Planning this Thailand Vietnam itinerary 3 weeks was one of the best travel decisions I've ever made. Instead of choosing between these two incredible countries, I spent 9 days in Thailand and 12 days in Vietnam, discovering everything from delicious food and rich culture to beautiful natural landscapes. This 21-day trip in Thailand and Vietnam gave me the perfect balance of culture, nature, history, and relaxation without ever feeling rushed. If you're wondering how to spend 3 weeks in Thailand and Vietnam, here's exactly how my unforgettable journey unfolded.
If you're planning 3 weeks in Thailand and Vietnam, the best time is between November and March. These months offer relatively dry weather, pleasant temperatures, and lower humidity, making them ideal for sightseeing, island hopping, and outdoor activities. Whether your itinerary includes Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, and Hoi An, this is generally the most comfortable season to travel.
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for the tropical climate, along with comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing. Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle. A light rain jacket is useful if you're traveling during the shoulder season, while a light sweater can come in handy for cooler evenings in Chiang Mai or air-conditioned buses and flights. Remember to bring modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees when visiting temples.
Domestic flights are the fastest way to travel between major destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Hanoi, and Hue. Within the cities, I mainly used Grab, which is affordable, reliable, and widely available in both Thailand and Vietnam. Walking is the best way to explore historic areas like Chiang Mai Old Town, Hanoi's Old Quarter, and Hoi An Ancient Town, while ferries and long-tail boats are essential for visiting Thailand's islands.
Thai is the official language in Thailand, while Vietnamese is spoken throughout Vietnam. English is commonly understood in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants, although learning a few basic local phrases is always appreciated. Thailand uses the Thai Baht (THB), and Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and larger restaurants, but carrying some cash is recommended for markets, street food, and small local businesses.
A comfortable 21-day Thailand and Vietnam itinerary typically costs €2,200–€3,200 per person, including international flights from Paris, domestic flights, accommodation, transportation, activities, and food. Budget travelers can spend around €1,600–€2,000, while those looking for luxury hotels and premium experiences should expect to spend over €3,500.
Getting from France to Bangkok turned out easier than I expected. After around 11–12 hours in the air, landing in Thailand felt exciting and a little overwhelming at first. Bangkok is the perfect start to my 3 weeks in Thailand and Vietnam. Bangkok is Thailand's vibrant capital, where historic temples, world-class shopping, and incredible street food come together.
Since I'm a big fan of shopping, I dedicated one entire day to exploring Bangkok's shopping districts. I hopped between famous malls like ICONSIAM, Siam Paragon, and CentralWorld, where I found everything from international brands to local designer boutiques. Even if you're not planning to shop, these malls are worth visiting for their impressive architecture and excellent food courts. They are the perfect place to sample authentic Thai dishes, local desserts, and refreshing drinks in one convenient location. After a full day of sightseeing, spending an afternoon shopping, enjoying good food, and escaping the tropical heat was a welcome change of pace.
If you have 3 days in Bangkok, I also recommend booking a day trip to Ayutthaya. Located about an hour from the city, Thailand's former capital is home to magnificent ancient temples and UNESCO-listed ruins, making it one of the most rewarding excursions from Bangkok.
Things I've done in Bangkok :
From Bangkok, you can travel to Chiang Mai by bus, train, or plane. Buses and overnight trains are the cheapest options, but the journey takes around 10–14 hours. Since I only had three days in Chiang Mai, I chose to fly. The flight takes just over an hour and is usually only slightly more expensive, making it the most convenient option.
Spending 3 days in Chiang Mai is a must for my Thailand Vietnam itinerary 3 weeks. With 3 days, I spent one day exploring the Old Town, where I visited beautiful temples such as Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh before relaxing in a few local cafés. Another day was dedicated to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the city's most iconic temple, which offers spectacular panoramic views over Chiang Mai. If you have more time, you can also join a day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand's highest mountain, or visit an ethical elephant sanctuary.
Chiang Mai is also one of the best places in Thailand for food. In the evenings, I explored the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and the Sunday Walking Street Market, where I sampled local specialties like khao soi (creamy coconut curry noodle soup), grilled pork skewers, mango sticky rice, and fresh fruit smoothies, all at very reasonable prices. Compared with Bangkok, I found the night markets here to be more relaxed and easier to explore.
Things to do in Chiang Mai:
No Thailand Vietnam itinerary 3 weeks would be complete without spending some time on Thailand's islands. There are direct flights from Chiang Mai to Krabi that take just over 2 hours, with fares typically ranging from €75. I chose Krabi because it felt a little quieter while still offering easy access to some of Thailand's most beautiful islands.
I based myself in Ao Nang, which I found to be the best base for exploring the area. With two days in Krabi, I dedicated one day to Railay Beach, taking a traditional long-tail boat that reached the beach in less than 15 minutes. Besides relaxing on the white sand, I highly recommend hiking to the Railay Viewpoint if you're looking for spectacular panoramic views.
