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Destination Guide

Thailand Tour Packages & Travel Guide

Plan a Thailand trip with MIT — Bangkok temples, Phuket and Krabi beaches, Phi Phi islands. Amazing Thailand specialist-trained. Get a quote.

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Thailand — travel guide by Mysore International Travels

Thailand has been the default first international trip for Indian travellers for a generation, and it earns that position: short flights, low costs on the ground, genuinely excellent beaches, and a tourism industry that has been refining itself for fifty years. The country divides neatly for planning — Bangkok for temples, markets, and the river; the southern islands for beaches; and the north around Chiang Mai for mountains, temples, and ethical elephant sanctuaries.

A standard first trip pairs Bangkok with either Phuket or Krabi. Bangkok delivers the Grand Palace and Wat Pho's reclining Buddha, the Chao Phraya river, floating markets, and some of the best street food anywhere. The Andaman coast gives you Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay, Railay's limestone cliffs, and island-hopping by longtail boat. The Gulf side — Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao — runs on a different season and has a different feel.

MIT's team has completed the Tourism Authority of Thailand's "Amazing Thailand" specialist training programme for Indian travel-trade partners, so our Thailand itineraries are built on direct destination knowledge. We arrange flights from Bangalore, Chennai, or Kochi, visa support, hotels, transfers, and island tours as a single package.

Best Time to Visit

November to February is the cool, dry season and the best all-round window for both Bangkok and the Andaman coast — it is also peak season, so book ahead. March to May is hot, often above 35°C, with April's Songkran water festival a genuine attraction in itself. June to October is the southwest monsoon on the Andaman side, with rain and rough seas affecting island-hopping, though the Gulf islands such as Koh Samui follow a different pattern and are often better then. Thailand's regional seasons differ, so the right time depends on which coast you choose.

Weather

Thailand has a tropical climate, warm to hot year-round, generally 25-35°C with high humidity. Bangkok and the central plains have three seasons: cool and dry (November-February), hot (March-May), and rainy (June-October). The Andaman coast — Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi — follows this pattern, with the monsoon bringing rough seas. The Gulf coast — Koh Samui, Koh Phangan — runs on a different cycle, with its heaviest rain typically October to December. The north around Chiang Mai is cooler, particularly December-January.

Ideal Duration

6 to 8 days is the standard for a Bangkok-plus-one-beach trip. Five days is workable but tight once flights and transfers are counted. Ten to twelve days lets you add Chiang Mai in the north, or a second island, or simply a slower pace. Internal flights are cheap and frequent, which makes covering distance easier than the map suggests.

Budget

Thailand is one of the best-value international destinations from India. Accommodation runs from hostels and guesthouses through excellent mid-range hotels to world-class beach resorts, and mid-range money goes a long way. Street food is inexpensive and outstanding. The main variables are season — peak December-January rates can be double the shoulder — plus internal flights, island transfers, and day tours. MIT quotes the whole trip including flights, visa, hotels, transfers, and tours so the real number is visible upfront.

Must-see

Top attractions in Thailand

Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok

The former royal residence and the temple of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most sacred site, with a strictly enforced dress code.

Wat Pho & Wat Arun, Bangkok

The 46-metre reclining Buddha and the traditional Thai massage school, and the porcelain-encrusted Temple of Dawn across the river.

Phi Phi Islands

Limestone karst islands between Phuket and Krabi, including Maya Bay, reached by speedboat or longtail on day trips or overnight stays.

Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island

A bay of dramatic limestone stacks north of Phuket, explored by boat and sea kayak through caves and hidden lagoons.

Railay Beach & Krabi

A peninsula accessible only by boat, ringed by limestone cliffs, world-renowned for rock climbing and for its beaches.

Chiang Mai & the North

Old city temples, night bazaars, Doi Suthep, cooking classes, and ethical elephant sanctuaries in the surrounding hills.

Floating & Night Markets

Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa floating markets near Bangkok, and the vast Chatuchak weekend market with thousands of stalls.

Ayutthaya

The UNESCO-listed ruins of Thailand's former capital, about 80 km north of Bangkok, easily seen as a day trip by road or river.

