Thailand Solo Trip 2018 was my first international solo adventure, beginning on 4 January 2018 with an exciting journey to Bangkok and Pattaya.
Planning My Thailand Solo Trip from India :
I arrived in Bangkok on January 04, 2018, around 11 PM. It was my first international solo trip, and I was feeling both excited and curious about what lay ahead. I used Jet Airways airline service, and honestly, it was awesome from the start. The meals, onboard amenities, and overall service were very good and made the journey comfortable. The takeoff and landing were so smooth that you won’t feel uncomfortable at any point during the trip. Since I had experience with other domestic and international flights as well, I clearly felt that Jet Airways was better in comparison, which gave me a great first impression as I began my solo journey.
When I arrived at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, I needed to complete my immigration process. I filled out the immigration form, and one important thing I learned is to always carry two passport-size photos with a white background, because getting photos at the terminal is quite costly. After filling the form, there were two lines—one for premium processing costing 200 Baht and one for regular processing, which was free.
However, the regular queue had around 20 people, and it could take nearly one hour. Since visa on arrival was free for Indian passport holders, I chose premium processing and cleared immigration within 20 minutes. For immigration, you should have your hotel booking and boarding pass or flight details ready to fill in the form.
After clearing my immigration I came out from airport there are many shops I got one of them to buy local sim card for communication of 100 Bhatt (220 INR) I booked a Uber for my hotel it was near to airport in Lat Krabang area of amount 2500 INR per night with breakfast
next day I took a breakfast and got ready for local visit for Bangkok city I did travel from Metro to arrive inside city
I found a market on Soi Sukhumvit area there were many restaurant of India, Irani. Iraqi Pakistani Bangladeshi I found a mosque here to offer a Friday prayer and took a Lunch at Indian restaurant Taj Mahal.
Then I went Nana just 4 minute walking distance from this market Nana road is. Nana Road in Bangkok is famous for its lively and colorful vibe. When you walk here, you can really feel the energy of the city, especially in the evening when the lights come on.
The area is well known for Nana Plaza and the busy nightlife around it, which attracts travelers from all over the world. During the day, Nana Road feels calmer and you’ll find cafes, street food, small shops, and hotels, showing a different side of Bangkok. For many visitors, Nana Road is interesting because it clearly shows how Bangkok changes from day to night after that I went Nana Square mall which around walking distance from nana road but I hire local bike rent was 30 Bhatt (62 INR)
Nana Square Mall – A small shopping spot right in the Nana area with clothing, accessories, and shops — very convenient for quick buys
Around 5 Pm I decided to go back to the hotel via local metro route
from Nana to Lat Krabang, the easiest way is by BTS + Airport Rail Link. First, take the BTS Skytrain from Nana station on the Sukhumvit Line and travel to Phaya Thai station. From there, change to the Airport Rail Link and take a train going towards Suvarnabhumi Airport. Lat Krabang station is one of the stops on this line. The journey is smooth, budget-friendly, and avoids Bangkok traffic, making it a convenient option for travelers.
In the evening I reached hotel and make the planning to leave for Pattaya city. Here I meet two indian person who were sitting in hotel lobby they made my best and guide me for Pattaya city beaucse they came from today from pattaya now leaving to Mumbai india.
In the morning after the breakfast I went to the bus stand which was near to suvarnabhumi international airport after the Bangkok local city sightseeing.
The distance from Bangkok to Pattaya is about 150 kilometers, and the bus journey usually takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. Bus fares are affordable, with standard buses costing between 100 and 150 Thai Baht, while VIP buses cost around 200 to 300 Thai Baht. Buses leave from major terminals in Bangkok such as Ekkamai and Mo Chit. In Pattaya, buses usually stop at the North Pattaya Bus Terminal or at South Pattaya, which is close to Walking Street. I chose to get down at South Pattaya because it is more convenient and closer to popular area
After reaching the South Pattaya bus terminal, I took local public transport to my hotel. The most common and affordable option in Pattaya is the songtaew, which is a converted pickup truck with benches at the back. Many people also call them Tuk-Tuks. These open-air vehicles run on fixed routes and are very cheap, usually costing around 10 to 20 Baht per ride. It was an easy and local way to travel around the city.
After check in my hotel Arya Inn Pattaya Beach Hotel. I went to a local salon in Pattaya for a shave near Central Pattaya Market.
The area is always lively, and you can find almost anything around—from shops and food stalls to salons and cafes.
In the evening I went to Walking Street in Pattaya which is full of energy, especially in the evening. Bright lights, music, and crowds of people make it very lively.
I walked along the street, enjoying street performers, food stalls, and restaurants offering Thai, seafood, and international dishes. I also visited some Indian clubs, like Nasha Club and Toy Club, because the entry was free. Indian songs were playing inside, which made me feel at home and added to the fun of exploring Pattaya’s nightlife
I tried Thai chicken soup, and it was amazing! The soup, called Tom Kha Gai, was full of flavor and very aromatic. It had tender chicken pieces in a creamy coconut milk and chicken broth base. I could taste the fresh lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, which gave it a unique fragrance.
Mushrooms, chili, and a bit of lime juice made it spicy and tangy, while a touch of sugar balanced the flavors. Fresh cilantro on top added a nice, fresh touch. It was truly delicious and one of the best soups I’ve had in Thailand.
The next morning, after having breakfast, I went to the Pattaya Floating Market from Pattaya Beach, which took about 20–30 minutes. I took a songthaew (Tuk-Tuk), a shared local transport, which was cheap and gave me a real feel of local travel.
It was my first time seeing a floating market, and it was amazing to watch people selling fresh fruits, cooked food, and snacks from boats along the canals. The market is huge and colorful, with wooden shops selling souvenirs and handicrafts as well.
