5 Days in Thailand

"The Land of Smiles" was there in my wish list.  On Aug-2023 got an opportunity to attend conference in Bangkok. I will share here my Thai travel experience.   

Itinerary: 
Chennai - Bangkok - Phuket - Pattaya - Bangkok - Chennai   (Thai Airways INR 30k or Air Asia INR 15k) 

Note: I travelled in Thai airways which is awesome, however Air Asia also decent for budget trip.
Visa:
Thailand has On-arrival / E-visa  options for more details visit official website. 
I opted for E-Visa and the port of entry is seamless. 

Note: On-arrival visa they will accept only cash.

Luggage Storage:
You get good affordable 24x7 luggage storage in both the airports. However you can also keep the luggage in hotels too without any additional cost.

Transport:
Flight:              Suvarnabhumi Airport (Thai Air) / Don Mueang International Airport (Air Asia)
Cab/ Train:      Bangkok has very good metro connectivity and cabs at affordable price (Use Grab App)

SIM Card:
For Indian travelers Airtel international roaming at Rs.800 is good or local prepaid in airport. If you are using cabs/ food online service better take local SIM so they can reach you easily or if you are in a group may be one person can take local SIM.

Forex:
Thailand is cash based economy most of decent hotels card will do. However everywhere you need to use only cash.  Don't exchange in airport go to Sukhumvit Road for good exchange rate.

Language:
Thai is the common local language and English works everywhere.

Activities:
There are many options depends on the group you can choose.  There are lot of options Night/ floating/ weekend Market, Palace, Malls, Temples and local street food and more.  If you night owl kind of person visit Sukhumvit.  

Convenience Store:
Seven Eleven stores are available everywhere you can get all the essentials items.

Food/ Stay:

There are lot of Indian restaurant, I had in Amristr Restaurant was very good and they do have branches in Pattaya and Phuket too. There are lot good affordable hotels in Thailand. I stayed in Swisshotel always choose hotel which is near to any metro station.  

Shopping:
For shopping Indians must visit Indira Square (You need bargain however you will good deal here)
Chatuchak Weekend Market (too massive lots of shops most of them open only on Sunday)

What to Buy:
There are lots of good Medicines in Thailand, check with local people before buying. 
Below 2 are the best from my experience.

Pim Saen Balm Oil   Works very well for Cold/ Cough gives immediate relief from running nose
Cheng Chen Oil:       Gives very good relief particularly for headache and cold

What to Buy:
There are lots of good Medicines in Thailand, check with local people before buying. 

YouTube Info:
There are many you tube channels has thailand videos, however this is the best one which gives more local insight and very informative.  Please do visit before you travel.

Channel:  Live Love Thailand

Bangkok
Good city life and culture 2-3 days is good enough to cover Bangkok.  I have spend only 1 sunday for local visit and spent 3 days business purpose.   

Phuket
Scenic nature and pleasant weather.  Depends on your interest you can stay up to a week.  I spent 2 days in Phuket stayed in Royal Paradise Hotel it was decent/ affordable very close to Patong beach and Amritsar Restaurant.

Airport to Hotel use Grab or Prepaid Airport Taxi (Buses also available, Phuket airport is little away from city)

Bangkok to Phuket Air Asia 2 way costs around INR 6K only. 

Day 1: Local sight seeing (Standard Package - Negotiate/ bargain with local travel guys or hotel)

Day 2: Phe Phe Island (There are many options we choose Phe Phe)  (Travel guys will pick/ drop you from hotel)

Pattaya
1 day is fair enough to cover Pattaya.  Pattaya is 2 hours drive from Bangkok airport. It has nice beach and night life with lots of Indian crowd. Places like Floating Market/ Tiger Park/ Walking Street and coral island. 

Warning: 

Avoid taking 2 wheelers rent, you might get cheated its not safe and foreign license is not acceptable it seems.  Traffic challans are very costly.  
For questions always check with hotel travel desk, never indulge with anonymous people.
Careful with your belonging while you are in crowded places.  

Thailand is budget friendly with beautiful beaches, city life, nature and many more.  Overall its a very good experience.  For family travelers don't miss Bangkok, Phuket is must and for friends visit all 3 locations.  Have Fun !!!  God Bless you !!!

Lens Reflections: