Thailand trip: the ultimate route for 3 weeks - City, mountains, jungle & beach!

Do you have a bit more budget? Then this is your trip!

Do you dream of a trip through Thailand, but do you not want to lose time on long bus rides or uncomfortable nights? In this blog I share our ultimate route for 3 weeks Thailand, in which we traveled comfortably and efficiently. With flights, private transfers and well-chosen hotels we got the most out of our trip, without compromising on relaxation or experience.

Route overview - a wonderful 3-week trip

Total duration: 19 days
Flights: Return Bangkok
Travel type: comfortable / luxury / experience
Transport: domestic flights & private transfers
Number of locations: 7
Flight time Netherlands - Bangkok: approx. 11-12 hours direct

Week 1: Culture & charm in the north - Bangkok - Chiang Mai
Week 2: Mountainous nature & jungle - Pai - Khao Sok
Week 3: Islands & beach luxury - Krabi (Ao Nang) - Koh Chang

Stop 1: Arrival in Bangkok - 3 nights

Our trip started in vibrant Bangkok, where we stayed three nights at the stylish INNSiDE by Melia Bangkok hotel. This modern hotel is centrally located and offers an oasis of calm in the busy city. Perfect to acclimatize after a long flight.

Almost right at the door you can get on the Sky Train, the elevated metro with which you can very easily travel for a few cents and explore the city. So a big recommendation!!

Read my blog 48 Hours in Bangkok: Highlights for a stylish flash visit! for the best tips to explore Bangkok in two days!

Stop 2: Domestic flight to Chiang Mai - 3 nights

After our city trip we flew comfortably from Bangkok (BKK airport) to the north of Thailand: Chiang Mai. Here we stayed at the beautiful Buri Sriping Riverside Resort & Spa - SHA Extra, by the river. A good location just outside the old center. Calm, luxury and a perfect home base to explore the city and the surroundings. Super friendly staff and lovely food in the restaurant!

In Chiang Mai too it is bursting with sights and fun activities to do, so that is choosing!

Read my blog The 5 best activities in Chiang Mai (and one I would not recommend) to fill your stay in Chiang Mai with a mix of the best activities.

Stop 3: Scooter trip to Pai - 3 nights

One of the highlights of our trip: the breathtaking scooter route from Chiang Mai to Pai. The winding mountain roads and views are unforgettable. At the scooter rental company Aya Service you can leave your luggage behind, it is brought by car to a drop-off point in Pai, so that you can ride to Pai one way on the scooter. You return the scooter at the drop-off point of your luggage in Pai. From a safety point of view, I would really advise only making this trip if you have a motorcycle license and are an experienced motorcycle/scooter rider. It is a fairly intensive ride with the 700+ bends (sometimes very steep!) you come across. But it really is a super beautiful trip that you can do in 5 hours with stops along the way.

In Pai we stayed three nights at the atmospheric Montis Resort, a resort decorated with African vibes. Definitely worth it! In principle you walk from this resort to the heart of Pai in a quarter to 20 minutes. But you can also use the free shuttle bus from the resort, which goes to the center a few times a day. You can also call the Resort if you would like to be picked up, very nice service.

• Sights: Pai Canyon, hot springs, Bamboo Bridge
• Tips: Ride carefully, the 762 bends are spectacular, but challenging!

Stop 4: From Chiang Mai to Khao Sok - 2 nights

From Pai by private taxi in 3 hours to the airport of Chiang Mai. From here we flew to Surat Thani Airport. We were picked up by the reserved private transport (from Cosy Garden resort) to travel on to Khao Sok National Park. In this jungle environment we stayed two nights at the cozy Khao Sok Cosy Garden resort, really a small paradise among the greenery. In the morning you get a great fresh breakfast outside among the mountains!

A stay of 2 nights in this area I found just right. In a full day we sailed over Cheow Lan Lake, visited dripstone caves and made a jungle walk. The two evenings we ate nicely in the center of Khao Sok. You walk there easily from the resort, in 2 minutes you are on the 'main road' of the center where all the little restaurants, massage salons etc are located.

Cosy Garden has really fun glamping dome tents and also a studio with a glass sliding door so that you have maximum views of the mountains. We chose the latter.

• Sights: Cheow Lan Lake, jungle hikes, wildlife spotting
• Tip: Book a day tour on the lake for a unique experience

Stop 5: Private transfer to Ao Nang (Krabi) - 3 nights

After the adventure in the jungle it was time for sun, sea and beach. We chose a comfortable private transfer with which we traveled to Ao Nang in 2.5 hours. Here we stayed three nights at the modern Aree Tara Ao Nang Krabi hotel. Ideally located to explore the surroundings. Outside the bustle of the center but perfectly reachable on foot, within 10 minutes you are on the beach or at the spot where you can take the longtail boats to various islands.

What you really do not want to miss is island hopping with a luxury private longtail boat. A top-class luxury experience where you go along the islands in calm and can avoid the crowds. You decide yourself how much time you want to spend where. There was even a lovely lunch picnic organized for us on a deserted beach in a bay. There was absolutely no one, only us, it really was beautiful. Robinson vibes! And if you want to snorkel, maybe even in the dark with glowing plankton, it is all possible!

• Sights: Railay Beach, island hopping, Phra Nang Cave
• Tip: Book a private longtail boat tour and go island hopping

Stop 6: Private transfer to Koh Chang - 3 nights

For a relaxed close to our holiday we flew to Trat Airport, to travel from there by boat to Koh Chang in about an hour. This island is a lot less touristy than Phuket or Koh Samui. We enjoyed four nights here at the luxury Sylvan Koh Chang Resort, right on the beach. The monkeys walk around in the wild and you can just come across them on your balcony!

Read my complete review of this resort: Koh Chang: tropical enjoyment in luxury & calm - my experience at Sylvan Koh Chang Resort.

• Sights: White Sand Beach, snorkeling, waterfalls
• Tips: Rent a scooter to discover the island at your own pace

Stop 7: Back to Bangkok - 1 night

After 17 nights we flew back from Trat airport to Bangkok for a last night before our flight would go home again. Nice on the day of departure home to take it easy in the morning, have a nice breakfast and then head to the airport relaxed. This last night we stayed at the SAMALA Hotel, a 4-star hotel in Sukhumvit.

A beautiful luxurious and spacious room for under 100 euro! We also got a free upgrade, completely great of course! A good location and a nice pool on the roof. Unfortunately we did not use this since we stayed so briefly. But certainly a recommendation for an affordable price.

Why this route is ideal for 3 weeks Thailand

• Comfortable traveling: Domestic flights save you time and energy
• Variety: City, culture, mountains, jungle and beach in one route
• Unique stays: From luxury city hotels to jungle lodges and beach resorts
• Efficient planning: No time lost on unnecessary travel time or overnight stays

Interactive route map

Check our interactive route map here

Do you also want to plan a Thailand trip where you get the most out of your 3 weeks? Use our route as inspiration and add your own accents!

Do you have questions about this route or do you need tips for your Thailand adventure? Let us know in the comments below!

Are you curious what this trip cost? Then also read my blog:
What does 3 weeks Thailand cost? A realistic cost overview (2 people)

Or check this 3-week travel route from north to south!
3-week Thailand trip - the ultimate route from north to south (2025)