12 Apr 2026

The Only Thailand Itinerary You'll Ever Need (7 / 10 / 14 / 30 Days)

Four trips. Nine destinations. One very honest guide from a girl who keeps going back.

I've been to Thailand four times now. FOUR. And I'd go again tomorrow if someone texted me a cheap flight link at midnight. The first time, I went for a week and felt like I'd barely scratched the surface. The last time, I stayed long enough to have a favourite noodle stall, a favourite rooftop bar, and a favourite beach, all in different parts of the country.

The problem with most Thailand itineraries online? They're written by people who went once, hit the tourist checklist, and called it a day. This one is different. This is built from four separate trips across Bangkok, Phuket, Phi Phi, Krabi, Railey, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai, with real opinions on what's worth your time and what's not.

I've organised this by trip length. Find your number of days, follow the plan. I've tagged the must-dos so you know what to prioritise if you're short on time, and flagged the things you can skip if you don't want to feel rushed.

One important note: this is written from an Indian passport/Indian traveller perspective. Visa info, budget estimates, and flight routes are based on travelling from India.

Before You Read: Quick Logistics

Best time to go: November to February (cool, dry, perfect). March to May is brutally hot. June to October is monsoon season but cheaper and less crowded. Avoid Chiang Mai in March/April, the burning season makes the air quality terrible.

Visa: Indians currently can stay 60 days visa-free (check the Thai Embassy website before booking, policies change often). For longer stays, apply for a tourist visa in advance.

Budget (per day, mid-range): Roughly 3,000 to 5,000 baht/day including accommodation, food, transport, and activities. That's approximately Rs 7,000 to Rs 12,000. Thailand is genuinely affordable if you eat local and skip the resort markup.

Getting around: Domestic flights are cheap (book AirAsia or Thai Lion Air in advance). Ferries connect the islands. Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber) works in all major cities. Rent a scooty in Phuket and the islands, it changes the entire trip.

Currency: Thai Baht. I'm keeping all prices in baht throughout this blog because that's what you'll actually see on menus and price tags.

7 Days: The Greatest Hits

Best for: First timers, short vacation windows, people who want a taste of everything without burnout.

This is tight but doable. You're picking two regions and doing them well rather than sprinting across the whole country.

Day 1-3: Bangkok (DON'T SKIP!)

Bangkok is the city that has everything. Literally everything. Ancient temples next to rooftop cocktail bars, street food carts next to Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury malls next to chaotic markets. You need at least two full days here.

Day 1: Temples & Old Bangkok

Start early. Hit Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), the porcelain mosaic work is insane up close and golden hour here is unreal. Cross the river to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha). Dress code is strict, covered shoulders and knees, no exceptions. Then walk to Wat Pho for the giant Reclining Buddha.

Afternoon: Get lost in Chinatown (Yaowarat Road). The street food here at night is some of the best in Asia. Grab a Pad Thai from Thipsamai, the orange blossom egg-wrapped version is genuinely the best Pad Thai I've ever had. Go during off-peak hours because the queue gets brutal.

Day 2: The Other Side of Bangkok

Morning: Ancient City (Muang Boran), most tourists skip this and it's a MISTAKE. A massive outdoor park with replicas of Thailand's most famous landmarks. Rent a bike and cycle through. You'd need days to see every temple in Thailand; this place gives you the highlight reel in one morning. (Skip if you don't want to feel rushed, but I'd personally prioritise this over the Grand Palace if I had to choose.)

Afternoon: IconSiam mall, indoor floating market, riverside dining, luxury shopping. Even if you don't buy anything, the architecture and river views are worth the visit. If there's a drone show over the river that evening, STAY for it.

Evening: This is rooftop bar night. Tichuca is my number one, treehouse-themed, unreal views, creative cocktails. Akara Sky Hanuman if you want something more refined. Pack one smart-casual outfit specifically for this.

Day 3: Markets, Shopping & Offbeat Gems

Morning: Chatuchak Weekend Market (if it's a weekend), 15,000+ stalls, budget half a day minimum. If it's a weekday, do Terminal 21 (themed mall with an incredible food court at local prices) and Platinum Mall for wholesale fashion.

