Score the Best Flight Deals
Your biggest expense will be flights, but smart planning can save you a significant amount. Avoid travelling during peak season (November to March) when prices are highest. Instead, aim for the shoulder seasons like April-May or September-October for a balance
of decent weather and lower fares. There are no direct flights from India to both Chiang Mai and Krabi, so a layover in Bangkok is necessary. Use flight comparison websites and book at least two to three months in advance. Consider flying into one city (say, Chiang Mai) and out of another (Krabi) to save time and a domestic flight. Round-trip fares from major Indian cities like Delhi or Mumbai often hover between ₹20,000 and ₹35,000 if booked strategically.
Visa: Know Before You Go
As of August 2026, the visa situation for Indian travellers has seen some changes. After a period of uncertainty, the Thai government confirmed that Indian passport holders will continue to receive visa-free entry. However, the permitted stay has been reduced from 60 days to 30 days. This is more than enough for a typical holiday. This visa-free entry means you do not need to apply for a visa beforehand or pay any fees upon arrival. Always remember that all travellers must fill out the online Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 72 hours before arriving.
Chiang Mai on a Shoestring
Chiang Mai is a backpacker's paradise and incredibly budget-friendly. For accommodation, skip the fancy hotels and opt for hostels in the Old City, where a dorm bed can cost as little as ₹500-₹800 per night. Guesthouses offer private rooms for around ₹1,000-₹1,500. Food is both delicious and cheap. A meal of Khao Soi, the local speciality, from a street vendor costs under ₹150. You can easily eat well for ₹500-₹700 a day. For activities, many of Chiang Mai's beautiful temples have free or very low-cost entry (around ₹50-₹100). Renting a scooter for about ₹300-₹400 a day is the cheapest way to explore the city and nearby attractions like the Doi Suthep temple.
Krabi Without the High Costs
While beach destinations can be pricey, Krabi offers plenty of budget options. Stay in the Ao Nang area or near Nopparat Thara Beach for a wide selection of affordable guesthouses and hostels, with prices similar to those in Chiang Mai. Street food and local restaurants away from the main beachfront offer authentic Thai food for a fraction of the price of tourist-focused establishments. A budget of ₹800-₹1,200 per day for food is realistic. The main attraction—the beaches—are free. To explore the famous islands like those in the Phi Phi archipelago, look for shared long-tail boat tours instead of private speedboats. These tours often include lunch and snorkelling gear, providing a full day's activity for ₹2,000-₹3,000.
Travel Between Chiang Mai and Krabi
The most efficient way to travel the 1,500 km between Chiang Mai in the north and Krabi in the south is by flight. Several budget airlines like AirAsia operate direct flights between the two cities, with a flight time of about two hours. If you book in advance, you can find one-way fares for as low as ₹4,000-₹6,000. While overnight buses and trains are available, they involve a transfer in Bangkok and can take over 24 hours, eating into your valuable vacation time. The time saved by flying makes it well worth the extra cost.
Putting Together a Daily Budget
For a comfortable budget trip, you can plan for a daily expenditure of around ₹2,500-₹3,500 per person. This would cover a hostel or budget guesthouse stay, three meals from street food stalls and local eateries, scooter rental or local transport, and entry fees for a few attractions. A mid-range traveller might spend closer to ₹4,000-₹5,000 per day for a private room and a mix of street food and restaurant meals. This leaves room for tours and other activities without breaking the bank.
