Bangkok skyline at twilight

Destinations

Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket & Krabi

A quick guide to the four places we plan most.

The Grand Palace complex, Bangkok

Thailand

Bangkok

Thailand's capital is a lively mix of glittering temples, river life, huge markets and modern malls.

Highlights

  • The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
  • Wat Pho, home of the giant Reclining Buddha
  • Wat Arun on the banks of the Chao Phraya River
  • Chatuchak Weekend Market and big shopping malls
  • Floating markets on day trips outside the city
  • Safari World – popular with families

Good to know: Plan 2–3 nights. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) when visiting temples and the Grand Palace.

Plan a Bangkok trip
Pattaya skyline and beach road at night

Thailand

Pattaya

A beach city on the Gulf of Thailand, roughly two hours by road from Bangkok – a classic pairing on a first Thailand trip.

Highlights

  • Coral Island (Koh Larn) by speedboat
  • The intricate wooden Sanctuary of Truth
  • Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
  • Water sports and beach promenades
  • Evening shows and Walking Street

Good to know: Plan 2 nights. Works well combined with Bangkok.

Plan a Pattaya trip
The Big Buddha statue, Phuket

Thailand

Phuket

Thailand's largest island, on the Andaman Sea, known for beaches, viewpoints and easy island excursions.

Highlights

  • Beaches such as Patong, Karon and Kata
  • The Big Buddha hilltop viewpoint
  • Old Phuket Town's Sino-Portuguese shophouses
  • Day trips to the Phi Phi Islands
  • Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island

Good to know: Plan 3–4 nights. Boat trips depend on weather and sea conditions, especially during the monsoon months.

Plan a Phuket trip
Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh, Krabi

Thailand

Krabi

A coastal province on the Andaman Sea famous for dramatic limestone cliffs, calm bays and island-hopping.

Highlights

  • Ao Nang beach town
  • Railay, reachable by boat and framed by limestone cliffs
  • Four Islands and Hong Islands boat tours
  • Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) with its long stair climb
  • Kayaking among mangroves

Good to know: Plan 2–3 nights. Easy to pair with Phuket by road or ferry.

Plan a Krabi trip

Practical basics

Weather

Thailand is tropical. November to February is generally the cooler, drier period; March to May is hot; the south-west monsoon brings more rain, roughly May to October, especially on the Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi).

Currency

The local currency is the Thai Baht (THB). Cards are widely accepted in cities; carry some cash for markets and smaller vendors.

Entry rules

Entry requirements for Indian travellers can change. Please check current entry rules on the official Thai e-Visa website.