Key takeaways
- Two classic plans: Bangkok + Pattaya for city, shopping and shows; Phuket + Krabi for beaches and islands.
- Best months: November to February — Bangkok gets 1–5 rainy days a month, against 12–18 from May to October.
- Visa: since 15 September 2026, Indians can stay visa-free for up to 30 days; fill in the free TDAC arrival card online before you fly.
- Grand Palace: 500 baht, open 8:30 am–4:30 pm, and a strict dress code.
Five days is enough for one of two Thailand trips from Kerala: Bangkok with Pattaya (city sights, shopping and a beach town two hours away), or Phuket with Krabi (beaches and island day trips). The most comfortable months are November to February. Indians can visit visa-free for up to 30 days, but must submit the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card online before arrival. See our Thailand visa guide for Indians for the full entry rules.
Plan 1: Bangkok and Pattaya in 5 days
- Day 1 — Arrive in Bangkok. Check in, rest, and spend the evening at a night market or a river cruise.
- Day 2 — Bangkok temples. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew in the morning (they open at 8:30 am), then Wat Pho and Wat Arun.
- Day 3 — To Pattaya. Pattaya is about 150 km from Bangkok, roughly two hours by road. Afternoon on the beach, evening show.
- Day 4 — Coral Island and Pattaya. A boat day trip, then free time.
- Day 5 — Back to Bangkok for your flight. Shopping on the way if time allows.
Plan 2: Phuket and Krabi in 5 days
- Day 1 — Arrive in Phuket. Beach time at Patong or Kata.
- Day 2 — Phi Phi Islands day trip. The national park charges a fee for foreign visitors, collected on the tour.
- Day 3 — Phuket town and viewpoints.
- Day 4 — Transfer to Krabi. Ao Nang beach and a sunset longtail boat.
- Day 5 — Four-islands tour from Krabi, then fly home.
Southern Thailand can stay rainy into November and December, and Phuket’s wettest month is September — so for beach plans, December to March is the safest window.
When to go: Bangkok month by month
| Months | Average high | Rainy days a month | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov–Feb | 31–33°C | 1–5 | Best — driest and least humid |
| Mar–Apr | 34–35°C | 2–4 | Hot; fine for short trips |
| May–Oct | 32–34°C | 12–18 | Rainy season; lower prices |
Figures are long-term averages from the Thai Meteorological Department, published by the World Meteorological Organization.
Grand Palace: hours, ticket and dress code
- Open: every day, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm; ticket sales stop at 3:30 pm. It closes on royal ceremony days.
- Ticket: 500 baht for foreign visitors; children under 120 cm enter free.
- Dress code: no sleeveless, tight, cropped or see-through tops, no shorts, short skirts, ripped jeans or three-quarter trousers. Skirts and dresses must cover the knee.
Before you fly from Kerala
- Passport valid for at least six months.
- Submit the TDAC arrival card online within 3 days before arrival — it is free on the official site.
- Carry your return ticket, hotel booking and enough funds for your stay.
- If you carry a large amount of foreign cash, check Thai customs’ declaration rules before you fly.
Want it planned for you? Our Thailand tour package from Kozhikode covers hotels, transfers and sightseeing, with flights on request.
Frequently asked questions
Is 5 days enough for Thailand?
Yes, for one region: Bangkok and Pattaya, or Phuket and Krabi. Trying to do both in five days means too much travel.
What is the best month to visit Thailand from Kerala?
November to February. Bangkok has only 1–5 rainy days a month then, against 12–18 in the rainy season from May to October.
How far is Pattaya from Bangkok?
About 150 km — roughly two hours by road, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Do Indians need a visa for a 5-day Thailand trip?
No. Since 15 September 2026, Indians can stay visa-free for up to 30 days, but must submit the free TDAC arrival card online before arrival.
This article reflects official sources checked in September 2026.
Sources
- Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi — Revision of Thailand’s visa exemption
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card — official manual
- World Meteorological Organization — Bangkok climate (Thai Meteorological Department)
- World Meteorological Organization — Phuket climate
- Tourism Authority of Thailand — Pattaya
- The Grand Palace — official site
