Sawadee Thailand: An Unscripted Journey Through the Land of Smiles
- 2 hours ago
- 17 min read
Have you ever booked your next day flight to an international destination while still on the road?
Sounds like fun and trust me, it absolutely is.
I was in the bustling market area of Pondicherry, dropping off my rented scooter with a political campaign rally roaring in the background, when I was finalizing my flight for the very next day. The original plan was to reach Sri Lanka by boat or flight. But my ETA did not come through in time. So like any spontaneous traveler would think, next stop Thailand.
I booked a one way ticket as I always do. But here is a little thing nobody tells you about. To exchange currency in Thailand you are required to show a return flight. And that raised my favorite kind of problem. How do I decide when I want to come back when I have not even left yet?
So I did what made the most sense. I decided to figure it out on the way to Chennai. Somewhere along that drive I made my call. 14 days minimum. Return flight booked. Thai Baht secured. And just like that the trip was officially on.
Before I take you through every twist and turn of this journey let me walk you through the essentials. What to carry, how the visa process works and a complete itinerary to help you make the most of Thailand. My trip lasted 14 days and I traveled entirely at my own pace with no rushing and no rigid schedules. All the way from the sun soaked south in Phuket to the legendary Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet in one breathtaking view. And every mile in between was absolutely worth it.
About Thailand
Thailand is part of the Southeast Asian region and let me warn you right away, it is not just another pretty place on the map. This country has it all. Lush green hills, stunning islands, golden temples and yes, some of the most legendary beach parties you will ever experience. All packed into one destination. Whether you are traveling as a couple, going solo or heading out with a group of friends, Thailand has something waiting for you. It really just depends on how you want to experience it.
Best Time to Visit Thailand
November to February(Cool and dry season) - This is the best time to visit. The weather is pleasant, the beaches are gorgeous and sightseeing is a breeze. If it is your first trip, this is the window to aim for.
March to May(Hot and humid) - If you want to catch the famous Songkran festival, this is your time. Just be prepared to sweat a little.
June to October(Rainy season). Fewer crowds, lower prices and everything looks beautifully green. It is a great time if you are on a budget or just want a quieter experience. Some island activities might be limited though so keep that in mind.
I visited in mid February. The southern part of Thailand was humid and sometimes quite harsh under the sun but up north the weather was really pleasant and enjoyable.
Visa Process
Good news for Indian travelers. Before boarding my flight to Phuket I applied for a visa, and the process is surprisingly simple. You just need to fill out the TDAC form which you can find at tdac.immigration.go.th and you are good to go. I also took insurance from an online app.
FYI, a lot of people on YouTube mention that you need to show 20,000 THB and a return ticket at immigration but honestly they did not ask me for any of that. It could be a case by case thing so just be prepared and hope for the best.
Currency Exchange
My strong advice is to get your currency exchanged before you leave. Cards are not accepted at many places in Thailand and wherever they are, they usually charge an extra 5% on top. To avoid that hassle just carry Thai Baht with you. One more thing to keep in mind. Even at 7-Eleven, card payments are only accepted if your purchase totals 200 THB or more. Below that you will need cash. The good news is they do not charge any extra fee for card transactions unlike most other places.
You can get it exchanged through any authorized currency exchange back home. I got mine done in Chennai and the guy was so kind he actually came to the metro station and handed it over to me at a nearby cafe. He filled out all the required forms and checked the documents including the return ticket right there.
Another option is MakeMyTrip which also offers currency exchange but you need to book it in advance.
Getting a SIM
SIM cards in Thailand are on the expensive side. I had international roaming active for a year so I did not bother buying one in the first week. But later I picked up an eSIM through the Klook app, 15 days with 5GB data for around 290 INR which is roughly 100 THB. That is honestly a steal compared to buying from a shop or a local agent who charge around 500 THB for 7 days and 25 GB data & Calling minutes. And if you are mostly in cafes and guesthouses, free WiFi is available almost everywhere so you can manage just fine.
