- Best time
- November to March
- Ideal trip
- 6 days / 5 nights
- Fly or arrive at
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Phuket (HKT)
Thailand rewards a simple plan: a city, then the sea. Two or three nights in Bangkok for temples, food and markets, then three nights on the Andaman coast in Phuket or Krabi. With more time, Chiang Mai in the north adds mountains, old temples and a quieter pace.
Bangkok in two or three days
Start at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, then walk to Wat Pho for the reclining Buddha and cross the river to Wat Arun. Temples need covered shoulders and knees. Evenings are for rooftop views, night markets and a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya.
Weekend visitors should not miss the Chatuchak market. Families often add Safari World, and Pattaya is about two hours away if you want a beach close to the city, though the islands in the south are prettier.
Phuket or Krabi?
Phuket is bigger, with more hotels, nightlife and shopping; Patong is busy, while Kata and Karon are calmer. Krabi is quieter, with limestone cliffs around Ao Nang and Railay beach, which is reached only by boat. From either side you can take a boat day to the Phi Phi islands or Phang Nga Bay.
Visa and entry
Thailand has allowed visa-free entry for Indian passport holders in recent years, but the permitted length of stay and the arrival formalities, including an online arrival card, have changed several times. We confirm the current rules when you book and send you the forms to complete before you fly.
What to eat
Pad thai, green curry, tom yum soup and mango sticky rice are the classics, and street food is part of the trip. Vegetarians can ask for 'jay' food, and Indian restaurants are easy to find in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket.
Best time to visit Thailand
November to March is cool and dry and the most popular time. April is the hottest month, and mid-April brings Songkran, the countrywide water festival. May to October is the rainy season; the Andaman side around Phuket and Krabi gets rough seas then, while the Gulf islands such as Koh Samui see most rain later, around October to December.
Sample itinerary (6 days / 5 nights)
Day 1
Arrive in Bangkok
Check in, evening at a night market.
Day 2
Temples and river
Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, river cruise.
Day 3
Fly to Phuket or Krabi
Short domestic flight, beach sunset.
Day 4
Island boat day
Phi Phi islands or Phang Nga Bay.
Day 5
Beach day
Free day, spa, or Railay by longtail boat.
Day 6
Departure
Fly home via Bangkok or direct where available.
Good to know before you go
- Choose elephant sanctuaries that do not offer riding or shows.
- Use metered taxis or ride-hailing apps in Bangkok; agree tuk-tuk prices first.
- Island boat trips can be cancelled in rough weather, so keep one spare day.
Thailand trip questions
Is Thailand good for a first trip abroad?
Yes. Flights are short, hotels are good value and tourist areas are easy to get around.
Bangkok and Pattaya or Bangkok and Phuket?
Pattaya is close and easy for a short trip. Phuket or Krabi needs a flight but has much better beaches and island trips.
How many days do I need for Thailand?
Five or six nights covers Bangkok and one beach area. Add three nights for Chiang Mai.
