Beyond the Beaches: 3 weeks in Thailand
At a Glance
Best for: Culture, beaches, food, temples & first-time Southeast Asia travellers
Where I stayed: Bangkok • Krabi (Ao Nang) • Chiang Mai
Solo Friendly: ★★★★★
Budget: $
Transport: Internal flights, Grab, scooters & long-tail boats
Three weeks of incredible food, temples, beaches and nature
One of my top countries to visit was none other than Thailand and fortunately, I had the opportunity to go away for 5-6 weeks during Christmas, until the end of January. It seemed like a great chance to combine it with a diving week in the Maldives, and a little exploring in Vietnam, to really get a mix of beach/ocean, history and city life.
Alas, off I went and started in Bangkok due to flight connections, which actually took me by surprise. I just spent these days within the city, leaving the day trips more for the end, but it was beyond amazing I have to say; not only for the intricate, stunning temples but the food, cafes and general atmosphere.
La-dee-da, after a few days I left the country but returned shortly after two weeks, and landed in Krabi, which won the vote over Phuket. The week here was exactly what I needed after hiking Vietnam’s gorgeous nature trails and enjoying having to bravely battle its chaotic roads (it really isn’t that bad). So between island hopping on private long-tail boats (approx. €160–300 for the day including picnics), quad biking, beach-lazing and of course street food tasting, it was so refreshing.
And last but not least, a domestic flight over to stunning Chiang Mai, where I divided my time between temples, cafés, cooking classes and hotel-lounging. So with that brief summary, let’s jump in shall we?
Bangkok (5–7 Days)
As mentioned before, I really fell in love with Bangkok, for sure more than I’d ever imagined. I had the impression that it would be somewhere I'd just tolerate before moving on, but after several amazing days exploring and eating my weight in phenomenal food, my mind was completely changed.
The city is huge and therefore has a million and one things going for it. Whether you’re looking for vibrant neighbourhoods and areas like China Town, beautiful temples that awaken something inside you (maybe not for you but it sure did for me), unique cafés that are probably for the ‘gram but cool anyway, wonderful flower or food markets and rooftops where you can watch the sun disappear from, Bangkok had it all.
Things I especially loved:
Chinatown
Grand Palace
Wat Arun
Wat Pho
Dragon Temple
Ayutthaya temples
Café hopping
Food tours
Night markets
Read more→ Bangkok Activities
Krabi / Ao Nang (7 Days)
So I was a bit torn here, whether to go base myself in Krabi or Phuket. The two are notably similar I reckon but for me, Phuket seemed way too overtouristy and party-focused (maybe I'm wrong!). Looking back, I’m very happy with the decision I made, my only regret being I wish I had time to stay in other areas or islands, but Krabi was easily connected to many smaller places so it was okay. Between island hopping, beach days, kayaking, making friends and eating my body weight in street food, it was one of the most relaxing weeks of my trip.
Things not to miss:
Sunsets at Railay Beach
Island Hopping: Hong Island, Lao Lading, Chicken Island & Poda Island
Landmark Night Market
Ao Nang Beach
Kayaking through the mangroves
Quad biking
Tonsai Beach via small long tail boat
Read more→ What to do in Krabi
Chiang Mai (4–5 Days)
Last but definitely not least, Chiang Mai.
I divided my time between temples, day trips, café hopping, cooking classes and honestly... just relaxing. After Bangkok, it was the perfect change of pace.
The Old Town is incredibly walkable and there always seemed to be another café or beautiful temple waiting around the corner.
Things I loved:
So many incredible temples
Cafe-hopping
Zabb e Lee Cooking School
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Sunday Night Market
Chiang Rai
Rice fields and Doi Inthanon
Food tours
Chiang Mai Guide → Read more
Chiang Mai Day Trips → Read more
Final Thoughts
Thailand completely exceeded my expectations.
From Bangkok's chaos to Krabi's beaches and Chiang Mai's slower pace, it's one of those countries that somehow has a bit of everything.
If I was planning the same trip again tomorrow, I'd happily do this exact route all over again.