When it comes to tourism, Thailand is probably the most diverse it can get. After all, where else can you start your days with shopping your heart out at a mammoth mall, spend your afternoon in a serene temple, watch the sun go down with a magnificent view and an even better cocktail and end your day with a much-needed foot massage? We know you are craving a visit to this amazing place right now. Let Skyscanner help you kick start your trip planning by giving you all the details on the Thailand visa for Indians.
Getting a Thailand visais not an extremely time consuming or complicated task. However, all Indiansstill require a visa to visit this South Asian country. The best news? TheMinistry of Interior of the Kingdom of Thailand, in April 2019, announcedthat Thailand will implement a temporary visa of arrival free exemption schemefrom 1 May 2019 to 31 October 2019. Under this scheme, Indian passport holdersget to apply for visa on arrival at designated immigration points. This visa isfree and valid for 15 days, for tourism purposes only. This means, you will beable to save 2,000 Thai Baht that you had to pay previously for getting a visaon arrival in Thailand.
Therequirements for a Thailand visa on arrival include:
- Complete application form
- One passport size photograph (4cm x 6cm)taken not more than six months ago
- A passport that is valid for at least 30days
- Confirmed return ticket within 15 days
- An appropriate means of living and aproof of accommodation in Thailand. This translates into at least 10,000 Bahtper person and 20,000 Baht per family.
Since some airlines donot permit passengers with a passport valid for less than six months to travel, it’s the best to have a passportvalidity of over six months.
So, there you go. Toget more details on the Thailand visa and to see the various applicationcenters around India, please click here.
Thingsto do in Thailand
Now that you might justsave your visa fee for the Thailand visa, you can use that moolah to do so much on your vacation. Let’s take a look at the topthings to do in Thailand and how much money they cost.
- Visit the Grand Palace
If you want a taste ofexquisite Thai architecture and its historic opulence, a visit to the famedGrand Palace is a must. The palace has many interesting sections, including theEmerald Buddha, the Central Court, the Inner Court and the Outter Court.
Entrance fee: 500 Thai Baht
Opening hours: 8.30am to 3.30pm
2. Maerim Elephant Sanctuary
Visiting Thailand withkids? The adorable elephants at this sanctuary are perfect to make some delightfulmemories in the country. Located close to Chiang Mai, this sanctuary runs witha mission to rescue ill-treated elephants and provide them a loving and caringenvironment. While you are there, you can bathe elephants, feed them or simplycuddle them!
Fee: Half day tour with transportation, lunch, water and guide costs 1,600 Baht for adults and 800 Baht for kids under 7. Kids under 3 years travel free.
3. Shop
While visiting Thailand, most Indians have a separate budget for shopping. From knick knacks at street markets in Chinatown to the best of the global brands in luxurious malls, Thailand offers you all. Your shopping experience will only be sweeter this time, thanks to the money you save while getting your Thailand visa. Shopping destinations on your list must include: Platinum Fashion Mall, Chatuchak Weekend Market, MBK Center and Talad Rot Fai Srinakarin Night Market.
4. Get a massage
After all thesightseeing and shopping, it is a must to get a soothing massage in Thailand.The country offers a variety of spas – with amazing views, with exotic compressesand stunning interiors.
Frequentlyasked questions
Q: Do Indians need a visa for Thailand?
A: Yes
Q: How much is the visa fee for Thailand?
A: The Thailand visa isfree for Indians until 31 October 2019. It was around INR2,500 for a singleentry tourist visa (valid for three months) earlier.
Q: Does the Indian currency work in Thailand?
A: No, in Thailand, youwill need the Thai Baht for most transactions. However, to save on exchangerate, we suggest you convert INR into the US dollar before flying to Thailandand once you reach the country, exchange the dollars for the local currency(Thai Baht).
Excited? Make sure you pack light clothes and comfortableshoes to match Thailand’s hot and humid weather and loads of sightseeing. Andyes, don’t forget to use Skyscanner’s free and handy tools such as Price Alertsand Cheapest Month to book cheap flights to Thailand.
Skyscanner is the world’s travel search engine, helpingyour money go further on flights, hoteland rentalcars.
Note:Information correct as of 7 September 2019, obtained from VFSGlobal.Please always check the latest guidance at VFS Global before booking a trip.