Afternoon: Erawan Museum (DON'T SKIP!), a three-headed elephant statue with a museum inside. Stained glass ceiling, blend of Buddhist and Hindu art. Genuinely one of the most visually stunning places I've visited anywhere.

(Skip if short on time: Maeklong Railway Market, the train-passing-through-market thing. Cool concept, 30-second experience, two-hour journey to get there. The math doesn't work.)

(Skip: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, a manufactured tourist experience with inflated prices. If you want a real market-on-water feel, the indoor floating market at IconSiam is more honest about what it is.)

Day 4-5: Phuket (DON'T SKIP!)

Fly Bangkok to Phuket (1.5 hours, cheap if booked early).

Day 4: Old Town + Beaches

Morning: Rent a scooty immediately. This is my number one Phuket hack. Explore Old Town Phuket, pastel Sino-Portuguese buildings, street art, and this incredible floral cafe tucked in a courtyard that looks like it was made for photos.

Afternoon: Beach-hop. Freedom Beach if you want uncrowded and pristine (requires a short trek or longtail boat). Karon Beach for a more relaxed vibe. Visit Prom Thep Cape for sunset, the best sunset viewpoint on the island.

Evening: Try one of Phuket's Michelin Gourmand restaurants, the food scene here is seriously underrated and still reasonably priced.

Day 5: Private Boat Tour or Day Tour

Option A (splurge): Private boat tour hitting Banana Beach, Nai Harn, Racha Yai, and Koh Bon. Racha Yai's water clarity is unreal. Split between friends and it's surprisingly reasonable.

Option B (budget): Full day adventure tour, ziplining, river rafting, ATV riding, elephant bathing, Sleeping Buddha, monkey cave, waterfall. All in one day. Exhausting and incredible.

(Skip if short on time: Patong Beach nightlife, it's chaotic fun but if you only have one evening in Phuket, spend it at a rooftop or a Michelin Gourmand spot instead.)

Day 6: Phi Phi Islands (Day Trip from Phuket)

Take an early boat to Phi Phi for island hopping. Hit Maya Bay (yes, THE beach from the movie, it's genuinely stunning even with controlled entry). Hike up to Phi Phi Viewpoint, sweaty climb but the view of both bays from the top is one of the most photographed in Thailand for a reason.

Return to Phuket in the evening.

Day 7: Fly Home (or Buffer Day)

If your flight is later, squeeze in Carnival Magic (over-the-top Thai cultural show, great content), or a Thai cooking class, or a Muay Thai session (humbling but fun).

ALTERNATE 7-DAY ROUTE (Culture-focused): If beaches aren't your priority, swap Phuket for Chiang Mai + a day trip to Ayutthaya (the ancient capital of Siam, a UNESCO site about 2 hours from Bangkok by train). Crumbling temples overtaken by tree roots, headless Buddha statues, and some of the most atmospheric ruins in Southeast Asia. This route gives you Bangkok (3 days) + Ayutthaya day trip + Chiang Mai (3 days). Completely different trip, equally incredible.

10 Days: Add the North

Best for: People who want culture AND beaches. This is probably the sweet spot for most Indian travellers.

Days 1-6: Same as the 7-day itinerary above.

Day 7-8: Chiang Mai (DON'T SKIP!)

Fly Phuket to Chiang Mai (sometimes direct, otherwise connect through Bangkok, about 3 hours total).

Chiang Mai is a completely different Thailand. No beaches. No turquoise water. Instead: 300+ temples, incense-filled lanes, monks in saffron robes, coffee shops better than Melbourne's, and mountains that turn purple at sunset.

Day 7: Temples & Elephants

Morning: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (DON'T SKIP!), drive up the mountain in a red songthaew, climb 306 steps, and prepare to have an emotional experience. The golden chedi glowing against the sky is the kind of beautiful that makes your body forget how to respond normally. I cried. I'm not sorry.

