Cities, temples, elephants, waterfalls, beaches, snorkeling, monkeys, boat trips, fire shows and sunsets….it is possible to do it all in 3 weeks in Thailand.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai to Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe to Koh Mook to Bangkok
Read on for an itinerary for 3 weeks in Thailand as well as logistical and pricing information and links to more detailed posts…..
1. Dubai to Bangkok to Chiang Mai
The transition meant a layover in Bangkok, we arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport and were flying out of Don Mueng Airport the following morning at 9.40am. The Mida Hotel near Don Mueng Airport was perfect. There were plenty of cafes and restaurants near the hotel to get some food. The swimming pool was ideal and plenty of space for a family of 4 to get some sleep before the next flight!
- Stayed at – Mida Hotel – booked a junior suite for 3000bht or 75GBP which had 2 double beds and plenty of space.
Chiang Mai (3 nights)
Chiang Mai is in Northern Thailand and is just a short flight from Bangkok with multiple options for budget airline flights like Air Asia, Lion Air and VietJet. This town is like no other place in Thailand, it is very relaxed and laid back. We particularly enjoyed the temples, waterfalls, markets and Mae Rim Elephant experience.
Read here for 5 things to do in Chiang Mai.
We stayed at the Amata Lanna which was a beautiful boutique resort in a fabulous location. We loved the traditional style rooms, small swimming pool and being able to reach everywhere by foot. Great options for rooms with 2 double beds too.
Stayed at: Amata Lanna Jangmuang Boutiqe Guest House – 3 nights with breakfast, 2 double beds 6480BHT or 160GBP
Booking.com
2. Chiang Mai to Koh Lanta
We flew from Chiang Mai to Krabi another quick 2hr flight with Bangkok Airlines. From the airport we were collected by taxi and taken to Koh Lanta which included the 10minute ferry. A total of 2 hours from airport to Klong Dao, Koh Lanta.
- Chiang Mai – Krabi with Bangkok Airways 10,680bht or 265GBP with 2 checked bags and food/drinks included
- Transfer Chiang Mai Airport to Klong Dao 2300BHT or 57GBP for 4 of us
Koh Lanta (5 Nights)
Koh Lanta is an amazing family friendly island, particularly Klong Dao there were kids everywhere running around freely on the beach. All restaurants and bars had toys or kids areas so our boys enjoyed always having someone new to play with.
It is easy to settle into beach life for 5 nights here, exploring the many beaches on the island, reading books, swimming, watching sunsets and fire shows, going kayaking and seeing monkeys and enjoying the delicious Thai Food and drink.
Koh Lanta is the perfect family place to spend part of your 3 weeks in Thailand. There is more information about this beautiful island in our family guide to Koh Lanta.
Stayed at – Banana Beach Resort, Klong Dao, 5 nights with decent breakfast, 1 double and 1 single bed with a/c next to the beach 12135bht or 300GBP (60GBP per night in high season).
Booking.com
3. Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe
The ferry from Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe takes about 3 hours stopping at other islands on the way. Upon arriving in Koh Lipe there is a transfer to a longtail boat over to the mainland (5mins). Koh Lipe jetty is busy so be prepared for crowds of people.
An alternative option is to fly to Langkawi, Malaysia and get the ferry over from there.
- Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe Ferry around 4000BHT or 100GBP for the 4 of us
- Koh Lipe National Park Tickets and longtail on arrival 1000bht or 25GBP for the 4 of us (lots of people had this included in their ferry ticket so be savvy and ask when initially buying the ticket!)
Koh Lipe (5 Nights)
‘The Maldives of Thailand’ is an island that should definitely be factored into 3 weeks in Thailand. Picture crystal blue sea, golden sand and red sunsets – simply phenomenal and not to be missed. Pre-COVID it was getting increasingly popular so prices had hiked up and there were lots of people around. Read more in our guide to Koh Lipe.
Stayed at – San Pita Resort near Sunrise Beach 25,300BHT or 627GBP for 5 nights – double and a single bed, next to pool, including breakfast and great location. Koh Lipe was the most expensive island by far and hotel prices were sky high because of staying there over Christmas.
Booking.com
4. Koh Lipe to Koh Mook
A 2 hour ferry ride with a couple of stops. In December this was a very bumpy ride so be warned!
Koh Mook (3 nights)
Koh Mook is off the tourist trail, a small, unexplored and undeveloped island. It was the perfect place to kick back and chill out after the crowds of Koh Lipe. It was also cheap which helped to balance costs out! Would highly recommend adding this to your 3 weeks in Thailand itinerary if you are looking for quiet and tranquility. We even stayed in a treehouse!
You can read more about Koh Mook- an unspoilt Thai island here.
- 3 nights in Nature Hill Hotel – 6000BHT or 150GBP
The most popular resort in Koh Mook is the Sivalai Beach Resort which is a STUNNING resort, they were unfortunately fully booked when we were there or we would have definitely stayed there.
5. Koh Mook to Bangkok
The closest airport to Koh Mook is Trang which involves a longtail boat over to the mainland and then a taxi to the airport. The hotel on Koh Mook should be able to arrange everything for you. The airport in Trang is very small and domestic flights require very little security, it is just like getting a bus so don’t arrive too early!
- Koh Mook to Trang Transfer – 1500BHT or 38GBP
- Trang to Bangkok Flight with Air Asia 2hrs 20mins – 9000BHT or 220GBP for the 4 of us with 2 checked bags
Bangkok (3 nights)
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand and a city that should be experienced at least once. It is likely to be where your international flights arrive and depart from so it is worth including on your 3 weeks in Thailand. A shock to the system after island life; humid, busy and touisty but enjoy the temples, food and a more fast paced way of travelling before leaving beautiful Thailand.
- Stayed at – New Siam Riverside Hotel – close-ish to Koh San Road – 6718BHT or 166GBP for 3 nights with pool, double and single bed and breakfast
Thailand is always a good idea. This trip gives the perfect amount of exploring the North, chilling on the beach and spending time in Bangkok. There are so many other incredible areas of Thailand to check out too. Read our 6 best family hotels in Phuket or fun family activities in Phuket.
If you are looking for a Phuket itinerary then check out a 2 week Phuket Itinerary and for lots of Thailand information Where to Go in Thailand.
Disclaimer: This post 3 Weeks in Thailand, has affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward me a small commission – at no extra cost for you
