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?
Phone: 91-8655110202
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mauzeeholiday.com