How to Plan a Thailand Trip from India? Flights, Visa, Best Trips

Planning a trip to Thailand from India? Get ready for an adventure! Thailand, a beautiful country known for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and beautiful cities, is just a hop away from India. However, exactly how far? Well, keep reading! This guide is going to be your ultimate companion, packed with all the essentials to make your Thailand journey smooth and unforgettable!

Here, we will walk you through the steps to reach Bangkok, the beautiful capital of Thailand, from India. And for those looking for easy tour packages, we've rounded up some popular ones for your convenience as well. But before that, let's grasp the geographical closeness between Thailand and India!

How Far is Thailand and India? The Location Map

Thailand and India, while distinct in culture and landscape, share a relatively close geographical proximity, fostering a convenient travel connection between these two nations. These two countries are located in Southeast Asia, a region of Asia situated east of the Indian subcontinent and south of China.

The location map of Thailand and India.

Thailand is in the center of mainland Southeast Asia, while India occupies most of the Indian subcontinent. The two countries share a maritime border in the Andaman Sea, but they do not have a land border.

The distance between Thailand and India varies depending on the location of the two points.

● The shortest distance between the two countries is about 1,500 km (930 mi) , which is the distance between the southern tip of Thailand and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which belong to India.
● The longest distance between the two countries is about 4,000 km (2,485 mi), which is the distance between the northern tip of Thailand and the northern tip of India.

This geographical closeness not only facilitates air travel but also encourages overland journeys for adventurous souls. The neighboring countries Myanmar and Laos act as gateways for those opting for road travel from India to Thailand, offering a fascinating expedition through diverse terrains and cultures.

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Chiang Mai – Doi Inthanon National Park - Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle - Chiang Mai

How to Get to Bangkok, the Capital City of Thailand, from India?

Bangkok is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. It is known for its rich culture, vibrant nightlife, and delicious cuisine. So, how to get to Bangkok from India? There are several ways to travel from India to Bangkok, depending on your budget, time, and preference.

Option 1). By Plane

Taking a plane is the easiest and fastest way to travel from India to Bangkok. You can choose from various direct flights that fly from these Indian cities to Bangkok, Thailand:

● Mumbai (BOM)
● Delhi (DEL)
● Kolkata (CCU)
● Bengaluru (BLR)
● Chennai (MAA)
● Ahmedabad (AMD)

You can also find many flights that have one or more stops from different Indian cities to Bangkok’s two main airports: Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang. The flight duration ranges from 2.5 hours to 6.5 hours, depending on the origin and destination airports.

The average ticket price is approximately $130 for a round trip, but it may vary depending on the season, demand, and availability.

Some of the airlines that fly from India to Bangkok are:

● Thai Airways
● IndiGo
● Air India
● SpiceJet
● Thai AirAsia

How to get to Bangkok from India by flight.

Option 2). By Road

Another way to get to Bangkok from India is by road, but this is more challenging and adventurous. You will need to obtain a carnet de passage, which is a document that allows you to temporarily import your vehicle into another country without paying customs duties.

You will also need to have valid visas and permits for the countries that you will cross, such as Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. The route from Delhi to Bangkok is about 4,500 km long and takes about two days to drive.

You will pass through some scenic and historic places, such as Imphal, Moreh, Kale, Bagan, Inle Lake, Yangon, Maesot, and Tak. However, you will also face some challenges, such as poor road conditions, traffic jams, border crossings, and security issues. Therefore, this option is only recommended for experienced and adventurous drivers.

How to get to Bangkok from Delhi by road.

Option 3). By Bus

A third way to get to Bangkok from India is by bus, but this is also not very easy or comfortable.

You will need to take multiple buses from India to Myanmar, then from Myanmar to Thailand, and finally from the Thai border to Bangkok. The total journey time is about 3 to 4 days, and the cost is around approximately $80 - $90 for a one-way trip.

The bus service is operated by the India-Myanmar-Thailand Friendship Motor Rally, which runs twice a year, in February and November. The bus service is mainly aimed at promoting tourism and cultural exchange among the three countries, rather than providing a regular transport option.

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How to Get a Thailand Visa for Indians?

Do residents of India need a visa to go to Thailand? Before we discuss how you can get a visa for Thailand, you need to know that for Indian passport holders, there have been exemptions regarding tourist visas from 10 November 2023 to 10 May 2024. During this period, Indians can enjoy a visa exemption allowing stays of up to 30 days in Thailand for tourism purposes without obtaining a tourist visa in advance.

Besides this there are three main ways for Indians to get a Thailand visa: visa on arrival, tourist visa, and work visa.

1). Visa On Arrival

The visa on arrival is the easiest and cheapest option for Indian tourists who plan to stay in Thailand for 15 days or less. They can apply for the visa online before departure or at the designated immigration desk upon arrival at the airport.

