If Thailand has been sitting on your bucket list for a while, this is your sign to finally book that flight. We recently did an 8-day trip covering Bangkok, Krabi, and Phuket — and we're sharing everything, including the stuff we wish we'd known before we went.
✅ Before You Leave India: The Checklist That Actually Matters
1. Fill Your TDAC — Don't Skip This
The TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) is a mandatory online form you must complete before arrival. Skip it and your entry at Bangkok immigration could get unnecessarily complicated.
Fill it at: tdac.immigration.go.th
2. Sort Your Money Before Flying
Convert around 2,000–3,000 THB before you leave — enough for your airport taxi, SIM card, and snacks before you find an ATM. You can exchange at Prime Exchange counters at Airport Metro stations or Aerohub Mall in Chennai.
For the rest of the trip, carry a Forex card (Niyo Global and Scapia are popular). No foreign transaction fees, better rates than your regular debit card. Most local markets, street food stalls, tuk tuks, and massage places are cash only — Thailand's street culture runs on cash.
3. Get an eSIM Before You Travel
If your phone supports eSIM (most phones from 2020 onwards do), buy a Thailand eSIM from Klook or Airalo before you leave. Costs around ₹400–500 for a 10-day unlimited data pack. The moment you land in Bangkok, it activates automatically — no queues, no SIM swapping.
If your phone doesn't support eSIM, buy a physical SIM from AIS, DTAC, or True stores right inside Bangkok airport.
4. Download Offline Google Maps
Before you fly, download offline maps for Bangkok, Krabi, and Phuket. Even with a good eSIM, there are moments when data can be spotty. Offline maps are a lifesaver the second you step out of the airport.
🚗 Getting Around Thailand
Use Bolt, Not Grab or Tuk Tuks
Bolt is consistently 30–40% cheaper than Grab for the same ride. Both apps show transparent pricing upfront. Tuk tuks look fun but will quote double or triple the actual fare to tourists. Open Bolt, check the price, and use it as your benchmark.
Renting a Two-Wheeler? Get Your IDP First
Scooters are available for rent in Phuket and Krabi at around 300 THB/day. But here's what most blogs don't say clearly:
Bangkok's BTS/MRT Metro is a Game Changer
Clean, air-conditioned, frequent, and incredibly cheap. On sightseeing days when you're moving between multiple spots, the metro beats cabs — especially during peak hours when Bangkok traffic is brutal. Learn the basic BTS/MRT lines before your trip.
🛬 Arriving at Bangkok Airport: Step by Step
- Immigration: Can take 30–60 minutes. Keep your TDAC, hotel booking, and return flight ticket accessible on your phone.
- ATM: Withdraw everything you need at once (250 THB fee per transaction).
- SIM Card: AIS, DTAC, and True stores are inside the terminal. Pre-booked on Klook? Collect it here.
- Food: Head to 7-Eleven inside the airport — dramatically cheaper than airport restaurants, and genuinely good.
- Transport to Hotel: Use Bolt or Grab. Metered taxis are also honest — always confirm they'll run the meter.
🍜 Food in Thailand: What Indian Travellers Should Know
Eat Thai Food, Not Indian Food
A surprising number of Indian tourists spend most of their meals at Indian restaurants in Thailand. They're expensive and you're missing out on one of the best cuisines in the world. Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup, green curry, mango sticky rice, grilled seafood — every meal is an experience.
Indian restaurants are fine as a backup if you're strictly vegetarian and struggling to find options. Otherwise, go local.
7-Eleven is Genuinely Your Best Friend
Every 500 metres in Bangkok, clean, well-stocked, and the food is surprisingly good. Breakfast for two people costs around 100 THB. Greek yogurt with muesli is 20 THB. The fresh smoothies, cold coffee from the machine, and sweet potato buns are all worth trying.
💰 Budget Breakdown: What Does a Thailand Trip Actually Cost?
For two people, an 8-night/9-day trip covering Bangkok, Krabi, and Phuket can be done comfortably for around ₹1.4 lakhs — including flights, accommodation, food, activities, and local travel.
| Expense | Estimated Cost (2 people) |
|---|---|
| ✈️ Flights (return, 2 people) | ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 |
| 🏨 Accommodation (8 nights, mid-range) | ₹25,000 – ₹35,000 |
| 🍜 Food (Thai food + 7-Eleven) | ₹8,000 – ₹12,000 |
| 🎡 Activities (islands, skywalks, etc.) | ₹25,000 – ₹35,000 |
| 🚗 Local transport (Bolt, buses, ferries) | ₹6,000 – ₹10,000 |
| 🛍️ Shopping & miscellaneous | ₹10,000+ |
| Total | ~₹1.4 Lakhs |
🌦️ Best Time to Visit Thailand from India
💡 Key Tips from Real Experience
- Walk more than you think. On active days you'll clock 15,000–20,000 steps. Carry extremely comfortable walking shoes.
- Book tours from Tourist Information Centers, not just Klook. Walk into 2–3 counters near your hotel, compare prices, and negotiate. We booked the Phi Phi Island speedboat tour for 2,200 THB (down from 2,500) — included lunch, snorkelling gear, national park entry, and hotel transfers.
- At night markets, walk to the inside stalls first. Entrance stalls always quote higher prices. Walk deeper in, compare, then buy. Bargaining is expected.
- Don't order from people who approach you with menus at food courts. They work with middlemen and charge more. Walk directly to the stall.
- Patong Beach loungers have a catch. Always confirm if a seat is free before sitting — owners may charge you if you sit and try to leave.
- Weather can change plans. If you're planning island tours, keep a backup day flexible. Build flexibility into your schedule.
- Respect Thai culture. A smile and basic politeness go a long way. Use zebra crossings — traffic rules are followed strictly and jaywalking gets you honked at.
Thailand rewards travellers who come prepared but stay flexible. The country is easy to navigate, people are helpful even with a language barrier, and your money stretches further than almost anywhere else in Southeast Asia.
Plan well, eat local, use Bolt, carry cash, and go see Phi Phi Island at least once in your life. It's worth every rupee. 🌊