THAILAND
OVERVIEW
A sprawling archipelago of over 17,000 islands, Indonesia presents a kaleidoscope of experiences where shadows of ancient temple tower, pristine beaches fringing coastlines, shadows of its majestic temples of Borobudur & Prambanan, hidden coves in Raja Ampat, the untouched shores of the Gili Islands, and the volcanic sands of Flores, intricate batik textiles of Java and puppet performances of Wayang Kulit meet.
THAILAND Travel guide
Getting to Thailand
I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali is the most popular hub with numerous direct flights from around the world. Direct flights are available from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru.
VISA
1. Apply for e-visa
2. Get visa on arrival (this takes considerable time due to the long queue).
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Thailand is during the dry season when the climate is comparatively warmer, drier, laced with humidity while the wet season experiences occasional showers
- Dry season: May to September
- Wet season: November to March
Shoulder season is between March to June and September to November when tourism is low, influencing lower rates
Best Places to Visit in Thailand
- Bali Island – Pura Tirta Empul, Ulun Datu Beratan Temple, Tirta Gangga, Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets, Penida Islands
- West Nusa Tenggara – Mount Rinjani National Park
- East Java
- West Java
- Central java
- East Nusa Tenggara – Alor Island, Flores, Bena Traditional Village (Thatched Roof Village)
Types of Accommodations in Thailand
All types of accommodations are available in Indonesia. Be it Hostels, Apartments, Guest Houses, 4 Star Hotels & Luxury Stays
In case you are looking for sustainable stays then you can book through Eco Lodges Anywhere
Local Food and Drinks in Thailand
- Nasi lemak
- Nasi Goreng
- Rendang
- Satay
- Gado-Gado
- Soto
- Bakso
- Sambal
- Bebek Goreng
- Nasi Padang
- Siomay
- Pempek
- Coto Makassar
- Martabak
- Mie Goreng
- Babi Pangang
- Nasi Uduk
- Klepon
Types of Transportation in Thailand
- A great way to travel is to book a bike or a cab on Gojek or
- Intra-city Bus – leaves from Terminal Ubung, fares depend on the distance travelled.
- Inter-city Bus – leaves from Terminal Ubung, fares depend on the distance travelled.
- Ferry Services – From Sanur ferry services One can avail ferry services from A ferry to cross from Central to Kowloon is by Star Ferry Pier.
- Grab – There are four operators that one can avail, namely Uber, HKTaxi, FlyTaxi, and SIXT.
Applications to Download
Gojek – for cabs, bikes and food
Grab – for cabs, bikes and food
Things to Remember
- Local currency is the Thai Baht (THB)
- Credit cards are widely accepted.
- Learn a few basic Balinese phrases, as while English is spoken.
- For calling either purchase a local sim or activate an e-sim.
- Carry portable fans.
- There’s an entry fee for everything, even temples.
- All the temples specifically mention that ‘Women are not permitted to enter the holy temple during their menstrual periods’.
EXPERIENCES & ITINERARIES
POSTS
A Khem Sak, Ink & An Ajarn (Monk): Here’s How My Sak Yant in Chiang Mai Unfolded
Chiang Mai Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know About This Northern Thailand Province
Thailand Public Transportation: How We Travelled Across Northern Thai Provinces
10 Hostels in Thailand That Should be Bookmarked By Every Budget Traveller
Can You Guess The World’s Most Overcrowded Tourist Destination of 2023?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is Thailand visa-free for Indians?
Yes, Thailand is visa-free for Indians.
There is no need for any visa. Pre-arrival a document needs to be filled online.
- What are the requirements of VOA for Indian passport holders?
Requirements as follows:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- A return ticket that acts as proof of onward travel
- Advisable to carry for proof of accommodation and financial resources (bank statements, sponsor letters) – Immigration officers may ask for these.
- Where can one apply for e-Visa for Thailand?
- How much does Thailand Visa cost?
The cost is based on the type of visa
Visa on Arrival
Single entry
Multiple entry
- How long does the Single-Entry Tourist Visa allow to stay?
1. For Visa on Arrival (VOA), it is 60 days, with an extension of another 60 days twice.
2. e-Visa validity is for a month
- What is the capital of Thailand?
The capital of Thailand is Bangkok
- How many time-zones are there in Thailand?
Thailand has only one time zone.
- What is the time difference between India and Thailand?
Thailand is behind India by 1.5 hours
- What religion does Thailand follow?
Thailand was a part of the Khmer Dynasty that was predominantly Hindu and later adopted Theraveda Buddhism.
- What is the ideal duration of Thailand Trip?
5-7 days are good for a trip to cover Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya. However if you want to really explore offbeat Thailand it will take a good month. For a trip to Chiang Mai and its adjoining provinces usually takes around 9 days that includes hikes through some renowned dense national parks. but it is advisable not to club with other islands in Indonesia. This is the largest country of Southeast Asia so covering it in its entirety isn’t feasible
- How many UNESCO Heritage sites does Thailand have?
There are 10 UNESCO heritage sites in Indonesia, namely
1. Borobudur Temple Compounds of Central Java
2. Prambanan Temple Compounds located on the border between the two provinces of Yogyakarta and Central Java
3. Komodo National Park between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores
4. Ujung Kulon National Park located at the south-west tip ofJava
5. Sangiran Early Man Site in Central Java
6. Lorentz National Park located in Indonesia’s Papua Province
7. Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra
8. Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System as a 9. Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy
9. Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto, located in the inaccessible mountains of West Sumatra
10. The Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta and its Historic Landmarks
- What is famous in Thailand to buy?
There are a lot of local products that one can buy from Indonesia
Batik
Wayang
Woodcraft
Coffee
Traditional Musical Instruments
Silver Products and Precious Stones
Unique Indonesian Miniature
Mask