Wat Arun at sunset with a royal barge on the Chao Phraya river, Bangkok

Your destination guide to

Amazing Thailand

Pattaya's islands and shows, Bangkok's temples and night markets, tiger parks and floating markets — the most fun-packed international trip you can take in under five days.

Best time
Nov – FebCool, dry and sunny
Ideal duration
4N / 5D6N / 7D with Phuket or Krabi
Fly into
Bangkok (BKK / DMK)Direct from Chennai & Bengaluru
Entry
Visa-free for IndiansPlus online arrival card (TDAC)

Why Thailand

No other destination gives you so much variety in so few days.

A speedboat to Coral Island in the morning, a tiger park in the afternoon, a cabaret show at night — then temples, river cruises and the world's best street food in Bangkok. Friendly, affordable and only 3.5 hours from Chennai.

Things to do

Experiences not to miss

Thailand's greatest hits — our travellers' favourites, most of which are already in the sample plan.

  • Palm trees and Pattaya Bay with the city skyline beyond

    Coral Island speedboat & water sports

    Pattaya's beach escape — parasailing, jet-ski, sea walking and a swim in turquoise water.

  • Dancers in red costumes on stage at a Pattaya cabaret show

    Alcazar Cabaret Show

    A glittering 70-minute song-and-dance spectacular — family friendly and world famous.

  • A sea lion show at Safari World, Bangkok

    Safari World & Marine Park

    Drive-through safari with giraffes and zebras, plus dolphin, sea-lion and orangutan shows.

  • Clipped topiary and themed gardens at Nong Nooch

    Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

    500 acres of themed gardens, Thai cultural show and elephant show near Pattaya.

  • Golden chedis and a temple hall at Wat Phra Kaew in the Grand Palace, Bangkok

    Grand Palace & Wat Arun

    Bangkok's most iconic temples on the Chao Phraya river — go early, dress modestly.

  • Boats loaded with fruit at Damnoen Saduak floating market

    Floating & night markets

    Damnoen Saduak floating market, Asiatique riverfront and Chatuchak weekend market.

  • A longtail boat in turquoise water below limestone cliffs at Phi Phi

    Phuket, Krabi or Phi Phi (add-on)

    Add 2–3 nights of beaches, Phi Phi island tours and James Bond Island by longtail boat.

  • A beachside Thai massage hut under trees at Ao Nang

    Thai massage & spa

    An hour of traditional Thai massage is the perfect end to a sightseeing day — ask your guide for a reputable spa.

Sample itinerary · 4N / 5D

A sample 4N / 5D plan

Our best-selling Pattaya + Bangkok combination. Prefer beaches? Swap Pattaya for Phuket or Krabi and your consultant will rework the plan.

Route sketch of the Thailand plan You land in Bangkok and drive south past Sri Racha to Pattaya on day 1. Coral Island is a speedboat ride from Pattaya on day 2. You return to Bangkok via Safari World on day 3 and stay there until you fly home. Pattaya Days 1–2 Coral Island Day 2 Safari World Day 3 Sri Racha Tiger Park · Day 1 Bangkok Days 3–5
A sketch of the route, not to scale. Your consultant will share exact timings.
  1. Visitors feeding a baby elephant at the Sri Racha tiger zoo

    Day 1

    Arrival in Bangkok · Sri Racha Tiger Park · transfer to Pattaya

    Land in Bangkok and set off by private transfer towards Pattaya. En route, visit Sri Racha Tiger Park (now called Tiger Topia) to see tigers, crocodiles and the famous elephant and tiger shows, with lunch inside the park. Check in to your Pattaya hotel after 2 pm and spend the evening on Walking Street or the beachfront.

    Overnight in Pattaya

  2. Turquoise water and the green headland of Koh Larn, Coral Island

    Day 2

    Coral Island by speedboat · Alcazar cabaret show

    After breakfast, speed across to Coral Island (Koh Larn) for white sand, clear water and optional parasailing, jet-ski and underwater walk. Lunch at an Indian restaurant back on the mainland. In the evening, enjoy the dazzling Alcazar Cabaret Show — a Pattaya classic.

    Overnight in Pattaya

  3. Dolphins leaping during a show at Safari World, Bangkok

    Day 3

    Nong Nooch Garden or Safari World · transfer to Bangkok

    Check out and drive to Bangkok, stopping at Safari World & Marine Park for the drive-through safari, dolphin and orangutan shows, with buffet lunch. Alternatively, the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden with its Thai cultural show. Check in to your Bangkok hotel and relax.

    Overnight in Bangkok

  4. The Golden Buddha statue at Wat Traimit in Bangkok

    Day 4

    Bangkok city & temple tour · evening free for markets

    Morning tour of the Golden Buddha Temple (Wat Traimit), Marble Temple and Gems Gallery, with an optional Grand Palace or Wat Arun visit. Afternoon at leisure — Chao Phraya river cruise, a Thai massage, or shopping at MBK, Platinum Mall and the Asiatique riverfront night market.