Afternoon: Ethical Elephant Sanctuary (DON'T SKIP!), feeding and bathing elephants. No riding, no chains. The moment a baby elephant takes a banana from your hand, you will understand why I'm listing this as non-negotiable. Research your sanctuary carefully, not every place that says "ethical" actually is.

Day 8: Markets, Cafes & Exploration

Morning: Wander the Old City, temples on every corner, quiet lanes, monk-watching over coffee. Try Khao Soi at a local stall, the coconut curry noodle soup that will ruin every other soup for you forever.

Afternoon: Koi Cafe for a chill break (yes, it's a cat cafe; yes, I'm that person). Visit a Chiang Mai night market, more artisanal than Bangkok's. Handmade jewellery, hill tribe textiles, watercolour paintings.

(If your trip aligns with November: the *Yi Peng Lantern Festival** is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thousands of lanterns released into the night sky simultaneously. I cried again. Book accommodation months in advance.)*

Day 9: Chiang Rai (Day Trip from Chiang Mai)

Three hours by car/bus from Chiang Mai. Three temples, three completely different energies:

White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), surreal, contemporary, a palace made of ice and mirrors. The bridge over sculpted hands representing desire is one of the most striking things I've ever seen.

Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), deep blue interior with gold accents. Moody, atmospheric, fewer tourists. My personal favourite of the three.

Black Temple (Baan Dam Museum), not actually a temple. A gothic art complex with animal bones and dark aesthetics. The anti-temple. Unsettling but fascinating.

(You CAN do all three in a day trip. But if you have flexibility, staying overnight in Chiang Rai is better, the night bazaar is lovely and smaller than Chiang Mai's.)

Day 10: Fly Home from Chiang Mai

ALTERNATE 10-DAY ADD-ON: If you've already been to Chiang Mai on a previous trip and want something different, swap the north for Koh Samui (2-3 days). It's the most developed Gulf Island with proper restaurants, spas, and beautiful beaches. Or consider Hua Hin, a beach town about 3 hours south of Bangkok that's popular with Thai locals but largely unknown to Indian tourists. It has royal palaces, night markets, and a calmer, more local energy than Phuket.

14 Days: The Full Experience

Best for: People who don't want to rush. You get cities, culture, beaches, AND islands. This is the itinerary I'd recommend if someone asked me for "the perfect Thailand trip."

Days 1-9: Same as the 10-day itinerary above.

Day 10-11: Krabi & Railey

Fly Chiang Mai to Krabi (direct flights available, about 2 hours).

Day 10: Krabi

Stay at a luxury Airbnb, Krabi has incredible villa-style Airbnbs with pools and jungle views at a fraction of hotel prices. This was my accommodation highlight of all four trips.

4 Island Tour from Krabi, Poda Island, Chicken Island, Tup Island, and Phra Nang Beach. Each island is a different vibe. Phra Nang has a fascinating (and slightly bizarre) cave shrine.

Evening: Ao Nana Night Market, better food than most restaurant strips. The spring rolls and coconut pancakes are lethal.

(Skip: Monkey Trail, hot, humid, aggressive monkeys who want your belongings. Views aren't good enough to justify it.)

Day 11: Railey Beach

Take a longtail boat to Railey (no roads in or out, only boat access, which keeps crowds thin). Stay at Phutawan Luxury Resort or similar if you want to splurge. The limestone cliffs are vertigo-inducing and the beaches are some of the cleanest I've seen anywhere.

Watch the sunset from the beach. This was probably my most-saved photo from all of Thailand.

Day 12-13: Koh Phangan & Koh Tao

Ferry from the mainland to the islands (or fly to Koh Samui and ferry across).

Day 12: Koh Phangan

If your timing aligns: the Full Moon Party at Haad Rin Beach. Neon paint, fire dancers, bass in your ribs, beautiful chaos. Not refined. Not luxury. Just pure, unfiltered fun.

Even without the Full Moon: the Jungle Party (DON'T SKIP if available!), set deep in the jungle with fairy lights between ancient trees. Less famous, more soul. The Jungle Party felt like a secret. The Full Moon Party felt like a headline. Both are worth it.

