in the north is a must.
Dorms from £4.66 per night
Koh Tao — 2 nights.
To the north of Koh Phangan, your final stop of Koh Tao is a mere 1 ½ hour ferry journey across the Gul of Thailand. The island has earned a reputation as one of the best islands in the country to visit, due to its laid back vibe and great beaches. Spending a couple of days here before returning home allows you to kick back and reflect on your trip, without strenuous full day expeditions or much physical exertion.
Unmissable whilst in Koh Tao, you should be able to haggle with one of the locals to escort you to the iconic Koh Nang Yuan by longboat for an affordable fee. Three tiny islands are woven together by a huge picturesque sandbar, allowing for one of the most Instagrammable spots in the world.
💡 When leaving Koh Tao, make sure to book your ferry direct to Koh Samui Airport, which will save you a lot of time and effort.
Summer of 69.
Dorms from £7.57 per night.
Rounding off.
As you depart Koh Samui Airport bound for Bangkok, you will be able to look back on your incredible journey across this beautiful country, and reflect on the life-long memories that you will take home with you.
You should always ensure that you have a one night layover in Bangkok before flying home, as transport within Thailand can often be marred by anything from unexpected weather conditions to unexplained errors. Making sure that you leave plenty of room to recover from possible setbacks is vital to making sure that you don’t incur any extra cost that may come with missing your booked flight home!
