3 Weeks in Thailand & Cambodia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Epic Highlights Tour of Thailand & Cambodia: Ancient Temples, Lively Markets & Pristine Beaches

Perfect for first-time visitors seeking a balance of history, culture, and cuisine, this highlights itinerary kicks off in Thailand with tours of Bangkok's temples and Ayutthaya's ruins, a hill tribe visit in Chiang Rai, a waterfall hike in Chiang Mai, and snorkeling off the island of Ko Samui. Hop over to Cambodia for street food tasting in Siem Reap, plenty of time to explore the ruins of the Angkor Wat temple complex, shopping in Phnom Penh's markets, and more. 

Get a taste of Bangkok's multicultural influences as you sample street food in Chinatown, then join the rowdy crowds at a stadium for a Muay Thai kickboxing match. In the morning, you'll set out on a temple tour that includes the giant reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, then board a long-tail boat to Ayutthaya. Here, you'll admire the former capital's ancient ruins before flying to Chiang Rai, home to Lanna architecture, dense forests, and imposing mountains. You'll have a chance to meet some hill tribe members and learn about their traditions before your driver transfers you to Chiang Mai.

Trek the forested Ban Mae Klang Luang trail and cool off in a waterfall before flying south to Ko Samui to dive into island life on a snorkeling tour at Ang Thong National Marine Park. Then, you're off to Cambodia, starting with Siem Reap where you'll tour the Angkor Wat complex and nibble nom krok (coconut pancakes) and other street eats. Leave the city behind on a day trip to Phnom Kulen, a sacred pilgrimage destination where you'll find ancient carvings in the riverbeds. Wrap up your trip in Phnom Penh with a history lesson at the Tuol Sleng Museum and shopping at the Russian Market. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Hidden Treasures of Thailand & Cambodia: Bangkok to Phnom Penh

This culture and nature journey is a great choice for those eager to learn about Thai and Cambodian traditions and history while enjoying plenty of time in nature. Highlights include a bike ride through Bangkok's "green lung," elephant interactions at a Khao Sok sanctuary, a ceremony with a Buddhist monk, hot springs and waterfall experiences in Pai, a boat ride to the Tonlé Sap floating villages, a tour of Angkor Wat, and sobering visits to the memorials in Phnom Penh. The majority of this trip is focused on Thailand, so it's best suited to those interested in adding a few days in Cambodia to their Thailand tour.

Your first day in Bangkok begins with a canal cruise and a climb to the top of Wat Saket to watch the sunset. The next morning, you'll bike the elevated pathways through Bang Krachao's green spaces, and fuel up with pad thai in Chinatown. Next, you'll have a chance to observe the street vendors' unique routine at Mae Klong Railway Market, where they pack up and reset their stalls each time a train passes. Then you'll board a train to Phitsanulok, where your driver will be waiting to take you to Sukhothai Historical Park for a peaceful stroll amid Buddha statues before continuing to Chiang Mai.

Enjoy a slower pace as you bike into the countryside beyond Chiang Mai, stopping to visit a farmhouse and sample rambutan at a market. Keep the leisurely vibes going in Pai, where you'll soothe your muscles in the hot springs and, if you're ready for another outdoor adventure, hike to Pha Sua Waterfall. Then, fly to Surat Thani for some bird-watching in Khao Sok National Park and a beach day at Khao Lak. After whitewater rafting in Phuket, fly to Cambodia and meet the famous carved faces of Bayon in Siem Reap, then delve into the country's tragic past at the Choeung Ek Memorial in Phnom Penh. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Active Exploration of Thailand & Cambodia

Energetic travelers who want to make the most of their time will appreciate the variety of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences on this active itinerary. In Thailand, you'll barter at the floating market, explore several caves, hike in Erawan National Park, zipline in Chiang Mai, and swim in the Phi Phi Islands. In Cambodia, you'll visit historical sites—including memorials in Battambang and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh—and the archaeological wonders of Angkor Wat.

See the city lights along the Chao Phraya River as you enjoy a dinner cruise on your first night in Bangkok, then learn about traditional architecture on a temple tour and practice your bartering skills at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Next, your driver will take you to Kanchanaburi, where you can swim at Erawan Falls and pay your respects to prisoners of war at the Hellfire Pass Museum before flying to Chiang Mai. In this lush northern region, you'll interact with elephants at Baan Chang Elephant Park, prepare a meal with a local Lanna family, and soar across the treetops on a zipline adventure.

Trade the northern forests for the southern ones as you fly to Surat Thani and set off on a hike in the jungles of Khao Sok National Park. Then, it's beach time; your driver will whisk you to Krabi for a cruise to the Phi Phi Islands, where you can swim and see ancient paintings at Viking Cave. Fly to Phnom Penh and dive into Cambodian cultural heritage at the Royal Palace, then gain a better understanding of Cambodia's dark history on a visit to the Killing Fields. Engage with local artisans in a traditional village, then celebrate your Southeast Asia journey as you watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Islands, Temples & Beaches in Thailand & Cambodia

This epic island-hopping tour is an excellent option for beachgoers who also want to experience some culture and cuisine. You'll cruise amid Phang Nga Bay's limestone cliffs, go beachcombing and rock climbing at Railay, browse the stalls at night markets in Bangkok and Krabi, and snorkel off Ko Samui. Fly to Cambodia next to sample street food in Siem Reap, watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat, enjoy a bioluminescence experience at Koh Rong, and more. 

Melt away your travel stress with a Thai massage on arrival in Phuket. After a good night's rest, you'll be ready for a full-day snorkeling tour of the Phi Phi Islands. Another day at sea awaits; this time, you'll cruise to Phang Nga Bay's limestone cliffs and canoe to Hong Island's caves. From there, transfer to Railay, where you can try rock climbing by day and observe bioluminescent plankton at night. Continue down the coast to Krabi and take the stairs to the summit of Wat Tham Suea for views over the countryside and sea before catching a flight to Ko Samui, where you'll snorkel in Angthong Marine National Park.

Before leaving Thailand, you'll have two days in Bangkok to explore the city's markets (including Jodd Fairs Night Market), temples, and canals at your own pace. Then, you'll fly to Siem Reap and get your first taste of fish amok (steamed fish curry) and other Cambodian favorites on a food tour via tuk-tuk. Set an early alarm to see the sunrise over Angkor Wat before heading to Sihanoukville. Spend a day at the beach or casino, then board a boat to the island of Koh Rong. Here, you'll finish up your trip with a zipline excursion and more snorkeling before transferring to Phnom Penh for your departing flight. Learn more

More Great Thailand Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Thailand? Check out these other Thailand itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.