Day 13: Koh Tao

Swimming with sharks and turtles (DON'T SKIP!), blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles, crystal clear water. Terrifying for three minutes, transformative for the rest. The underwater clarity in Koh Tao is the best I've experienced in Thailand.

Afternoon: Workation at the beach, find a beachside cafe with WiFi, set up your laptop, and question every life decision that led you to a cubicle. Koh Tao proved to me that "work from anywhere" is real.

(If you're choosing between islands and have limited time: Koh Tao for diving/snorkelling and chill vibes, Koh Phangan for parties. They're a quick boat ride apart.)

Day 14: Ferry back + Fly Home

Ferry back to the mainland, fly from Surat Thani or Koh Samui to Bangkok and connect home.

ALTERNATE 14-DAY ROUTE (if you skip the islands): Replace Days 12-14 with Ayutthaya (1 day, ancient temples and ruins, easy train from Bangkok) + Kanchanaburi (2 days, the famous Bridge over the River Kwai, Erawan National Park with its seven-tier turquoise waterfall, and a more off-the-beaten-path experience). This gives you history and nature instead of islands, and is perfect if you're not a beach person or if it's monsoon season and the islands are rough.

30 Days: The Full Thailand Experience

Best for: People with time and the desire to actually KNOW this country, not just visit it. This is essentially what I've done across my four trips, condensed into one continuous journey.

Week 1: Bangkok Deep Dive + Day Trips (Days 1-7)

Five days in Bangkok sounds like a lot. It's not. This city is bottomless.

Days 1-3: Follow the 7-day itinerary's Bangkok section above.

Day 4: Offbeat Bangkok

- Erawan Museum (the three-headed elephant, genuinely mind-blowing)

- Space Time Cube, immersive art installation, trippy and photogenic

- Ong Ang Walking Street, canal-side night market where locals actually hang out. Colourful lights, live music, great food, no tourist markup

- Nasatta Light Festival (if running during your dates), thousands of lights, lantern installations, illuminated art

Day 5: Ayutthaya Day Trip (DON'T SKIP on 30 days!)

Take the train from Bangkok (about 2 hours, cheap and scenic). Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam for over 400 years before being sacked by the Burmese in 1767. Today it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site with crumbling temples, headless Buddha statues, and tree roots wrapping around ancient stone faces. It's unmissable on a 30-day trip.

The most photographed spot is Wat Mahathat, where a Buddha head is cradled in the roots of a Bodhi tree. Rent a bicycle and explore the ruins at your own pace. Return to Bangkok in the evening.

Day 6: Bangkok Extras

- Asiatique Riverfront + Chao Phraya River cruise, the views of Wat Arun and Grand Palace lit up at night from the water are stunning. Catch the drone show if there is one.

- Chocolate Ville, European-themed restaurant complex. Sounds cheesy, is actually gorgeous. Fairy lights, Tudor buildings, a lake. Not "authentic Bangkok" but a lovely evening.

- Shopping: Eve and Boy (Thai beauty products), last-minute 7-Eleven haul (their toasted sandwiches and iced coffee are genuinely good, I visited 7-Eleven every single day and I'm not ashamed)

Day 7: Rest Day / Flex Day

Do laundry. Sleep in. Revisit your favourite food stall. Try the Khao San Road backpacker scene for one evening if you're curious (it's worth seeing once, not essential). Or visit Jim Thompson House, a gorgeous traditional Thai teak house turned museum that tells the story of the American silk merchant who disappeared mysteriously in Malaysia. It's beautiful, cool (literally, air-conditioned), and a nice cultural break.

(Skip if you want to move on faster: Pattaya. It's close to Bangkok and popular with some tourists, but it's very much a party/nightlife town with a specific reputation. Not my vibe and probably not aligned with your travel aesthetic. If you want a beach near Bangkok, Hua Hin is a much better call.)

