Sometimes the best trips are the ones that are totally impromptu. This was one of those trips. My husband (aka my passenger princess, SK) and I didn’t plan it for months—more like, we were just casually looking for affordable destinations with easy visa access for Indian passport holders. Thailand popped up as the perfect choice—cheap flights, visa on arrival, and a bucket list of amazing things to see and do. So, without overthinking it, we booked our tickets and were ready to go!
We boarded a late-night flight from Bangalore (BLR) to Bangkok (DMK), with zero expectations except for one thing: to explore, eat, and enjoy ourselves. We landed at Don Mueang International Airport at 5:35 AM.
We hopped on a BTS train to our affordable hotel, Nice Palace Hotel (Approx. 45 minutes), and checked in by 8:00 AM. Exhausted but excited, we took a short nap to recharge for the day ahead.
Day 1: Afternoon in Ayutthaya: A Historical Gem
By afternoon, we were ready to explore! We hopped on a local train from Bangkok’s Bang Sue Grand Station to Ayutthaya. The ride itself was an experience, giving us a glimpse of rural Thailand along the way. Once we reached Ayutthaya, we rented a scooter for the day to make the most of our time exploring the ancient ruins and temples. Ayutthaya, once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with historical significance.
We spent hours exploring the Ayutthaya Historical Park, marveling at the towering temples and intricate architecture. One of the highlights was the iconic Wat Mahathat, where a Buddha head is beautifully entwined in the roots of a banyan tree. After soaking in the history, we returned by night and stopped at a local eatery where I enjoyed a delicious mixed seafood platter (because, when in Thailand, eat like the locals). SK prefers sticking to fried chicken joints and the ever-present 7-Eleven stores. If there’s one thing we learned on this trip, it’s that Bangkok has a 7-Eleven every 500 meters. Then we headed back to our hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Itinerary Overview – Day 1:
• Flight: Bangalore to Bangkok, 00:10 - 05:35 (Cost: ₹21,000)
• Sim card - ₹1000 for 8 days,
• Transport: BTS from Don Mueang Airport to Nice Palace Hotel (฿50)_ Bang Sue Grand Station to/back Ayutthaya by train (฿30x2)
• Scooter rental in Ayutthaya: ฿500 (Full day)
• Ayutthaya entry - ฿50
• Sightseeing: Ayutthaya Historical Park (Cost: 500 THB for bike rental)
• Stay: Nice Palace Hotel - Cost: ₹1,406
Day 2: The Grand Palace & Off to Phuket!
The next morning, we made our way to the Grand Palace. Getting there was easy—just a BTS ride to Sanamluang and a short walk. But here’s a tip: There’s a strict dress code—sleeved tops (no tank tops), long pants, and covered feet (no flip-flops). SK, being SK, showed up in his usual shorts and had to buy some funny elephant-print pants from a nearby shop before they’d let him in!
The palace itself? Absolutely stunning. If Ayutthaya was all about ancient ruins, the Grand Palace was a dazzling contrast. Think gold-covered stupas, intricate murals, and the stunning Emerald Buddha inside Wat Phra Kaew. We spent hours wandering through the palace grounds, trying to take in all the grandeur (and simultaneously trying to dodge the intense heat).
By afternoon, we headed back to our hotel, packed up, and made our way to Don Mueang Airport for our flight to Phuket! A short 1 hour 20-minute flight later, we landed in paradise. Phuket greeted us with warm ocean air and the promise of stunning beaches. We hopped on a local bus from the airport and made our way to PKL Residence, our cozy stay near Patong Beach. After a quick dinner, we crashed early, knowing we had a big adventure planned for the next day.

Itinerary Overview – Day 2:
• Sightseeing: The Grand Palace (Entry: ฿1000)
• Flight: Bangkok (DMK) to Phuket (HKT) (₹5,530)
• Stay: PKL Residence (₹2,312)
Day 3: Phuket City Tour
Phuket is a paradise, and we wanted to see it all! We started with a visit to an elephant sanctuary, where we fed rescued elephants (no unethical rides here!). Next up was the Tiger Park, which had mixed reviews, but we chose to simply observe from a distance. We also stopped by a bee farm, a cashew nut factory, and some of Phuket’s most beautiful temples, including Wat Chalong and the Big Buddha.
By evening, we wandered into Old Phuket Town, a charming area with colorful Sino-Portuguese buildings, street art, and cute cafés. The best part? Phuket’s Night Market, where I tried everything from mango sticky rice to crispy Thai pancakes. If you’re a foodie, this is a must!

Itinerary Overview – Day 3:
• Sightseeing: Elephant park, tiger park, Big Buddha, Phuket Old Town, and the night market – ฿3000 (for 2 people)
Day 4: Scuba Diving in Phi Phi Islands
This was the day I had been waiting for—scuba diving in the stunning waters of Phi Phi Islands!
Fun fact: we initially booked the diving session just for me because SK was hesitant. But after seeing me all geared up and excited, he decided to join in at the last minute! (I totally think it was FOMO.)
Turns out, I was a natural at it. Once underwater, though, it was a whole new world—vibrant coral reefs, colorful fish, and the feeling of floating weightlessly in the deep blue. Seeing the marine life up close was magical and definitely one of the best experiences of my life.
After diving, we relaxed on the stunning Maya Bay, made famous by The Beach movie. The entire day was pure magic, and we ended it by watching a gorgeous sunset by the shore.

Itinerary Overview – Day 4:
• Activity: Scuba diving at Phi Phi Islands and island hopping - ฿4000 (f0r 2 people)
Day 5: Heading Home
Our last day in Thailand was a mix of shopping, relaxing, and saying goodbye to paradise. It was raining, but that didn’t stop us! We got two raincoats and headed out for some last-minute shopping. After picking up souvenirs at a local market, SK decided to enjoy the rain from our hotel balcony—beer in hand, snacks on the side, just soaking in the moment. Meanwhile, I was busy packing up all our new finds.
After 5 days of temples, beaches, street food, and underwater adventures, we left with hearts full of memories (and phones full of photos). Thailand, you were amazing—we’ll definitely be back!
Itinerary Overview – Day 5:
• Flight: Phuket to Bangalore, 17:25 - 22:40 (Cost: ₹25,276 - approx for 2 people)
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Throughout the trip we had food from local eateries (very affordable) and some 7-Eleven's.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a budget-friendly, adventure-packed getaway, Thailand is perfect! From cultural landmarks in Bangkok to dreamy beaches in Phuket, there’s something for everyone. Whether you love history, nature, or food, this country has it all.
Would I go again? Absolutely. But next time, I might just explore a few hidden islands—maybe Koh Samui? Until then, sawasdee kha, Thailand! ✨
Until the next adventure! ✈️🌏