Hotel Booking or Stay options
Agoda and Booking.com are the two platforms I personally swear by. You get solid deals, genuine reviews from real travelers and you know exactly what you are walking into before you even arrive. Moreover, You can pay online in advance which also means you land with more cash in your pocket for the things that actually matter, like food, experiences and that one extra island trip you did not plan for. No surprises at the front desk, no awkward negotiations after a long day of travel.
How to Get to Thailand
You can fly directly into Phuket or Bangkok, both have international airports and from either city you can easily connect to the rest of the country. The most affordable route from India is flying out of Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, or Bangalore. Book early or travel during the off season and you can find tickets as low as 7,500 INR. Since I booked just a few hours before my trip, I paid around 9,000 INR which included 20kg check in luggage and 7kg hand luggage.
Getting Around Thailand
For traveling between cities - Overnight buses are the best option if you are on a budget. You can book directly at the city bus terminals which is usually cheaper than booking online. For reference, Bangkok uses Chatuchak Mo Chit Terminal 2, Phuket has Bus Terminal 2, Chiang Mai is Bus Terminal 3 and Chiang Rai is Bus Terminal 2. You can also book through 12Go but prices are slightly higher and from my own experience, sometimes you book your seat and nobody at the terminal has a clue about your confirmation. So offline booking is safer.
FYI, the bus has 3 seating classes, each with different meal options and pricing. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food is included. Upper and lower berths have different rates, and there's a washroom on board.
Inside cities - Grab and Bolt work really well depending on your budget. However, always check the amount on the app before making the payment. Bangkok also has the BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway along with buses, commuter boats and taxis. And if you have always wanted to ride a tuk tuk, Bangkok is your place.
You can also rent a scooter in most cities. The rental shops are professional and helpful. I rented one in Chiang Rai for about 250 THB per day with a refundable deposit. Just make sure you have an international driving license because if the police stop you without one, the fine is no joke.
My Trip Itinerary
Just to be clear, none of this was planned in advance. It just unfolded naturally and that is the beauty of it.
India to Phuket, then exploring Phuket and nearby areas for 4 days.
Phuket to Bangkok for 2 days
Bangkok to Chiang Mai for 2 days.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai for 3 days.
Chiang Rai back to Bangkok for 2 days
Bangkok to Bangalore.
No advance bookings, no rigid schedule and no pressure to be anywhere at a specific time. It just unfolded naturally, one day at a time. Think of this itinerary as a starting point, not a rulebook. Stretch it, compress it, swap things around and shape it into something that feels right for you. Now let me take you through the journey itself.
Day 1 — Phuket
From Phuket Airport you have two options to reach the main area or Patong. You can either book a Grab or Bolt or hop on the AC bus which drops you right on the main route. I took the bus and it dropped me barely 100 meters from my stay. Only 100 THB per person and honestly such a peaceful start to the trip.
I reached early in the morning and like every traveler knows, early check in is a dream that rarely comes true. The room was sitting empty right there but I had to wait until 2 PM. So I headed straight to Patong beach which was buzzing with street food stalls and tourists from everywhere. Beautiful beach, great energy and I loved every bit of it.
The first thing I did was walk into a 7-Eleven. Yes, it sounds funny but if you have spent any time on travel social media you already know that Thailand's 7-Eleven has taken on a life of its own online. I had to see what the fuss was about. Grabbed a Thai tea and a few snacks for breakfast and honestly it was not bad at all. A lot of tourists practically live out of these stores and you will find one on almost every corner. That said, I only went back when I genuinely could not find good food outside.
Being vegetarian, finding good food was a little tricky. I walked around trying a few places and finally cracked the code. The magic phrase was "No Meat, No Chicken, No Fish, No Egg" and it worked. After checking in I explored Patong's vibrant streets and headed out for dinner. I found this tiny food joint a little away from the beach, ordered Thai noodles with my now trusted phrase and the person still put shrimp in the dish. I caught it just in time and honestly could not stop laughing. Right then I updated my phrase to "No Meat, No Chicken, No Fish, No Egg, No Shrimp" and added it permanently to my vocabulary.
