Thailand blends royal tradition with a relaxed street rhythm. Bangkok’s Rattanakosin Island guards the glittering Grand Palace and Wat Pho, while ferries knit together neighborhoods along the Chao Phraya. Two hours away, Pattaya offers breezy beaches, island day trips, and big-spectacle shows, with plenty of quiet corners if you know where to look.

For first-time visitors from India, Thailand is friendly and familiar: rice, curries, and seafood abound; vegetarian and Jain meals are easy to find; and English is widely understood in tourist areas. Dress modestly for temples (shoulders and knees covered), remove shoes at shrine entrances, and carry small notes (20–100 THB) for water, snacks, and BTS tickets.

Money & basics: 1 THB ≈ INR 2.3 (approx.). ATMs add foreign fees; exchanging cash in the city usually yields better rates than airports. Buy a tourist SIM (AIS/DTAC/True) at the airport; 8–15 days data packs are affordable. Avoid tap water, use bottled water, and download ride-hailing apps (Grab/Bolt) for clear pricing. Be polite and decline pressure sales; skip gem or tailor “special deals.”

Bangkok

Bangkok is a city of layers. The Old City (Rattanakosin) preserves palaces and monasteries; the riverside is timeless; Chinatown is neon-and-noodle heaven; and Sukhumvit is your easy base for the BTS, cafes, and Indian dining.

Top sights include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho’s Reclining Buddha, Wat Arun across the river, Jim Thompson House, and weekend-only Chatuchak Market. Evenings shine on river promenades, Chinatown’s street food lanes, and mellow rooftop terraces.

Where to stay (budget-conscious): Search centrally in Sukhumvit (Asok–Nana for BTS access) or Pratunam (great for shopping). Typical budget-friendly options (about 1,200–2,500 THB per night) include ibis Bangkok Sukhumvit, Citrus Sukhumvit 13, The Quarter Hualamphong by UHG, and clean local guesthouses in Old Town. Book via Hotels.com (Bangkok) or browse apartments on VRBO (Bangkok).

How to arrive: Nonstop flights from Delhi/Mumbai to Bangkok (BKK or DMK) are ~4–4.5 hours; return fares often INR 18,000–28,000 per person if booked early (IndiGo, Air India Express, Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways). Compare on Trip.com (flights) and Kiwi.com. From BKK airport to Sukhumvit by metered taxi is ~45–70 minutes, 350–500 THB including tolls.

Day 1 — Arrive in Bangkok, settle in gently

Morning: In transit to Thailand.

Afternoon: Land in Bangkok. Pick up a tourist SIM at the airport (show passport), exchange a small amount for immediate expenses, and take a metered taxi to your hotel. Check in, freshen up, and have a soothing Thai foot massage near your hotel to shake off travel fatigue.

Evening: Easy river evening. Ride the Chao Phraya ferry from Sathorn Pier for views of Wat Arun’s spires at dusk. Dinner options: Pier 21 Food Court (Terminal 21 Asok) for very budget-friendly Thai staples; or Indian vegetarian at May Veggie Home (Asok). If you want Indian comfort food, Dosa King (Sukhumvit 11/1) does crisp dosas, uttapams, and North Indian thalis.

Day 2 — Royal Bangkok and the Big Three Temples

Morning: Join this efficient, small-group classic:

Bangkok Royal Road - Top 3 Major Monuments (Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun)

It covers the Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho’s Reclining Buddha, and riverside Wat Arun in half a day—perfect pacing for first-timers.

Afternoon: Lunch near Tha Tien Pier: try pad kra pao (basil stir-fry) and tom yum at family-run eateries along Maharat Road, or hop to Krua Apsorn (Dinso Rd) for beloved Thai home dishes like crab omelet. If you’re templed out, duck into Museum Siam (air-con respite) or stroll the old shophouses on Rattanakosin.

Evening: Chinatown (Yaowarat). Start with fresh pomegranate juice and mango sticky rice, then choose between T&K Seafood’s grilled prawns, pepper crab, and stir-fried morning glory, or peppery fish ball noodle soups from street carts. For Indian dinner back near Sukhumvit, Amritsr Bangkok serves hearty Punjabi mains and kulchas.

