Things to Do in Thailand: 12 Highlights With Prices

Quick answer

Thailand's best experiences are the Grand Palace and Wat Pho in Bangkok, a Coral Island day from Pattaya, speedboat trips to Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay from Phuket, the cliffs of Railay in Krabi and the temples and elephant sanctuaries of Chiang Mai. Most first trips combine Bangkok with one beach region over six to eight nights.

12 things worth your time in Thailand

01
Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok
Landmark
The former royal residence and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most sacred image. The gilded spires and murals justify the queue.
2–3 hoursAbout ₹1,350 (500 baht)
Shoulders and knees must be covered. Ignore anyone outside who says the palace is closed; it is a set-up for a shopping detour.
02
Wat Pho and Wat Arun, Bangkok
Landmark
Wat Pho's 46 m reclining Buddha sits a short walk from the palace, and Wat Arun's porcelain-studded tower is a few minutes across the river by ferry.
2–3 hoursAbout ₹540–810 each (200–300 baht)
Do these straight after the Grand Palace and finish with a massage at the Wat Pho school.
03
Coral Island (Koh Larn), Pattaya
Day trip
Clear water and soft sand 45 minutes from Pattaya, with parasailing, sea-walking and glass-bottom boats for families.
Half to full day₹1,500–3,000 on a speedboat tour; public ferry about 30 baht
Watersports are priced separately on the island. Agree every price in writing before you start.
04
Sanctuary of Truth, Pattaya
Landmark
A 105 m temple-palace carved entirely from wood, under construction since 1981. Unlike anything else in the region.
1.5–2 hoursAbout ₹1,350 (500 baht)
Go around 4 pm for softer light and fewer tour groups.
05
Cabaret show, Pattaya
Show
Alcazar and Tiffany's are slick, family-friendly productions with costumes, Bollywood numbers and big sets.
About 75 minutesAbout ₹1,600–4,500 (600–1,700 baht) depending on show and seat
Agents sell tickets cheaper than the box office; book the earliest show if you have children.
06
Phi Phi Islands by speedboat
Day trip
Limestone cliffs, Pileh Lagoon and Maya Bay, the beach from the film The Beach. The most famous island day in Thailand.
Full day₹3,500–6,000 from Phuket or Krabi, plus a park fee of about 400 baht
Maya Bay usually closes in August–September; check before booking.
07
Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island
Nature
Hundreds of limestone towers rising from green water, with sea-canoe trips into hidden lagoons. Sheltered, so it runs in most weather.
Full day₹3,000–5,500
Choose a tour with canoeing at Koh Hong or Koh Panak rather than one that only stops for photos.
08
Railay Beach, Krabi
Nature
A peninsula cut off by cliffs and reachable only by boat, with Phra Nang Cave Beach and world-class rock climbing.
Half to full dayAbout ₹270–400 (100–150 baht) each way by longtail
Last longtails back to Ao Nang leave around sunset, and fares rise after dark.
09
Chiang Mai old city and Doi Suthep
Landmark
More than 30 temples inside the old moat, plus the gold chedi of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on the mountain above town.
1–2 daysDoi Suthep entry about ₹80–140 (30–50 baht)
Avoid February–April, when smoke haze from crop burning hangs over the north.
10
Ethical elephant sanctuary, Chiang Mai
Experience
Feeding, walking with and bathing rescued elephants in the hills is the highlight of many family trips.
Full day₹6,000–8,000 (2,200–3,000 baht) with transfers and lunch
Pick sanctuaries with no riding and no shows; riding camps still operate under other names.
11
Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok
Day trip
The old Siamese capital, 80 km north of Bangkok, with UNESCO-listed ruins and the Buddha head entwined in tree roots at Wat Mahathat.
Full dayTours ₹2,500–4,500; temples about 50 baht each
Go early; the ruins have little shade by midday.
12
Thai massage and a cooking class
Experience
Cheap, good-quality massage is everywhere, and a cooking class is the easiest way to learn vegetarian Thai dishes to take home.
1–4 hoursMassage ₹700–1,100 an hour (250–400 baht); classes ₹3,000–4,000
Ask the cooking school for a jay or vegetarian menu when you book; most can do it.

What should you not miss on a first Thailand trip?

Most first trips from India combine Bangkok with one beach region. Bangkok gives you the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Chatuchak market and the river; Pattaya, two hours away, adds Coral Island and the shows; and Phuket or Krabi deliver the classic limestone-and-turquoise island days. Chiang Mai in the north is the pick for culture and elephants but needs extra days and a domestic flight.

How should you split your days?

Trip length	Suggested split
5 nights	Bangkok 3 + Pattaya 2
6–7 nights	Pattaya 2 + Bangkok 2 + Phuket or Krabi 2–3
9–10 nights	Add Chiang Mai 3 to the above

Our 7-day Thailand itinerary follows the middle row day by day, and the Thailand trip cost page prices it.

What is overrated, and what are the common scams?

Floating markets near Bangkok have become largely a show for tourists; go only if you also visit the Maeklong railway market on the same trip. Tiger photo parks and elephant riding have serious welfare problems; choose no-riding sanctuaries instead.

Watch for three scams. Tuk-tuk drivers offering a 20-baht city tour that ends at jewellery and tailor shops. Strangers telling you a temple is closed today. And jet-ski operators in Pattaya and Phuket who claim you damaged the craft; photograph it before you ride, or skip it.

Thailand is visa-free for Indian tourists for up to 30 days, but the online arrival card, TDAC, is mandatory within three days before you land. See our Thailand visa guide.

Timing matters for the islands, so check the best time to visit Thailand before you book. For city-level detail, see things to do in Bangkok and things to do in Phuket, and read our Thailand food guide for vegetarian and Jain eating.

Frequently asked questions

How many days are enough for Thailand?

Six to seven nights covers Bangkok, Pattaya and one beach region such as Phuket or Krabi at a comfortable pace. Five nights is enough for Bangkok and Pattaya only. Add three nights if you want Chiang Mai. Internal flights are short and cheap, so splitting between cities is easy.

Is Pattaya good for families?

Yes, during the day. Coral Island, the Sanctuary of Truth, Nong Nooch Garden, the cabaret shows and water parks all suit families. Walking Street and parts of Beach Road become adult-oriented at night, so families usually prefer hotels in Jomtien, Naklua or North Pattaya rather than the central strip.

Phuket or Krabi: which is better for a first trip?

Phuket suits families and groups who want nightlife, shows, shopping and a wide hotel choice. Krabi suits couples and nature lovers who want quieter beaches, Railay's cliffs and kayaking. Both offer Phi Phi day trips. With seven nights or more, you can do both: they are about two hours apart by road or ferry.

What should I wear to temples in Thailand?

Cover your shoulders and knees at all temples and at the Grand Palace, which is the strictest. Avoid see-through fabrics and very tight clothing. Remove shoes before entering temple buildings. A light scarf and loose cotton trousers or a long skirt work well in the heat, and sarongs can be borrowed or bought at the gate.

How we checked this page

Last reviewed 28 October 2026

Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.