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Thailand

The Land of Smiles Never Gets Old.

Temples at dawn, pad thai at midnight, and beaches that belong on a screensaver.

Thailand is where every type of traveller finds exactly what they came for. Backpackers fill Khao San Road; couples disappear to private beaches in the Andaman; foodies eat their way through Bangkok's street-food labyrinth; trekkers head north to Chiang Mai's mountain temples. What ties it all together is the warmth — a genuine, deeply cultural hospitality that has made Thailand one of the world's most visited countries for good reason. From the gilded spires of Bangkok to the karst limestone towers of Phang Nga Bay, Thailand rewards every kind of traveller at every kind of budget.

Best For

Solo · Couples · Families · Budget

Duration

10–14 Days

Best Season

November – February

Visa

Visa on Arrival / e-Visa

Capital City

Bangkok

Province / Country

Kingdom of Thailand

Bangkok is a city of controlled chaos and quiet grace — where monks collect alms at dawn on streets that host rooftop bars by night. The Grand Palace and Wat Pho sit beside some of Asia's best street food; the Chao Phraya river connects ancient temples to glass skyscrapers. Bangkok rewards the curious: the more you explore beyond the tourist circuit, the more the city reveals.

Must-Know

What Thailand Is Famous For

The experiences, landscapes and moments that define a trip here.

Iconic

Grand Palace & Wat Pho

Bangkok's most spectacular complex — 200,000 sq metres of gilded halls, emerald-studded temples and ornate Khmer-style towers that served as Thailand's royal seat for 150 years. Across the road, Wat Pho houses the famous 46-metre reclining Buddha and Thailand's original massage school.

Beaches

Phi Phi Islands

Dramatic limestone karsts rising from turquoise Andaman water — the Phi Phi archipelago became globally famous as the setting for 'The Beach', and the reality is even more beautiful than the film. Maya Bay is the jewel, best visited at dawn before the tour boats arrive.

Chiang Mai Temples & Night Market

Thailand's northern capital moves at a completely different pace — 300 Buddhist temples in the old city walls, mountain tribe villages an hour outside, ethical elephant sanctuaries in the jungle, and a night market that spreads through the old city every Sunday.

Bangkok Street Food Scene

Bangkok's street food is consistently ranked among the world's best — Yaowarat (Chinatown) for crab fried rice and roast duck; Sukhumvit Soi 38 for pad thai and mango sticky rice; Victory Monument for boat noodles. A Michelin-starred city where the best meal costs ₹150.

Floating Markets

Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa floating markets — vendors selling fresh fruit, pad thai and coconut pancakes from wooden longtail boats on canal networks. The Amphawa weekend market doubles as a firefly cruise at night and is far less touristy than Damnoen Saduak.

Beaches

Krabi & Railay Beach

Railay Beach is only accessible by longtail boat — sheer limestone cliffs trap a crescent of white sand and emerald water that has no road access. The rock climbing above it is world-class; the sunsets, with the karsts turning pink, are among Thailand's finest.

Take Home

What to Shop in Thailand

From artisan workshops to open-air markets — things worth packing an extra bag for.

🧶

Thai Silk & Cotton

Thai silk — with its distinctive two-toned iridescent sheen — is among the finest in the world. Jim Thompson Thai Silk is the premium brand; local markets in Chiang Mai and the Chatuchak Weekend Market sell handwoven cotton from hill tribes at far better prices.

💆

Thai Herbal Products

Aromatic balms, jasmine oil, lemongrass soaps and herbal compress balls (used in Thai massage) make wonderful gifts. Doi Kham and Herb Basics are reliable Thai brands; Chiang Mai's night markets have excellent independent producers at local prices.

🪆

Handmade Celadon Ceramics

Chiang Mai's celadon ceramics — jade-green glazed pottery with carved patterns — are one of Thailand's finest crafts. The Celadon House in Chiang Mai lets you watch artisans at work before buying directly from the workshop.

🐘

Elephant-themed Crafts

Handmade elephant figurines, bags and jewellery supporting ethical elephant sanctuaries make guilt-free souvenirs. Look for items sold directly by sanctuaries rather than generic tourist shops — the quality and origin story are both better.

Explore

Top Attractions in Thailand

The places everyone tells you to visit — and they're right.

01 · Must Visit

Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

Thailand's most sacred site and most spectacular complex — the Grand Palace's gilded halls and the Emerald Buddha inside Wat Phra Kaew are the spiritual centre of the Thai kingdom. Go at opening (8:30am) before the crowds; dress modestly (covered shoulders and ankles required).

02 · Beaches

Phi Phi Islands & Maya Bay

Limestone pinnacles rising from turquoise Andaman water — the Phi Phi archipelago delivers some of Thailand's most dramatic island scenery. Maya Bay, the cove made famous by The Beach, now has timed entry to protect its reef; the boat ride there through the karst landscape is half the experience.

03 · Culture & Food

Chiang Mai Old City & Night Bazaar

Thailand's most liveable city, surrounded by mountains and packed with over 300 temples within the old moat walls. The Sunday Walking Street (Wualai Road) is one of Southeast Asia's finest night markets; the elephant sanctuaries an hour outside the city are unmissable.