Day 3 — Markets, museums, and modern Bangkok

Morning: Breakfast at On Lok Yun (Old Town), a 1930s cafe known for Thai-style toast and soft eggs, or coffee at Gallery Drip Coffee (Siam). Visit Jim Thompson House for silk history and teak architecture. If it’s Sat–Sun, consider Chatuchak Weekend Market—arrive by 10:00 a.m., target sections for handicrafts, cotton clothing, and ceramics; hydrate often.

Afternoon: Lunch at Soi Polo Fried Chicken (Erawan area): legendary crispy chicken with sticky rice and som tum (papaya salad). Alternatively, MBK Food Island has clear signage, halal/veg counters, and easy payment cards. Shop Siam Discovery/Paragon for souvenirs and Thai snacks (dried fruits, coconut rolls).

Evening: Unwind with a river or canal ride at sunset (the Saen Saeb canal boats are local and inexpensive). Dinner at Inter Restaurant (Chit Lom) for broad Thai classics, or Indian comfort at Bawarchi near Chidlom. Early night—tomorrow you change cities.

Pattaya

Pattaya has two sides: lively Beach Road and Walking Street for bright lights, plus calm island waters and leafy temples for slow days. Choose what suits your mood; we’ve curated mellow, couple-friendly experiences.

Island-hopping to Koh Larn’s clear bays is a highlight, along with ethical time with elephants in Chonburi’s hills. Evenings can be simple beachfront dinners or a polished cabaret and a relaxed dinner cruise.

Where to stay (budget-conscious): Central Pattaya (2nd Road–Beach Road) keeps you near the beach and malls; North Pattaya is a touch quieter. Budget/upper-budget picks (1,000–2,200 THB): Travelodge Pattaya, ibis Pattaya, Red Planet Pattaya, March Hotel. Compare on Hotels.com (Pattaya) or apartments on VRBO (Pattaya).

How to get here from Bangkok: Leave after breakfast. By taxi/ride-hail: ~2–2.5 hours, 1,200–1,800 THB door-to-door (most comfortable for a couple with bags). By bus from Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai): ~150–200 THB per person, frequent departures. There are limited trains (slower); if you want to explore options, check Trip.com (trains) for schedules.

Day 4 — Transfer to Pattaya, beach stroll, and a classic show

Morning: Depart Bangkok by taxi or bus. Expect a quick highway run with one rest stop if you request it. Check in to your Pattaya hotel and take a short break.

Afternoon: Gentle walk along Pattaya Beach. For lunch, try Mae Sri Ruen for Thai soups and rice plates, or Zaika for reliable North Indian mains near Beach Road.

Evening: Enjoy a polished, colorful performance:

Alcazar Cabaret Show Pattaya

Seats are comfortable and the show is family-friendly. Dinner after the show at Leng Kee on 3rd Road (Thai-Chinese menu with quick service), or Indian at Madras Darbar (veg-friendly).

Day 5 — Coral Island (Koh Larn) with an Indian lunch

Morning: Island day! Get picked up for a speedboat ride to Koh Larn. Clear shallows and soft sand make this a relaxed choice—great for swimming or just reading under an umbrella.

Afternoon: This tour includes an Indian buffet lunch, so you won’t have to hunt for veg options on the island:

Pattaya Coral Island Tour with Indian Lunch and Hotel Transfer

Optional paid activities like parasailing and sea-walking are offered; avoid if you have back/neck issues. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water shoes.

Evening: Return to Pattaya for a leisurely dinner. If it’s Fri–Sun, Thepprasit Night Market is a low-cost feast (grilled squid, coconut puddings, sticky rice). Otherwise, try Nong Pochana for homestyle curries or Govindam for pure veg Indian plates.

Day 6 — Ethical elephant time, viewpoints, and a dinner cruise

Morning: Meet and learn about elephants at a sanctuary with an ethical approach (no riding):

Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Tour from Bangkok & Pattaya

Observe, feed, and walk with elephants; wear clothes you can get muddy and bring a change if bathing is included on the day.

Afternoon: Visit Khao Phra Tamnak Viewpoint for wide bay views and Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai). Coffee break at an air-conditioned cafe on Pratumnak or Beach Road.