Week 2: Southern Thailand (Days 8-14)

Days 8-10: Phuket (Full Coverage)

You have time now, so go deeper:

- Day 8: Old Town, floral cafe, scooty exploration, cafe viewpoints, Prom Thep Cape sunset

- Day 9: Private boat tour, Banana Beach, Nai Harn, Racha Yai, James Bond Island, Koh Bon

- Day 10: Full day adventure tour, ziplining, river rafting, ATV riding, elephant bathing, Sleeping Buddha, monkey cave, waterfall (This is a LOT in one day but it's an organised tour and you won't regret it)

- Evening: Patong beach bars (do it once for the spectacle)

- Try: Muay Thai, surfing, or the shooting range (because apparently Thailand turns me into a different person)

- Visit: Carnival Magic if you haven't already

Day 11: Phi Phi Island (overnight this time!)

Unlike the 7-day itinerary where you do Phi Phi as a day trip, STAY OVERNIGHT. The island at night, after the day-trippers leave, is a completely different energy. Island hopping to Maya Bay, Phi Phi Viewpoint hike, then evening on the beach with reggae bars and street food.

Day 12: Krabi

Luxury Airbnb, 4 Island Tour, Ao Nana Night Market, hostel fire show if you're lucky. (See the 14-day section for details.)

Day 13: Railey

Phutawan Resort, beach sunset, limestone cliffs, absolute peace. (See 14-day section.)

Day 14: Travel Day

Ferry/flight transit from south to north. Use this day to decompress, do laundry, eat at a random stall, and do absolutely nothing productive.

Week 3: Northern Thailand (Days 15-21)

Days 15-18: Chiang Mai (Deep Dive)

You have four days here. USE THEM.

- Day 15: Doi Suthep (go early, fewer crowds), explore Old City temples, Khao Soi for lunch

- Day 16: Ethical Elephant Sanctuary (full day, the genuine ones take time because they prioritise the animals' comfort over tourist throughput)

- Day 17: Night Market deep dive, cooking class (learn to make green curry and pad thai from scratch, you'll use the recipes at home), Koi Cafe, artisan shops

- Day 18: Doi Inthanon National Park (Thailand's highest peak at 2,565 metres, about 2 hours from Chiang Mai). Royal pagodas, waterfalls, nature trails, and temperatures cool enough to need a jacket. The twin pagodas surrounded by mist are stunning and the drive through pine forests is a completely different side of Thailand. (Skip if you'd rather have a relaxed day in Chiang Mai, but don't skip if you love nature.)

(Don't skip: A Thai cooking class. Half-day, you go to the market with the chef, pick ingredients, cook 4-5 dishes. Around 800-1,200 baht and you'll use those recipes for years.)

(If your trip aligns with November: the *Yi Peng Lantern Festival** changes everything. Thousands of lanterns released into the night sky. I cried. Book months in advance.)*

Days 19-20: Chiang Rai (2 Days)

Don't do it as a day trip when you have 30 days. Stay overnight.

- Day 19: White Temple, Blue Temple, Black Temple, take your time with each. The White Temple alone deserves an hour.

- Day 20: Night Bazaar, smaller and quieter than Chiang Mai's, with live music and an art market. Buy a watercolour painting you'll hang in your apartment (I did). Explore the quieter northern landscapes, tea plantations, mountain viewpoints.

Day 21: Pai (Optional Add-on)

Pai is a small mountain town about 3 hours from Chiang Mai (762 curves in the road, bring motion sickness meds). It's one of the most loved destinations in northern Thailand, especially among backpackers and solo travellers. Hot springs, waterfalls, a canyon viewpoint, and an incredibly laid-back hippie vibe with live music cafes and night markets. People who go to Pai consistently say they planned 2 days and stayed 5. If that sounds like your energy, add it.

(Skip if you're not into the backpacker scene or if the winding mountain road sounds like torture. Fly south to the islands instead.)

Week 4: Islands + Final Days (Days 22-30)

Days 22-23: Koh Samui

Start the island chapter with Koh Samui, the most developed of the Gulf Islands. It has its own airport (though flights are pricier, the convenience is worth it if you're short on energy after the north).

