Looking for a 3 weeks backpacking Thailand? Hereby is our Thailand itinerary, including what to do in Thailand and attractions, all wrapped up into a mini guide to Thailand!
Week 1: Chiang Mai and Bangkok
Let’s begin 3 weeks in Thailand itinerary with Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second biggest city. You can refer our schedule: adventuring Chiang Mai in 4 nights and Bangkok the other 3 nights.
Old Town
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Here you can visit loads of temples and markets and eat some fantastic food. Walk around Old Town which is filled with markets, shops and spas, then when your feet get tired stop for the fish spa. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (the temple in the mountains), Sunday night market, Thai secret cooking school and Pad Thai are some Thailand travel tips for you.
Hostel Pai, Thailand
From here, you can head over to Pai for some hippie relaxation and backpacker fun. Spicy Pai is on the edge of town but don’t be put off, it’s very social and an easy walk or motorbike ride into town.
Pai Canyonn
One of backpacking in Thailand tips is to hire a motorbike. Motorbike to the Mor Paeng waterfalls, head to Pai Canyonn and look for the sign on the right side of the road for the “Land Split” – go there if you have time!! Then catch the latest bus back to Chiang Mai.
From Chiang Mai, take the sleeper train down to Bangkok. It saves a night of accommodation, is a really fun experience, and avoids the hassle of taxis to the airport.
Some typical touristy spots in Bangkok are Wat Pho, Grand Palace, Khao San Road, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Asiatique.
Week 2: Thailand islands
After experiencing the two major cities in Thailand, it’s time for you to get to your first island in your Thailand backpacking itinerary.
Koh Samui
Flying to Suratthani, then you take a transfer bus to the port, ride the ferry to Koh Samui. Take a jeep tour around the island – on the tour you will see monkeys, drink fresh coconuts, visit the mummified monk to get your fortune, recieve a blessing from a monk, slide down a waterfall water slide, off-road to the magic Buddha garden and the big Buddha, catch an amazing view of the entire island.
Koh Tao
You’ll catch your departure on Lomprayah Ferry to Koh Tao, Thailand. Hop on the boat early in the morning for a day trip around the island, snorkel, explore a private island and then head back to town.
Koh Phangan
Full Moon Party
After 2 days in Koh Tao, you may make your journey over to Koh Phangan. Hang out in town or grab a taxi straight to your accommodations, lounge at the pool, enjoy a BBQ dinner and spend the nights playing trivia and going to floating bar. Koh Phangan is infamous for Full Moon Party!
Week 3: Krabi, Ao Nang, Koh Phi Phi, Phuket
From Koh Phangan, book a ferry + van ticket combo to Krabi, Thailand through one of the many agents on the island to continue 3 weeks in Thailand itinerary. Just remember to shop around for the best price.
Rock-climbing in Railey
For the first 2/3 days explore Ton Sai Bay, Railey beach, and Ao Nang beach. All of these areas are located extremely close to each other, and are a great way to meet others backpacking in Thailand. I’d also highly recommend rock-climbing in Railey!
From there, make your journey to the paradise known as Koh Phi Phi. It’s incredibly beautiful, with an amazing island hopping tour, but it is notoriously known for having some of the wildest parties at night.
After spending a few days checking out Koh Phi Phi, then make your way over to Phuket. You can spend a day or two there, but it’s another very touristy part of Thailand. From there you can either catch your flight home, or back to Chiang Mai or Bangkok.
This is my suggestion to enjoy 3 weeks in Thailand. It is guaranteed to be an amazing trip here!