● The visa fee is approximately $52.
● The required documents are a valid passport, a completed visa application form, a recent passport-size photo, proof of financial means, proof of onward travel, and proof of accommodation.

2). Tourist Visa

The tourist visa is for Indian tourists who want to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days per visit. They can apply for the visa at the Thai embassy or consulate in India or through VFS Global, the official partner of the Thai embassy.

● The visa fee is approximately $30 for a single entry and approximately $150 for multiple entries.
● The required documents are similar to the visa on arrival, plus a confirmed flight itinerary and a vaccination record (optional).

3). Work Visa

The work visa is for Indian citizens who are employed or doing business in Thailand. They can apply for the visa at the Thai embassy or consulate in India or through VFS Global.

● The visa fee varies depending on the type and duration of the visa.
● The required documents include a valid passport, a completed visa application form, a recent passport-size photo, a work contract or invitation letter from the employer or business partner, and a copy of the company's registration and tax documents.

Thailand visa

The Best Time to Visit Thailand for Indians

The best time to visit Thailand for Indians depends on the personal preference, budget, and itinerary of the traveler. However, here is a detailed overview of the various seasons to visit Thailand.

Peak Season (November-March)

The peak season is from November to March when the weather is cool and dry and the skies are clear. This is the best time to visit Thailand for Indians who want to enjoy the outdoor activities and sightseeing, as well as the festivals and events that take place during this period.

Some of the highlights include Loy Krathong, the festival of lights, in November, and Songkran, the Thai New Year, in April. However, this is also the most crowded and expensive time to visit, so it is advisable to book in advance and be prepared for higher prices and longer queues.

Shoulder Season (September-October)

The shoulder season is from September to October when the weather is getting better, but the peak tourist season has not started yet. This is a good time to visit Thailand for Indians who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices and better deals. There is less rainfall in this season and the temperature and humidity decrease. These conditions make the days more enjoyable and comfortable.

There are also fewer chances of typhoons and floods that can disrupt travel plans. However, there may still be some occasional showers and cloudy days, so it is wise to pack an umbrella and a raincoat.

Low Season (April-May, July-August)

The low season is from April to May and from July to August when the weather is hot and humid, and the rainfall is high. This is the least favorable time to visit Thailand for Indians who are sensitive to heat and humidity or who want to explore the natural attractions and beaches.

However, this is also the best time to visit Thailand for those who are looking for bargains and discounts, as the hotels get cheaper in this season, and the attractions become less crowded. You also can enjoy various indoor and cultural activities during this season, such as visiting temples, museums, and shopping malls.

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Phuket – Koh Phi Phi – Krabi

The Most Popular Thailand Tour Packages

Whether you want to explore the beautiful cities, the ancient temples, the stunning beaches, or the lush jungles, there are tour packages to suit your budget and preferences!

Here are some of the most popular Thailand tour packages for Indians:

● Bangkok and Pattaya Tour (6 days): This tour lets you experience the best of both worlds: the cosmopolitan charm of Bangkok and the seaside fun of Pattaya. You can visit the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Floating Market, and Chinatown in Bangkok and enjoy the Coral Island, the Alcazar Show, and the Nong Nooch Village in Pattaya.
● Phuket and Krabi Tour (6 days): This tour takes you to the paradise islands of Phuket and Krabi, where you can relax on the white sand beaches, swim in the turquoise waters, and admire the limestone cliffs. You can also join optional activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, island hopping, and elephant trekking.
● Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai Tour (7 days): This tour introduces you to the culture and nature of northern Thailand, where you can visit the hill tribes, the elephant camps, the hot springs, and the Golden Triangle. You can also explore the historic city of Chiang Mai, the White Temple of Chiang Rai, and the Doi Suthep National Park.
● Thailand Adventure Tour (14 days): This tour is for adventurous travelers who want to experience the thrill of Thailand. You can cycle to the historic Kanchanaburi, walk the infamous Hellfire Pass, raft the Pai River, hike to a Hmong village, and kayak in the Andaman Sea. You can also see the Angkor-era ruins at Muang Sing and the famous Bridge on the River Kwai.

These are just some of the many tour packages that you can choose from when planning a Thailand trip from India. You can also customize your own itinerary according to your interests and needs. Whatever you decide, you are sure to have an unforgettable time in the land of smiles.

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Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Sukhothai – Doi Inthanon – Chiang Mai – Pai – Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle - Hua Hin - Bangkok

Wrapping up

When planning your trip from India to Thailand, you need to know that understanding a new country's complexities can be tough. So, for a smooth and well-guided journey, think about hiring a tourist guide company like IndochinaTour. We are experts in creating unique Thailand experiences, whether you're into Bangkok's culture, Phuket and Krabi's beautiful beaches, or Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai's adventurous scenery! With us, you will experience the adventure of a lifetime in this beautiful country!