Getting there

How to reach Thailand

By Air
Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports serve Bangkok, with direct flights from Bangalore, Chennai, Kochi, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Mumbai. Flight time from Bangalore is roughly 3.5 to 4 hours. Phuket also takes some direct services from India, and internal Thai flights are cheap and frequent.
Visa
Entry requirements for Indian passport holders have changed repeatedly in recent years, moving between visa-on-arrival, e-visa, and temporary visa-free arrangements. Because this is genuinely volatile, current rules must be confirmed at the time of booking — MIT verifies and handles this for every Thailand itinerary.
Getting Around
Bangkok has the BTS Skytrain, MRT metro, river boats, and metered taxis — the rail options are far faster than road at peak times. Between cities, budget airlines, overnight trains, and coaches all work well. Islands are reached by ferry or speedboat from Phuket, Krabi, or Surat Thani.
Make the most of it

Things to do

  • See the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok, arriving early to beat the heat and crowds
  • Visit Wat Pho's reclining Buddha and take a traditional Thai massage at its school
  • Cross the river to Wat Arun and use the Chao Phraya river boats as local transport
  • Island-hop to Phi Phi and Maya Bay by speedboat or longtail from Phuket or Krabi
  • Sea kayak through the caves and hidden lagoons of Phang Nga Bay
  • Take a Thai cooking class, easiest to arrange in Chiang Mai or Bangkok
  • Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary in the north — observation and feeding, never riding
  • Eat your way through a night market, which is where the best Thai food usually is
  • Rock climb, or simply relax, at Railay, reachable only by boat
  • Take the day trip to Ayutthaya's UNESCO-listed ruins from Bangkok
Where to stay

Hotels in Thailand

In Bangkok, staying near a BTS Skytrain or MRT station matters far more than the specific neighbourhood, given the city's traffic — Sukhumvit, Silom, and the riverside are the usual choices. In Phuket, Patong is the busy nightlife beach while Kata, Karon, and Kamala are calmer; in Krabi, Ao Nang is the practical base and Railay is reachable only by boat. Island resorts range from simple beach bungalows to world-class properties. MIT books to the character you actually want, since 'Phuket' covers everything from party strip to quiet family resort.

Where to eat

Restaurants & local food

Thai food is one of the reasons to go — pad thai, tom yum, green and massaman curries, som tam, mango sticky rice — and street food is often better than restaurant food at a fraction of the price. Seafood on the islands is excellent and cheap. Indian restaurants are widespread in Bangkok, Phuket, and Krabi, including pure-vegetarian ones, which matters for many groups. Note that Thai cooking uses fish sauce and shrimp paste widely, so strict vegetarians and vegans should say so explicitly — 'jay' is the Thai term for vegetarian/vegan food and is worth learning.

Before you go

Travel tips

  • Confirm current visa requirements at booking — Indian entry rules for Thailand have changed repeatedly and are genuinely volatile
  • Dress modestly at temples: covered shoulders and knees for everyone, shoes removed, and the Grand Palace enforces this strictly
  • Never disrespect images of the Buddha or the Thai monarchy — both carry serious legal consequences and the laws are real
  • Choose elephant experiences that observe and feed rather than ride; riding and performance camps involve documented welfare problems
  • Agree taxi fares or insist on the meter before setting off, and be sceptical of anyone who tells you an attraction is 'closed today'
  • Match your beach to the season: the Andaman coast is best November-April, while the Gulf islands have a different and later rainy period
  • Carry cash for markets and street food, though cards work in malls and larger hotels
  • Tell restaurants explicitly if you are strictly vegetarian — fish sauce and shrimp paste appear in dishes that look vegetarian; the Thai word 'jay' helps
  • Book Phi Phi and Phang Nga day tours through a reputable operator; boat safety standards vary considerably
Nearby

Nearby attractions

  • Krabi & Railay – limestone cliffs, climbing, and quieter beaches than Phuket
  • Koh Samui, Koh Phangan & Koh Tao – Gulf islands with a different season and a different feel
  • Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai – northern temples, night bazaars, and elephant sanctuaries
  • Pattaya – the closest beach resort to Bangkok, about 2 hours away
  • Ayutthaya & Kanchanaburi – the UNESCO former capital, and the River Kwai bridge and war cemeteries
FAQs

