Best Places to Visit in Thailand 2026 for Every Budget (From One Desi Traveller to Another)#

So, Thailand. Yaar, I honestly thought it’s overrated when every second person on Instagram was posting Phi Phi photos. But when I actually went, I was like okay fine, I get the hype now. And with flights from India getting cheaper again, visa-on-arrival back to normal most of the time, and more budget airlines adding routes, 2026 is honestly a solid time to plan that Thailand trip you keep postponing.

I’m writing this as a regular middle-class Indian who counts every rupee before booking anything. I’ve done Thailand on a backpacker budget, and later once with a slightly upgrade version of myself (read: got a salary hike, stayed in decent hotels). So this is not some luxury influencer nonsense. It’s just what actually works, what’s worth spending on, and which places you should target depending on how much you wanna spend.

Quick Thailand Basics (Especially for Us Indians)#

First, little practical stuff, because we desis love planning also, no:

- Visa: Thailand has been going on and off with visa-on-arrival fees waivers. Right now, Indians usually get visa-on-arrival at the airport, but double-check just before you fly because these policies change like Mumbai weather.
- Flights: From Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata etc you get direct flights to Bangkok, Phuket, even Krabi sometimes. Prices swing a lot, but round trip can be anywhere between ₹14k–₹30k depending on season and how late you book.
- Currency: Most places take card now, but keep some Thai Baht cash especially for local markets, street food, songthaews (shared pick-up taxis).

Best months? Roughly November to March is peak season, nice weather, less rain, but also higher prices. I went once in Feb (perfect beach weather, bit pricey) and once in July (cheaper, but one full day rain totally ruined my island hopping plans, I just sat in a café eating mango sticky rice and overthinking my life).

1. Bangkok – Not Just Shopping, Trust Me#

Most Indians treat Bangkok like a transit city. Land, do some shopping, maybe one night, then run to Phuket. But honestly, Bangkok surprised me. It’s chaotic, noisy, a bit mad, but it grows on you.

Budget wise, Bangkok works for everybody:

• Super-budget: Hostels in areas like Khao San Road or near Victory Monument start from ₹600–₹900 per night in a dorm. Clean enough, AC, WiFi, even free breakfast in some.
• Mid-range: Decent 3-star hotels around Sukhumvit or Pratunam will be around ₹2,500–₹4,000 per night.
• Fancy life: Rooftop pool hotels, riverside stays near Chao Phraya can go from ₹6,000–₹15,000 per night if you want to flex a bit.

What I actually loved in Bangkok:
- Taking the local ferry on Chao Phraya river instead of tourist cruise. Costs like 20–30 Baht and you see the temples, old town vibe, everything.
- Visiting Wat Arun and Wat Pho early morning. Less crowd, softer light, photos come better, plus it’s not insanely hot.
- Street food. Bro, this is the real highlight. Pad Thai for 50–80 Baht, mango sticky rice, grilled pork skewers, Thai milk tea. If your stomach is a bit sensitive, start slow. My mistake first time, I attacked everything in one night and next day… let’s not discuss.

Btw, for Indians, Pratunam and Chatuchak are heaven for shopping. Clothes, shoes, bags, fake branded stuff… just bargain nicely. Don’t behave like we do in Sarojini though, they get annoyed if you quote too low.

2. Phuket – Island Vibes for All Kinds of Wallets#

Phuket is that typical postcard Thailand. Beaches, island tours, nightlife, and ofcourse, Indians everywhere. Some people say it’s too touristy, but honestly if it’s your first time, it’s still worth going.

Where you stay matters a lot here:
- Patong: Full-on party, Bangla Road, loud music, very Goa-Baga type vibe. Cheap hostels from ₹800, mid-hotels ₹3k–₹5k.
- Kata & Karon: More relaxed, family friendly, nicer beaches in my opinion. Prices slightly similar, maybe a bit quieter.
- Old Phuket Town: My personal fav. Colourful Sino-Portuguese buildings, cute cafés, night markets, cheaper stays. From here you just take bikes or Grab to beaches.

Island tours (Phi Phi, James Bond Island etc) are still super popular. Prices depend on group size and type of boat, but roughly:
- Group speedboat tour: 1,300–2,000 Baht with lunch and hotel pick-up.
- Private longtail boat (if you’re in a group of 4–6 friends): can work out fairly cheap per person and way more chill.

Tip from experience: Don’t book the first tour guy who shouts “India! India!” at you. Walk around, compare rates from 3–4 shops, and always check what’s included – national park fees, lunch, snorkeling gear etc. And carry a dry bag if you can. My first trip, I didn’t, and my poor phone nearly drowned.

3. Krabi – Same Beauty, Slightly Less Chaos#

If Phuket feels too much for you, Krabi is like its calmer cousin. I actually preferred Krabi for scenery. Those crazy limestone cliffs around Railay… bro it looks like some movie set.

Where to base yourself:
- Ao Nang: Main tourist strip, lots of hotels, Indian restaurants (yes, we follow butter chicken everywhere), tour shops.
- Railay Beach: No cars, you come by boat only. Bit more expensive, but you wake up literally between cliffs and sea. I stayed one night there and it was totally worth the splurge.

Costs roughly:
- Hostels: ₹700–₹1,200 per night in Ao Nang.
- Mid-range hotels: ₹2,500–₹4,500.
- Railay: Expect ₹5k+ for decent resorts, though in off season you get killer deals.

Popular things to do:
- 4-island tour (Chicken Island, Poda etc)
- Kayaking at Ao Thalane mangroves
- Rock climbing at Railay (even beginners can try, it’s scary but fun)

Krabi is also quite family-safe and chill. Nightlife is there but not in-your-face like Phuket. Good for couples, honeymooners, even solo travellers who want peaceful vibes.