    Overnight in Bangkok

  5. Asiatique and its Ferris wheel seen from the Chao Phraya river at night

    Day 5

    Departure from Bangkok

    Breakfast, hotel check-out and private transfer to the airport (allow 3 hours before an international departure). If you have an evening flight, squeeze in Chatuchak weekend market or ICONSIAM on the way.

Extend your trip

Popular add-ons

  • +2N

    Phuket

    Phi Phi island tour, Patong beach and FantaSea show. Short flight from Bangkok.

  • +2N

    Krabi

    Four-island tour, Railay beach and the emerald pool. Quieter than Phuket.

  • +1D

    Floating market & Ayutthaya

    A Bangkok day trip to the floating market or Ayutthaya's ancient temples.

Best time to visit

Cool season is best — but every month works

  • Sunbathers on the sand at Railay Beach below limestone cliffs

    Cool & dry · Best

    Nov – Feb

    Sunny days, low humidity, calm seas for island trips. Peak season — book early.

  • A man holding a water gun at the Songkran festival in Chiang Mai

    Hot season

    Mar – May

    33–38°C; Songkran water festival in April is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

  • Lush green gardens and a hill at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

    Green season

    Jun – Sep

    Short afternoon showers, lush landscapes, fewer crowds and the best hotel availability.

  • Big clouds over Pattaya beach

    Shoulder

    Oct

    Rain easing, crowds still light — a sweet spot for value and weather.

At a glance

Thailand at a glance

The basics every first-time Thailand traveller asks us about — flights, money, weather and what the trip actually feels like.

Weather
TropicalNov–Feb 24–30°C and dry; Mar–May hot; Jun–Oct short monsoon showers.
Time difference
+1 h 30 mAhead of India. Jet lag is not a concern.
Currency
Thai Baht (THB)Exchange in India or at Bangkok; cards accepted at malls, cash for markets.
Language
ThaiEnglish understood at hotels, tours and malls. Our guides speak Tamil/English.
Connectivity
Tourist SIM / eSIMAirport SIM counters are quick; eSIMs can be set up before you fly.
Food
Street-food heavenPad thai, green curry, mango sticky rice. Indian and vegetarian restaurants in every tourist area.

Getting there

Recommended flights from South India

Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) for full-service airlines and Don Mueang (DMK) for Thai AirAsia. Both are about 2 hours by road from Pattaya.

  • Chennai

    Direct · IndiGo, Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia · ≈ 3 h 30 m

    Early-morning flights land by lunchtime — Day 1 sightseeing on the way to Pattaya.

  • Bengaluru

    Direct · IndiGo, Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia · ≈ 3 h 45 m

    Several daily options; night flights also work well.

  • Kochi

    Direct · Thai AirAsia, IndiGo · ≈ 4 h

    Handy for Kerala and Kanyakumari-district travellers.

  • Madurai / Trichy / Coimbatore

    Via Chennai or Bengaluru · IndiGo (one-stop) · ≈ 6 – 7 h total

    Ask us about a single-ticket connection so bags check through.

Thai AirAsia lands at Don Mueang (DMK), not Suvarnabhumi — make sure your return flight departs from the same airport you arrived at. Your consultant will share exact timings for your dates.

Packing checklist

Your Thailand checklist

Thai immigration is quick when your documents are in order. Here is what to prepare and what to leave at home.

What to packBeach-ready by day, temple-appropriate when needed
Documents to carryInternational travel — passport essentials
Leave behind / avoidStrictly enforced in Thailand
  • E-cigarettes and vapes — illegal to bring into or use in Thailand; heavy fines and possible detention.
  • Drones without a permit — leave them at home.
  • Any disrespect to the Royal Family or Buddha images — including Buddha tattoos on display and Buddha-head souvenirs (export banned).
  • Touching monks — women in particular should keep a respectful distance.
  • Shorts or sleeveless tops at temples — you will be turned away from the Grand Palace.
  • Street scams — 'the temple is closed today' tuk-tuk offers and unmetered taxis. Use your guide, Grab or Bolt instead.

Good to know

Good to know before you go

  • Allow 3 hours at the airport

    Both Indian departure and Bangkok immigration queues can be long in peak season.

  • Tipping is customary

    20–50 THB for porters and drivers, 50–100 THB for guides per day. Small notes make this easy.

  • Grab or Bolt for taxis

    Both apps show the fare upfront; avoid tuk-tuks that quote without a meter.

  • Temple dress code

    Covered shoulders and knees, shoes off inside. Sarongs are available for hire at the entrance.

  • Spice levels are high

    Say 'mai phet' (not spicy) if needed. Indian restaurants are plentiful in Pattaya and Sukhumvit.

  • Stay safe on the water

    Always wear the life jacket on speedboats and parasailing. Avoid swimming after dark.

What happens next

Share your dates. We'll build your Thailand plan.

One of our Thailand specialists will reach you on WhatsApp to understand your dates, group and preferred cities — then build a personalised itinerary with flight and hotel options.

  1. Keep your passport details and travel dates handy.
  2. Tell us your style: Pattaya + Bangkok, or beaches in Phuket / Krabi.
  3. Receive your personalised quote and itinerary on WhatsApp — usually within the hour.
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