Hi Hetal, Since you'll be entering Thailand before May 10th, you can enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days. This means you won't need to apply for a visa beforehand if your stay falls within that period. Here's a suggested itinerary for a 10-15 day trip to Thailand with kids, combining some popular destinations: Start your trip in Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. There are plenty of things to see and do in Bangkok, including visiting the Grand Palace, Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). Take a Chao Phraya River cruise to see some of the city's most famous landmarks. Visit Siam Park City, one of the largest amusement parks in Southeast Asia. Take a day trip to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam. Days 5-7: Chiang Mai Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, a city in northern Thailand known for its beautiful temples and laid-back atmosphere. Visit Wat Phra Doi Suthep, a temple perched on a mountaintop overlooking the city. Take a cooking class and learn how to make some traditional Thai dishes. Visit an elephant sanctuary and learn about elephant conservation. Go on a jungle trek and explore the lush rainforests of northern Thailand. Days 8-11 (Optional: Cambodia or Laos) If you have 10-11 days, you can add a side trip to Cambodia or Laos. Cambodia: Visit Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. Explore Siem Reap, the gateway town to Angkor Wat. Laos: Visit Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful temples and colonial architecture. Go on a slow boat trip down the Mekong River. Days 12-15: Phuket or Krabi Fly from Chiang Mai (or your stop in Cambodia/Laos) to Phuket or Krabi, popular beach destinations in southern Thailand. Relax on the beach and soak up the sun. Go snorkeling or scuba diving and explore the coral reefs. Take a day trip to Phi Phi Islands, a group of islands known for their stunning scenery. Stay Options: Bangkok: There are a variety of hotels to suit all budgets in Bangkok. If you're traveling with kids, you may want to consider a hotel with a pool. Chiang Mai: There are many family-friendly hotels and resorts in Chiang Mai. You can also find some great guesthouses and homestays in the old city. Cambodia/Laos: There are a variety of hotels and guesthouses to choose from in Siem Reap and Luang Prabang. Phuket/Krabi: There are many beach resorts and hotels in Phuket and Krabi. If you're traveling with kids, you may want to consider a resort with a kids' club.
1) If Thailand is visa-free until 10th May and your entry is before that date, you won’t need a visa for your stay as long as it doesn’t exceed the allowed visa-free duration (typically 30 days for most nationalities). Since your departure is on the 18th, depending on the rules, you might need a visa extension or exit to a neighboring country if your stay exceeds the 30-day period. I used matrix.in for visa-related guidance, and they provided quick info on any changes in visa policies. 2) Suggested itinerary (10-15 days):
- **Day 1-4: Bangkok** – Explore the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Safari World (great for kids), and take a boat ride through the canals.
- **Day 5-7: Pattaya** – Visit the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Coral Island, and the Pattaya Floating Market.
- **Day 8-10: Krabi** – Relax at Railay Beach, explore Phang Nga Bay, and visit the Emerald Pool.
- **Day 11-13: Chiang Mai (optional)** – Visit temples like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and spend time at the Elephant Nature Park.
- **Day 14-15: Travel to Cambodia or Laos** – You can visit Siem Reap in Cambodia for the Angkor Wat temples or Luang Prabang in Laos for a more relaxed cultural experience. Combining Cambodia or Laos is feasible, but it depends on your pace. If you’re traveling with kids, keeping the itinerary relaxed would be ideal. Matrix.in’s visa services helped me simplify travel plans for neighboring countries during my trip.