Seven days in Thailand on a realistic budget

Thailand remains the easiest first international trip for most Bangladeshi travellers: direct flights from Dhaka, a straightforward e-visa, and a cost of living that makes a decent holiday genuinely affordable. The trap is trying to see too much. Seven days comfortably covers two destinations; three is a week spent in transit.

Before you go

Bangladeshi passport holders need a visa in advance. The Thailand e-visa is applied for online and typically issued within five to ten working days. You will need a passport valid for at least six months, a photograph, confirmed flights, hotel bookings and a bank statement showing roughly THB 20,000 per person. Apply at least three weeks before travel.

Biman, US-Bangla and Thai Airways fly Dhaka to Bangkok in about two and a half hours. Fares vary hugely by season; booking six to eight weeks out usually finds the best balance.

Days one to three — Bangkok

Stay near a BTS Skytrain or MRT station. Sukhumvit, around Asok or Phrom Phong, is the most convenient area for first-timers; Silom is quieter; Khao San is cheap but far from the metro. Bangkok's traffic is genuinely severe, and a hotel on the metro line will save you hours.

Spend the first morning on the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, arriving at opening time to beat both the heat and the crowds. Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered — or you will be turned away. Take the Chao Phraya express boat rather than a taxi; it is cheaper, faster and far more pleasant.

Give the second day to markets and shopping. Chatuchak on the weekend is enormous and genuinely worth it. On weekdays, MBK and Platinum Fashion Mall are where most of our clients do their shopping, with Siam Paragon nearby for brands. Evenings are for Asiatique or a rooftop bar.

The third day is well spent on a day trip to the Damnoen Saduak floating market and the Maeklong railway market, or on the historic temples of Ayutthaya.

Days four and five — Pattaya

Pattaya is two hours from Bangkok by road and makes a natural beach add-on. The town beach itself is unremarkable; the reason to come is the island trips. A Coral Island day tour gives you clear water, parasailing and a decent lunch. The Sanctuary of Truth, an enormous all-teak carved temple, is the one cultural site worth the entrance fee.

If you are travelling with family and Pattaya's nightlife reputation concerns you, stay in the Jomtien or Na Jomtien area rather than central Pattaya. It is quieter, cleaner and better suited to children.

Days six and seven — Phuket or back to Bangkok

If you want a proper beach finish, fly Bangkok to Phuket — domestic flights are frequent and inexpensive if booked ahead. Base yourself in Kata or Karon rather than Patong if you want calm; Patong if you want nightlife within walking distance. The Phi Phi Islands and James Bond Island day tours are the highlights, and booking through your hotel rather than a beach tout is worth the small premium for a safer boat.

If you would rather not add another flight, return to Bangkok for a final shopping day and a relaxed departure.

What it actually costs

Per person, for a mid-range seven-day trip in 2026 terms: return flights from Dhaka, BDT 45,000 to 70,000; e-visa and service, BDT 6,000 to 9,000; hotels at three to four stars, BDT 4,000 to 8,000 per night; food, BDT 1,500 to 3,000 per day if you mix street food with restaurants; local transport, BDT 800 to 1,500 per day; tours and entry tickets, BDT 12,000 to 20,000 for the week. A realistic all-in figure is BDT 130,000 to 190,000 per person before shopping.

Traps worth knowing about

Ignore anyone outside a tourist site who tells you it is closed today and offers an alternative tour — it is the oldest scam in Bangkok. Insist that taxis use the meter, or use Grab. Photograph any rented jet ski or motorbike from every angle before you take it, as damage disputes are common in Phuket and Pattaya. Change money at licensed exchange booths such as SuperRich rather than at the airport, where rates are noticeably worse. And carry your hotel's address written in Thai; it removes almost every taxi misunderstanding.