Evening: Cap the trip with a smooth sunset-to-night experience:

Ocean Sky Pattaya Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment

Expect easy seating, sea breezes, and city lights. If you prefer land, a quiet beachfront Thai dinner along Wongamat is equally lovely.

Day 7 — Easy morning, return to Bangkok, depart

Morning: Breakfast at La Baguette (North Pattaya) for pastries and coffee, or Jasmin’s Cafe for omelets and fruit. Last-minute souvenir stop at Terminal 21 Pattaya (compact, well-signed).

Afternoon: Leave Pattaya 5–6 hours before your flight (2–2.5 hours to Bangkok + airport check-in/buffer). Book a taxi/ride-hail for convenience. Compare final flight options or changes on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com. Fly home with a camera roll full of golden spires and turquoise water.

Eating & coffee picks near your routes (curated budget to mid)

• Bangkok breakfast/coffee: On Lok Yun (Old Town cafe classics), Gallery Drip Coffee (Siam), Casa Lapin (Ari/Sukhumvit).
• Bangkok lunch/dinner: Pier 21 food court (budget Thai), Soi Polo Fried Chicken (famous crispy chicken), Inter Restaurant (Thai standards), May Veggie Home (veg Thai), Dosa King / Amritsr (Indian).
• Pattaya breakfast/coffee: La Baguette (pastries), The Coffee Club (Beach Road), Jasmin’s Cafe (simple breakfasts).
• Pattaya lunch/dinner: Zaika / Madras Darbar / Govindam (Indian), Leng Kee / Nong Pochana / Mae Sri Ruen (Thai), night-market snacks at Thepprasit (Fri–Sun).

Cabs, local transport, and tiny-but-useful details

• Bangkok BTS/MRT: Buy a Rabbit card for BTS; MRT uses a separate card/tokens. Contactless bank cards are increasingly accepted at gates. Typical ride: 20–60 THB per person.
• Taxis & apps: Insist on “meter” in Bangkok; app rides show prices upfront. Typical city rides: 100–250 THB. Airport–city: 350–500 THB with tolls.
• Bangkok ↔ Pattaya: Taxi 1,200–1,800 THB (2–2.5 hours). Bus 150–200 THB from Ekkamai/Mo Chit. Limited trains exist—check Trip.com (trains) if curious.
• Temple etiquette: Shoulders and knees covered; no sleeveless vests or shorts; remove shoes; speak softly; avoid pointing feet at Buddha images.
• Health & weather: It’s warm year-round. Carry a light rain jacket (May–Oct), sunblock, and mosquito repellent. Drink bottled water.
• Safety & scams: Skip unsolicited tuk-tuk “city tours,” tailor/gem stops, and ping-pong show invites. Use official counters or apps for transport.
• Connectivity: Tourist SIMs (AIS/DTAC/True) at airports with passport; 8–15 day packages are cheap and reliable for maps and translations.
• Power: 220V; common plug types A/B/C. Carry a universal adapter.
• Visa: Policies for Indian citizens change; verify current requirements with the Royal Thai Embassy or official sources before travel.

Budget snapshot for two (conservative)

• Flights (India–Bangkok return): ~INR 36,000–56,000 total for two if booked early (variable by city/season). Compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
• Hotels: 1,200–2,200 THB per night (INR ~2,800–5,000). Book via Hotels.com (Bangkok), Hotels.com (Pattaya), or VRBO.
• Food: 800–1,600 THB per day for two on a budget (mix of food courts, local restaurants, and street snacks).
• Local transport: 200–600 THB per day (BTS/MRT, occasional taxis, or app rides).
• Activities: Viator tours in this plan range ~1,000–2,800 THB per person depending on inclusions.

Optional swaps if you want to customize

• Bangkok day-tour alternative: a more private version of Day 2’s highlights — Private Top 3 Monuments Tour (quieter pacing).
• Pattaya nightlife alternative: If curious about the scene with guidance, there’s a hosted crawl — Pattaya: Rooftops & Clubs – Walking Street — but for a conservative couple, the dinner cruise (Day 6) is a calmer choice.

With measured days in Bangkok’s historic heart and Pattaya’s breezy shores, this itinerary balances must-see landmarks with slow, comfortable moments. You’ll return with temple gold in your eyes, salt on your lips, and a list of favorite Thai and Indian meals to recreate at home.