4. Chiang Mai – Temples, Cafés & That Slightly Artsy Vibe#

Now if you only do Bangkok + Phuket, you’ll think Thailand is only beaches and malls. Go north to Chiang Mai and suddenly it feels like a whole new country. Cooler weather, mountains around, slower pace, more culture type scene.

For budget travellers, Chiang Mai is gold:
- Dorms as low as ₹500–₹700 per night
- Cute boutique guesthouses around the Old City for ₹1,500–₹3,000
- Loads of cheap vegetarian food also, which my mom would really appreciate if she ever agrees to come

What to do there:
- Visit the hilltop temple Wat Doi Suthep for sunset. Take the red songthaew shared cab from town, it’s cheaper than private taxi.
- Check out the Sunday Walking Street market – it’s huge, great for souvenirs, crafts, local snacks. I spent wayy too much time and money there.
- Elephant experiences: Please be careful here. Go only for ethical sanctuaries where they don’t offer rides or shows. I went to one where you just feed and bathe the elephants, no chains, no riding. Bit expensive, but at least you don’t feel guilty.

Digital nomads and long-stay travellers love Chiang Mai because cafés are everywhere, WiFi is fast, and monthly rentals are pretty affordable compared to South. I met one Indian guy from Pune who was literally working from there for three months, living cheaper than in India and chilling in evenings. Not a bad life.

5. Offbeat & Budget-Friendly Spots (If You Don’t Want Only Phi Phi Pics)#

Once you do the main circuit, or if you just like less-crowded places from the start, try these. They’re still developing, but that’s the charm:

- Koh Lanta: Slower, calmer island than Phuket/Krabi side. Great for long stays, families, or work+travel kind of plan.
- Pai (near Chiang Mai): Small mountain town, backpacker favourite. Hot springs, canyons, live music bars. Very hippie vibes, not everyone’s taste, but I loved the chill energy there.
- Koh Chang: On the eastern side near Cambodia border. Less commercial, nice beaches, more local feel, and still quite pocket friendly.

These places are where bungalow stays, scooter rentals and local food stalls really shine. You can easily manage under ₹3,000 per day all-in if you don’t splurge like crazy.

How Much You Actually Need (Rough Per Day Budget)#

Obviously depends on your style, but roughly for 2026 kind of prices, in Indian rupees:

- Super budget backpacker: ₹2,000–₹3,000 per day
Dorm bed, street food, local transport, occasional beer, basic tours.
- Comfortable mid-range: ₹4,000–₹7,000 per day
Private room, mix of street food + restaurants, island tours, scooter rental.
- Fancy-ish: ₹8,000–₹15,000 per day
Resorts, nicer restaurants, massages every other day, maybe one luxury boat tour.

One thing I noticed – food and internal travel are still quite affordable if you avoid tourist traps. It’s the fancy stays and alcohol that add up. So if you’re okay with simple stays, you can still enjoy all the nature and culture without burning your whole savings account.

Safety, Transport & Small Things Nobody Tells You#

Safety wise, Thailand is pretty okay. I felt safer walking alone at night in Bangkok than in many Indian cities to be honest. But still, basic common sense:

- Don’t keep all cash in one wallet.
- Confirm taxi/Grab prices before sitting.
- Be careful with drinks in party areas.
- Respect local culture – some of our desi boys forget they’re not at a Goa shack and behave… ya, you know.

Transport:
- Grab app is your best friend for taxis and bikes in big cities.
- In islands, scooters are cheap (200–300 Baht/day) but wear helmet yaar. I saw so many Indians with road rashes because they tried to act like pro riders on day one.
- Overnight buses and trains are good options between Bangkok and Chiang Mai or southern regions if you’re saving on one night stay.

Health update wise, post-Covid restrictions have relaxed a lot. Mask usage now is mostly optional except maybe in some crowded indoor places or hospitals. Still, keep basic meds, travel insurance and don’t drink tap water. Buy bottled or use refill stations that many hostels now have.

My Honest Take: Where to Go If You’re…#

Okay so if you’re still confused, here’s how I’d pick based on mood and budget:

- First-time Thailand + low budget: Bangkok (2–3 days) + Krabi (3–4 days). You get city + beaches without overspending.
- Honeymoon / couple trip: Phuket (but stay slightly away from Patong) + Krabi or Koh Lanta. Add 2 days in Chiang Mai if you want mountain + temple vibes.
- Solo traveller / work remote: Chiang Mai + Pai or Koh Lanta. Chill, cafes, safe, cheap, good WiFi.
- Group of friends, party mood: Bangkok + Phuket or even Pattaya if you really want that scene.

And ya, don’t try to do EVERYTHING in one trip. Me and my friend did that mistake once, 4 cities in 8 days, and we spent half the trip just packing, checking in, checking out, rushing for flights. Chill karo thoda.

Final Thoughts (And a Little Nudge to Just Book It)#

Every time I go to Thailand, I find new corners, new cafés, some random beach, or a market that wasn’t trending on Instagram yet. It’s one of those countries where you can travel on almost any budget – from broke student to "I-just-got-promoted" level – and still have a properly good time.

If you’re an Indian traveller thinking, “Arre, maybe I should wait one more year, prices might drop, blah blah…” honestly, just start planning. Keep it simple, pick 2–3 places, decide your daily budget, and go. Thailand is quite forgiving for first-time international trips too, you won’t feel totally lost there.

And if you want more chilled, real-traveller type guides (not those robotic sounding ones), I keep sharing stuff like this on AllBlogs.in – you can check there for more itineraries, budget breakdowns, and random stories from the road.