Thailand Tour Packages

A short flight from India, Thailand blends glittering temples, tropical islands, buzzing night markets, and warm smiles into a holiday that feels both exotic and effortless. From Bangkok’s gilded Grand Palace to the emerald limestone cliffs of Krabi and Phang Nga, from the misty mountains of Chiang Mai to the powder-soft sands of Phuket and Koh Samui, the country offers something for every traveler—families, couples, friends, and solo adventurers. Add world-class street food, affordable luxury, and easy connectivity, and it’s clear why Thailand is a perennial favorite with Indian travelers.

Type of Destination

• Nature & Beaches: Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, Koh Lanta, Similan Islands
• Culture & Heritage: Bangkok’s temples, Ayutthaya and Sukhothai UNESCO ruins, Chiang Mai old city
• Adventure: Scuba diving, rock climbing at Railay, jungle trekking in the north, ziplining, rafting
• Wellness & Leisure: Thai massages, spa retreats, yoga, detox and meditation centers
• Shopping & Nightlife: Night markets, mega malls, rooftop bars, beach clubs

Prime Season and Snow Season

• Prime Season (Cool/Dry): November–February
  • Pleasant weather across most regions; best seas for island-hopping on the Andaman side (Phuket/Krabi).
• Snow Season: None. Thailand is tropical; in northern mountains (e.g., Doi Inthanon), winter mornings can drop to 5–10°C, but it does not snow.

Languages Spoken

• Thai (official)
• English widely understood in tourist areas
• Handy phrases: “Sawasdee” (hello), “Khop khun” (thank you), “Vegetarian” = mangsawirat or jay

Local Transport Options

• In cities: BTS Skytrain (Bangkok), MRT, Airport Rail Link, metered taxis, tuk-tuks, Grab (ride-hailing), motorbike taxis
• Intercity: Domestic flights, State Railway of Thailand (comfortable overnight sleepers), VIP buses, minivans
• Islands/Coasts: Ferries, speedboats, long-tail boats, songthaews (shared pick-up taxis)
• Pro tip: In Bangkok, use a Rabbit Card (BTS) and stored-value cards for quick rides; always ask taxis to use the meter.

How to Reach Thailand (from India)

By Air (Most convenient)

• Nonstop flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and more to Bangkok (BKK/DMK), Phuket (HKT), Chiang Mai (CNX) (seasonal), Krabi (KBV) (seasonal).
• Typical flight times: Kolkata: ~2.5 hrs, Chennai/Bengaluru: ~3.5–4 hrs, Delhi/Mumbai: ~4–5 hrs.

By Rail

• No direct international rail from India.
• Within Thailand, most long-distance services depart Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bangkok) with sleepers to Chiang Mai, Surat Thani (gateway to Koh Samui), Nong Khai, etc.

By Road (Overland expeditions only)

• Possible via the India–Myanmar–Thailand corridor (e.g., Moreh–Tamu border) with special permits, escorts in Myanmar, and complex paperwork. Recommended only with specialist operators; not a casual option.

Best Time to Visit

Summer (Hot Season): March–June

• Avg temp: 28–35°C (hotter inland and in April–May)
• Weather: Hot and humid; seas calmer on Gulf side (Koh Samui) toward May–June
• Crowd: Moderate to high around April’s Songkran (Thai New Year)
• Budget: Good hotel deals in cities; islands vary
• Packing: Light cottons/linens, high-SPF sunscreen, hat, electrolytes, modest wear for temples

Monsoon (Rainy): June–October

• Avg temp: 26–31°C; short heavy showers, many sunny breaks
• Weather: Andaman side (Phuket/Krabi) sees rougher seas; Gulf side (Samui) is often better July–Sept
• Crowd: Lower; great for value travelers
• Budget: Significant discounts on hotels/tours; watch for weather cancellations
• Packing: Quick-dry clothes, rain jacket/umbrella, waterproof phone pouch, non-slip footwear

Winter (Cool/Dry): November–February

• Avg temp: 24–30°C; coolest in the north (Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai mornings 15–20°C)
• Weather: Clear skies; prime beach conditions on the Andaman coast
• Crowd: Peak season—book flights/hotels early
• Budget: Higher prices; festivals and events abound
• Packing: Light layers for northern mornings/evenings; beachwear; temple-appropriate clothing

Places to Visit (Top Attractions)

