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Thailand Diaries: Day-by-Day Blog Exploring the Land of Smiles

Day 1: Sawasdee Bangkok — First Steps in the City

Landed in Bangkok at Suvarnabhumi Airport after a direct flight from Mumbai. Immigration was smooth. Grabbed a local SIM card at the airport — so convenient for maps and Grab taxis.

Checked into a budget boutique hotel near Sukhumvit. First stop: a street food stall! Pad Thai made right in front of me, hot and fresh, for just a few baht.
Walked through Asiatique night market in the evening, watching ferris wheels light up the riverfront.

  • Small moment: Bought coconut ice cream served in a real coconut shell — delicious and refreshing.


Day 2: Temples & Tuk-Tuks — Bangkok Old Town

Started early to visit the iconic Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew — the Emerald Buddha Temple is stunning in the morning light.
Next stop: Wat Pho, home to the giant Reclining Buddha and the birthplace of Thai massage.

Rode a colorful tuk-tuk to Chinatown for lunch — had dim sum and mango sticky rice at a tiny local shop.

  • Small moment: Bought a hand-painted fan at a temple shop to beat the afternoon heat.


Day 3: Ayutthaya — Ruins & River Cruise

Took a day trip to Ayutthaya, Thailand’s ancient capital. Biked around the old ruins — Wat Mahathat’s Buddha head entwined in tree roots is hauntingly beautiful.
Had lunch on a river cruise with Thai curry and jasmine rice.

Back in Bangkok by evening, I wandered through the flower market — the scent of fresh jasmine and orchids filled the air.

  • Small moment: Tried Thai iced tea from a street vendor — sweet, milky, and perfect.


Day 4: Chiang Mai — Old City Walls & Night Bazaar

Flew to Chiang Mai — a short domestic flight. Checked into a guesthouse inside the Old City walls.

Explored Wat Chedi Luang, an ancient temple with monks chanting at sunset. Dinner at the Night Bazaar — spicy khao soi noodles with crispy egg topping.

  • Small moment: Chatted with a monk at a temple about meditation retreats.


Day 5: Elephant Sanctuary & Hill Tribe Village

Highlight of the trip: Spent a day at an ethical Elephant Sanctuary outside Chiang Mai. Fed rescued elephants, gave them a mud bath, and watched them roam free.

Later, visited a hill tribe village to see local weaving and handicrafts.

  • Small moment: Learned how to make sticky rice in bamboo from a village elder.


Day 6: Krabi — Beaches & Island Hopping

Flew south to Krabi. Checked into a beach bungalow at Ao Nang. Joined a long-tail boat tour to Railay Beach — hidden caves, limestone cliffs, and turquoise water.

Had fresh pineapple fried rice at a beach café. Sunset was unreal — pink and gold skies over the Andaman Sea.

  • Small moment: Climbed up to a viewpoint for a panoramic photo with zero tourists around.


Day 7: Phi Phi Islands — Snorkel & Relax

Day trip to the Phi Phi Islands — Maya Bay was closed for conservation, but the boat anchored nearby for snorkeling. Swam with colorful fish and coral gardens.

Lunch on Bamboo Island — grilled seafood and papaya salad under shady trees.

  • Small moment: Found a hidden cove with powdery white sand and clear water.


What to Pack for Thailand

  • Lightweight cotton clothes — it’s humid almost year-round.

  • Swimwear for beaches and islands.

  • Modest outfit for temples — shoulders and knees covered.

  • Flip-flops and sturdy walking shoes.

  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

  • Mosquito repellent.

  • Reusable water bottle — stay hydrated!


Health & Altitude Tips

  • Thailand is mostly low altitude; no mountain sickness issues.

  • Stay hydrated — carry bottled or filtered water.

  • Eat at busy food stalls — fresh food is best.

  • Be mindful of spicy dishes if you’re not used to it.

  • Use mosquito repellent, especially in jungle or island areas.


Unique Experiences in Thailand

  • Attend a monk chat in Chiang Mai.

  • Stay overnight on a floating raft house in Kanchanaburi.

  • Take a cooking class to learn Thai dishes.

  • Explore hidden waterfalls in Krabi.

  • Watch a Muay Thai fight in Bangkok.


Best Ways to Travel to Thailand from India

  • From Maharashtra (Mumbai/Pune): Direct flights to Bangkok or Phuket; frequent and affordable.

  • From Kerala (Cochin/Trivandrum): Good connections via Chennai or Mumbai.

  • From Karnataka (Bangalore): Direct flights to Bangkok; popular with backpackers.

  • From Delhi: Multiple direct flights to Bangkok daily; other options to Chiang Mai or Phuket with connections.


Indian Food & Local Cuisine

  • Plenty of Indian restaurants in Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai — look for names like Rang Mahal, Charcoal Tandoor Grill, or Gaggan.

  • Must-try Thai dishes: Pad Thai, green curry, som tam (papaya salad), mango sticky rice.

  • Vegetarian-friendly options: Many places offer tofu or veg stir-fries with jasmine rice.


Currency & Budget Tips

  • Currency: Thai Baht (THB).

  • ATMs are everywhere — but carry cash for small markets.

  • Street food is cheap; fine dining can be expensive in tourist areas.

  • Daily budget: ₹3,000–₹6,000 per person for mid-range travel with activities.

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Connectivity & SIM Cards

  • Buy a local SIM card at the airport — AIS, DTAC, or TrueMove are good options.

  • Data is cheap and fast; great for Google Maps and translation apps.

  • Most cafés and hotels have free Wi-Fi.


Shopping & Souvenirs

  • Thai silk scarves and sarongs.

  • Handmade coconut soaps and spa products.

  • Elephant figurines and teak wood crafts.

  • Thai spices, curry pastes, and herbal tea.

  • Colorful lanterns and hill tribe textiles.


Instagram Spots in Thailand

  • Wat Arun and Wat Pho temples in Bangkok.

  • Train street in Hanoi for fun shots (if you hop to Vietnam).

  • Maya Bay from afar, Phi Phi Islands.

  • Emerald Pool in Krabi.

  • Bamboo bridges in Pai.

  • Chiang Rai’s White Temple.


Final Thoughts

Thailand surprised me every day — from the humble pad Thai on a roadside cart to the grandeur of ancient temples and the wild colors of tropical islands. Mauzee Holiday’s local guides, comfy stays, and seamless bookings made this adventure stress-free.

If Thailand is on your list — pack your bags, follow your taste buds, and don’t forget to smile. The Land of Smiles will welcome you with open arms.

Ready to plan your Thailand escape?