The Visa Situation: What Indian Travellers Need to Know
Good news for Indian passport holders: planning a trip to Thailand remains incredibly straightforward. As of September 2026, Thailand has updated its visa policy. While a previous 60-day visa exemption has been revised, India remains on the visa-free
list. Under the new rules, which take effect from September 15, 2026, Indian tourists can enter Thailand without a visa and stay for up to 30 days. This change, published in the Royal Gazette on August 31, 2026, removes the need to apply for a visa beforehand or even a visa-on-arrival, saving both time and money. An earlier proposal to move India to a paid visa-on-arrival system was dropped, keeping travel hassle-free. Just remember to fill out the mandatory Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before you fly.
Making the ₹30,000 Budget Work
A budget of ₹30,000 for six days is tight but entirely possible with careful planning. The key is to allocate funds wisely across flights, accommodation, food, and activities. Here is a plausible breakdown per person: Return Flights: ₹12,000 - ₹15,000 Accommodation (5 nights): ₹4,000 - ₹5,000 Food: ₹4,000 - ₹5,000 Local Transport & Activities: ₹5,000 - ₹7,000 * Miscellaneous: ₹2,000 This budget requires discipline. You'll need to fly with budget airlines, stay in hostels or basic guesthouses, eat primarily street food, and choose low-cost activities. Booking everything well in advance is crucial, especially flights and accommodation, as last-minute prices can easily derail your budget.
Finding a Budget-Friendly Flight
Flights will be your single largest expense. To stay within the ₹12,000–₹15,000 range for a round trip, flexibility is your best friend. Flying from cities with direct connections like Kolkata, Chennai, or Bangalore often yields cheaper fares. Airlines like IndiGo and AirAsia frequently have sales, so it pays to subscribe to their newsletters and monitor prices. Booking at least 6-8 weeks in advance, especially for travel during the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October), can help you secure the best prices. Consider flying into Krabi (KBV) or Phuket (HKT) airports. Sometimes, flying into Bangkok (BKK) and then taking a separate domestic flight or an overnight bus to the southern provinces can also be a cost-effective strategy.
Your Island Base: Krabi
For a budget island experience, Krabi is an excellent choice. It offers stunning scenery comparable to Phuket but is often considered more laid-back and affordable. The main tourist hub is Ao Nang, which serves as a perfect base for exploring nearby islands and beaches. Accommodation in Ao Nang ranges from ultra-cheap hostels for as little as ₹600-₹800 per night to budget-friendly private rooms in guesthouses for around ₹1,000-₹1,500. Staying in Krabi Town is even cheaper, though it requires a short ride via songthaew (a shared pickup truck taxi) to get to the popular beaches.
Sample 6-Day Budget Itinerary in Krabi
Day 1: Arrival and Ao Nang Beach Arrive at Krabi Airport (KBV), take a shared shuttle to your hostel in Ao Nang. Settle in and spend the evening exploring Ao Nang Beach, enjoying the sunset, and grabbing a cheap and delicious dinner from a street food vendor. Day 2: The Famous Four Island Tour Book a 'Four Islands' tour, one of Krabi's most popular and affordable excursions. This full-day trip by long-tail boat typically costs around 800-1200 THB (approx. ₹1,900 - ₹2,800) and includes visits to Phra Nang Cave Beach, Tup Island, Chicken Island, and Poda Island, with opportunities for snorkelling. Lunch is often included. Day 3: Railay Beach Exploration Take a 15-minute long-tail boat ride (around 100 THB one way) from Ao Nang to Railay Beach. Known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, you can spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and hiking to the viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views—all for free. Day 4: Tiger Cave Temple & Krabi Town For a dose of culture, visit the Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea). The main attraction is the challenging 1,260-step climb to a summit with a giant golden Buddha and stunning 360-degree views. There is no entry fee. In the evening, explore the Krabi Town night market for authentic local food and souvenirs. Day 5: Klong Root Kayaking and Relaxation Escape the crowds with a trip to Klong Root, a crystal-clear waterway perfect for kayaking. You can rent a kayak for a couple of hundred baht and paddle through serene, jungle-like scenery. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on a local beach like Noppharat Thara. Day 6: Departure Enjoy one last Thai breakfast before heading back to Krabi Airport for your flight home.
Eating Well on a Shoestring
Eating in Thailand is both a highlight and incredibly affordable. To stick to a budget of around ₹700-₹800 per day, street food is your best option. A hearty and delicious meal like Pad Thai, fried rice, or noodle soup can be found for 40-60 THB (₹95 - ₹140). Night markets are treasure troves of cheap eats. You can also find budget-friendly meals and snacks at the ubiquitous 7-Eleven stores, which offer everything from toasted sandwiches to ready-to-eat rice dishes for under 50 THB. A large bottle of water costs around 15 THB, and you can often refill it for a few baht at public refilling stations.
