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Thailand is visa-free for Indians till May. The White Lotus is there too


2024 is forming up to be an interesting year for Indian visitors preparing a Thailand journey for more factors than one.

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The illuminated temple of Wat Arun on the Chao Phraya river at sundown in Bangkok, Thailand.

“The White Lotus” fans, increase and shine due to the fact that the 3rd season of the desirable series is presently being recorded in Thailand.

This is most likely the most appropriate time for Indian travelers to go to the Southeast Asian nation due to the fact that visa is complimentary for Indian residents. The cherry on the cake is the truth that you may be fortunate adequate to cross courses with your preferred stars shooting in this stunning nation. Persuaded much?

An appropriate minute for Indian passport holders

  • To increase tourist and draw in more Indian visitors, Thailand, in 2015, stated a visa-free entry policy for Indian residents beginning with November 10, 2023, to May 10, 2024.
  • If you are preparing a journey in the past May this year, you can take pleasure in a problem-free entry into the nation with an optimum allowed stay of 30 days.
  • This action appears to have actually operated in favour of the Southeast Asian nation as it has actually experienced a 321 percent boost in travel searches year-over-year given that the statement was made.
  • India is an essential source market for Thailand’s tourist market; it ranks 4th after Malaysia, China, and Singapore, since 2023.
  • To top everything, the Thailand federal government has actually targeted 3.5 million foreign traveler arrivals in 2024, going for increased tourist invoices from Indian visitors, which amounted to 1.62 million in 2015.
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“There has actually been a significant rise in travel look for visa-free locations amongst Indian tourists, representing an increased interest in travel to simple and problem-free locations this year. Nations like Iran, Malaysia, Kenya, and Thailand have actually experienced an 80-100 percent boost in travel searches considering that carrying out visa-free policies,” Aloke Bajpai group CEO and co-founder, Ixigo informed India Today

A 10-day travel plan

This is what a basic 10-day Thailand travel plan appears like.

Day 1-3Bangkok

Upon arrival in Bangkok, think about remaining at among the city’s leading hotels advised for Indian travelers, such as the Baiyoke Sky Hotel or Ambassador Hotel Bangkok. These hotels are understood for their impressive service and deal simple access to the city’s significant destinations.

Invest your very first day checking out the historical websites of Bangkok, consisting of the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). Do not miss out on the possibility to experience the city’s dynamic street food scene, where you can savour unique Thai food at an economical cost. Do not miss out on the tasty mango sticky rice!

Mango sticky rice is a conventional Southeast Asian. (PhotoAnanya Bhattacharya)

The street food scene in Bangkok is simply incredible and you can’t miss it at any expense. (PhotoAnanya Bhattacharya)

On your 2nd day, dive into the shopping paradise that is Bangkok. Go To the Chatuchak Weekend Market, where you can discover whatever from keepsakes to style products at inexpensive rates. For a distinct shopping experience, head to the Pratunam Market, situated opposite the Baiyoke Sky Hotel.

The Hangover Suite at Lebua was called after The Hangover films and was where the cast remained throughout shooting. If remaining is not the function, you can dine at any dining establishment housed in the structure. That will be an experience of a life time, will not it?

The Hangover Suite at Lebua. (PhotoAnanya Bhattacharya)

As soon as a summer season retreat for the Thai royal household, Hua Hin is now among the nation’s most glamorous vacation locations. Hua Hin is found a couple of hours southwest from Bangkok on Thailand’s east coast. You can clearly commit a day to this beach location.

Sundown View of Thai Pavilion in Khao Tao Reservoir, Hua Hin. (PhotoUnsplash)

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Day 4-6Phuket

Next, capture a flight to Phuket, Thailand’s biggest island and a sanctuary for beach enthusiasts. Remain at among the popular beaches like Patong, Kata, or Karon, where you can delight in the sun, sea, and sand to your heart’s material.

Phuket is not practically beaches; it’s likewise home to the renowned Big Buddha, a must-visit for its awesome views and tranquil environment. Invest a night walking along Bangla Road in Patong for a taste of Phuket’s dynamic night life.

Day 7-9Koh Samui

From Phuket, take a ferryboat or a brief flight to Koh Samui, another gem in Thailand’s crown. This island is popular for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, and thick, mountainous jungle.

Go to the magnificent Big Buddha temple (Wat Phra Yai), unwind on Chaweng Beach, and check out the natural charm of the Na Muang Waterfalls. Koh Samui is likewise an excellent location to experience Thai culture and hospitality.

