Watch our travel video: from Kanchanaburi to Koh Phangan, from white beaches to skyscrapers.
Thailand in 3 weeks
Planning a trip to Thailand is all about making choices. So many beautiful options, but with such long distances between them. We wanted a mix of beach, nature, and culture, so after much deliberation, we chose five destinations for our three weeks in Thailand.
We’ll share everything about the route, transport, and how many days we recommend staying in each place. Got extra days? We have some ideas on how to spend them too!
#1 Kanchanaburi
Beautiful temples, rice fields, mountains, and waterfalls. Kanchanaburi, located in Central Thailand, offers a perfect blend of nature and culture. History lovers will also find plenty to explore here.
Discover the history of the Burma Railway and join us on a journey through its breathtaking landscapes.
#2 Krabi
The province of Krabi is famous for its limestone rock formations, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Welcome to paradise!
#3 Khao Sok
Visit the oldest rainforest in the world and fully immerse yourself in nature.
Will you sleep in the jungle or on a floating bungalow?
#4 Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is globally known as Full Moon Party Island. But beyond this massive party, you can enjoy beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water, pristine jungle, and also lively, smaller parties.
#5 Bangkok
A city with over 10 million inhabitants, and likely the place where you’ll arrive and depart from in Thailand. We decided to save this city for the end and wrap up our trip with 4 nights in Bangkok.
Food tip
Thai Roti
Thai ‘pancakes’ or ‘roti’ are a sweet (and fatty) treat. Thin dough is fried with slices of banana until golden brown and then folded into a square. The roti is then cut into pieces and ready to be enjoyed!
A Thai Roti costs around 40 baht (€ 1.10).
Did-you-know
Red Fanta as an offering
As you travel through Thailand, you’ll notice something: alongside water, there’s a lot of red (strawberry) Fanta placed near Buddha statues and miniature temples. Curious, I asked a Thai about the significance of this.
In the past, animals were sacrificed, but this practice was banned by the king in the late 19th century. People started making their own red drinks until red Fanta appeared on the Thai market. A bottle of Fanta is much easier.
In addition to the offerings to Buddha, you’ll also see many open drinks with straws sticking out, pointing towards the sky. These are for the spirits, who are said to love fresh blood but also enjoy sweet drinks. This is how people keep them in a good mood.
Did you know that the market for red Fanta in Thailand is larger than in the USA?
Sleep in the world’s oldest rainforest
Sleeping in a floating hotel on the beautiful Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park is truly a bucket list experience for your trip to Thailand.
We’ll share all the details of this ‘2 days 1 night tour’ in the form of a travel diary.
Thailand Tip
Thai massages
Thai massages are the best, especially if you want your muscles to be thoroughly worked on.
These traditional Thai massages are available on almost every street corner for around €8 (300 baht).
We found the best massages on the beach. The sound of the sea is incredibly calming, and when you look up, you see clear blue water.
If the Thai massage feels too intense for you, opt for an oil massage instead, which is much gentler.
10 Must-do’s in Bangkok
In a bustling metropolis like Bangkok, choosing what to do can feel overwhelming. How do you fill 3-4 days with highlights without spending all your time on the road?
Here are our 10 top tips, ensuring you visit the most beautiful hotspots with minimal travel time.
What does Thailand cost?
Thailand has become more expensive after the pandemic, but how much exactly? What’s a reasonable price for flight tickets, and how much will you pay for a drink at a beach bar? Accommodation and excursion prices can also vary.
We provide an overview in our blog.
Did-you-know
About monks
Did you know that every Thai man must become a monk for at least one week in his life? After that, he can decide how long to stay as a monk.
Monks must follow 227 rules. They are not allowed to have personal belongings and can only eat between sunrise and 11 a.m.
They live like beggars, with monks going out into the streets every morning to receive food from the local people. Those who give believe they are creating good luck and a better future. Women are not allowed to touch the monks.
A daytrip to Ang Thong National Marine Park
The Ang Thong National Marine Park is truly a paradise. In addition to a stunning hike with views over the islands, you’ll find pristine white beaches, a beautiful underwater world, and an impressive Emerald Pool. We share all the details in our blog.
Party at Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is known for its Full Moon Party, but beyond the monthly mass event, there’s so much more to experience. From bigger jungle festivals to cozy beach parties.
Every week, there’s something happening, and we’ve listed all the parties for you!
No, washing elephants is really not okay.
If you want to visit elephants in Thailand, you’ll come across all sorts of activities. You can sleep with them, have breakfast with them, and even wash and feed them. But nothing is as it seems.
Want to visit elephants in an ethically responsible way?
Did-you-know
Weed is legal in Thailand
Or fully decriminalized since the summer of 2022. Now you really see cannabis cafes and shops everywhere. You can even buy joints at the checkout of the local supermarket, and there’s a good chance they’ll be offered during the boat tours you’ll take.
