Thailand Trip from India: Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi and Chiang Mai in 7 Days (Visa, Budget and Veg Food)

A Thailand trip from India often begins with a late-night flight and ends with a sunrise you will never forget. You land in Bangkok in the small hours, sleep for a few hours, and by mid-morning you are standing on the riverbank as a long-tail boat roars past and the porcelain-covered spires of Wat Arun glitter across the Chao Phraya. Three days later you are floating in the emerald water of a limestone bay, and the only decision left is whether to have mango sticky rice or coconut ice cream first.

Thailand is the most popular international destination for Indian travellers, and it is easy to see why. Flights are short, around four hours from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru or Chennai. Entry is visa-free. Hotels, food and transport are good value. And the country combines a world-class city, idyllic islands, jungle-covered mountains and a deeply spiritual Buddhist culture in a single trip. It also works for every kind of traveller: honeymooners, families with children, friends on a first trip abroad and older parents.

This guide covers everything you need: entry rules, the best time to visit, a 7-day itinerary, how to choose between Phuket and Krabi, where Indian vegetarians can eat well, what the trip really costs, and the scams and mistakes to avoid.

Visa and entry rules for Indians

Thailand currently allows Indian passport holders to visit visa-free for tourism, with the permitted stay recently shortened to 30 days. Before arrival, every traveller must complete the online Thailand Digital Arrival Card. Carry a passport valid for at least six months, a return ticket, hotel bookings and proof of funds; immigration officers can ask for them. Thailand's entry rules have changed several times in recent years, so check the official Thai embassy website a few weeks before you fly.

Best time for a Thailand trip from India

• November to February (cool season): the best time for most of the country, with sunny days, lower humidity and calm seas on the Andaman coast around Phuket and Krabi. It is also peak season, so book early.
• March to May (hot season): very hot, often 35°C and above, but good value. Thai New Year, Songkran, in mid-April turns the country into a giant water fight.
• June to October (rainy season): short, heavy showers, green landscapes and the lowest prices. The Andaman coast can be rough, while the Gulf islands such as Koh Samui are often drier from June to August.

For Indian school holidays in May and June, consider Bangkok and the Gulf coast. For Diwali and Christmas, the Andaman coast is at its best.

A 7-day Thailand itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok

Most flights from India arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Transfer to your hotel, rest, and in the evening take a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River or visit a rooftop bar for views of the city lights.

Day 2: Temples, the river and shopping in Bangkok

Start early at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, home of the revered Emerald Buddha. Walk to Wat Pho, famous for its 46-metre gold reclining Buddha and its traditional Thai massage school. Take the short ferry across the river to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. In the afternoon, shop at MBK Centre, Pratunam or Siam Paragon, and in the evening visit a night market.

Day 3: A day trip from Bangkok

Choose between the Damnoen Saduak floating market, where vendors sell fruit and snacks from wooden boats, the ancient capital of Ayutthaya with its ruined temples, or Safari World and its marine park, which children love. Families with young children may prefer a relaxed day at SEA LIFE Bangkok and the Dream World theme park.

Day 4: Fly to Phuket or Krabi

Take a one-hour domestic flight to Phuket or Krabi. In Phuket, stay at Patong for nightlife, Kata or Karon for families, or quieter Kamala and Mai Khao for couples. In Krabi, Ao Nang is the main base, with long-tail boats to nearby beaches. Spend the evening on the beach or at a night market.

Day 5: Island hopping to Phi Phi

Join a speedboat or ferry tour to the Phi Phi Islands. Snorkel in crystal-clear water, visit Pileh Lagoon, and see Maya Bay, the stunning cove made famous by the film The Beach. Maya Bay was closed for several years to allow its coral to recover and now has strict visitor limits and no swimming in the bay itself. Tours depart from both Phuket and Krabi.

Day 6: Railay Beach or James Bond Island

From Krabi, take a long-tail boat to Railay Beach, reachable only by sea because of the cliffs that cut it off from the mainland. Swim, kayak or watch rock climbers. From Phuket, take a tour to Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island, with sea canoeing through caves and lagoons. In the evening, enjoy a Thai cultural show or a quiet seafood dinner by the beach.

Day 7: Relax and fly home

Spend the morning by the pool or on the beach, get a Thai massage, pick up souvenirs, and fly back to India via Bangkok or directly from Phuket, which has flights to several Indian cities.