🐘

Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries, Chiang Mai

Spend half a day feeding, bathing and walking with rescued elephants at sanctuaries that prioritise animal welfare over rides — Elephant Nature Park and Patara are the gold standards.

🤿

Koh Tao Diving

Thailand's diving capital — some of the cheapest PADI certifications in the world, warm clear water, resident whale sharks and a backpacker scene that somehow makes even bad weather fun.

🛶

Khao Yai National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage jungle 2 hours from Bangkok — hornbills, gibbons, wild elephants and dramatic waterfalls, largely undiscovered by international tourists.

🌅

Doi Inthanon National Park

Thailand's highest peak (2,565m) has a cool climate year-round, Hmong hill tribe villages, twin royal chedis and stunning waterfalls — the country's best day trip from Chiang Mai.

🛕

Ayutthaya Historical Park

A UNESCO World Heritage city of crumbling prang towers and headless Buddha statues from Thailand's 14th–18th century golden age — a day trip from Bangkok that puts the kingdom's history into powerful perspective.

🌊

Koh Lanta & Koh Chang

Thailand's calmer islands — Koh Lanta for quiet beaches and good diving on the Andaman coast; Koh Chang for jungle waterfalls and mangroves on the Gulf of Thailand side.

Taste & Culture

Food, Rituals & Thailand's Soul

Eat with your hands. Watch the ceremony. Understand why people keep coming back.

Theravada BuddhismSongkran FestivalLoy KrathongMuay ThaiThai Classical DanceRoyal FamilyHill Tribe VillagesMonk Ordination

“Thailand doesn't need to market itself as spiritual. You feel it the moment a monk passes at dawn, incense drifting from the nearest temple, and the city goes quiet for just a second.”

Pad Thai

Thailand's most famous dish needs no introduction — rice noodles stir-fried with egg, tofu or shrimp, tamarind, fish sauce and lime, topped with crushed peanuts and bean sprouts. The version from a Bangkok street cart (especially Jay Fai's, with a Michelin star) is wildly different from what you've had at home.

Tom Yum Goong

Thailand's iconic hot-and-sour prawn soup — a broth electric with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal and bird's-eye chilli that clears sinuses and deepens flavour simultaneously. The version with coconut milk (Tom Kha) is gentler but equally addictive.

Mango Sticky Rice

Thailand's greatest dessert — glutinous rice steamed in coconut cream, served warm beside chilled ripe mango and drizzled with salted coconut sauce. Found at street carts throughout Thailand, it's best in April when the mangoes peak.

Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad)

Shredded green papaya pounded in a mortar with palm sugar, fish sauce, lime, dried shrimp and bird's-eye chillies — punchy, crunchy, sweet, sour and numbingly hot all at once. Order 'pet nit noi' (a little spicy) unless you're ready for the real heat.

Khao Man Gai (Thai Chicken Rice)

Poached chicken over rice cooked in chicken fat and broth, served with ginger-chilli sauce and a bowl of broth — Thailand's answer to Hainanese chicken rice and arguably the more comforting version. A Bangkok breakfast institution at places like Kuay Jab Nai Ek.

Before You Go

Essential Facts

Everything an Indian traveller needs before booking a Thailand trip.

Getting There

✈️

3–4 hrs direct

Non-stop from major Indian cities

Weather

🌤️

28–35°C; cooler Nov–Feb, rainy Jun–Oct

Budget / Couple

💳

₹60K–1.2L / couple / week

Flights, hotels & activities included

Visa for Indians

🛂

Visa on Arrival (free, 30 days) or e-Visa

Traveller Questions

Thailand — Frequently Asked Questions

Real questions from Indian travellers, answered by our Thailand experts.

Do Indians need a visa to travel to Thailand?

No. Indian passport holders can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days as of 2025. However, all arrivals must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before travel — mandatory from May 1, 2025.

How long is the flight from Bangalore to Thailand?

Direct flights from Bangalore (BLR) to Bangkok take approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours. IndiGo, Air India, and Thai Airways operate this route daily. Return tickets typically cost ₹12,000–20,000.

What is the total cost of a 7-day Thailand trip from Bangalore?

A 7-day budget trip costs around ₹35,000–55,000 per person (including flights). Mid-range is ₹60,000–1,00,000, and luxury is ₹1,20,000+. Trripah offers customised packages starting from ₹42,999.

What is the best time to visit Thailand from India?

November to February is the best period — cool, dry, and perfect for beaches and sightseeing across Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. March to May is very hot, and June to October is monsoon season with cheaper prices.

What currency should I carry to Thailand?

Thailand uses the Thai Baht (THB). Convert INR to THB through authorised forex dealers before departure. Carry 20–30% in cash (at least 5,000–8,000 THB) and the rest on a forex card.

Is Thailand safe for Indian tourists?

Yes, Thailand is very safe for Indian tourists. Use licensed taxis or Grab, avoid unlicensed currency exchange booths, and be aware of common tourist scams like inflated tuk-tuk rides to jewellery shops.

Ready to Go?