On my second day, I joined the popular Four Islands Tour, which included Phra Nang Cave Beach, Chicken Island, Tup Island, and Poda Island. It was the perfect opportunity to swim, snorkel, and admire the crystal-clear waters that make southern Thailand so famous.
Krabi also exceeded my expectations when it came to food. Ao Nang is filled with seafood restaurants serving freshly grilled prawns, squid, and fish, while the Ao Nang Night Market is a great place to try local favorites like pad Thai, grilled satay, tropical fruit smoothies, and Thai pancakes at very affordable prices.
Getting to Hanoi from Thailand is easy, with direct flights available from Bangkok, Krabi, and Chiang Mai. Depending on your departure city, the journey usually takes between 1 and 3 hours, making Hanoi a convenient gateway to the Vietnamese leg of your Thailand Vietnam itinerary 3 weeks.
Hanoi is Vietnam's capital and one of the country's most fascinating cities. It perfectly blends centuries-old history with a vibrant street life, where colonial buildings, ancient temples, busy markets, and modern cafés all exist side by side.
I spent one day exploring the city's cultural landmarks, including the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, the One Pillar Pagoda, and Hoan Kiem Lake. Another day was dedicated to wandering around the Old Quarter, browsing local shops, relaxing in hidden cafés, and experiencing the lively atmosphere of the city's historic streets. On my final day, I simply enjoyed Hanoi's incredible food scene before leaving for Halong Bay, an essential stop on my 21-day Thailand Vietnam itinerary.
If you prefer nature over city sightseeing, you can spend one day to Ninh Binh, often called the "Halong Bay on land." Located about two hours south of the capital, it's a fantastic destination for boat rides, limestone landscapes, and cycling through rice fields. However, I think spending 3 days in Hanoi is well worth it, as it offers the perfect introduction to Vietnam's history, culture, and cuisine.
Hanoi is a paradise for food lovers. Throughout my stay, I tried local specialties such as phở, bún chả, bánh mì and, of course, the famous Vietnamese egg coffee. The best part is that many of the city's most authentic restaurants are small family-run eateries, where you can enjoy delicious meals at very affordable prices.
Things to do in Hanoi:
After three days in Hanoi, I headed to Halong Bay for a 2-day, 1-night cruise, one of the highlights of my Thailand Vietnam itinerary 3 weeks. The journey from Hanoi takes around 2.5–3 hours by shuttle bus or private transfer. If you prefer fewer crowds, consider cruising in Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay instead.
One of my favorite moments was sunset on the deck. Watching the sky change from blue to shades of orange and pink while the limestone islands slowly disappeared into the distance was unforgettable. After dinner, I joined a squid fishing activity before enjoying a quiet evening surrounded by the calm waters of the bay.
I highly recommend choosing an overnight cruise rather than a day trip. It gives you enough time to enjoy the bay's spectacular limestone islands and take part in activities without feeling rushed.
After checking out of my Halong Bay cruise around midday, I returned to Hanoi by shuttle bus before catching an evening flight to Hue. The drive back to Hanoi took around 2.5–3 hours, while the flight to Hue lasted only about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
No Thailand Vietnam itinerary 3 weeks would be complete without exploring Central Vietnam. Home to Vietnam's imperial heritage, charming ancient towns, beautiful beaches, and incredible cuisine, this region offers the perfect balance of culture and relaxation. I split my six days evenly between Hue and Hoi An, and it turned out to be one of my favorite parts of the trip.
Hue is Vietnam's former imperial capital and the best place to learn about the country's royal history. During my three days there, I explored the Imperial City, visited the magnificent Khai Dinh and Tu Duc Tombs, and enjoyed a relaxing dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River. If you have extra time, you can also visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue's most iconic landmarks.
The drive from Hue to Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass was an experience in itself. Often considered one of Vietnam's most scenic coastal roads, the route offers spectacular ocean views and passes by Lang Co Beach, making it well worth choosing over the tunnel.
Hoi An is one of the highlights of my 3 weeks in Thailand and Vietnam. The UNESCO-listed Ancient Town is famous for its yellow houses, colorful lanterns, and riverside atmosphere. I spent my days wandering through the old streets, visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge, Fujian Assembly Hall, and Tan Ky Old House, before relaxing at cafés along the Thu Bon River. I also joined a Vietnamese cooking class, cycled through the surrounding rice fields, and spent an afternoon unwinding at An Bang Beach, just a few kilometers from the town center.
Things to do in Hue and Hoi An:
After six unforgettable days in Central Vietnam, I transferred to Da Nang International Airport for my flight back to Paris, bringing my Thailand Vietnam itinerary 3 weeks to a memorable end. Looking back, 3 weeks in Thailand and Vietnam were the perfect introduction to Southeast Asia. I'd also like to thank Autour Asia, a trusted travel agency in Asia, for making the journey smooth and stress-free. If you're planning your own 21-day trip to Thailand and Vietnam, I highly recommend following this route.
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