Riya Kapoor
Southeast Asia Travel Writer
Thailand is one of the easiest and most rewarding international destinations for Indian travellers — no advance visa required, direct flights from major Indian cities, affordable prices, incredible food, and a staggering range of experiences from gilded temples to turquoise island lagoons. Here's everything you need to plan the perfect Thailand trip.
Best Time to Visit Thailand
Thailand's **cool and dry season (November–February)** is the best time to visit — pleasant temperatures (25–32°C), minimal rain, calm seas on both the Gulf and Andaman coasts. March–May is hot (35–40°C) but manageable with beaches and resorts. The **wet season (June–October)** brings heavy rains and rough seas on the Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi), though Koh Samui on the Gulf coast stays relatively dry until November.
Pro Tip
December–January is peak season — book flights 3–4 months ahead and expect beach resorts to be at full capacity. Songkran (Thai New Year, mid-April) is a unique water festival worth experiencing if you don't mind getting drenched.
8-Day Thailand Itinerary
Day-by-Day Plan
| Day | Base | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Bangkok | Arrive, Khao San Road, street food dinner |
| Day 2 | Bangkok | Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho (reclining Buddha), Chao Phraya river boat |
| Day 3 | Bangkok | Chatuchak Weekend Market, rooftop bar at sunset, Chinatown Yaowarat |
| Day 4 | Phuket | Fly to Phuket (1h), Patong Beach, evening seafood at Rawai |
| Day 5 | Phi Phi Islands | Full-day island-hopping: Maya Bay, Blue Lagoon, snorkelling |
| Day 6 | Krabi / Railay | Longtail boat to Railay Beach, rock climbing or kayaking in mangroves |
| Day 7 | Phuket | Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island), Sea Cave kayaking, Big Buddha |
| Day 8 | Bangkok | Fly back to Bangkok, shopping, evening flight home |
Visa for Indians
As of 2024, Indian passport holders receive a **free visa exemption for 60 days** in Thailand — no advance visa required. Simply arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi or Phuket International Airport with a valid passport, confirmed return ticket, and hotel booking. This policy replaced the earlier visa-on-arrival system.
Budget Guide
Daily Cost in Thailand
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $10–25 (hostel/guesthouse) | $50–120 (hotel) | $150–400 (resort) |
| Meals | $8–15/day | $20–50/day | $60–150/day |
| Transport | $5–15/day | $15–40/day | $50–120/day |
| Activities | $15–30/day | $40–80/day | $100–250/day |
| Total (approx ₹) | ₹3,000–7,000/day | ₹12,000–25,000/day | ₹30,000–75,000/day |
Thailand Food Guide
- **Pad Thai** — stir-fried rice noodles with egg, bean sprouts, peanuts; try it from street carts (30–50 Baht)
- **Tom Yum Goong** — hot & sour prawn soup; deeply flavourful
- **Green/Red Curry** — creamy coconut curries with jasmine rice; mild to fiery spice levels
- **Mango Sticky Rice** — glutinous rice with fresh mango and coconut cream; unmissable dessert
- **Khao Pad** — fried rice Thai-style; the perfect budget meal at any streetside restaurant
- **Som Tum** — green papaya salad; tangy, crunchy, and refreshing