Why Thailand is still the best value international trip from India
Thailand has been the "easiest" international trip for Indian travellers for years — visa-free, cheap internal flights, incredible food, stunning beaches, and more culture per square kilometre than almost anywhere. But most people only see Bangkok and Phuket. This 10-day itinerary adds Chiang Mai, which completely changes the experience.
The three-zone route: Bangkok (2–3 days) → Chiang Mai (3 days) → Islands (3–4 days). This is the order that makes logistical sense for Indian flights too, since most direct routes land in Bangkok.
💡 Visa tip for Indians (2026)
India now has visa-free entry to Thailand for up to 30 days. No visa on arrival fee. You need a return ticket and proof of accommodation for the first night.
Day-by-day itinerary
1–3
Bangkok — Temples, Street Food, Rooftops
Wat Phra Kaew, Chatuchak, Khao San Road, Asok nightlife
Day 1
Grand Palace & Wat Phra KaewThailand's most important temple complex. Arrive at 8 AM to beat the crowds and heat. Modest dress required (free cover-ups available). Entry ₹1,400. Allow 2.5 hrs.
Day 1
Wat Pho — Reclining BuddhaWalking distance from the Grand Palace. Houses the 46m reclining gold Buddha. Entry ₹270. Excellent traditional Thai massage school on-site (~₹600 for 30 min).
Day 1 Eve
Asiatique River Night MarketRiverside night market with food, shopping, a ferris wheel, and Bangkok's skyline behind you. Free entry. Budget ₹1,000 for food and a drink.
Day 2
Chatuchak Weekend MarketOne of the world's largest markets — 15,000 stalls. Clothes, art, antiques, street food. Go before noon. Budget 3–4 hrs and ₹2,000 spending money.
Day 2 Eve
Rooftop bar at Vertigo (Banyan Tree) or Sky Bar (Lebua)Bangkok's rooftop bar scene is some of the world's best. Budget ₹2,000–₹3,000 for drinks with the skyline. The views justify the price once.
Day 3
Fly to Chiang Mai (1 hr)AirAsia, Thai Lion, or Nok Air — ~₹1,200–₹2,000 return if booked 2–3 weeks ahead. Take an afternoon flight so you have the morning in Bangkok.
4–6
Chiang Mai — Temples, Jungle, Night Bazaar
Doi Suthep, elephant sanctuary, Sunday Walking Street
Day 4
Old City temples — Wat Chedi Luang & Wat Phra SinghThe old city is ringed by a moat and packed with ancient temples. Rent a bicycle (₹200/day) and explore at your own pace. Most temples free or ₹40 entry.
Day 4 Eve
Sunday Walking Street (or Night Bazaar)Chiang Mai's famous Sunday market runs 4–9 PM along Wualai Road. Hand-crafted goods, Chiang Mai silver, lanterns, and excellent street food. Visit Khao Soi (Northern Thai curry noodle) here.
Day 5
Ethical elephant sanctuary (Elephant Nature Park)The best way to experience elephants in Thailand without contributing to harmful industries. Full-day program ~₹4,500/person. Book 1 week ahead — it sells out. You feed and bathe rescue elephants.
Day 6
Doi Suthep temple & jungle hikeThe mountain temple above Chiang Mai with panoramic city views. 309 steps (or take the funicular). Take a half-day jungle trek in the afternoon from a reputable operator (~₹1,500/person).
Day 6 Eve
Fly to Krabi or Koh SamuiEvening flight south to the islands. Krabi → Railay Beach; Koh Samui → Chaweng Beach. Both are excellent — choose based on whether you want dramatic cliffs (Krabi) or bigger island energy (Samui).
7–10
Southern Islands — Beaches, Snorkelling, Longtail Boats
Railay Beach, Phi Phi Islands, or Koh Tao diving
Day 7
Arrive in Krabi — Railay BeachRailay is only accessible by longtail boat (30 min from Ao Nang, ~₹400 return). Surrounded by limestone cliffs. No cars. No ATMs. Bring cash. Absolutely worth it.
Day 8
Phi Phi Island day tripLongtail or speedboat tour from Krabi — Phi Phi Don, Maya Bay (Leo DiCaprio's "The Beach"), Monkey Beach. ~₹3,200/person including snorkel gear. Book a small-boat tour to avoid the crowds.
Day 9
Rock climbing or kayakingKrabi is one of the world's best rock climbing destinations. Half-day beginner course with guides on the limestone cliffs — ~₹2,200. Sea kayaking through caves and lagoons is equally stunning.
Day 10
Morning beach, fly home from KrabiLast swim, last coconut. Transfer to Krabi Airport. Direct flights to India or connect through Bangkok (faster and often cheaper).
Budget breakdown
| Category | Per person estimate |
|---|---|
| ✈️ Flights (India → Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Krabi → India) | ₹25,000–₹35,000 |
| 🏠 Accommodation (10 nights, mix of hostel + hotel) | ₹12,000–₹18,000 |
| 🍜 Food & drinks | ₹8,000–₹12,000 |
| 🛺 Transport (internal flights, tuk-tuks, longtails) | ₹7,000–₹10,000 |
| 🎫 Activities (temple, elephant, tours, snorkel) | ₹8,000–₹12,000 |
| 🛍️ Shopping | ₹3,000–₹5,000 |
| Total | ₹63,000–₹92,000 |
💡 Money tip: Thailand and Tripbae splits
Thailand uses THB, but group tours often charge in USD. Log all expenses in Tripbae in the original currency — it converts to INR at live rates. By the end of the trip, one tap tells your group exactly who owes what, in rupees.
Practical tips
- SIM card: Get AIS Tourist SIM at Bangkok airport. ₹700 for 30 days unlimited data. The best option.
- Currency: Withdraw THB from Bangkok Bank ATMs (lowest fees). Use Wise for better exchange rates.
- Temples: Cover knees and shoulders. Carry a scarf. Non-negotiable at major temples — they'll turn you away.
- Tuk-tuks: Fun experience, but always negotiate price before getting in. Or just use Grab (Thailand's Uber).
- Food safety: Street food is overwhelmingly safe — that's where the best food is. Trust the busy stalls.
- Scams: "Temple closed today, I know a special one" is the classic Bangkok scam. The Grand Palace is never closed. Walk away.
- Elephants: Only visit sanctuaries that explicitly don't allow riding. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai is the gold standard.