3 Weeks in Thailand: Our Journey Through the South of Thailand
Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia, and we believe it's for good reason! In our travel report, we'll show you how to spend three diverse weeks in Thailand, ensuring you don't miss out on either relaxation or exciting experiences.
Table of Content
1. 3 Weeks Thailand Adventure: What to Look Forward To
Thailand is an absolutely fascinating destination with a rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious cuisine.
The Thai cuisine is renowned worldwide, and you're going to love it! From spicy curries to refreshing Som Tam (green papaya salad), there's a variety of dishes you must try. A visit to one of the many night markets or weekly markets is an absolute must!
Culturally, Thailand offers plenty of temples and historical sites that bear witness to the country's rich history. The magnificent Wat Pho temple with the reclining Buddha and the Royal Palace in Bangkok are just two examples of the impressive architecture.
Furthermore, you should definitely explore Thailand's fascinating wildlife and take a jungle tour. Of course, no trip to Thailand would be complete without a visit to the islands in the south of Thailand. Crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches are perfect for relaxation or diving and snorkeling.
Additionally, you can look forward to affordable wellness offerings, massages, and many exhilarating rides with the Tuk Tuk :-)
Our Thailand packing list will prepare you perfectly for all these adventures
2. The Best Time to Travel to Thailand
In comparison to the northern part, the weather conditions in southern Thailand are more stable and hence less erratic. This region largely remains unaffected by the monsoon season's impacts.
The optimal time to travel to Southern Thailand is from November to March, although the weather on the various islands may naturally vary slightly.
If you'd like to learn more about the climate in Thailand, you can find all the essential information in our blog post "Best Time to Visit Thailand".
3. Bangkok: Urban Adventure and Culture
Ideally, you should start your Thailand tour in the capital city, Bangkok. Here, you can immerse yourself in Thai culture by visiting some of the magnificent temples. We highly recommend exploring temples such as Wat Arun or Wat Pho.
Moreover, you should definitely try the street food in Bangkok. You can find it directly on many streets or visit the night market in Chinatown - this was an absolute highlight for us. Additionally, you can also try many specialties of the country and immerse yourself in the colorful hustle and bustle at the famous Khao San Road.
While in Bangkok, be sure to visit one of the rooftop bars - from there, you'll have a fantastic view of the skyline of the mega city and can perfectly wind down a great day.
Bangkok offers a plethora of highlights, so you should definitely plan to spend 2-3 nights here to fully experience the city's atmosphere.
We have detailed our highlights for Bangkok in this blog post for you.
4. Krabi: Ao Nang
After the hustle and bustle of the big city, we recommend Ao Nang in Krabi as the next stop on your itinerary. From there, you can reach many of Thailand's picturesque islands. However, you should definitely plan to spend 2 nights in Krabi as well because the small town has a lot to offer and is therefore perfect for a stopover. Krabi is located right on the beach, although there are nicer beaches on the surrounding islands :-)
You'll meet many backpackers from all over the world here and can look forward to a very relaxed atmosphere.
In addition to plenty of restaurants and bars, Ao Nang also offers many beauty and massage salons. Furthermore, the short hike along the Monkey Trail is worth it.
If you'd like, you can take a transfer boat to Railay Beach. There's a fantastic beach and a few hotels there. We stayed there for 2 days and had a very relaxed time. Definitely plan to stay overnight because in the evenings, the last day tourists return by boat, so from then on and in the early morning hours, you can enjoy a very peaceful time in this beautiful spot on earth.
You can find our impressions of Railay Beach in a short video here.
From Ao Nang, you can reach many different islands, either as a day trip or simply as a transfer for a longer stay on one of the dreamy islands.
5. Island Hopping: Koh Phi Phi, Ko Kai & Co.
In the south of Thailand, you'll find many wonderful small islands. These are often less touristy than other places and therefore a must on your journey. For example, you can reach many different picturesque islands from Krabi with a long-tail boat.
As a day trip, for instance, you can go snorkeling and have a boat take you to various spots and smaller islands. You can either join a group or book a private excursion. We opted for the latter because it allows you to decide when to go to which island and how long you want to stay.
Koh Phi Phi is almost too far for a day trip, so it's worth staying overnight there.
6. Khao Sok National Park
Freshly rejuvenated from the island vacation, it's time to add a bit of adventure back into your journey! We recommend visiting Khao Sok National Park for this purpose. Here, you can take guided jungle treks or paddle along the river in a canoe. We highly recommend both activities.
But be sure to bring a rain jacket, as in the rainforest, regardless of the season, you can always expect some light showers.
Plan to spend two to three nights in Khao Sok so that you can explore the wonderful nature at your leisure.
7. Samet Nangshe Viewpoint in Phang-nga
The Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is a breathtaking observation point located in the Phang Nga Province. From there, you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the famous limestone cliffs of Phang Nga Bay, rising majestically from the emerald green waters. The sunrise at the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is particularly impressive and is an experience you definitely shouldn't miss.
We stayed at this hotel during our visit, which is absolutely stunning and also offers a great view of the limestone cliffs. Definitely stay here for 2 nights and enjoy a relaxing break from the previous experiences.
8. 3 Weeks Thailand Tour: Exploring Phuket
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, boasting breathtaking beaches and vibrant nightlife. To get there, you'll need a domestic flight. Domestic flights in Thailand are relatively inexpensive and operate multiple times daily from the mainland to Phuket.
In Phuket, besides the classic beach vacation, there are many great attractions such as the Big Buddha Statue, which you shouldn't miss.
Depending on how you've booked your return flights to Germany, you can also start your journey back home directly from Phuket. Alternatively, you can return to Bangkok once more and conclude your trip there.
9. 3 Weeks in Thailand: The Best Accommodations for Your Dream Vacation
In Thailand, you have many different accommodation options. From high-end luxury resorts to very affordable hostels, there's something for every budget. We recommend a healthy mix for your journey through Thailand. Hotel prices are very affordable compared to European standards, so you should definitely treat yourself to some luxury now and then :-)
Here are some hotels we recommend for your trip:
Bangkok:
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint:
10. Thailand in 3 Weeks: How to travle within the Country
In Thailand, you have many different transportation options. If you arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, we recommend taking a taxi to your hotel in the city center.
In Bangkok, it's best to get around by tuk-tuks or taxis, or explore the city on foot. For longer distances within the country, you can book shuttles or travel by public buses. If you're heading to Phuket, then a domestic flight is the most convenient option.
Since Thailand is quite a large country, we recommend focusing on just one part, such as the southern region, for a 3-week trip. There are so many incredible places to discover in Thailand, so traveling across the entire country may result in spending more time on the road and less time enjoying your vacation and exploring.
Backpacking in Thailand is also perfectly feasible, as the country is very safe and the locals are very helpful.
Do you need more travel tips for your vacation in Thailand? Then take a look at the following posts:
If you want more insights into our travels, feel free to check out our Instagram channels tom_rbg_ and anna_mser! If you have any questions about the routes, you can always contact us through these channels.
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