Phuket or Krabi: which is better?

• Choose Phuket for more hotel choice, nightlife, shopping, family attractions and direct flights to India.
• Choose Krabi for quieter beaches, more dramatic limestone scenery, rock climbing and a slower pace.
• Do both if you have 8 to 10 days: they are about two hours apart by ferry or road.

Adding Chiang Mai

With three extra days, fly north to Chiang Mai, Thailand's cultural capital in the mountains. Visit the golden temple of Doi Suthep overlooking the city, the walled old town with more than 100 temples, the Sunday walking street market, and an ethical elephant sanctuary where the animals are not ridden. The cool season from November to February is the best time, and the Yi Peng lantern festival, usually in November, is magical.

Vegetarian and Indian food in Thailand

Thailand is easier for Indian vegetarians than many people expect. Bangkok, Phuket and Krabi all have dozens of Indian restaurants, including pure vegetarian and Jain options, especially around Sukhumvit and Pratunam in Bangkok and Patong in Phuket. For Thai food, look for the yellow flags with red lettering that mark jay restaurants, which serve Buddhist vegetarian food without meat, fish sauce, onion or garlic. Useful phrases are kin jay, "I eat vegetarian", and mai sai nam pla, "no fish sauce".

Try vegetable pad thai without egg or fish sauce, green curry with tofu, som tam papaya salad made without fish sauce, fresh fruit shakes, and of course mango sticky rice. 7-Eleven stores everywhere sell snacks, sandwiches and drinks, useful for quick breakfasts.

How much does a Thailand trip from India cost?

• Return flights: typically ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 per person from major Indian cities, more during festivals and school holidays.
• Domestic flight Bangkok to Phuket or Krabi: ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 per person one way.
• Hotels: ₹2,500 to ₹5,000 per night for good budget hotels; ₹6,000 to ₹15,000 for four-star resorts; more for luxury beach resorts.
• Food: ₹1,000 to ₹2,500 per person per day.
• Tours: Phi Phi island tours typically cost ₹3,000 to ₹6,000 per person; city tours and shows ₹2,000 to ₹5,000.
• Local transport: use Grab or Bolt apps for fair taxi prices; the BTS Skytrain and MRT in Bangkok are cheap and fast.

A comfortable 7-day trip typically costs ₹55,000 to ₹90,000 per person including flights, mid-range hotels, food and tours.

Practical tips

• Dress modestly at temples. Cover shoulders and knees at the Grand Palace and other temples; sarongs can be rented at the entrance.
• Respect the monarchy. Criticising the Thai royal family is a serious criminal offence.
• Use ride-hailing apps. Grab and Bolt avoid haggling with taxi and tuk-tuk drivers.
• Get a local SIM or eSIM at the airport for maps and ride apps.
• Carry some cash. Street food and markets prefer baht; exchange rates at local money changers are usually better than at the airport.
• Stay hydrated and use sunscreen. The tropical sun is strong year-round.
• Choose ethical animal experiences. Avoid elephant rides and tiger photo attractions; visit sanctuaries that let animals roam.

A little Thai culture before you go

Thailand is known as the "Land of Smiles", and a little cultural knowledge goes a long way. The traditional greeting is the wai, palms pressed together at chest level with a slight bow, very similar to the Indian namaste. The head is considered sacred, so never touch anyone's head, including children's, and the feet are considered lowly, so do not point them at people or Buddha images. Women should not touch Buddhist monks or hand objects directly to them. Thai people value staying calm and polite; raising your voice or losing your temper in public causes embarrassment and rarely gets results. A smile and a patient khop khun kha or khop khun krap, "thank you", will open doors everywhere.

Many Indian visitors are surprised by how familiar parts of Thai culture feel. The Thai national epic, the Ramakien, is based on the Ramayana, and its scenes are painted along the walls of the Grand Palace. Hindu gods such as Brahma, Ganesha and Indra are honoured at shrines across Bangkok, including the famous Erawan Shrine near Siam, and even the name of Bangkok's airport, Suvarnabhumi, comes from Sanskrit.

