3-Week Malaysia and Thailand Tour Packages
Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Malaysia And Thailand tour itineraries
Compiled by
NadineMalaysia and Thailand travel expert at TourRadar
3 Week Southeast Asia Itinerary, incl. Bangkok and Singapore
This 21-day route through Malaysia and Thailand takes you to northern Thai hilltribes, Khao Sok National Park, Cameron Highlands' plantations, and a local homestay at Chenderoh Lake. Street food tours and cultural activities showcase the region's vibrant traditions.
- Days 1-3
Bangkok
Start your Southeast Asia journey in Thailand's buzzing capital. The morning alms-giving to monks along Khao San Road offers a special cultural experience. One traveler notes: "The morning alms-giving to monks along Khao San Road was a humbling experience - just remember to dress respectfully with covered shoulders." Visit Wat Pho around 8am before the crowds arrive. Take a longtail boat through the klongs to see local life from the water. Plan your Grand Palace visit for late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
- Days 4-7
Chiang Mai & Hill Tribes
Take the overnight train to Chiang Mai. Most old city hotels are a short walk from the night bazaar. Pack sturdy shoes for hill tribe village treks since trails get slippery in the rain. The village homestay is basic but gives you a real look at local life. A recent visitor shares: "Spending two nights in the village gave us real insight into daily tribal life - the bamboo rafting back was an unexpected highlight."
- Days 8-10
Khao Sok National Park
Travel south by overnight train and bus. Stay in riverside bungalows and explore some of Thailand's oldest rainforest with local guides. Book your Cheow Lan lake tours early since spots fill up fast. You'll get the best photos of the limestone karsts at sunrise.
- Days 11-13
Koh Samui
Take a 90-minute ferry to Koh Samui. Stay near Chaweng Beach for easy access to food and nightlife. Visit Ang Thong Marine Park and snorkel at Koh Wao. Remember reef-safe sunscreen and an underwater camera.
- Days 14-15
Penang
An 8-hour journey takes you into Malaysia. Pick a hotel in Georgetown's heritage zone among converted shophouses. Walk the street art trail in the early morning before it gets too hot. The famous char kway teow on Siam Road is worth seeking out.
- Days 16-17
Cameron Highlands
Take a 4-hour bus ride into Malaysia's tea country. If you get motion sickness, bring pills for the winding roads. Visit BOH tea plantation for free tours at 11am and 3pm. Bring good shoes and rain gear for the often muddy hiking trails.
- Days 18-19
Kuala Lumpur
Travel 3 hours to Malaysia's capital. Book Petronas Towers tickets online to skip the lines. A helpful tip from a traveler: "The street food along Jalan Alor is incredible but goes quick - get there by 6pm to try everything." Start your Batu Caves visit early to avoid crowds and heat.
- Days 20-21
Singapore
Make the final 5-hour journey into Singapore. Watch the Gardens by the Bay light show at 7:45pm or 8:45pm. Try local food at hawker centers like Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown. Get an MRT card to use public transport easily.
21 Days in Southeast Asia, incl. Bangkok and Singapore
A 21-day adventure spans Malaysia and Thailand's must-see locations. The itinerary includes Bangkok's temples, Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Penang's street art, and Langkawi's island paradise, complemented by unique accommodations and expert local guides.
- Days 1-2
Bangkok
Start your journey in Thailand's vibrant capital. One traveler noted, "Getting up early to see the monks collect alms near Khao San Road was a highlight - just remember to dress respectfully with shoulders covered." Visit the Royal Palace complex at 8:30 AM before the tour groups arrive. Take a boat ride through the canals to cool off from the city heat.
- Days 3-4
Kanchanaburi
A 3-hour drive west takes you to the River Kwai Bridge and WWII sites. Stay in floating raft houses on the river but pack water-resistant bags since rooms can get damp. Visit Erawan Falls early by longtail boat to swim in seven tiers of emerald pools before other visitors arrive.