After dinner I walked over to Patong's famous Bangla Road (Soi Bangla), which is the island's premier nightlife hotspot, a 400-meter pedestrianized street packed with bars, nightclubs, and live music. I wanted to see what all the hype was about and well, the hype is real. It is exactly what you see on social media. Loud, wild and unapologetically fun for people who love to party, dance and drink. Not exactly my scene but I did see things that evening I had never seen back home. That is the beauty of travel.
By the end of the day my step count was well past 30,000 and I had barely been there 24 hours.
Day 2 — Chill at Patong and Swim
The sun was not in a friendly mood so I decided to keep it slow. Spent the morning swimming at Patong beach, dipping in and out of the water with soft music playing in my ears. Simple but genuinely lovely.
For lunch I tried one of the food stalls along the beach. The food was okay, nothing remarkable, but I survived. In the evening I started thinking about Phi Phi Island and quickly realized the only way to do it was through a tour agency.
There are plenty of tour operators in Patong offering different packages. I went with a speedboat tour covering five different spots for 1350 THB which included breakfast, lunch, hotel pickup and visits to Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Phi Phi Don, Loh Samah Bay, Phi Phi Leh, Monkey Beach, Khai Island and Viking Cave along with snorkeling and kayaking. Solid deal honestly.
Another option worth knowing is the catamaran which covers most of the same spots and costs around 2500 THB. It is a slower and more relaxed way to do the islands if speedboats are not your thing.
Warning - The speed boat is rough if you get motion sick. I saw a lot of people on my boat really struggling and throwing up. Also, make sure you check prices at 5-6 different places before booking and don't just take the first quote. Negotiate hard and you can usually get them to lower the price significantly.
After booking I explored Patong's night market, picked up a swimsuit for the next day and called it a night.
Day 3 — Phi Phi Islands
The driver was at my hotel at 8 AM sharp and we were taken to a comfortable spot for breakfast before heading to the boat. There were around 25 of us from different countries which made for a fun group energy.
The speedboat lived up to its name. First stop was Viking Cave, a famous spot known for its ancient wall paintings and as a nesting site for edible swiftlet birds. You switch to a wooden boat to get closer but entry inside the cave is not allowed. I skipped going further, found a good spot, took some pictures and just enjoyed the view.
Maya Bay had to be skipped due to heavy waves so we went straight to Phi Phi Don. Honestly it was a bit of a letdown. Very crowded, heavily commercialized and there was a lot of plastic floating around in the water. Most of the area felt like a parking lot for tour boats. I had lunch, clicked a few photos and moved on.
Next was Monkey Beach. No monkeys showed up but the island itself was gorgeous and the water was incredibly clear. Then came Khai Island where everyone jumped into snorkeling, kayaking and swimming. The water was beautiful even if the fish were mostly absent. And the final stop was Koh Kai Nok, raw and untouched, where I watched one of the most beautiful sunsets of the entire trip. A perfect ending to a packed day.
Back at the hotel that night I thought about catching an overnight bus to Bangkok. The heat in Phuket was getting to me and I was ready to move. Could not get a ticket on 12Go so I decided to sleep on it and figure it out in the morning.
Day 4 — Phuket to Bangkok
Packed my bags, had breakfast, checked out and headed to the bus stand to try my luck in person. I managed to get the last ticket available according to the operators. With Chinese New Year in full swing the buses were filling up fast and agents were playing it up quite dramatically. Classic travel drama. I smiled and moved on.
I had a few hours to kill so I found a nearby cafe(Location) that served the most delicious Thai tea and coffee, crashed there and let the afternoon pass slowly. Come evening I boarded the bus, found my seat and drifted off to sleep somewhere on the road to Bangkok.
Day 5 — Bangkok
So here I was in the city famous for bachelorette parties, rooftop bars and endless energy. My first impression of Bangkok was that it felt like a cleaner, calmer version of Mumbai with genuinely better traffic sense and civic awareness. I say this with full respect and a little bit of envy.
