Thailand First Trip: Bangkok, Phuket and Krabi in 7 Days
A 7-day Thailand itinerary from India: Bangkok temples and markets, Phuket beaches, Krabi and Phi Phi islands, entry rules, budget and food tips.
A Thailand trip from India is the classic first international trip for many Indians: affordable, close, full of food, temples and beaches, and welcoming to vegetarians and families. One week is enough for Bangkok plus the islands.
When to go
- November to March: best weather everywhere.
- April: very hot; Songkran (Thai New Year water festival) mid-April is a huge party.
- May to October: monsoon on the Andaman side (Phuket, Krabi); seas can be rough and some island trips cancel.
Entry
Thailand has offered Indian tourists visa-free short stays in recent years and uses an online Digital Arrival Card. Policies change, so check the Royal Thai Embassy's official site before booking.
Getting around
Fly into Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang). Domestic flights to Phuket or Krabi take about 1.5 hours and are cheap if booked early. Use the BTS Skytrain and MRT in Bangkok, river boats on the Chao Phraya, and Grab or Bolt apps.
A 7-day itinerary
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Bangkok. Evening at Asiatique or a rooftop bar. |
| 2 | Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho (reclining Buddha), river boat to Wat Arun at sunset. |
| 3 | Chatuchak Weekend Market (Sat–Sun) or Damnoen Saduak floating market. Evening Chinatown street food. |
| 4 | Fly to Phuket. Patong or Kata beach. Sunset at Promthep Cape. |
| 5 | Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay day trip by boat. |
| 6 | Transfer to Krabi (Ao Nang). Four-island long-tail boat tour or Railay Beach. |
| 7 | Morning at leisure, fly back via Bangkok. |
Food
Try pad thai, green curry, som tam (papaya salad), tom yum, mango sticky rice and fresh fruit shakes. For vegetarians, say "jay" (vegan, follows Buddhist rules) or ask for no fish sauce ("mai sai nam pla"). Indian restaurants are common in tourist areas.
Budget (7 days, per person, excluding international flights)
| Style | Approx. in INR |
|---|---|
| Budget | ₹30,000–45,000 |
| Mid-range | ₹60,000–95,000 |
Tips
- Dress modestly at temples: shoulders and knees covered.
- Never disrespect the monarchy; it's taken very seriously and is a legal offence.
- Agree tuk-tuk fares upfront and ignore "the palace is closed today" scams.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and choose responsible island tour operators.
- Choose travel insurance that covers scooters and water sports when planning either.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for Thailand?
Thailand has allowed Indian tourists visa-free entry for short stays in recent years, and introduced an online Thailand Digital Arrival Card. Entry rules have changed several times, so confirm the latest on the Royal Thai Embassy website before travelling.
What is the best time to visit Thailand?
November to March is the cool, dry season and best for Phuket and Krabi. April is hot; May to October is the wet season on the Andaman coast.
