Phuket
Ultimate Guide to Exploring Thailand: Culture, Adventure, and Relaxation for Every Traveler
Author: Alka
Do you know why Thailand is so popular among Indians? Let’s head to Thailand, not for a typical bachelor trip but for its rich culture, unique adventures, and moments for relaxation. If planned well, a trip to Thailand- a captivating Southeast Asian country historically known as Siam and never colonized- can cost you less than a gateway to Goa. Curious how? Dive into this blog for all the details!
1. Bangkok: Combine adventure, wildlife, and delicious food into one experience as you visit Bangkok- the capital city of Thailand for
- Safari World Tour & Dinner Cruise: Start your adventure at Safari World, one of Bangkok’s most popular wildlife parks divided into Safari and Marine Park with a combo ticket of Rs.2,300 to experience the animal kingdom. Be on time so you don’t miss anything and it all begins from 10 in the morning . Explore various shows and exhibits featuring dolphins, lions, birds, and orangutans.
- Dinner Cruise: After a day of adventure, set sail on the Chao Phraya River for a memorable dinner Cruise with a sunset view, traditional Thai dishes like Tom Yum Soup and Pad Thai, and an assortment of fresh seafood starting at just Rs.3,000.
- Iconic Temple Tour: Embark on a spiritual and cultural journey through Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks such as Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and Wat Saket. Combine your visit, start your day early at the Grand Palace to explore its grandeur, and then take a short tuk-tuk ride to Wat Pho where you can marvel at the Reclining Buddha and rejuvenate with a traditional massage. Cross the Chao Phraya River to visit Wat Arun, where you can climb the central tower and enjoy lunch at a nearby riverside cafe. Head to Wat Saket in the late afternoon for a peaceful climb and stunning sunset views.
- Siam Paragon Mall & Nightlife: The Mall is not just for shopping- it’s a lifestyle destination for luxury, and entertainment under one roof. Don’t miss the tech stores and bookshops for exclusive finds. You can also visit Siam Ocean World- the largest aquarium located in the basement of the mall, featuring marine creatures. Arrive early, especially on weekends, and use the BST Skytrain and alight at Siam Station for direct access to the mall. After a luxurious day, it’s time to dive into Bangkok’s legendary nightlife in a lively nightclub or a relaxing jazz bar, depending upon your vibe. Some options to explore are Nana Plaza, Khaosan, and Soi Cowboy with prices starting at Rs.3,000.
2. Pattaya Tour: From Bangkok, head towards Pattaya- another dynamic city in Thailand with top attractions such as:
- Pattaya Beach: This lively 4-kilometer stretch is ideal for water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides. Stroll along the beachfront promenade, grab a light meal from one of the nearby cafes, or try local street food like grilled seafood and spicy papaya salad. End your day by watching the sunset over Pattaya Bay.
- Coral Island Adventure: Take a speedboat or ferry to Coral Island (Koh Island) where you can spend your morning lounging on the pristine beaches or diving into exciting activities such as Snorkeling or scuba diving. Continue exploring the island or relax in the shade with a refreshing coconut drink and return to Pattaya.
- Floating Market & Art in Paradise: Start with Pattaya Floating Market, which offers handmade souvenirs and authentic snacks, as well as a cultural dance and martial arts demonstrations. In the afternoon you can visit Art in Paradise, a 3D art museum perfect for interactive photo opportunities featuring optic illusions and lifelike paintings.
3. Phuket Tour: Here are the top attractions of this city in Thailand:
- Big Budhha and ATV Adventure: Head to the iconic Big Budhha, a 45-meter-tall marble statue offering stunning panoramic views of Phuket. Don’t forget to take pictures of the incredible views of Chalong Bay and the surrounding areas. It’s time to gear up for an ATV adventure through lush forests and rugged terrain as you choose a tour that includes viewpoints and off-road tracks for an adrenaline-filled experience.
- Phi-Phi Island: Take a ferry to Phi-Phi Island, one of Thailand’s most famous island groups where you can visit the Maya Bay, made famous by the movie The Beach, or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Pileh Lagoon. Enjoy a buffet lunch at a beachfront restaurant on Phi Phi Don, the largest island in the group and then you can continue exploring the spots like Monkey Beach and Viking Cave. For nightlife, you can head to Patong Beach and end your tour with a relaxed dinner with ocean views.