There are plenty of shopping options, and I also saw both Thai non-vegetarian dishes and vegetarian ice cream.
The entry is usually free, but I bought a ticket for around 200 Baht so I could explore the canals and enjoy the market fully. You can also take a boat ride for about 400 Baht, try a Thai costume photo session for 500 Baht, or enjoy activities like a bouncy game on bamboo rafts and river sports, including a long zip line over the water.
There was even a free monkey show, which was really entertaining. Walking around, tasting the traditional Thai treats, and trying out the activities made it such a fun and lively experience, showing a completely different side of Pattaya beyond the beach.
After walking around whole day, I decided to take a foot massage near the road. It cost 60 Baht for 30 minutes, and it was incredibly relaxing. I’ve never had a massage like this before, and it really helped to refresh my tired feet. While sitting there, I also noticed vendors selling fresh fruits along the road, so you can easily grab some snacks while enjoying the massage. It’s a simple and effective way to unwind after a long day of exploring Pattaya.
In evening back to hotel took dinner at India restaurant.
Tips & Timing:
- Best time to visit: Morning to early afternoon (9 AM – 1 PM) to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler weather.
- Tickets: General entry is often free, but a ticket for 200 Baht gives full access.
- Boat rides & activities: Boat rides cost around 400 Baht, and Thai costume photos are about 500 Baht.
- Food & shopping: Try local Thai dishes, fresh fruits, and vegetarian ice cream.
- Transport: Use songthaews (shared Tuk-Tuks) for a cheap and authentic local experience.
The next morning, I had breakfast and went to explore Pattaya Beach, which was within walking distance from my hotel. I rented a beach chair for 100 Baht (around 215 INR) and relaxed for a while. I also bought some fresh fruits and a cold drink from a 7-Eleven store, which you can find almost everywhere in Thailand.
After that, I visited a mall right on the beach, where I had a burger and a cold drink while enjoying the view. The evening view of Pattaya Beach was simply stunning. At night.
I was sitting on the beach chair, feeling the cool sea breeze, and soon got ready to go into the water. The waves were amazing, and I enjoyed swimming and playing in the sea.
I went to Pattaya Beach Pier, which is at the end of the beach. I watched ferries and cruise boats coming and going, and some were heading out for dinner cruises with lights and music on the water. The view of the ocean at night was beautiful, and the pier was full of tourists enjoying the lively atmosphere.
After spending some time at the pier, I walked to Walking Street, which is about 1–1.5 kilometers from the pier, so it was an easy 10–15 minute walk. Walking Street is the most famous nightlife area in Pattaya
I walked around, taking in the sights and sounds, and it felt amazing to be part of the energy of Pattaya by night. The place was lively, with lots of tourists enjoying the night atmosphere.
My Jet Airways flight was delayed when I arrived at the airport, so I spent some extra time there before finally flying back to New Delhi, Here’s a simple, personal conclusion you can use for your blog:
After having breakfast, I checked out from the hotel and went to the local market in Pattaya. I spent some time exploring the stalls, shopping for souvenirs, and trying some local snacks. Later, I headed to South Pattaya Bus Terminal to travel back to Bangkok.
Conclusion:
My trip to Bangkok and Pattaya was an incredible mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. From exploring the vibrant streets of Bangkok and experiencing the lively Nana area to enjoying the sun, sea, and nightlife in Pattaya, every moment was memorable. The floating market, local food, beach activities, and unique experiences like foot massages and river sports gave me a true taste of Thai life. Traveling solo made the journey even more special, allowing me to discover new places at my own pace and meet interesting people along the way. I left with amazing memories, a refreshed spirit, and a strong desire to return to Thailand to explore even more.
Travel Tips & Best Time to Visit Thailand (Bangkok & Pattaya)
Best Time to Travel:
The best time to visit Bangkok and Pattaya is from November to February. During these months, the weather is pleasant, less humid, and ideal for sightseeing, beach activities, and walking around local markets. March to May can be very hot, while June to October is the monsoon season, which may affect outdoor plans but is still budget-friendly for travelers.
Visa & Immigration Tips:
Indian passport holders were eligible for Visa on Arrival, but rules can change, so always check the latest visa updates before traveling. Carry two passport-size photos with a white background, hotel booking details, return flight information, and sufficient funds, as these are often required during immigration.
Transport Tips:
Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain and Airport Rail Link are the best ways to travel within the city and avoid traffic. For short distances, local transport like songtaews (tuk-tuks) in Pattaya is cheap and gives a real local experience. Always confirm the fare before boarding.
Hotel & Stay Tips:
If your flight arrives late at night, staying near the airport, like in Lat Krabang, is a good idea. It saves time and is convenient for rest. In Pattaya, booking a hotel near Walking Street or Pattaya Beach makes it easy to explore nightlife and attractions on foot.
Food & Safety Tips:
Thailand is very safe for solo travelers, but it’s always good to stay alert, especially at night. Try local Thai food, but if you’re sensitive to spice, ask for less chili. Indian restaurants are easily available in both Bangkok and Pattaya.
Money & Connectivity:
Carry some cash in Thai Baht for local transport and street food. Buying a local SIM card at the airport is affordable and very helpful for navigation and bookings. Money exchanger mostly available at market everywhere.
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FAQs – Thailand Solo Trip 2018
Is Thailand Solo Trip 2018 good for first-time travelers?
Yes, Thailand is one of the easiest countries for first international solo travel.
Is Visa on Arrival available for Indians in Thailand?
Yes, Visa on Arrival is available for Indian passport holders (always check latest rules before travel).
How many days are enough for Bangkok and Pattaya?
5 days are enough – 2 days in Bangkok and 3 days in Pattaya.
