Having a short time in Thailand? Read this article for some feasible recommendations for 3 or 4 days in Thailand.
Thailand has everything for a perfect trip – even if you have limited time or budget. 3 or 4 days in Thailand are enough for many exhilarating experiences from sightseeing golden temples and palaces, exploring pristine nature to swimming in turquoise beaches and sampling delicious street food.
3 or 4 Days in Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Chiang Mai is absolutely a must-visit province for nature lovers on a tour to Thailand. As the second largest city in Thailand, there is no lack of fun in this city. Built in 1383, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which locates on the slopes of Doi (Mount) Suthep, is the quintessential image of the city. You can reach this temple by hiking up the mountain or taking a bus there. Besides being a sacred pilgrimage spot, you can see a complex of natural landscape here since Doi Suthep, Doi Pui and Doi Buakha make up a national park in Chiang Mai. Other wats to see in the city are Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chiang Man, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Phrachao Mengrai. There are some interesting experiences you should check out in this city, which include bathing elephants at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, coming to long neck hill tribes, shopping at the Night Bazaar, relaxing at Bat Orchid and Butterfly Farm, and enjoying a traditional Thai massage. And do not leave Chiang Mai without sampling Khao Soi, coconut and curry flavored soup filled with yellow egg noodles and chicken.
- Wat Rong Khun
About 200 kilometers north-east of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai has grown in popularity amongst tourist all over the world. The most renowned temple in town, Wat Rong Khun or White Temple, was built by an artist called Chaloemchai Khositphiphat in 1998. The temple contains a principal building, the Gate of Heaven, and two bridges. The Golden Triangle downtown was one of Asia’s largest opium-producing regions. Now, it is known to be the tri-junction of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, whose borders meet in the Mekong River. You can cross the border to the other two countries.
Suggested Itineraries for 3 or 4 Days in Northern Thailand
Itinerary 1: Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
Day 1: Arrive in Chiang Mai International Airport. Shopping at the Night Bazaar and enjoy street food at the city centre.
Day 2: Transfer to Chiang Rai. Visit Wat Rong Khun, Golden Triangle and Karen Long Neck village. Back to Chiang Mai
Day 3: Visit Doi Suthep, Old City Temples, Doi Inthanon, and Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Enjoy nightlife at Tha Phae Gate, Loi Kroh Road and along Charoenrat Road on the eastern bank of the Ping River.
Day 4: Depart from Chiang Mai
Itinerary 2: Chiang Mai Adventurous Tour
Day 1: Arrive in Chiang Mai. Visit the extraordinary Doi Suthep
Day 2: Start your trekking tour at Mork Fa waterfall and head to ethnic hill tribes. Admire sunset in Thailand’s third highest mountain, Doi Chiang Dao.
Day 3: Try exciting bamboo rafting along the Mae Tang River towards a Shan village. From Shan Village, head to the elephant camp. Back to Chiang Mai in the afternoon
Day 4: Depart from Chiang Mai
3 or 4 Days in Bangkok and Central Thailand
- The Grand Palace
For 3 or 4 days in Thailand, you can choose either a full stay in Bangkok or a combination of Bangkok and Pattaya. Bangkok is one of the most colorful and exciting capital cities in Southeast Asia. Of all attractions in this golden city, Grand Palace is absolutely worth visiting. Built in 1782, this palace used to be the official residence of the King and his family. After the abolition of absolute monarchy in this country in 1932, the government of Thailand moved out of this place and now the Grand Palace is open for the public. Visiting this palace, you will have a chance to salute the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people. A Bangkok City tour would not be complete without spending time at some religious buildings: Wat Traimit, the temple of the Golden Buddha, Wat Po, the temple of the Reclining Buddha, and Wat Benchamabopit, the Marble temple built with white Italian marble from Carara.
- Khao San Road
There is never a dull moment when you hit the streets of Bangkok. This city is the heaven for shopaholics where you can buy cheap products at Chatuchak Weekend Market or high-end fashion brands at Siam Paragon. Do not forget to head to Khao San Road in the evening which will feast your stomach with delicious Thai food like Pad Thai, tom yum, and som tum (papaya salad). You can also eat Chinese food in Chinatown. Immerse in Bangkok nightlife and enjoy a cocktail in exciting bars, pubs, and clubs. For attractions outside the city centre, Damnern Saduak Floating Market and Ayutthaya, the remains of Siam Empire should be on your list.
- Pattaya
100 kilometers from Bangkok, Pattaya is famous for a variety of hotels and resorts, as well as outrageous nightlife. Catering millions of visitors annually, Pattaya will not disappoint you with its wonderful beaches, exciting go-go bars, massage parlours, saunas, and interesting theme parks. Also, tourists will be served mouth-watering seafood from lobsters and crabs to squids and octopuses when visiting the city. If you find the Walking Street and Pattaya Beach are too crowded for you, head to Koh Samet or Koh Larn Coral Island. With their sparkling water and white sand, these places are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving the coral reef.
Suggest Itineraries for 3 or 4 Days in Central Thailand
Itinerary 1: Bangkok and Surroundings
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok. Spend time discovering Khao San Road and some shopping malls in the city centre.
Day 2: Visit the Grand Palace and some famous wats (temples).
Day 3: Visit the former capital city of Siam, Ayutthaya
Day 4: Depart from Bangkok
Itinerary 2: Bangkok and Pattaya
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to Pattaya. Discover nightlife and street food in the city.
Day 2: Leisure on Pattaya Beach or you can visit Koh Samet or Koh Larn Coral Island.
Day 3: Back to Bangkok. Take part in Bangkok City Tour to the Grand Palace and some famous wats (temples).
Day 4: Depart from Bangkok
3 or 4 Days in Phuket and Southern Thailand
- Phuket
Southern Thailand is undoubtedly a paradise for beach lovers with several tranquil beaches, islands, and archipelagoes. 3 or 4 days are enough for you to leisure here. Phuket is the biggest island and one of the most sought-after attractions in Thailand. Unspoiled tropical forests and sandy white beaches are the reason to visit this paradise island. Jet skiing, surfing and paragliding are three water sports you can enjoy in Phuket. The town of Patong in Phuket is the heaven where you can attend endless ‘you-only-live-once’ night parties.
- Koh Samui
Long white beaches with swaying coconut trees have become an iconic image of Koh Samui. Compared to Phuket, it is a more quiet and tranquil island. Koh Samui is excellent for snorkeling, diving and surfing, especially in Chaweng Beach. Koh Samui caters every request for accommodations, from affordable hotels to many world-class beach resorts for honeymooners and luxury tourists.
- Koh Phi Phi
Krabi is a coastal town for those who seek for solitude. Tourists can both swim in the crystal-clear water and discover splendor jungles and mountains in the town as well as surrounding islands. Koh Phi Phi is the biggest island in Krabi and one of the most sought-after attractions in this country. Unspoiled tropical forests and sandy white beaches are the reason to visit this paradise island. Jet skiing, surfing and paragliding are three water sports you can enjoy in Phuket. The town of Patong in Phuket is the heaven where you can attend endless ‘you-only-live-once’ night parties.
Suggested Itineraries for 3 or 4 Days in Southern Thailand
Day 1: Arrive in Phuket International Airport. Relax in the town
Day 2: Take a boat or car to Krabi, depending on your budget. It takes 2 to 3 hours by car or 1 hour and 20 minutes by speedboat. You can either stay in Krabi Town or head to Koh Phi Phi Island.
Day 3: Leisure on the beach
Day 4: Back to Phuket and depart from the town