1. Bangkok – Grand Palace & Wat Pho: Marvel at the Emerald Buddha, reclining Buddha, and riverside temples; pair with a Chao Phraya boat ride.
2. Ayutthaya Historical Park: A day trip from Bangkok; UNESCO-listed ruins, prang-topped temples, and atmospheric brick stupas.
3. Chiang Mai Old City & Doi Suthep: Lanna-era temples, artisan markets, and a hilltop shrine with panoramic views.
4. Phuket & Phang Nga Bay: Beaches, Big Buddha, island-hopping to James Bond/Khai islands, sea caves by kayak.
5. Krabi & Railay: Turquoise bays, limestone karsts, and world-class rock climbing; stunning Railay Beach.
6. Koh Samui: Palms, waterfalls, Fisherman’s Village, day trips to Ang Thong Marine Park.
7. Kanchanaburi: The Bridge on the River Kwai, Erawan Falls, WWII history and emerald-tiered pools.
8. Sukhothai: Quiet UNESCO ruins—less crowded than Ayutthaya; ideal for cycling among temples.
9. Chiang Rai: White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), Blue Temple, and hill-tribe culture.
10. Hua Hin: Royal seaside town with family-friendly beaches, night markets, and golf.

Things to Do

• Take a Thai cooking class and master pad thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice.
• Shop night markets for crafts and street eats—try Chiang Mai Sunday Walking Street or Bangkok’s Ratchada Train Market.
• Traditional Thai massage & spa treatments for deep relaxation.
• Temple trail with cultural etiquette: covered shoulders/knees, remove shoes, quiet courtesy.
• Floating markets near Bangkok (e.g., Damnoen Saduak/Amphawa) for boat-side bites and photos.

Adventure Activities

• Scuba diving & snorkeling: Similan/Surin Islands (best Nov–May), Koh Tao (year-round training hub).
• Rock climbing at Railay (Krabi): Routes for beginners to pros, plus deep-water soloing.
• Ziplining in Chiang Mai: Forest canopies and skybridges for adrenaline and views.
• Trekking in the north: Mae Taeng, Pai, and hill-tribe villages; cool-season best.
• Sea kayaking in Phang Nga: Paddle through karst tunnels and lagoons at sunset.

Cuisines to Try

• Pad Thai: Stir-fried rice noodles; ask for vegetarian (jay) or with prawns/chicken.
• Tom Yum Goong: Spicy-sour lemongrass soup; request spice level.
• Green/Red/Massaman Curry: Massaman is milder and nutty—often a hit with Indian palates.
• Som Tam (Papaya Salad): Refreshing; ask for “not too spicy.”
• Khao Soi (Chiang Mai): Coconut curry noodle soup with crispy toppings.
• Mango Sticky Rice: Iconic dessert; seasonal mangoes are sweetest March–June.
• Vegetarian tip: Say “gin jay” (eat vegan/vegetarian, no fish sauce/egg) for stricter veg meals.

Dining Places (Tried-and-loved Picks)

• Raan Jay Fai (Bangkok): Fiery woks, legendary crab omelette; expect queues.
• Thipsamai (Bangkok): Classic pad thai since 1966.
• Gaggan Anand (Bangkok): Progressive Indian dining with Thai inspiration—special occasion.
• Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin (Bangkok): Fine-dining Thai with a creative twist.
• Blue Elephant (Bangkok/Phuket): Royal Thai cuisine in heritage settings.
• Khao Soi Khun Yai (Chiang Mai): Beloved local stall for khao soi.
• One Chun Café & Restaurant (Phuket Town): Southern Thai flavors in a vintage shophouse.
• Rayavadee’s Krua Phranang (Krabi): Romantic beachfront Thai dining.

Resorts & Stays (Across Budgets)

• Rayavadee (Krabi): Iconic luxury amid cliffs and beaches—perfect for honeymoons.
• The Slate (Phuket): Design-forward resort near Nai Yang beach.
• JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa: Family-friendly with a great kids’ club.
• Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui: Private-pool villas with sublime views.
• Anantara Riverside Bangkok: Resort vibes inside the city, river shuttle included.
• Anantara Chiang Mai: Minimalist riverside elegance near the old city.
• InterContinental Pattaya: Cliffside sunsets and easy city access.
• The Sarojin (Khao Lak): Boutique luxury for couples and divers.

Nightlife

• Bangkok Rooftops: Sky Bar at Lebua, Octave, Vertigo—jaw-dropping cityscapes.
• RCA & Thonglor (Bangkok): Clubs and craft cocktail bars; carry ID (legal drinking age 20).
• Asiatique the Riverfront: Night market, ferris wheel, shows by the river.
• Patong’s Bangla Road (Phuket): Neon nightlife, live music, and beach clubs.
• Koh Phangan Full Moon Party: Legendary beach party; plan stays and transfers early.
• Chiang Mai Live Music: Cozy pubs near the Night Bazaar and Nimman area.

