I recently backpacked from New Delhi to Thailand, and it turned out to be one of the most vivid and unforgettable trips I’ve ever taken. From the moment I left the Delhi airport to the night I watched my last Thai sunset, every hour felt like an epic little chapter. Thailand lives up to its nickname — the Land of Smiles — and, even on a shoestring, it delivers transformative and sublime experiences.

Getting There — Flights and Routes

First, the simplest way to reach Thailand from New Delhi is by flight. Direct planes from Delhi to Bangkok take about four to five hours. Carriers like IndiGo, Thai Airways, Air India, and SpiceJet fly daily. For cheaper fares, you can opt for one-stop flights via Kuala Lumpur or Singapore on AirAsia or Scoot, which often bring round-trip costs down to ₹12,000–22,000. When I booked, I grabbed a round-trip for roughly ₹18,000. Moreover, booking about four-to-five weeks ahead usually trims around 10–15% from the price, so plan ahead to secure a proven deal.

Although overland travel via Myanmar exists in theory, it’s slow and far less practical. Instead, once you’re in Thailand, domestic flights are very affordable. For example, a one-way from Bangkok to Phuket often costs ₹3,000–8,000 and saves hours of travel time compared with buses. Consequently, flying internal legs makes your itinerary efficient and more enjoyable.

Visa and Preparation

Before you fly, remember that Indian citizens can stay in Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days — a major plus for budget travelers. However, travel insurance is required and sensible; Thailand asks for coverage for medical emergencies (around USD 10,000). I bought a simple policy for about ₹30–100 per day and slept much better knowing I was covered. Therefore, don’t skimp on insurance; it’s essential and gives peace of mind.

Bangkok — Temples, Markets, and Nightlife

I landed in Bangkok and immediately felt the city’s energy: temples, neon, and the mouthwatering scent of street food. My first stop was the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, home of the Emerald Buddha. The complex is resplendent and costs around 500 THB (≈₹1,150). Nearby Wat Pho, with its giant reclining Buddha, charges about 300 THB (≈₹690). Across the river, Wat Arun is another must-see for roughly 200 THB (≈₹460).

Between temples, I took a calm boat ride on the Chao Phraya River to cool off. In the evenings, Khao San Road buzzes with backpackers and live music. Meanwhile, Chinatown offers endless street eats: pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and little plates for ₹150–250. I walked, tasted, and watched the city pulse; the simple pleasures added up, and consequently, I felt thoroughly immersed.

Hostels in Bangkok are wallet-friendly. I found clean dorms for ₹1,200–2,000 per night and private fan rooms for around ₹2,300. With BTS rides, tuk-tuks, and river boats, I managed a full day for about ₹2,500–3,000 — food, travel, and entrance fees included. In short, Bangkok is both vibrant and affordable, and it’s a must-see on any Thailand route.

Ayutthaya — The Ancient Capital

After a few busy days, I took a two-hour train north to Ayutthaya for about 20 THB (₹45) in third class. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with temple ruins, enormous Buddha statues, and quiet river views. I bought a multi-temple pass for roughly 220 THB (≈₹500) and visited Wat Mahathat and Wat Chaiwatthanaram. Including snacks and local transport, the whole day was about ₹800 — a bargain for history and beauty. Indeed, Ayutthaya felt timeless, serene, and unexpectedly poetic.

Chiang Mai — Culture and Adventure in the Hills

Next, I flew to Chiang Mai, a calm city wrapped in verdant mountains. Flights are short — roughly 1.5 hours — and often cheap. Doi Suthep sits above the city and costs just 50 THB (≈₹115) to enter. The Old City is full of free or inexpensive temples. At night, the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar offered endless finds and cheap, flavorful dishes like khao soi for about ₹100.

A highlight was a full-day jungle trek in Doi Inthanon National Park for 1,200 THB (≈₹2,760), with a guide and meals included. I also visited an ethical elephant sanctuary for around 2,500 THB (≈₹5,750). Seeing elephants roam calmly — not perform — was moving and memorable; indeed, it was one of the most emotional moments of the trip. Dorm beds run ₹700–1,100, and renting a scooter costs about ₹500 per day. Consequently, my daily spend averaged ₹2,500–3,000.

Phuket & Krabi — Island Escapes

From the north, I flew south to Phuket and then onward to Krabi for beaches and island days. Flights can be around ₹3,000 one-way, and the switch from mountains to turquoise sea felt instant and thrilling. Patong Beach is lively and free to visit. For a classic day, I took a Phi Phi Islands boat tour that cost 1,200–2,000 THB (≈₹2,800–4,600) and included snorkeling and lunch. Visiting Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon felt like stepping into a postcard — utterly serendipitous and cinematic.

Krabi’s Railay Beach is reachable only by boat and is absolutely worth it. The Tiger Cave Temple hike is free and rewards you with sweeping panoramas. The Emerald Pool charges about 200 THB (≈₹460). Accommodation near the beaches ranges from ₹800–1,500 per night, so expect daily costs of ₹3,000–3,500 during this stretch. Overall, the southern coast is both breathtaking and surprisingly budget-friendly.

How Long and What It Costs

Seven to fifteen days is a perfect window to explore key parts of Thailand. A quick 7-day trip can cover Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and either Phuket or Chiang Mai. Ten days gives you both north and south, while two weeks lets you add Pattaya or another island. Essentially, the more time you have, the deeper and more relaxed the experience.

A rough 10-day budget looks like this:

• Flights: ₹18,000 (round trip)
• Accommodation: ₹1,200 × 9 nights = ₹10,800
• Food: ₹600 × 10 = ₹6,000
• Local transport: ₹300 × 10 = ₹3,000
• Attractions & tours: ≈₹4,000

Total: ≈₹42,000 for 10 days. Stretching to 15 days brings the cost to roughly ₹55,000–60,000. Overall, traveling for ₹2,500–3,500 per day is realistic and liberating. Therefore, backpacking Thailand is an excellent way to get maximum joy with minimal spend.

Final Thoughts

Traveling from Delhi to Thailand on a backpacker budget is not only doable — it’s transformative. With cheap flights, a relaxed visa policy, and joyful street food, Thailand delivers big moments for small money. If you plan well, eat like a local, and stay curious, you’ll find an unforgettable mix of culture, nature, and fun. Pack light, keep an open heart, and set off — Thailand is waiting, ready to reveal both its secret corners and its dazzling highlights.