VISA free Trip to Thailand till Nov 11, 2024
Planning a trip to Thailand? Discover essential travel tips, affordable flights, cultural insights, and practical advice for Indian tourists in this comprehensive guide.
Thailand is a country in the South East region of Asia, Capital of Thailand is Bangkok. You may get flights for Thailand’s capital Bangkok from almost every big city of India and other countries. If we talk about flights from India, flights to Bangkok from Kolkata are usually cheaper compared to Delhi, Mumbai etc. Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations among not only Indian travelers but of other western countries also for two main reasons: it’s relatively inexpensive (compared to Europe, Singapore or Dubai) and offers a wide range of attractions including beaches, mountains, nightlife, various adventures, temples, stupas, and wildlife sanctuaries. I had been 5 times in Thailand during a span of the last 10 years, explored several places from the north to the south. During my stay, we learned several things that might be useful for your trip to Thailand.
Key Insights for Your Thailand Trip
Currency: Thailand’s currency is the Thai Baht (THB). One Thai Baht is approximately 2.29 INR. The Niyo Global Card is widely accepted here, so we rarely needed cash.
Visa: Though during my travel, there was a VISA on arrival with a fee of B1000. Now, the Govt. of Thailand has approved VISA free entry until November 11, 2024, for Indian passport holders. Just book your air tickets, hotel and head straight to the airport.
Time Difference: Thailand is 1.5 hours ahead of India. For example, when it’s 12 PM in India, it’s 1:30 PM in Thailand.
Domestic Travel: For traveling between cities within Thailand, Thai AirAsia offers the most affordable flights. They allow 7 kg of hand luggage for free. We took a few domestic flights, but since we traveled from India by full service Airlines, we booked check in luggage with some fee . But, if you are a backpacker or traveling with a cabin bag only, the flight will be cheaper for you, but be prepared for shelling out some bucks for your extra luggage.
Buying an iPhone: If you’re planning to buy an iPhone, consider purchasing it in Thailand. The cost is so much lower that the savings could cover 2-3 days of your trip expenses.
Common Thai Phrases: There are some common words between Thai and Hindi. That’s because Thai borrows some of its words from Sanskrit.
Hi/Bye: “Sawatdee kha” (shortened to “Swadi ka”)
Yes: Chai
Water: Naam
Airport: Sanaam bin
Buddhist Temple: Wat
Rose: Gù-lahb
Moon: Chan
Language: Pa Sha
King: RaCha
Guru: Kru
Taxi Apps: The most popular taxi apps are GRAB and BOLT. You’ll need a Thai SIM card to use these apps. BOLT is about 50% cheaper than GRAB.
Bangkok Vibes: Bangkok feels a lot like Dubai. Recently, there has been talk of moving the capital due to rising sea levels. There are frequent buses and shared taxis from Bangkok to Pattaya, taking about 2.5-3 hours and costing around 150 THB.
Airports in Bangkok: Bangkok has two major airports – BKK and DMK. Both are well-connected to the city, with several AC buses running from various city points to these airports. You can book tickets online.
Legalities: Cannabis has been legal in Thailand since 2022, and although prostitution isn’t officially legal, it’s widespread. Pattaya is known for its vibrant nightlife, and there’s enough to see and do there that even 5 days might feel short. I’ll write more about this soon.
Daily Essentials: For daily use items like bottled water, cold drinks, soap, oil, chocolates, etc., “7-11 Stores” are almost everywhere within walking distance. You can also buy SIM cards here. Prices are about 50% lower than the market rate. You can even get light snacks prepared.
Tiger Photos: Phuket is the best place to take photos with tigers. During a city tour, you can visit the Tiger Park and take pictures with tigers of various sizes and ages. Prices vary.
Thai Language: In written Thai, there are no spaces between words.
Flights to Malaysia: Flights from Phuket to Malaysia are quite cheap. Malaysia is also visa-free for Indians. If you have extra time, consider visiting Malaysia from Phuket, like we did.
Food: While China is often criticized for its diverse diet, people in Thailand also eat a wide range of foods. You’ll see fried crocodiles, insects, snakes, octopus, and crabs. Small snakes and scorpions are fried and sold on sticks by street vendors.
Amazing Facts: Do you know the real name of Thailand’s capital, Bangkok? Its longest name of any capital in the world with 168 characters in length. The real name of Bangkok is:
“Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit”
Final Words
Thailand offers an incredible mix of affordability, adventure, and cultural richness, making it a top destination for Indian travelers. From understanding the local currency and visa requirements to exploring vibrant cities and unique culinary experiences, this guide provides all the essential information you need for a smooth and enjoyable trip. Stay tuned for more insights on Thailand’s nightlife, wildlife, and adventure activities in our upcoming posts.