- Chaweng Beach for the main vibe, restaurants, and nightlife

- Fisherman's Village in Bophut for evening walks, boutique shops, and the Friday night market

- Ang Thong National Marine Park day trip (DON'T SKIP on 30 days!), a cluster of 42 islands with emerald lagoons, viewpoints, and kayaking through limestone caves. It's like Ha Long Bay's tropical younger sibling

- Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) for the 12-metre golden Buddha on a small island connected by a causeway

- Na Muang Waterfall if you want a jungle break from the beach

(Koh Samui is also a great base if you want a Thai massage, a proper spa day, or a yoga retreat before the party islands.)

Days 24-25: Koh Phangan

Ferry from Koh Samui (30 minutes to 1 hour).

Three days on Koh Phangan lets you experience both sides of the island. The party side (Full Moon and Jungle Party) AND the quiet side (yoga retreats, secluded northern beaches, sunset viewpoints).

- Full Moon Party (if timing aligns, check the lunar calendar before booking)

- Jungle Party (DON'T SKIP!)

- Bottle Beach on the north coast, only accessible by boat or a jungle hike. The effort keeps it uncrowded and beautiful

- One full day of absolutely nothing, hammock, coconut, book, beach

Days 26-27: Koh Tao

Ferry from Koh Phangan (about 1.5 hours). The diving and snorkelling capital of Thailand.

- Swimming with sharks and turtles (DON'T SKIP!)

- Workation day, beachside cafe, laptop, coconut, questioning your corporate life choices

- Relaxed beach day, Koh Tao is small enough to scooter around in a few hours. Find a quiet cove, snorkel without a guide, eat at a beachfront restaurant

- Get PADI certified if you've ever wanted to learn scuba diving. Koh Tao is one of the cheapest and best places in the world to do it

Day 28: Bonus Island Day (Pick One)

If you still want more islands:

Koh Lanta (Andaman coast, accessible from Krabi), a quieter, less developed island with long empty beaches, national park, and an old town. Perfect if Koh Phangan and Koh Tao felt too backpacker-heavy and you want something more peaceful. Think of it as the island Bali used to be before Instagram found it.

Koh Lipe (Thailand's southernmost island, near the Malaysian border), tiny island with crystal-clear water that rivals the Maldives. Getting there takes effort (fly to Hat Yai, then ferry) but travellers who make the journey say it's the most beautiful water in all of Thailand.

Or: just stay an extra day on whichever island stole your heart. There's no rule that says you have to keep moving.

Days 29-30: Back to Bangkok

Fly back to Bangkok for your final days. Use these for:

- Last-minute shopping at Chatuchak or Platinum Mall

- The rooftop bar you didn't get to in Week 1

- Where to shop in Bangkok: Platinum Mall (wholesale fashion), Chatuchak (everything), Terminal 21 (themed mall), Eve and Boy (beauty), and obviously 7-Eleven for last-minute snacks

- One final banana roti from a street cart. Fried dough, banana, condensed milk, chocolate sauce. 30 baht. My nightly ritual across all four trips.

- A proper goodbye dinner at a Michelin Gourmand restaurant

Day 30: Fly Home

With sand in your suitcase, a phone full of photos, a palate permanently ruined for any pad thai that isn't Thai, and the quiet certainty that you'll be back.

More Places Worth Your Time

Thailand is massive and four trips still barely scratched the surface. Here are more destinations that are consistently loved by travellers and absolutely worth adding to your itinerary if you have the days:

Ayutthaya (mentioned above, day trip from Bangkok): Ancient capital, UNESCO ruins, tree-root Buddha heads. Everyone says it's unmissable.

Kanchanaburi: Home to the Bridge over the River Kwai, WWII history, and Erawan National Park with a stunning seven-tier turquoise waterfall. About 3 hours from Bangkok. Great for 2 days if you're doing a longer trip and want history + nature.

Khao Sok National Park: Ancient rainforest (older than the Amazon), floating bamboo raft houses on a lake, jungle trekking, and kayaking. Between Phuket and Koh Samui, making it a great stop in between. Every nature lover I know says this is their favourite place in Thailand.