I chose to stay near Khaosan Road because it is a backpacker's paradise and almost everything worth seeing is within reach. After an early breakfast and a quick check in I rested for a bit to escape the afternoon heat. Come evening I was out exploring.
First stop was Chatuchak Market, one of the largest markets in the world. Clothes, souvenirs, bags, food, random things you did not know you needed. I spent three to four hours wandering around, had a meal and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you want to explore Chatuchak Market properly, grab a market map first. The market is organized into different blocks, and the map will help you navigate straight to the sections you're interested in. Without it, you'll end up wandering around aimlessly because this market is absolutely massive!
Then I walked over to Khaosan Road which was buzzing with travelers and street food and music. Lively, colorful and exactly what I needed after days of beaches and bus rides.
Day 6 — Bangkok
The next day was all about exploring on foot. After a proper vegan breakfast near Khaosan Road I headed to Devasathan, a Hindu temple in the Phra Nakhon District and the official centre of Hinduism in Thailand. The priests here are descendants of an ancient lineage from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu which felt like a beautiful and unexpected thread connecting two cultures. What I found truly moving was that a Buddhist temple stood right next to it within the same premises. That quiet coexistence said more than any travel guide ever could.
After that I visited Wat Suthat Thepwararam, a stunning Buddhist temple whose outer campus is home to the iconic Giant Swing. Breathtaking during the day and even more magical at night when the lights come on.
Before heading to the bus terminal I stumbled upon the most charming little juice corner(Location) run by an elderly lady. She does not speak a word of English but she has set up her small shop with handwritten English flyers explaining the health benefits of each juice she makes. There is something incredibly heartwarming about that. If you are anywhere near the Giant Swing do not walk past it. I tried the Plum and Chinese Jujube juice and it was unlike anything I had tasted before. Simple, honest and made with so much care.
In the evening I made my way to Chatuchak Mo Chit Bus Terminal 2 to catch my overnight bus to Chiang Mai, which I had booked the moment I arrived in Bangkok. Thai overnight buses are genuinely luxurious. Comfortable seats, snacks and a meal on the way. Sleep came easy.
Day 7 — Chiang Mai
Arriving in Chiang Mai felt like stepping into a completely different country. The air was cooler, the pace was slower and everything about it had a different soul. This is the Rose of the North and it earns that name.
I dropped my bags at the hostel and went out to explore while waiting for my room. Found a local morning market running only until about 1 PM selling fresh spices, local produce and all kinds of food items that smelled incredible. Had a proper local breakfast and then went back for an afternoon nap.
The evening was for temples. I visited Wat Chedi Luang and a few nearby temples along with the historic Tha Phae Gate. I was surprised to find that women were not permitted to enter certain areas of some temples. I respected it, of course, but could not help quietly wondering why.
The night market was next and by now I had started to notice a pattern. Every city in Thailand has one and every single one has great food, music, dancing and things to buy. I ended the night at Coconut Shell Thai Food which I would genuinely recommend to anyone visiting Chiang Mai. The Khao Soi and Tom Yum there were outstanding. Do not skip it.
Day 8 — Chiang Mai
The weather was cloudy and cool in the morning, perfect for a bicycle day. I rented a bicycle at 50 THB for a day from a nearby shop and spent the whole day riding through the city, revisiting Tha Phae Gate and just soaking in the streets at a leisurely pace.
What struck me most was how respectful people were toward cyclists and pedestrians. No honking, no cutting in. Just people sharing the road with patience and grace.
There are plenty of popular attractions around Chiang Mai like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep up on the mountain, ethical elephant sanctuaries and Doi Inthanon National Park. I skipped all of them and I have zero regrets. I was not there to tick boxes. I was there to feel the place and I did exactly that.
Day 9 — Chiang Rai
Caught the morning bus to Chiang Rai which was a smooth three to four hour ride through beautiful scenery. My homestay was not far from the bus stand so I decided to walk and explore along the way. The homestay was run by a local woman who was full of warmth and eager to share stories about the culture. She offered to take me on a guided tour but I gently declined because that is just not how I travel.