- Phuket Old Town: Phuket Old Town, is a charming area known for its Sino-Portuguese architecture and colorful shophouses. Stroll through streets like Thalang Road and Dibuk Road, exploring art galleries and quaint cafes. You can stop by the Thai Hua Museum to learn about Phuket’s rich history.
4. Krabi Tour: Start your tour early as places in Krabi city are far away from each other. It’s advised to get ready by 6 a.m for your day tour at these places:
- Klong Beach: Prefer starting your tour with Klong Beach for a peaceful start as it’s less crowded here and you can relax and unwind yourself after your journey. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the golden sands and take in the stunning views of the Andaman Sea. Watch the sunset over the beach and enjoy a quiet dinner.
- Emerald Pool and Hot Spring Adventure: Head to Emerald Pool (Sa Morakat), a natural freshwater pool located in the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park where you can trek through the lush rainforest to reach the pool and swim in the crystal-clear waters to enjoy the tranquility. You can also visit the nearby Hot Springs Waterfall in the same area to relax in the naturally heated mineral water pool, believed to have therapeutic properties.
- Tiger Cave Temple: Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua), is one of Krabi’s most famous landmarks where you need to climb the 1,237 steps to the summit for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Explore the temple grounds and learn about its cultural and spiritual significance.Ko Samui is another island that is becoming quite popular among Indians these days. If you want something off-beat, you should definitely add this to your itinerary!
CONCLUSION
2025 is all about venturing beyond the ordinary, and Thailand offers the perfect mix where you can just dive into its rich cultural heritage, indulge in mouthwatering Thai cuisine, and explore iconic landmarks. It’s a destination that promises unique experiences, making it a top choice for Indians planning their first international trip. Thailand is truly a gateway to explore the extraordinary and if relaxation is on your agenda- then start planning your adventure and embark on this unforgettable journey!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Tip: Booking your safari or island tour directly with local guides or taxi drivers can often result in great discounts, making it a more affordable and an easy, yet authentic travel experience!
1. How to Reach?
Flights remain the most practical option for travelers starting from India, while buses and trains are excellent for exploring Southeast Asia.
- By Flights: From India, there are direct flights available to Thailand with a flight duration of 3-4 hours depending upon your departure city. There are two international airports in Thailand located in Bangkok- Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Muang Airport. From Kolkata, you will get flights at a much cheaper rate than other major cities, so you can consider it and book your tickets in advance to avoid the hassle.
- By Train: While there is no direct train from India, you can take a train from Malaysia, Cambodia, or Laos to Thailand, which is much more convenient for those already in the Southeast region of Asia.
- By Bus: Buses connect Thailand with its neighboring countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Myanmar with an affordable ticket and can be booked online or at local bus stations.
2. Local Transport
In Thailand, you have a variety of transport options to choose from ranging from trains, buses, tuk-tuks, boats, or rental vehicles for travelers. However, sharing taxis and rental vehicles are considered the best options among others to explore Thailand. Just ensure before opting for a rental vehicle you make a video of its condition before using it and have an international driving permit (IDP) with you, and with taxis ensure the driver uses the meter or agrees on a fare before you start your journey.
3. Visa and other important information
- You will get your visa-on-arrival once you reach Bangkok airport with a validity of 15 days with a fee of Rs.5,000 alongwith your necessary documents such as passport, return tickets, accommodation proof, a passport-sized photo, and extra sufficient funds of Rs.25,000 for solo travelers and Rs.50,000 for family.
- You can also apply for e-Visa through Thailand’s official eVisa portal to avoid long queues at the airport with a fee of Rs.7,000.
- The official currency of Thailand is Thai Baht(THB), exchange your currency in India only and carry cash with you as a card or ATM have additional international withdrawal fees applied to it.
- Buy a SIM card at the airport for easy activation at just Rs.500-700 for 10 days.
4. Accommodation
- Standard options: Julie Guesthouse, NapPark Hostel, and Slumber Party Hostel
- Deluxe option: Amara Bangkok, Tamarind Village, and The Phu Beach Hotel
- Luxury options: The Siam(Bangkok), Four Season Resort, and Anantara Mai Khao
5.Places to Eat
Thailand caters to every diet preference from street food to fine dining, here are some places to eat for vegetarians, non-vegetarians, and vegans.
- Vegetarian option: May Kaidee (Bangkok, Chiang Mai)
- Non-vegetarian option: Soi 38 Night Market
- Vegan option: Broccoli Revolution (Bangkok)
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