The Ultimate List of Things to do in Thailand for Indians

The Ultimate List of Things to Do in Thailand for Indians

And if you’re asking what’s the best time to visit Thailand, it is during the cool and dry season, typically from November to March.

Let’s explore the top attractions and experiences that you can add to your Thailand bucket list.

Cultural and historical sites

Thailand is a country steeped in rich culture and history, with countless ancient sites and stunning temples scattered throughout the country. As Indians though, it might be hard to imagine historical sites as beautiful as the ones we have back home, but Thailand tourist places include:

Temples:

• The Grand Palace Bangkok: A complex of buildings that served as the official residence of the Thai Royal Family for over 200 years. The Grand Palace is a stunning example of Thai architecture and is a must-see for any visitor to Bangkok.
• Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha): Located within the grounds of the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew is one of the most sacred temples in Thailand. It houses the Emerald Buddha, a highly revered Buddha image carved from a single piece of jade.
• Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha): Another temple located in Bangkok, Wat Pho is famous for its massive reclining Buddha statue. The temple is also known for its traditional Thai massage school, one of the oldest in Thailand.
• Chiang Mai: The largest city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a cultural center with a rich history. The city is home to many temples, including Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which sits atop a mountain overlooking the city. Chiang Mai is also a great place to experience traditional Thai culture, with night markets, cooking classes, and elephant sanctuaries.
• Visit the Big Buddha statue and Wat Chalong temple

Chinatown Experience:

• Long stroll through Chinatown for a sensory experience.
• Shop for gold, jewellery, and souvenirs in narrow lanes.
• Enjoy street food on bustling Yaowarat Road.

Historical Parks:

• Visit the Ayutthaya Historical Park which was once the capital of the Siamese Kingdom for over 400 years. Today, the park is home to the ruins of temples, palaces, and monasteries, offering a glimpse into Thailand’s glorious past.
• Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is Sukhothai Historical Park. Sukhothai was the first capital of the Siamese Kingdom. The park is filled with the ruins of temples, palaces, and statues, showcasing the unique Khmer and Sukhothai art styles.

Religious attractions

As a predominantly Buddhist country, Thailand has an abundance of impressive temples that reflect its strong religious roots. Here’s what you need to know about religious attractions in Thailand:

Iconic Wat Arun in Bangkok

Wat Arun, Bangkok’s famed Temple of Dawn, stuns with its vibrantly colored spires adorned with porcelain, a stark contrast to other temples and overlooks the Chao Phraya River. Steeped in history, it served as a refuge for King Taksin and once housed the Emerald Buddha. This active Buddhist temple offers stunning river views from its central prang, a climbable tower, and remains a must-visit for any Bangkok adventure. 

When in Wat Arun, you can climb the steep steps of the central prang for a panoramic view of the city and the Chao Phraya River. There’s a 200 baht entrance fee for foreigners (as of March 2024) to enter the temple grounds. 

Best time to visit Thailand**:** November to March

Visit to Wat Chalong in Phuket

Phuket’s most revered temple, Wat Chalong, is a must-visit for cultural immersion. Built in the early 19th century, it’s dedicated to revered monks known for their fighting spirit and healing knowledge. The vibrant complex features ornate buildings, a towering chedi said to contain a Buddha bone fragment, and a market buzzing with local energy. Explore striking red pagodas, gilded Buddha statues, and the monk’s quarters when you’re visiting. 

Best time to go to Thailand for Indian tourists: November to March

Dazzling White Temple in Chiang Rai

• Unique contemporary design with white plaster and mirrored glass
• A must-see on any Thailand temple tour

Ideal for Family Reunions

• Perfect location for a great Indian family reunion because of the variety of budgets Thailand can offer value in
• Diverse experiences cater to different preferences and ages

Shopping and markets

Experience Thailand’s markets for an unbeatable, authentic local shopping adventure. The huge Chatuchak Market in Bangkok has over 15,000 stalls selling everything from clothing to home decor and food. Here are the shopping markets and things to do in Thailand when it comes to shopping:

Night Market exploration

• Talad Neon Night Market in downtown Bangkok for a local vibe
• Phuket’s Weekend Night Markets feature live music, food carts, and local handicrafts

Chatuchak Weekend Market

• One of the world’s largest markets with 15,000+ stalls
• Browse and shop for Thai handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing, and art

Floating Markets outside Bangkok:

• Damnoen Saduak is a unique floating market. Vendors in small boats sell fruits, snacks, and souvenirs on canals. Visit this in the morning-to-noon hours for the best experience.