- Days 5-7
Chiang Mai
Take the overnight train north and book lower berths for better sleep. Visit the Elephant Nature Park sanctuary which focuses on ethical treatment. Go to the Sunday Night Market before 7 PM to avoid peak crowds. Look for cooking classes in the peaceful Hang Dong district.
- Days 8-9
Khao Sok National Park
This rainforest paradise needs two full days. Take a longtail boat on Cheow Lan Lake to see towering limestone cliffs. The floating bungalows are great but pack light since you'll walk across narrow walkways. Go kayaking in early morning when animals are most active.
- Days 10-12
Krabi
Stay in Ao Nang for easy island access. Book early departure times for the 4-Island tour to avoid crowds. One visitor shared: "Railay Beach's beauty lives up to the hype, but go before 10 AM to enjoy it without masses of day-trippers."
- Days 13-15
Langkawi
Take the ferry from Satun, Thailand but bring motion sickness pills if needed. Ride the cable car near sunset to avoid long lines. Explore Georgetown's historic area by bike in the cool morning hours.
- Days 16-18
Kuala Lumpur
Start with Batu Caves early to avoid climbing 272 steps in midday heat. Use the MRT to bypass traffic jams. Book Petronas Towers observation deck ahead of time. Visit Jalan Alor after 6 PM when the street food scene comes alive.
- Days 19-21
Singapore
Finish in this modern city. Book Marina Bay Sands observation deck online to skip lines. Watch the Gardens by the Bay light show at 9:45 PM when it's less busy. One traveler advised: "Skip the touristy hawker centers - head to Old Airport Road Food Centre for authentic local food at half the price."
17 Day Southeast Asia Itinerary, incl. Singapore and Phuket
This 17-day expedition covers Malacca's UNESCO sites, Kuala Lumpur's Petronas Towers, Bangkok's Grand Palace, Chiang Mai's Elephant Sanctuary, and Phuket's James Bond Island, showcasing the region's iconic landmarks.
- Days 1-3
Singapore
Singapore's efficient public transport system makes it easy to explore the city. Visit Arab Street and Little India before 11 AM to beat the heat. Take a late afternoon bumboat river cruise for great Marina Bay photos. On day 2, visit the UNESCO-listed Botanic Gardens by 8 AM before the humidity rises, then spend time at the National Museum. A local visitor shares: "The Botanic Gardens' Orchid Garden is stunning in the morning light - bring water and wear good walking shoes as you'll cover lots of ground."
- Days 4-5
Malacca, Malaysia
A private transfer to historic Malacca takes about 4 hours from Singapore. Start at Stadthuys early to avoid crowds in the Red Square area. Plan your visit to the Melaka Straits Mosque during high tide for better photos. If you're going to the weekend night market on Jonker Street, get there before 7 PM to find seats at popular food stalls.
- Days 6-7
Kuala Lumpur
Stay in Bukit Bintang for convenient public transport access. The Petronas Towers offer stunning city views right before sunset. Visit Batu Caves in the early morning to avoid crowds and heat while climbing its 272 steps. If you're planning a trip to Genting Highlands, expect hour-long cable car queues during peak season.
- Days 8-10
Bangkok, Thailand
Stay near the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok for easy boat access to main attractions. Get to the Grand Palace when it opens at 8:30 AM. Remember to cover your shoulders and knees. To visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, leave Bangkok by 7 AM to arrive before tour buses. Make a reservation at the popular Bubble in the Forest Cafe for photos.
- Days 11-13
Chiang Mai
Explore the Old City temples early before tour groups arrive. Visit Doi Suthep in late afternoon when crowds thin out and lighting is ideal for photos. Pack comfortable walking shoes and clothes you can get dirty for the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. A visitor notes: "The Karen traditional clothing they provide is perfect for elephant photos - don't worry about bringing special outfits."
- Days 14-17
Phuket
Book morning yacht trips to James Bond Island for calmer waters. Pick a west coast hotel for better beaches and sunsets. Consider staying in Kata Beach instead of busy Patong. You'll still find plenty of restaurants within walking distance.