In the evening I visited a stunning Buddhist temple and then made my way to the golden clock tower in the town center just in time for the evening light show. The colors and the music playing around the tower made for a genuinely special moment.
Afterward I wandered around looking for a place to eat and stumbled upon a tiny local pub packed with young Thai people laughing, enjoying live music, dancing and just being completely themselves. I sat in the corner, ordered something cold, listened to songs I could not understand a single word of and had one of the most enjoyable evenings of the whole trip.
Day 10 — Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai deserves more than one day. It is a tranquil, mountainous city known for its extraordinary temples, deep cultural roots and its position as the gateway to the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar all meet. I rented a scooter for the day and set out to see it properly.
First stop was the White Temple, officially called Wat Rong Khun, designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. The entire structure is white with mirror glass embedded throughout, symbolizing the purity of the Buddha. Stunning from the outside. I skipped going in because honestly the Golden Triangle was calling my name much louder.
After lunch I rode the 80 or so kilometers out to the Golden Triangle and it was worth every minute on that road. Standing at the triangular point where three countries meet, with Laos to the right and Myanmar visible to the north, is a feeling that is genuinely hard to put into words. It just stays with you.
Nearby you can also visit the Opium Museum and Phra That Doi Pu Khao temple if you have extra time.
You can also take the slow boat to Laos near the Golden Triangle if you have a valid visa. You can get it booked through any tour operator in Chiang Rai. The slow boat is essentially a river taxi that runs from the Thailand border all the way to Luang Prabang, the old capital of Laos.
On the way back the sunset lit up the entire sky and by the time I reached my stay the day had already become one of my favorites of the whole trip.
Day 11 — Chiang Rai to Bangkok
Before heading back I made one last stop in the morning. The Blue Temple, just ten minutes by bike from my stay, and what a way to end Chiang Rai. Every surface inside, the walls, pillars, roof and statues, is painted in deep sapphire blue with gleaming gold details.
It represents purity, wisdom and the Buddhist idea of releasing attachment to material things. Unlike the White Temple which can get quite crowded, the Blue Temple felt calm and peaceful even at peak hours. A beautiful place to sit with your thoughts for a while.
Rested through the afternoon and then headed to the bus stand for the overnight journey back to Bangkok.
Day 12 — Bangkok
Back in the heat of Bangkok after the cool north. It was a bit of a shock to the system but the hostel was comfortable and everything I needed was within walking distance so I settled in quickly.
I spent the day doing what I had been putting off for the whole trip. Visited the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre, MBK Mall and then wandered through Pratunam Market soaking in the local rhythm of the city. And finally, finally, I had mango sticky rice. Worth every bite for a first timer and worth the wait.
If you have more time in Bangkok there is plenty more to explore. The Grand Palace, Wat Arun also known as the Temple of Dawn, the sky-high views from King Power Mahanakhon and the famous Chao Phraya river boat rides are all worth your time.
Day 13 — Bangkok to Bangalore
I had flight in the evening so I took the morning slow and finally did something I should have done on day one. Got a good massage. Found a good place nearby after a little exploring and honestly it was one of the best decisions of the entire trip. I walked out feeling completely relaxed and a little annoyed at myself for waiting until the last day.
I also skipped Pattaya entirely unlike most tourists. Between Patong and Khaosan Road I think I had more than enough of the party scene. That is just how I travel. No checklist, no social pressure, no rushing from one famous spot to the next just to say I was there.
And just like that it was time to say goodbye to Thailand. What I will miss most is not the temples or the islands or the food, although all of that was incredible. It is the people. The warmth, the smiles and that gentle greeting of Sawadee Kha that follows you everywhere you go.
Go to Thailand for more than just the parties. Go for the mountains, the temples, the quiet mornings in small towns and the unexpected moments that no itinerary could ever plan for you.
Comments