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter which market you go to in Thailand; you will be right at home in these bustling, crowded markets, and who knows, you might just get to show off your bargaining skills. 

In a Nutshell

Want a cheaper way to experience a boat ride on the river? Use the ferry service that connects multiple landmarks such as the Wat Arun temple, and the IconSiam Mall for THB 20 per ride.

Cruises and dining

1. Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise in Bangkok

A dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River is an iconic Bangkok experience. You’ll pass famous landmarks while enjoying a buffet dinner with Thai dishes like pad thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice. Some cruises have live music and dancing, too! 

2. Ping River Cruise in Chiang Mai

Take in scenic views of temples, greenery, and local life with a leisurely cruise on the Ping River in Chiang Mai. Many cruises include a Thai buffet dinner and cultural performances like umbrella painting or hill tribe dances - making for a memorable evening. 

3. Dining at rooftop restaurants

Bangkok has excellent rooftop restaurants and bars that offer bird’s eye views of the glittering city. Popular options include Sky Bar, The Dome at Lebua, and Vertigo Grill & Moon Bar. A romantic dinner overlooking Bangkok’s skyline makes for an unforgettable evening. 

Outdoor adventures

1. Island hopping in Krabi

The Krabi province on Thailand’s Andaman coast has gorgeous islands like Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Phra Nang Cave Beach, and Chicken Island. A full-day island hopping tour is a great way to hit several spots for swimming, snorkelling, beach-bumming, and partying. For better deals, you can book these day tours and more on local sites like Klook.

2. Diving in Koh Tao

Nicknamed “Turtle Island”, Koh Tao is considered one of the best spots for learning diving, especially around Chumphon Pinnacle. The crystal clear waters have incredible visibility, and you can spot whale sharks, turtles, and manta rays on a day dive. 

3. Pai road trip from Chiang Mai

Take a road trip from Chiang Mai to the laidback backpacker town of Pai, located amid gorgeous mountainous scenery. Stop at hot springs, waterfalls, small hill tribe villages, and canyon viewpoints. It’s an adventurous way to experience northern Thailand’s landscapes. 

In a Nutshell

Rent a scooter from Chiang Mai and ride for two hours through the northern Thai mountains to reach Pai.

Nightlife and festivals

1. Full moon party in Koh Phangan

This beach bash on Koh Phangan is world-famous, with fire shows, neon paint, roaming DJs, beachfront bars, and revelry that lasts until sunrise. It happens each month on the night of the full moon. Just experiencing the wild vibe is a bucket list item for many! 

Visit this site ‘Full Moon Party’ if you wish to experience it!

2. Bangkok’s Khao San Road

Khao San Road is Bangkok’s backpacker district, with bustling nightlife full of budget bars, live music, street food vendors, tattoo shops, and buzzing crowds of travellers - creates a party atmosphere that goes on till late. 

3. Ladyboy cabaret shows

A popular tourist activity, especially in Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket, is watching a ladyboy cabaret show. Glamorous trans women performers put on dazzling shows with lip-syncing, dancing, costumes, and comedy routines. It’s an eye-opening cultural experience! 

Local transportation and exploration

1. Tuk-tuk ride in Bangkok

Zipping through Bangkok’s bustling streets in a tuk-tuk, an auto-rickshaw taxi, is a must-do. Hire one for a few hours to visit top sights like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, flower market, and Chinatown. Tuk-tuks provide quick access across congested Bangkok.

In a Nutshell

Watch out for tuk-tuk scams. Make sure to know exactly where the driver will take you. If you can, avoid shopping spots on this ride as it’s just a commission ploy for the driver. 

Instead go to more relevant sights like temples, markets, monuments, etc., and negotiate and agree on the price before boarding and pay at the end of the trip.

2. Canal tour in Bangkok

Take a commuter or long-tail boat ride on the Chao Phraya River or small canals like Khlong Lat Mayom market for a unique perspective on daily life in Bangkok. Watch locals shop at floating markets, see traditional wooden homes, and enjoy the scenic views. 

3. Thai cooking class

Taking a cooking class is a fantastic way to learn about Thai cuisine and learn recipes to recreate back home. Chiang Mai is a popular destination for multi-hour cooking classes, including trips to local markets. Phuket and Bangkok also have reputed cooking schools.

Trustable and affordable local transportation options for travellers

• Tuk-tuks and Songthaews: These are affordable and fun ways to get around in cities
• Buses: Public buses and private minivans are budget-friendly options for travelling between cities
• Trains: Thailand has an extensive railway network that connects major cities
• Renting scooters: At some destinations, renting a scooter can be an economical and convenient way to explore.