Thailand — Frequently Asked Questions

Do Indians need a visa for Thailand?
Requirements have changed repeatedly in recent years, moving between visa-on-arrival, e-visa, and temporary visa-free arrangements for Indian passport holders. This is genuinely volatile, so the current rule must be confirmed at the time of booking — MIT verifies and handles this for every Thailand itinerary.
What is the best time to visit Thailand?
November to February for the cool, dry season, which suits both Bangkok and the Andaman coast — this is also peak season. March to May is hot. June to October is monsoon on the Andaman side, though the Gulf islands like Koh Samui follow a different pattern and are often better then.
How many days do I need for Thailand?
Six to eight days for a Bangkok-plus-one-beach trip, which is the standard first visit. Ten to twelve days lets you add Chiang Mai or a second island. Five days is workable but tight once flights and transfers are accounted for.
Which is better, Phuket or Krabi?
Phuket is larger, busier, and better connected, with more nightlife, more resorts, and direct flights — good for a first visit and for families wanting facilities. Krabi is quieter and more scenic, with the limestone cliffs of Railay and Ao Nang, and suits travellers wanting nature over nightlife. Many itineraries include both.
How long is the flight from Bangalore to Bangkok?
Roughly 3.5 to 4 hours direct. There are also direct flights from Chennai, Kochi, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Mumbai. Once in Thailand, internal flights are cheap and frequent, which makes covering the country straightforward.
Is Thailand cheap for Indian travellers?
It offers very good value. Street food, local transport, and mid-range hotels are inexpensive, and mid-range money goes noticeably further than in India in some categories. Flights and peak-season resort rates are the main costs — December-January can be roughly double the shoulder season.
Is vegetarian food available in Thailand?
Yes, but with a caveat: fish sauce and shrimp paste appear in many dishes that look vegetarian, so you must say so explicitly. The Thai word 'jay' indicates vegetarian/vegan food and is genuinely useful. Indian restaurants including pure-vegetarian ones are widespread in Bangkok, Phuket, and Krabi.
Is Thailand safe for families and first-time international travellers?
Yes — it is one of the most popular first international trips from India precisely because the tourism infrastructure is mature, English is widely used in tourist areas, and costs are manageable. Standard precautions around scams and boat-tour operators apply.
What is the dress code at Thai temples?
Covered shoulders and knees for everyone, shoes removed before entering, and no revealing clothing. The Grand Palace enforces this strictly and will turn visitors away or make them rent cover-ups. Carrying a light scarf or sarong solves the problem.
Should I ride elephants in Thailand?
No. Riding and performance camps are associated with documented welfare problems, including the training methods used to make elephants rideable. Choose sanctuaries where you observe, feed, and walk alongside the animals instead — several genuinely ethical ones operate around Chiang Mai.
What is Songkran?
The Thai new year in mid-April, celebrated with a nationwide water festival — days of good-natured water fights in the streets. It is a genuine spectacle and a great time to visit if you embrace it, but expect to get thoroughly soaked and expect some businesses to close.
How do I get around Bangkok?
The BTS Skytrain and MRT metro are fast, cheap, and avoid the city's serious traffic. River boats along the Chao Phraya work well for the temples and old city. Taxis are inexpensive but insist on the meter, and traffic at peak times can be severe.
Are the Phi Phi Islands worth visiting?
Yes, though they are busy. The limestone scenery and the water are genuinely spectacular. Maya Bay has had periods of closure and restricted access for reef recovery, so current conditions should be confirmed. Going early, or staying overnight, avoids the worst of the day-trip crowds.
What laws should I be careful about in Thailand?
Any disrespect toward the Thai monarchy is a serious criminal offence and is prosecuted. Disrespecting Buddha images — including inappropriate tattoos or photographs — causes genuine offence and can cause legal trouble. Drug offences carry extremely severe penalties. These are not theoretical risks.
Can I use Indian rupees or cards in Thailand?
Carry Thai baht for markets, street food, and local transport; exchange rates are generally better in Thailand than in India. Cards are accepted in malls, larger hotels, and restaurants. ATMs are widespread but charge a fixed foreign-card fee per withdrawal, so draw larger amounts less often.
Is Thailand good for a honeymoon?
Very. The combination of beach resorts, island privacy, spa culture, and good value makes it one of the most popular honeymoon destinations from India. Krabi and the quieter Phuket beaches, or a Gulf island like Koh Samui, suit couples better than Patong.
What is the difference between the Andaman and Gulf coasts?
They run on opposite seasons, which is the key planning fact. The Andaman coast — Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi — is best November to April. The Gulf coast — Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao — has its heaviest rain around October to December and is often the better choice during the Andaman monsoon.
Can I visit Chiang Mai and the beaches in one trip?
Yes, though it needs ten to twelve days to do without rushing. Internal flights between Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the southern airports are cheap and frequent, typically an hour or so, which makes the combination more practical than the distances suggest.
What should I buy in Thailand?
Silk and cotton textiles, silver jewellery, handicrafts and wood carving from the north, spa and beauty products, and dried fruit and snacks. Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok and Chiang Mai's night bazaar are the best-known shopping stops. Bargaining is expected in markets, not in malls.
How much does a Thailand tour package cost?
It depends on dates, flights, hotel category, how many islands you include, and which tours you add — peak season roughly doubles the accommodation component. MIT quotes the full trip including flights, visa, hotels, transfers, and tours; contact us for current rates.
Does MIT arrange Thailand tour packages?
Yes. MIT's team has completed the Tourism Authority of Thailand's "Amazing Thailand" specialist training programme for Indian travel-trade partners, and we arrange Thailand itineraries including flights, visa support, hotels, internal transfers, and island tours. Call or WhatsApp +91 96119 57301.
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