Thailand + Cambodia 10-Day Itinerary for Indians (2026)
Two countries, one unforgettable trip. Pairing Thailand and Cambodia on a single 10-day route is one of the smartest moves an Indian traveller can make in Southeast Asia. You get the polished beaches, street food and shopping of Thailand alongside the raw, jaw-dropping temples of Angkor — and the overland or short-hop connections between them are easy. This day-by-day plan is built specifically for travellers flying from India, with realistic costs in rupees, vegetarian food notes, and the visa and transport details you actually need.
Why combine Thailand and Cambodia?
Most first-timers visit Thailand alone, but Cambodia sits right next door and is criminally underrated. Angkor Wat — the largest religious monument on earth — is a half-day flight or a short bus ride from Bangkok. Combining the two means a single set of international flights from India covers a beach-and-city escape and a once-in-a-lifetime heritage experience. For Indians, both countries are wallet-friendly, English is widely understood in tourist zones, and vegetarian food is easy to find.
Best time to visit
The ideal window for both countries is November to February, when the weather is dry, cooler and comfortable for temple-hopping. March to May gets very hot (35°C+), while June to October is the monsoon — cheaper and greener, but Angkor can flood and beach plans get washed out. If you want lush landscapes and lower prices and can tolerate afternoon showers, late September to early November is a sweet spot.
How to reach from India
Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Chennai reach Bangkok (BKK/DMK) in around 4–4.5 hours. Return fares typically run ₹18,000–₹32,000 depending on season and how early you book. Fly into Bangkok, and fly home from Siem Reap or Phnom Penh (usually via a Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur connection) to avoid backtracking. The Bangkok–Siem Reap leg can be a 1-hour flight (₹4,000–₹9,000) or a scenic 8–9 hour bus via the Poipet land border (₹1,500–₹2,500).
Visas for Indians
Thailand offers visa-on-arrival / visa-exemption schemes that have repeatedly changed — always confirm the current rule before flying. Cambodia offers a straightforward e-Visa online (around US$36 plus a small processing fee) which you print and carry, or a visa-on-arrival at major entry points. Check the latest requirements with our visa checker before booking, as policies shift frequently.
The 10-day itinerary at a glance
This route balances city, culture and beach without rushing: 3 nights Bangkok, 2 nights a Thai beach or island, then cross into Cambodia for 3 nights at Siem Reap (Angkor) and finish in Phnom Penh.
Day 1 – Arrive Bangkok
Land, take the Airport Rail Link or a Grab taxi into the city, and settle into the Sukhumvit or Silom area. Ease in with a riverside dinner and a first taste of Bangkok’s night markets. Don’t over-plan day one — you’ll likely be tired from the flight.
Day 2 – Bangkok temples and Grand Palace
Start early at the Grand Palace and Wat Pho (the reclining Buddha), then take a cross-river ferry to Wat Arun. Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered — as these are active temples. Spend the evening at Asiatique or a rooftop bar.
Day 3 – Markets, malls and massage
Visit the floating market (Damnoen Saduak or the closer Khlong Lat Mayom) in the morning, shop at Chatuchak (weekends) or the MBK/Siam malls, and book a proper Thai massage. This is your day to shop for electronics, clothes and souvenirs.
Day 4 – Travel to the beach (Pattaya or fly to Krabi/Phuket)
For minimal travel time, Pattaya is a 2-hour drive. For prettier water, take a short morning flight to Krabi or Phuket. Spend the afternoon on the sand.
Day 5 – Island and beach day
Do an island-hopping boat tour — the Phi Phi Islands from Phuket/Krabi, or the nearby islands off Pattaya. Snorkel, swim and relax. This is your decompression day before the temple marathon ahead.
Day 6 – Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia
Return to Bangkok (or fly directly where routes exist) and hop to Siem Reap, gateway to Angkor. Check in, exchange some US dollars (widely used in Cambodia), and stroll Pub Street and the night market in the evening.
Day 7 – Angkor sunrise and the main temples
Wake before dawn for the legendary Angkor Wat sunrise. Buy the Angkor Pass (1-day ~US$37, 3-day ~US$62). Spend the day at Angkor Wat, Bayon (the faces) and Ta Prohm (the tree-root temple from Tomb Raider). Hire a tuk-tuk driver for the day (~US$20–25).
Day 8 – Outer temples and Tonle Sap
See the quieter outer circuit — Banteay Srei’s pink-sandstone carvings and the jungle temple of Beng Mealea — then catch sunset over the Tonle Sap floating villages. An afternoon nap helps after the early starts.
Day 9 – Travel to Phnom Penh
Take a morning bus or short flight to the capital, Phnom Penh (6 hours by road). Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, and walk the riverside in the evening. The sobering Tuol Sleng museum and Killing Fields offer essential context on Cambodia’s history for those who wish to understand it.
Day 10 – Depart
Last-minute shopping for Khmer silk and souvenirs, then fly home from Phnom Penh (usually via Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur).
Where to stay
In Bangkok, base yourself in Sukhumvit (near a BTS Skytrain station) for easy transport; budget guesthouses run ₹1,200–₹2,000/night, mid-range hotels ₹3,000–₹5,500. On the islands, expect ