Itinerary Thailand - 3 weeks

3 Weeks itinerary in Thailand: Our Family’s First Adventure in Asia,

3 weeks in Thailand - First time in Asia with our kids... A different culture, different food, different climate—a big adventure! We had to travel light for this Thailand itinerary, so we made a deal with our kids: they each got a small backpack, and they were 100% in charge of filling it themselves. Ruben chose his favorite toys: a crane and some cars, while Lore wanted to bring some books and pencils. We had our plane tickets and booked a hotel in Bangkok for the first few nights, and that was it. We trusted our instincts and were curious to see where this trip would take us! If you want to make an itinerary of your own, this information will help you. There are many airlines that fly from Europe to Bangkok. We flew with Austrian Airlines, with a layover in Vienna. For those with a Miles and More account: Austrian Airlines is a member of Star Alliance, so that means extra air miles! If you're looking for cheap flights, be sure to check departures from Schiphol and Düsseldorf as well!

3 weeks itinerary Thailand:

Day 1: Flight Brussels - Vienna - Bangkok

Day 2-5: Bangkok

Day 6-10: Chiang Mai

Day 11: Flight Chiang Mai - Phuket / Boat Phuket - Koh Phi Phi

Day 12-15: Koh Phi Phi

Day 15-19: Krabi

Day 20-22: Bangkok

Day 23: Flight Bangkok - Vienna - Brussels

Bangkok, the beginning of almost every Thailand itinerary

July 1st, 2013: We wait for the bus to stop in our street in Boechout, with our brand new NorthFace bags (which we still use today, and they still look like new!). The bus takes us to the train station, and the train takes us to Brussels Airport. We're fully committed to public transportation on this journey, and it starts the minute we close our front door behind us!

We begin our 3-week adventure in Thailand in Bangkok. After a smooth red-eye flight and adjusting to a 5-hour time difference with Belgium, we get our first reality check during the taxi ride to the hotel: the driver seems to have some trouble finding the hotel, likely a trick to make the ride more expensive. But that quickly changes when our daughter suddenly has to throw up, feeling sick from the driver’s poor skills. Within a minute, we're right in front of our hotel :). Welcome to Bangkok!

Bangkok is a bustling and chaotic city. At first, we found it a bit challenging to navigate. However, taking a cab or a tuk-tuk made getting around the city easy and affordable, plus the kids had a blast! Here’s what we found worth doing in Bangkok:

One of the biggest attractions of Bangkok is its stunning temples. The city has over 400 temples, each with its own history, architecture, and significance. Some of the most famous temples that you must see include the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. Exploring these temples will give you a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Thailand. The temples have a bit of a fairytale atmosphere with all the gold, our kids love this (and the fact that they have to take off their shoes when they enter)!
Another must-do activity in Bangkok is tasting the street food! Bangkok is known to be a food lover's paradise, with endless options of delicious and affordable food. From sweet mango sticky rice (the favorite of the kids!) to spicy tom yum soup, the street food scene in Bangkok will leave your taste buds craving for more. Khoa San Road is my favorite street food area!
Also a fun activity: taking a boat tour of the Floating Markets - Explore the traditional markets located on the canals of Thonburi district via long-tail boat.
Climbing the Golden Mount - A hilltop temple with panoramic views of Bangkok.

After a few days of soaking in the lively chaos of Bangkok, we were ready for some peace and quiet. Our plan was to catch the night train to Chiang Mai, but when we arrived at the station, we were met with a disappointing surprise: every train was fully booked for the next few nights.

Feeling a bit disheartened, we started brainstorming alternatives. On a whim, I decided to ask one more time at the ticket office if there were any other options. To our relief, the clerk suggested checking out one of the small travel agencies in the station. These agencies purchase train tickets and package them with hotel stays in Chiang Mai.

We decided to give it a shot, and luck was on our side! We managed to secure four spots in a sleeper compartment on the train and got a great deal that included a stay at a charming little hotel with a pool right in the city center. It felt like a win-win, and we were thrilled to have our travel plans back on track. Long story short, it's better to buy tickets in advance!

Chiang Mai

The night train is quite comfortable, and the children sleep soundly. Breakfast is included, and not long after our arrival in Chiang Mai, the kids are already splashing in the hotel pool.

Chiang Mai, our second stop on our 3-week Thailand itinerary, feels like a breath of fresh air after the chaos of Bangkok! This charming city, nestled in the northern mountains of Thailand, offers a stark contrast to the bustling capital. Surrounded by stunning landscapes and rich in culture, Chiang Mai is the perfect destination for travelers eager to explore Thailand’s unique traditions and natural beauty. As the second most important city after Bangkok, it’s a must-visit spot on any Thai adventure.

Breakfast is included in our hotel stay, but with so many charming eateries nearby, we can't resist trying a new one each morning. Pancakes, fresh fruit, fruit juices—every breakfast feels like a feast!

The old part of the city is rather small, so it's easy to explore on foot. When you venture outside the center, taking a tuk-tuk is the easiest way to get around.

The city of Chiang Mai is known for its impressive temples, including Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which is situated on a mountain overlooking the city.

We also visit an elephant sanctuary near Chiang Mai, where we have the opportunity to learn about and interact with these majestic animals in a responsible and ethical environment. We choose 'The Chang', which turned out to be a wonderful experience. Nearby, we find a small snake farm that was a huge hit with the kids! Of course, we couldn’t miss the Chiang Mai Zoo either. Unfortunately, I got sick on the way to the zoo, probably there was something wrong with my morning pancake and I ended up being sick for 24 hours. But thankfully, the kids still enjoyed their time at the zoo. Funny enough, the kids never get sick on any of our trips—it's always me who ends up eating something wrong from time to time!

We also stopped by one of the night markets, which are a major attraction in Chiang Mai. Here, you can sample authentic Thai food, buy souvenirs and handicrafts, and enjoy live music and entertainment in a lively atmosphere.

After a few days in Chiang Mai, it was crystal clear for us: we love this place!

Our time in Thailand is limited, so it’s time to move on. We don’t want to travel back through Bangkok or spend hours on a bus heading south, so we decide to take the easiest but slightly more expensive route: flying to Phuket. And it turns out to be a great decision—before we know it, we’re in the south of Thailand!

Don't leave this out of your itinerary: The south of Thailand: Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Krabi

Koh Phi Phi: A Paradise for Beach Lovers and Adventure Seekers... and families with kids!!

Phuket marks the third stop on our 3-week Thailand itinerary, but we don’t plan to stay here long. From the airport, we head straight to the port just outside the city. I try to find a boat and hotel package deal, but the prices are higher than expected. So, we decide to take the boat to Koh Phi Phi and figure out our accommodations once we arrive.

Koh Phi Phi is located in the Andaman Sea, about 46 kilometers from mainland Thailand. The boat trip is simply stunning; we sail past small, paradise-like islands—exactly how we’d imagined Thailand in our dreams. On the boat, some locals start recommending hotels, and since we haven’t booked anything yet, we check out their suggestions. One place catches our eye: a quiet hotel on the outskirts of the village with small lodges, a few swimming pools, and a beachfront location. Could it get any better?

We decide to go for it, and when the ferry docks, a hotel employee is there waiting for us, ready with a cart for our luggage. After all, Koh Phi Phi is a car-free island. Lore and Ruben are thrilled—they spend the entire afternoon playing on the beach, and Ruben finally gets to dig in the sand with his beloved bulldozer from his little backpack. I have a feeling this might be a place they’ll never want to leave!

The next morning, our slice of paradise continues with a delicious breakfast right on the beach!

We decide to explore the island on foot. Although Koh Phi Phi is small, there’s a lovely hiking trail that takes you around the island. The highlight is the ‘Phi Phi Viewpoint,’ where you can enjoy breathtaking views from the highest point on the island.

During the next few days we do some excursions on a long tail boat:

Maya Bay: Made famous by the movie “The Beach,” Maya Bay boasts crystal-clear waters and stunning cliffs. We opted for a traditional long-tail boat rather than a speedboat. While the journey was slower, it allowed us to be dropped off at a more secluded part of the island. From there, we enjoyed a scenic walk to Maya Bay, where we joined the crowds.

Bamboo Island: This pristine, uninhabited island is surrounded by coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling and swimming. It's a fantastic day trip from Koh Phi Phi, offering a serene escape into nature.

Monkey Beach: Known for its playful monkeys, Monkey Beach is a fun and slightly touristy spot (and a bit of a tourist trap) where you can interact with these cheeky creatures. We took a long-tail boat from Koh Phi Phi to reach this lively beach. Despite the touristy aspect, our kids loved the experience!

Viking Cave: This cave, renowned for its ancient paintings, is a popular destination for cave exploration. It’s a fascinating spot that offers a glimpse into the region’s history.

Phang Nga Bay: Famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and mangrove forests, Phang Nga Bay is nothing short of spectacular.

Krabi: The Perfect Getaway for Nature Lovers

After a few days on Koh Phi Phi, we decide to take the ferry to Krabi. On the ferry, we meet some Dutch backpackers who recommend a great place for our last night in Bangkok before we fly home. I promptly send an email to the hotel, and they confirm our reservation!

With its crystal-clear waters, limestone cliffs, and white sandy beaches, Krabi is the perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun. We book a hotel at the desk in the harbor, and after a short taxi ride, we arrive at our destination!

During the next few days we do some excursions in the Krabi area:

Railay Beach: Railay Beach is a beautiful beach town accessible only by boat. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, Railay Beach is ideal for rock climbing, kayaking, and swimming. We only did the swimming :).
Tiger Cave Temple: The Tiger Cave Temple is a Buddhist temple located in a limestone cave. The highlight of the temple is a 1,237 step staircase which offers a stunning view of the surrounding area.
Emerald Pool: The Emerald Pool is a natural hot spring surrounded by lush vegetation. The water is said to have healing properties and is perfect for a relaxing dip.
Hot spring waterfall: a few natural hot tubs and a litte waterfall, an excellent playground for the kids!
Hong Islands: also known as the Koh Hong group, are a small cluster of islands located near Krabi. These islands consist of a set of four small islands, as well as several smaller limestone outcrops. The main attractions of the Hong Islands include crystal-clear waters, pristine coral reefs, and stunning limestone cliffs that rise dramatically out of the sea. We take a speed boat excursion for this one, so that we can see a bit more of the islands, because this area is so beautiful. The islands are home to diverse marine life, including sea turtles, schools of colorful fish, and even rare dugongs.

... And back to Bangkok, the itinerary ends where it began

Time to head back to Bangkok, but not before enjoying a family massage! It was the best massage ever, and since it was happy hour, we got to choose some extras. I went for a pedicure, Bart picked a surprise option, and the next thing I knew, a woman was standing on his back to give it a good crack! 😄

Since we don’t have much time left before our return flight, we decide to take an overnight bus back to Bangkok. The night turns out to be quite the adventure: a noisy bus keeps us awake, and after two hours, we’re dropped off in the middle of the jungle. I try to stay calm so as not to worry the kids. After half an hour, another bus arrives—this one is very comfortable, and we’re soon on our way to Bangkok without any further detours or strange stops.

The address we got from the Dutch backpackers turns out to be fantastic: a stylish hotel near Khao San Road, complete with a rooftop pool and a jacuzzi in the room. What a perfect way to end our trip!

This was our first time Asia, but definitely not the last one! We didn't have to wait long, a year later we went to Indonesia :)

Check out our other family-friendly travel itineraries here!