Getting around Thailand

• Domestic flights: low-cost airlines connect Bangkok with Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui in about an hour. Book early for the best fares and check baggage allowances, which are often small on the cheapest tickets.
• In Bangkok: the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway avoid the city's notorious traffic. River express boats on the Chao Phraya are cheap and scenic, and stop near the Grand Palace and Wat Arun.
• Ride-hailing apps: Grab and Bolt work in all major tourist areas and show the price before you book.
• Ferries and speedboats: connect Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi and the islands. Book through your hotel or a reputable operator and check life jackets.
• Tuk-tuks: fun for a short ride, but agree the price before you get in.

Thailand with children

Thailand is excellent for families. In Bangkok, children love SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World, KidZania, the Safari World marine park and Dream World. In Phuket, calm beaches such as Kata and Karon, the Phuket Aquarium, water parks and elephant sanctuaries are family favourites. Many resorts have kids' clubs, family rooms and pools with slides. Pack sunscreen and hats, keep children hydrated, and plan rest time in the afternoon when the heat is strongest.

Thailand honeymoon ideas

• Book a private pool villa in Phuket, Krabi or Koh Samui.
• Take a sunset cruise around Phang Nga Bay or Phi Phi.
• Enjoy a couple's Thai massage or spa day.
• Have a candlelit dinner on the beach.
• Add Chiang Mai for cooler mountains, temples and the lantern festival.

What to pack

• Light cotton clothes, swimwear, a sarong or scarf for temples, and comfortable sandals.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and insect repellent.
• A light rain jacket or umbrella in the rainy season.
• A universal adapter; Thailand uses several plug types.
• Any medicines you need, with prescriptions, and a small first-aid kit.
• A waterproof phone pouch for island tours.

Scams and mistakes to avoid

The "Grand Palace is closed" scam. A friendly stranger tells you the palace is closed and offers a cheap tuk-tuk tour, which ends at gem and tailor shops. The palace is almost always open; walk to the gate and check.

Jet ski damage scams. Some beach operators claim you damaged a jet ski and demand large payments. Photograph equipment before renting, or skip it.

Overpacking the itinerary. Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi and Chiang Mai in seven days means spending most of the trip in transit. Pick two or three bases.

Ignoring the season. The Andaman sea can be rough from June to October, and some island tours are cancelled.

Drinking and driving scooters. Road accidents are a leading cause of injury among tourists. Wear a helmet, carry an international driving permit, and avoid riding if inexperienced.

Who a Thailand trip suits

Honeymooners love the private pool villas of Phuket and Krabi, sunset cruises and spa treatments. Families enjoy Bangkok's theme parks, aquariums and safe beaches like Kata. Friends come for island hopping, nightlife and shopping. Older parents enjoy temples, river cruises and relaxed resorts. Thailand's variety is its greatest strength.

Plan your Thailand trip with The Vacation Code

A Thailand trip from India is the perfect first international holiday: close, colourful, easy and full of variety. Our team can build a Thailand itinerary around your dates, budget and food preferences. If Southeast Asia is calling, also look at our Vietnam Group Tour and our Bali Honeymoon package, read our guide to visa free countries for Indians, or browse all our international tours.

Frequently asked questions

Is Thailand visa free for Indians?

Yes. Thailand currently allows Indian passport holders to visit visa free for tourism, with the permitted stay recently shortened to 30 days. You must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card before arrival.

How much does a 7-day Thailand trip from India cost?

A comfortable 7-day trip typically costs 55,000 to 90,000 rupees per person including return flights, mid-range hotels, food and tours. Budget travellers can spend less, and luxury resorts cost more.

What is the best time for a Thailand trip from India?

November to February is the best time, with sunny weather and calm seas around Phuket and Krabi. The rainy season from June to October is cheaper but the Andaman sea can be rough.

Is Phuket or Krabi better for a honeymoon?

Phuket has more luxury resorts, nightlife and direct flights, while Krabi is quieter with more dramatic scenery. Many couples split their time between both.

Is vegetarian food available in Thailand?

Yes. There are many Indian restaurants in Bangkok, Phuket and Krabi, including pure vegetarian and Jain options. Look for yellow jay flags for Thai Buddhist vegetarian food and ask for no fish sauce.

How many days are enough for Thailand?

Seven days is enough for Bangkok and one beach area such as Phuket or Krabi. With 10 days you can add Chiang Mai or a second beach base.

Can I use Indian rupees in Thailand?

No. You need Thai baht. Carry a forex card, a credit card and some US dollars or baht, and exchange money at local money changers for better rates than the airport.