The government aims to stimulate tourism, which completely collapsed during the pandemic and has slowly started to recover. It seems like it’s allowed everywhere, but be careful—using cannabis in public is actually still prohibited.
Food Tip
7-Eleven toasted Sandwiches
No, this is definitely not the tastiest thing in Thailand. But it is a true hype (among tourists), and we eventually caved in too: the 7-Eleven toasted sandwich.
Every 7-Eleven has a wide selection of toasted sandwiches. With ham and cheese, sausages, spinach, white bread or croissant… They’ll heat it up for you, and it costs just a euro. Not better than a good Pad Thai or curry, but it’s quick and tasty for a snack.
Affordable luxury in Bangkok
Why not start and/or end your trip in luxury? In Bangkok, you can enjoy a 5-star hotel for less than €150 per night, complete with a stunning infinity pool on the roof.
We highlight 10 hotels in Bangkok, with prices ranging from €82 to €157 per night.
Did-you-know
Red Bull is Thais
In 1976, Thai entrepreneur Chaleo Yoovidhya launched a refreshing drink called ‘Krating Daeng’ (translation: Red Bull). When Austrian Dietrich Mateschitz drank it during a business trip to Thailand in 1984, his jetlag quickly faded. He decided to collaborate with Chaleo and adapted the flavors for the Western market, giving birth to Red Bull. But did you know that Krating Daeng and Red Bull are still two separate brands?
You’ll notice that Krating Daeng tastes very different and contains no carbonation. It’s considered a cheaper alternative, and you can tell by the price: just 10 baht (€0.27).
Want to read more about Thailand?
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15 Things You Shouldn’t Do in Thailand
Planning a trip to Thailand? Then read these 15 tips on what you should NOT do during your stay.
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3 weeks Thailand: the ideal itinerary
Curious about the route we traveled in Thailand? We take you through our 21-day tour to Central & Southern Thailand.
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Bang Krachao: step through Bangkok’s green lung
Need to escape the crowds? Hop on an electric scooter and explore the jungle island of Bang Krachao. I’ll tell you all about this activity!
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Bangkok in 3 days: 10 fun activities and must-do’s
How to fill 3 days in Bangkok? We list 10 must-do activities for you that you really shouldn’t miss and that will make you love the city.
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Elephant visits in Thailand: is it ethical?
Read about my search for an ethical way to visit elephants. This proved no easy task, but not impossible either.
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Khao San Road: faded glory or still worth a visit?
Khao San Road, a nice street in Bangkok? Think twice, those stories were probably written for corona. Or were they? What can you expect?
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Koh Phangan Parties: Complete Event Guide for 2025
Want to party in Koh Phangan beyond the famous Full Moon Party? Great idea! We share the best spots.
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Paradise on Earth: Ang Thong National Marine Park
Make a day trip or stay overnight on Ang Thong, an archipelago of 42 beautiful islands. Read all about the park and how to get there.
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Spending the night on Cheow Lan lake: not primitive at all
I tell you all about the “2 days 1 night” excursion on Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok. And no, the floating bungalows are not necessarily primitive.
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Thailand travel costs: prices of hotels, transportation, activities & food
How cheap is Thailand still after corona? We list all the prices for you, from airfare to supermarket prices to excursions.
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The hike from Haad Rin to Haad Yuan (+ view point) on Koh Phangan
Read all about the trail from Haad Rin to Haad Yuan. Along the way, you’ll come to the viewpoint Haad Rin North where you’ll have a great view.
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The monkey trail in Ao Nang: read this before you go
The Monkey Trail in Ao Nang is a short hike where you can spot plenty of monkeys, and end up at a beautiful beach. Read the complete guide!
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Top 10 hotels with infinity pools in Bangkok: affordable luxury
A hotel with infinity pool in Bangkok that is also affordable? We list 10 hotels for you between €82 and €157 per night.
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What you need to know about the (more luxurious) 2 days 1 night tour on Lake Khao Sok
Find out how to book the 2 days 1 night tour on Lake Khao Sok (Cheow Lan) in a more luxurious but affordable floating bungalow.
Did-you-know
Buddha is not fat.
If you think the first photo shows a Buddha, you’re mistaken. That’s Budai, a Chinese monk, also known as the “Laughing Buddha” or “Happy Buddha,” which is why it’s often confused. In Japan, he’s called Hotei. It can be a bit confusing.
But just to clarify once and for all: the thin Buddha is the one associated with Buddhism. Who is Buddha? A brief history in four sentences: Siddhartha Gautama Buddha was a prince from (modern-day) Nepal, and at 29 years old, he first left his palace. There, he saw poverty, decided to renounce all his luxury, and became a monk. He then sat under a tree to meditate. After 49 days, he understood how human suffering could be alleviated and became “enlightened.”
Buddhism is based on Siddhartha Gautama’s teachings. While in Thailand, never point your feet towards Buddha, as this is considered disrespectful.
