Itinerary & Budget (Thailand)

We are providing 2 itinerary along with the budget that can be followed for a trip to Thailand. Going to both Pattaya and Phuket at once is a waste of time and money both because both are similar except for the beaches. We have covered a comparison of both in a separate article which you can read here. It is our suggestion to cover Bangkok and Pattaya in one trip and cover Phuket and Krabi in another trip. Since Phuket has direct flights from India this plan is very much possible. This way you will require less time and less money.

Itinerary

Option 1 (Bangkok- Pattaya- Bangkok):

This is short trip itinerary that is mostly for the beginners on a very low budget for Thailand.

Bangkok- Day 1:

Arrive at Bangkok. Most of the flights land early morning so you have the day at your disposal. Either freshen up at the airport or ask your hotel for early check in. They might charge you if there is availability or you may ask to use the washrooms and get ready.
Go to the Grand Palace, Temples and River cruise on this day.
In the evening, you may visit the malls or Pratunam market and nearby malls.

Pattaya- Day 2:

Take a morning bus to Pattaya.
Check in and hire a motorbike or taxi to go exploring Pattaya.
Visit the Tiger Kingdom, 3D museum, Underwater world, Mini Siam, view point and walking street. Spend some time on the beach before retreating to the hotel.
Book your coral island tour on this day.

Pattaya- Day 3:

Early morning start on your trip to the Coral Islands.
Spend your day enjoying all the activities offered here like scuba, para sailing, snorkeling, banana rides etc.
After returning by 6-7PM, you may spend your evening as per your liking.

Bangkok- Day 4:

Take a bus back to Bangkok.
Spend your day exploring the Chatuchak market if it is a weekend or other malls if it is a weekday.
At night, catch your return flight to India.

Option 2 (Phuket – Krabi – Bangkok):

In this option, you may catch a direct flight from India to Phuket. You may spend 3-4 days in Phuket and add 2 days in Krabi making it 5-6 days itinerary with slightly elevated budget to cover everything in Thailand. Alternatively, you may spend 3-4 days in Krabi and spend only 2 days in Phuket to save your money as Phuket is way costlier to Krabi. Stay in Krabi can be as cheap as ₹800/day per person for above average hotel. The food is also inexpensive.

Phuket- Day 1:

Arrive at Phuket.
After checking in to your hotel in Phuket, rent a motorbike or taxi and go exploring the city.
Visit the beaches and waterfalls. Try to spend your sunset at Promthape cape.
Spend your late evening by the beach or exploring the walking street and local markets. Book your tours on this day.

Day 2:

You will start early for you tour to the Phi Phi Islands. You will be picked up by your shared vehicle by 7:30.
Before departing you will get breakfast that has bread, butter, jam, coffee, tea, cookies etc.
Spend the entire day exploring islands, snorkeling, swimming or just enjoying the natural beauty. Lunch will be provided on one of your stop at mostly, Phi Phi Don.
You will return to your hotel by 6:00 PM
You will be free to spend your evening as you like.

Day 3:

The Phang Nga bay tour or Hong Islands tour will also start early by around 7:15 AM. You will have the option of breakfast here also.
You will be taken to Hong islands, Phang Nga bay, James Bond Island and one other tropical island. Lunch will again be served.
Spend the remaining time at leisure.
If you have a night or early morning flight you may return on this day.

Krabi- Day 4:

Take a bus to Krabi from the Bus terminal in Phuket town.
Check in to the hotel and go for emerald pool, hot springs, tiger cave and city tour.
At night check out the beaches and night markets.

Krabi- Day 5:

Take the 4 or 7 island tour as per your choice and availability of time.
Spend the day island hopping and enjoying different activities.
The 7 island tour has a sunset barbeque activity also.
You may return by 5:00 PM in 4 island tour and around 8:00 PM in 7 island tour.
Take a night bus from Krabi to Bangkok

Bangkok- Day 6:

Explore Bangkok
Take your return flight back to India

Budget

The budget that we provide here are realistic. They are not flashy with false claims that you can travel to this destination at the lowest price. Hypothetically, on paper, you can travel at very cheap rates but it almost never materializes into a successful trip. You have to include a lot of things that you would do on a trip. We mention every activity that you will be taking on your trip and estimate your real budget including everything from comfort point of view. You may ofcourse adjust a number of things, cut down your sightseeing and manage with cheap options and can reduce your cost by ₹5000-7000, but what we are mentioning here is the maximum that you will need to spend for a quality comfortable trip even in your family trip.

Option 1 for one person (4 days):

Flights: ₹10,500 (return, cabin)
Visa: ₹5,500 (@2.5 INR)
Accommodation: ₹700/day
Food: ₹800/day (local)
Tours: ₹1,500
Tickets: ₹5,000
Total: ₹28,000–30000

Option 2 for one person (6 days):

Phuket being a little costly will affect the budget with quite a margin.

Flights: ₹20,000 (return, cabin luggage)
Visa: ₹5,500 (@2.5 INR)
Accommodation: ₹1,000/day
Food: ₹500-700/day (local)
Tours: ₹7,500
Motorbike: ₹500-600
Tickets: ₹6,000 (if you go to tiger kingdom, 3D museum, Underwater world etc.)
Total: ₹40,000-₹45,000