Sukhothai: The FIRST capital of Thailand (before Ayutthaya), even older ruins, best explored by bicycle. Less touristy, more atmospheric. A UNESCO site that gets a fraction of Ayutthaya's visitors.

Doi Inthanon (mentioned above): Thailand's highest peak, near Chiang Mai. Royal pagodas, waterfalls, and cool mountain air.

Pai: Hippie mountain town near Chiang Mai. Hot springs, canyons, and a very specific vibe that people either love passionately or don't connect with.

Koh Lanta: Quiet Andaman island with long beaches and national park.

Koh Lipe: Thailand's "Maldives." Crystal water, tiny island, remote and stunning.

Hua Hin: Beach town popular with Thai locals. Royal palaces, night markets, less touristy than Phuket.

Every single one of these is worth building a trip around. Thailand just keeps giving.

The Cheat Sheet

|---|---|---|---|

| 30 days | All of the above + Koh Samui, deep Bangkok, Ayutthaya, overnight Phi Phi | Cooking class, Doi Inthanon, Pai, Kanchanaburi, Khao Sok | Rushing. You have 30 days. Breathe. |

The Honest Budget Breakdown (Per Day, in Baht)

Budget (backpacker): 1,500-2,500 baht/day

Hostels, street food, public transport, free/cheap activities

Mid-range (what I usually spend): 3,000-5,000 baht/day

Boutique hotels/Airbnbs, mix of street food and restaurants, scooter rental, paid activities

Splurge (treat yourself): 7,000-15,000+ baht/day

Luxury resorts, private boat tours, rooftop bars, Michelin restaurants

Big-ticket items to budget for separately:

- Private boat tour in Phuket: 5,000-10,000 baht (split between group)

- Ethical elephant sanctuary: 2,000-3,500 baht

- Full Moon Party: 300-500 baht entry + drinks

- Ang Thong Marine Park day trip from Koh Samui: 1,500-2,500 baht

- PADI Open Water course in Koh Tao: 9,000-11,000 baht (3-4 days)

- Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai: 800-1,200 baht

Getting There from India

Direct flights from Delhi: Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang). Multiple airlines, roughly 4-5 hours. IndiGo, AirAsia, Thai Smile, and Thai Airways all operate this route. Book 4-6 weeks in advance for best prices.

From Mumbai/Bangalore/Kolkata: Direct flights to Bangkok are available on most days. Check AirAsia and IndiGo for budget options.

Open-jaw hack: Fly into Bangkok, fly home from Phuket (or Chiang Mai). Saves you a backtrack and often isn't more expensive. AirAsia flies Phuket to Indian cities and Chiang Mai to Kolkata.

Domestic flights within Thailand: AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air. Book early. Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bangkok to Phuket, Chiang Mai to Krabi, all cheap and frequent. Internal flights are often under Rs 3,000 if booked in advance.

Final Thoughts

Most Thailand itineraries read like a Wikipedia article with a booking link at the bottom. I didn't want to write that. I wanted to write the guide I wish I'd had before my first trip, the one that tells you which famous restaurant is actually overrated (Jay Fai, sorry not sorry), which "skip-worthy" market is actually the best one (Ong Ang Walking Street), and which experience will make you cry at a temple and not be embarrassed about it (Doi Suthep, twice for me).

Thailand is the country I keep coming back to because it keeps revealing new layers. The first trip was about the highlights. The second was about the food. The third was about the islands. The fourth was about finally slowing down enough to notice the details: the way a monk's robe catches the light at Doi Suthep, the taste of banana roti at midnight, the silence of Railey Beach at 6 AM.

Whatever itinerary you choose, 7 days or 30, the only wrong way to do Thailand is to rush through it. Pick fewer places. Stay longer. Eat everything. And bring a light scarf for the temples.

See you there.

Shreya

Want more? Read my honest Thailand hotel reviews, what I actually wore across all four trips, and the full worth-it-vs-waste-of-money breakdown in my Thailand collection.

Planning Vietnam next? My Vietnam itinerary is coming soon.