Drawn in by the charm of Thailand but don’t want to deal with the hassle of carrying Bahts? We have your back.

Learn How Learn HowScan QR Code To Download The App

A small 5-day itinerary

Thailand offers so much diversity that it takes more work to cover everything in one trip. This 5-day itinerary provides a nice balance of must-see highlights in Bangkok and Phuket for first-time visitors:

• Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok. Visit the famous Grand Palace and Wat Pho temple complex. Explore Khao San Road at night for street food and nightlife.
• Day 2: Take a guided tour of the Damnoen Saduak floating market outside Bangkok. Walk through Chinatown’s bustling streets. Enjoy a dinner cruise experience on the Chao Phraya River.
• Day 3: Fly from Bangkok to Phuket in the morning. Check into a beach hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing on Freedom beach or Patong Beach and watch the sunset from Promthep Cape.
• Day 4: Join a day trip to Phi Phi Islands for snorkelling in turquoise waters and beach hopping. Have a seafood dinner in Phuket.
• Day 5: Get beach massages in Phuket. Shop for souvenirs on Walking Street. Fly back to Bangkok in the evening or get a direct flight back home to India.

This itinerary lets you see top highlights like Bangkok’s temples, floating markets, Phi Phi’s beauty, Phuket’s beaches, and both cities’ nightlife. Additional days can be added to include more islands, national parks, and cultural sightseeing. Travel between Bangkok and Phuket is easy via cheap domestic flights.

Caught the travel bug? Make sure you don’t catch anything else. 

Get Travel Insurance Get Travel InsuranceScan QR Code To Download The App

Key Takeaways

Jet set on a captivating journey through Thailand, where vibrant cities, cultural wonders, and pristine beaches converge, offering diverse experiences and unforgettable memories

• Things to do in Thailand**:** Outdoor adventures, cultural sites, beach retreats, island hopping, wildlife encounters, vibrant nightlife, culinary delights, and relaxation are some of the things to do in Thailand during the cool and dry season from November to February.
• Local transportation options: You have diverse and affordable transportation options in Thailand, including the popular tuk-tuks for city exploration, buses for budget-friendly city-to-city travel, an extensive railway network, and the possibility of renting scooters for more flexibility.
• Five-day itinerary highlights: A well-balanced 5-day itinerary covers must-see places in both Bangkok and Phuket. It includes visits to iconic landmarks like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, unique experiences such as a Damnoen Saduak floating market tour, and exploring beautiful beaches like Patong in Phuket.
• Cultural sensitivity and safety: Dress modestly and be culturally sensitive, especially when visiting temples.
• Diverse experiences and activities: Thailand offers diverse experiences, from cultural explorations in bustling cities to relaxing beach getaways and adventurous activities like island hopping, scuba diving to cooking classes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Beyond popular tourist attractions, which unique cultural experiences do you recommend in Thailand?

Attend the Loy Krathong lantern festival in Chiang Mai, visit hill tribes outside the city, enjoy meditation retreats in temples like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for unique cultural experiences beyond visiting major tourist attractions.

2. Which places are more offbeat in Thailand than Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket?

Pai, Koh Kood, Kanchanaburi, Koh Mak, and Hua Hin are more offbeat places to visit beyond popular spots like Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya.

3. What’s the best time to visit Thailand to avoid monsoons and enjoy pleasant weather?

The best time to visit Thailand for good weather is between November to February, avoiding the hot summers and rainy monsoons. But if you want to score offseason deals and can bear the summer/monsoon weather, you can consider any other month to travel in Thailand too!

4. Which local veg dishes are famous in Thailand and a must-try for food enthusiasts?

Pad thai noodles, vegetarian green curry, tom yum soup, som tam papaya salad, are a few of the must-try Thai veg dishes available at local restaurants across Thailand.

5. What are the popular souvenirs to buy in Phuket or Krabi as mementos of the trip?

Unique souvenir ideas from Phuket and Krabi are decorative mollusk shells, handmade soaps with tropical ingredients, silver elephant charms, and orange-robed monk figurines.

6. How can I find affordable transportation options to travel within Phuket, Thailand?

Affordable transportation options to travel within Phuket include public Songthaew taxis, using Grab tuk-tuks, or renting a motorbike to explore in and around Thailand. 

To get more information, check out: Your Ultimate Thailand Map Travel Guide for Indians