Great 3-week travel routes for the UK winter - Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore

(…and importantly, are warm and sunny)

Part 1: Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore

Why we love it: Easy to get around, cheap and high quality accommodation, stunning beaches and delicious food. 

Week 1: Thailand - Bangkok and Southern Islands

Day 1-3: Bangkok, Thailand

• Explore the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun.

• Take a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River.

• Experience the vibrant street life and markets.

• Hotels are great quality and very affordable.

Day 4-7: Koh Samui (east coast) or Krabi for Phi Phi Islands (west coast) - check the weather to decide which side is best for your season

Koh Samui

• Relax on Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach.

• Visit the Big Buddha and Fisherman's Village.

• Explore the Angthong National Marine Park on a day trip.

• Continue on to the smaller islands of Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao if you fancy joining the backpackers and infamous parties! 

Krabi

• Take a Four Islands Tour, visiting Phra Nang Cave Beach, Tup Island, Chicken Island, and Poda Island.

• Snorkel, swim, and enjoy the stunning limestone formations.

• Visit Railay Beach, known for its towering limestone cliffs.

• Explore Phra Nang Cave Beach and the Princess Cave.

• Take a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands.

• Explore Maya Bay, known from the movie "The Beach."

• Snorkel at Pileh Lagoon and Bamboo Island.

Week 2: Thailand - Koh Lanta, Koh Phayam, and Langkawi

Day 8-10: Koh Lanta

• Explore Kantiang Bay and Relax Bay.

• Take a boat tour to the nearby islands.

• Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and local seafood.

Day 11-14: Koh Phayam (hands down our favourite place in Thailand - there are no cars, just lovely beached and chilled vibes - not to be confused with the party island of Koh Pha Ngan on the other side of the country!)

• Travel to Koh Phayam (accessible from Ranong).

• Relax on Ao Khao Kwai (Buffalo Bay) and Ao Yai (Long Beach).

• Explore the mangrove forest and visit Ao Kao Kwai (Buffalo Bay) viewpoint.

• Enjoy the serene and less crowded island atmosphere.

Day 15-17: Langkawi, Malaysia

• Travel to Langkawi.

• Explore Langkawi Sky Bridge and visit Tanjung Rhu Beach.

• Take a cable car ride for panoramic views.

Sunset from Ao Yai (Long Beach), Koh Phayam

Week 3: Malaysia - Georgetown, Perhentian Islands, and Singapore

Day 18-19: Georgetown, Penang

• Explore street art in Georgetown and visit Clan Jetties.

• Try local dishes at Penang Hawker Centers.

Day 20-21: Perhentian Islands

• Travel to Kuala Besut and take a boat to the Perhentian Islands.

• Snorkel, dive, or relax on the pristine beaches.

• Enjoy the laid-back island atmosphere.

• Do fit in a trip to Kuala Lumpur if you can!

Day 22-24: Singapore

There’s much more to explore here than you’d think (I lived here for 2 years so get in touch if you’d like my free guide).

• Explore Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and Sentosa Island.

• Visit Chinatown, Little India, and Orchard Road for shopping.

• Enjoy local cuisine at hawker centers.

• Walk and hike around Mount Faber and the Southern Ridges.

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore (the one with the rooftop pool!)

We hope you found this useful and a good starting point to plan your trip. Get in touch if you have any other 3-week trip recommendations, or if you need help with planning your own.