Shopping

• Bangkok: Chatuchak Weekend Market, MBK, Siam Paragon, ICONSIAM, Pratunam for bargains.
• Chiang Mai: Sunday Walking Street, Warorot Market for textiles.
• Phuket Old Town: Sunday Lard Yai Market—local crafts and snacks.
• What to buy: Thai silk (Jim Thompson), spa products, ceramicware (Benjarong), coconut and lemongrass items, snacks/dried fruits, handcrafted silver from the north.
• Tip: Exchange INR to THB at money changers (good rates at well-known counters); cards widely accepted—keep some cash for markets.

Off-beat Places (Hidden Gems)

• Pai (Mae Hong Son): Bohemian mountain town, hot springs, canyon sunsets.
• Khao Sok National Park: Otherworldly Cheow Lan Lake with floating raft houses and rainforest hikes.
• Koh Yao Noi/Koh Yao Yai: Quiet islands between Phuket and Krabi—rustic chic escapes.
• Koh Kood (Trat): Crystal-clear water, waterfalls, and very few crowds.
• Trang Islands (Koh Kradan/Koh Ngai): Powder beaches and the emerald sea cave.
• Nan Province: Misty mountains, slow life, and the striking Wat Phumin murals.
• Phimai Historical Park (Nakhon Ratchasima): Majestic Khmer-era temple complex with minimal crowds.

Festivals & Events (Dates/Months)

• Songkran (Thai New Year): 13–15 April—nationwide water festival.
• Loy Krathong & Yi Peng: November—floating lamps and sky lanterns (Chiang Mai is spectacular).
• Chiang Mai Flower Festival: Early February—parades of floral floats.
• Phuket Vegetarian Festival: September/October—colorful street processions and rituals.
• Surin Elephant Round-Up: November—elephant shows and cultural displays.
• Chinese New Year: January/February—vibrant celebrations in Bangkok’s Yaowarat.

Key Experiences (Don’t Miss)

• Island-hopping by speedboat to hidden lagoons and beaches.
• Sunset long-tail boat ride in Krabi or Phang Nga.
• Ethical elephant encounter (research sanctuaries; avoid riding).
• Ride the Death Railway over the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi.
• Street food crawl with a local guide for safe, authentic bites.
• Rooftop sunset in Bangkok followed by a river cruise dinner.

Travel Tips for Indian Visitors

• Visas: Policies change; check the latest for Indian passport holders (visa exemption periods, e-visa/visa on arrival).
• Money: Currency is Thai Baht (THB); ATMs plentiful. Exchange INR at airports/city changers; carry small notes for markets.
• Connectivity: Buy a local SIM at the airport for cheap data.
• Time Zone: Thailand is UTC+7, i.e., 1 hour 30 minutes ahead of IST.
• Power: 220V/50Hz; plug types A/B/C/F/O; carry a universal adapter.
• Temple etiquette: Cover shoulders/knees; remove shoes; be respectful.
• Food & diet: Halal, vegetarian, and Jain-friendly options increasingly available—say “jay” for vegan/veg without fish sauce/egg.
• Health & safety: Drink bottled water; wear reef-safe sunscreen; beware of common scams (jet-ski, overpriced tuk-tuk “gem” detours).
• Transport smarts: Use meters in taxis; compare Grab fares; in monsoon, check marine advisories before boat trips.
• Insurance: Strongly recommended for medical, cancellations, and adventure activities.

Interesting Facts

• Thailand is the only Southeast Asian nation that was never colonized.
• Bangkok’s ceremonial name is often cited as the world’s longest place name.
• There are 40,000+ temples (wats) nationwide—temple bells and saffron robes are everyday sights.
• The elephant is Thailand’s national symbol; conservation sanctuaries protect the Asian elephant.
• Historic capitals Ayutthaya and Sukhothai are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Thailand drives on the left, like India—easier adjustment for self-drive trips.
• The beloved Thai dessert mango sticky rice has its peak season in late spring.

Considerations

• For peak travel (November–February), book flights and hotels early.
• If you’re planning a beach holiday during the Indian monsoon, consider the Gulf side (Koh Samui region) for better weather odds.
• Always verify the latest visa and entry rules and keep a few passport photos handy.

Enjoy a trip where friendly locals, tropical scenery, and incredible food come together—Thailand is truly “Amazing” for Indian travelers.