The Big Buddha temple (Wat Phra Yai). (PhotoUnsplash)

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Day 10Return to Bangkok

On your last day, go back to Bangkok and, if time authorizations, delight in some last-minute shopping or check out any destinations you might have missed out on previously in your journey. Or, if you have adequate time, you can check out Ayutthaya. It is called after Ayodhya, the birth place of Lord Ram, this might ignite a great deal of history enthusiasts interest.

The very best time to go to

The very best time to check out Thailand depends upon the particular area you prepare to check out, as the nation experiences 3 primary seasonsthe cool and dry season, the hot season, and the rainy season.

Cool and dry season (November to February): This is typically thought about the very best time to go to Thailand. The weather condition is cooler, and there is less rains. It’s perfect for checking out cities, cultural websites, and beaches in locations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the islands in the Gulf of Thailand.

Hot season (March to June): Throughout this duration, temperature levels can increase substantially, specifically in April. This is a great time for beach locations, and northern areas like Chiang Mai can still be satisfying. Be prepared for greater temperature levels.

Rainy season (July to October): The rainy season brings greater humidity and regular rains, especially on the Andaman beachfront. While some locations, specifically in the north and northeast, might still appropriate for travel, islands on the west coast can experience rough seas and heavy rain.

Flight ideas

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Taking a trip from India to Bangkok provides a range of airline company choices and the prices varies in between peak and non-peak seasons, making sure visitors can discover flights that match their choices and spending plan. Among the airline companies offered for this path, Thai Airways stands apart as the most popular option. Other airline companies such as Thai AirAsia IndiGoand Air India Serve this path.

The expense of flying from India to Bangkok differs considerably depending upon the time of year. Throughout non-peak seasons, tourists can discover the most budget-friendly fares. The most inexpensive flight discovered was priced at Rs 5,686.

For those wanting to prepare their journey, it’s a good idea to book flights a minimum of 2 weeks before departure to protect a below-average rate, with some information recommending that reserving 75 days beforehand might provide the outright most affordable rates. Rates throughout peak season can skyrocket, with the typical expense of a ticket rising to Rs 27,373.

Flights to Bangkok are offered from Delhi Mumbai Kolkata Chennaiand Kochi

Currency suggestions for Indian tourists

  • When you touch down in Thailand, think about exchanging some currency right there.
  • Airports, banks, and those little exchange kiosks spread about can hook you up with Thai Baht, the main currency. Keep in mind, 1 THB equates to roughly 2.31 INR.

Airports, banks, and those little exchange kiosks spread about can hook you up with Thai Baht, the main currency. (PhotoUnsplash)
  • Having a little money is available in useful, specifically when you’re striking up smaller sized areas and regional markets.
  • Mobile payment choices like e-wallets are acquiring appeal in Thailand. They may not be as extensively accepted in all locations.
  • Beware and look for fake costs, particularly in hectic markets.
  • Significant charge card like Visa/Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and Citi Bank, are accepted at lots of hotels, and dining establishments.

Approaching occasions you can’ t miss out on

If “ The White Lotus cast shooting in the Southeast Asian nation is not the offer maker for you, there are many approaching occasions that may stimulate your interest.

Thailand hosts a number of first-rate occasions bring in travelers internationally. Do not miss out on the S2O Music Festival in April this year, which will be taking place from April 13 to 15.

Other upcoming performances consist of efficiencies by hypnotic trance legends Bryan Kearney and John O’Callaghan on early March 1 and 3, respectively.

The White Lotus 3 shooting and tourist increase in Thailand

The production of HBO’s hit series “ The White Lotus has actually selected Thailand as its background, with shooting occurring in Bangkok Phuketand Koh SamuiThe series is being shot in high-end resorts, the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui and Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas.

The shooting of “The White Lotus” in Thailand is not simply a benefit for audiences excited to see their preferred series unfold in brand-new, unique locations, however likewise for Thailand’s tourist market.

The series has actually formerly triggered increased interest in its recording places, with the very first season shot at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea in Hawaii, triggering a 425 percent year-over-year boost in web traffic for the residential or commercial property, and the 2nd season turbocharging interest in the Sicily home.

This phenomenon, called “The White Lotus result,” is anticipated to bring a comparable tourist increase in Thailand, as visitors typically flock to the places included in the series.

In a nutshell

If you’ve been imagining a Thai vacation, 2024 is the year to make it take place. With visa requirements unwinded for Indian people (a minimum of for the very first couple of months of the year) and the possibility to stroll in the steps of “The White Lotus” cast, Thailand waits for with open arms, appealing memorable experiences and stories to inform for many years to come.

Released By
Tiasa Bhowal
Released On
Feb 27, 2024