3-Week Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week itineraries

Compiled by

Melissa3 week travel expert at TourRadar

• 21 Day Thailand Itinerary, incl. Bangkok and Chiang Mai

  A 3-week adventure through 9 Thai cities balances northern cultural experiences with southern beach relaxation. Includes overnight trains between destinations, typically spending 2-3 nights in each location, with 21 fully-planned activity days.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Bangkok & Kanchanaburi

    Start exploring Bangkok's floating markets early before the tourist rush. "The temples and floating markets felt much more authentic visiting them in the morning before the tour buses arrived." Take a cruise down the River Kwai to Kanchanaburi, then spend Day 3 at the seven-tiered Erawan Falls. Take note: Bring water shoes with good grip since the rocks get slippery near the falls.

    
  • Days 4-8

    Chiang Mai & Hill Tribes

    Visit Ayutthaya's ancient ruins by bike before catching the overnight train to Chiang Mai. Book lower berths for a more comfortable ride with better airflow. Start your Chiang Mai visit at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple before the day heats up. "The elephant sanctuary day was life-changing. Watching these gentle giants play in the mud and getting to feed them was incredible." The hill tribe trek needs decent fitness levels. "The jungle trek is challenging but worth it. Pack light, bring good hiking shoes, and prepare for basic accommodation - it's all part of the authentic experience."

    
  • Days 9-11

    Pai

    The road to Pai has 762 curves, so remember motion sickness pills. Visit the land split, hot springs, and canyon in this relaxed town. "Pai was the perfect mix of adventure and chill. The night market has amazing street food and the most welcoming vibe."

    
  • Days 12-14

    Back to Bangkok

    Return to Chiang Mai for a cooking class and time at the Grand Canyon Water Park. Head back to Bangkok to catch any temples you missed earlier.

    
  • Days 15-17

    Khao Sok National Park

    Travel south to Khao Sok National Park. Sleep in floating bungalows on the lake. "Waking up surrounded by limestone cliffs and misty water was magical. Bring a dry bag for your electronics."

    
  • Days 18-21

    Koh Phangan

    Finish your trip on Koh Phangan. Try Muay Thai, go snorkeling, and check out the beach parties. Visit Bottle Beach for a quieter spot. Remember to book your return ferry early during full moon party weeks.

    

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• 21 Days in Vietnam & Cambodia, incl. Hanoi and Siem Reap

  A dynamic 21-day schedule balances cultural immersion with beach relaxation. Features 2-3 nights in key spots like Hoi An and Koh Rong Sanloem, overnight train/bus journeys, and efficient travel days maximizing local exploration.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Hanoi

    Begin in Vietnam's vibrant capital. Walk the Old Quarter's narrow streets early morning before crowds fill the area. "The rickshaw tour through Hanoi's bustling streets was incredible - ask your driver to take you down Train Street for amazing photos." Book a nighttime food tour to sample egg coffee and local street food.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Ha Long Bay

    Take a 4-hour bus to this natural wonder. "Kayaking through the limestone caves was breathtaking, but book a top deck cabin on the boat - the views at sunrise are worth it." Visit Freedom Island for quiet swimming spots away from other tourists.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Ninh Binh

    Travel 3 hours south to what locals call "Ha Long Bay on land." Bike through rice fields in the early morning. Take on the Dragon Mountain viewpoint hike before 9 AM and wear good shoes. "The row boat ride through the caves is magical, but sit in the middle of the boat for the best photos."

    
  • Days 7-9

    Hoi An

    Take an overnight train to this beautiful town. Request bottom bunks for a smoother ride. Try the cooking classes and make your own lanterns. "The morning market tour with our cooking instructor was fascinating - she showed us how to pick the freshest ingredients and taught us secret family recipes."

    
  • Days 10-11

    Ho Chi Minh City

    Fly south for city exploration. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels early to avoid the heat. Take a day trip to see the Mekong Delta's floating markets.

    
  • Days 12-13

    Phnom Penh

    Take a 6-hour luxury bus into Cambodia. Visit S21 Prison and the Killing Fields to understand Cambodia's recent history. "Our local guide's personal family stories brought this difficult history to life."

    
  • Days 14-15

    Kampot

    Relax in this peaceful riverside town. Learn about Cambodia's pepper trade at local plantations. "The sunset river cruise was stunning - bring mosquito repellent."

    
  • Days 16-18

    Koh Rong Sanloem

    Take a fast boat to this island getaway. Join snorkeling trips to see colorful marine life. "The bioluminescent plankton at night was magical - walk the beach after 9 PM for the best viewing."

    
  • Days 19-21

    Siem Reap

    Finish your trip at Angkor Wat. Start your sunrise tour at 4:30 AM to avoid crowds. "Hire a guide for the first day to understand the history, then explore smaller temples like Ta Som on your own the second day."

    

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• 21 Days in Central Asia, incl. Bishkek and Tashkent

  A grand 21-day tour through 5 countries lets you delve into major cultural centers like Samarkand and Bukhara for 2-3 days each. The route covers 20 distinct cities, including overnight desert camping at Darvaza crater. Internal flights between Mary-Ashgabat and Urgench-Tashkent optimize travel time.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Kyrgyzstan

    Begin your journey in Bishkek. Visit Oak Park and Ala-Too Square in the early morning to beat the heat. "The Osh Bazaar is a must - go in the morning when vendors are setting up for the best atmosphere." Take a 5-hour drive to Issyk Kul Lake on Day 2 and stop at the ancient Burana Tower along the way. In Cholpon-Ata you'll find interesting petroglyphs - wear sturdy shoes since the rock field can be tricky to navigate.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Kazakhstan

    Head to Almaty in Kazakhstan. Get to the Green Bazaar by 7am to see traders preparing for the day. Visit the wooden Zenkov Cathedral and take in the views from Kok-Tobe. "The National Museum provides crucial context for understanding Central Asian history - allow at least 2 hours here."

    
  • Days 6-8

    Tajikistan

    Book a morning flight to Dushanbe to avoid common afternoon summer storms. Check out the city's giant flagpole and National Museum. Take a drive north through mountain landscapes to Khujand. "The 7 Lakes area requires careful timing - roads can become impassable after rain."

    
  • Days 9-13

    Uzbekistan First Half

    Experience Uzbekistan's Silk Road cities starting with Samarkand. Visit Registan Square at sunset when the tiles look their best. Plan 2-3 days for Bukhara's sights. "Stay in the old town near Lyabi-Hauz pool - everything is walkable and the evening atmosphere is magical."

    
  • Days 14-17

    Turkmenistan

    Discover Turkmenistan's marble city of Ashgabat and the historic ruins of Merv. Set up camp near the Darvaza gas crater. "The 'Door to Hell' is spectacular at night but bring warm clothes - desert temperatures plummet after dark."

    
  • Days 18-21

    Uzbekistan Second Half

    Return to Uzbekistan to explore Khiva's preserved old city. Fly to Tashkent for your final stop. Take time to see the ornate metro stations. "The Chorsu Bazaar is overwhelming - go with a guide first to get oriented, then return solo to bargain."

    

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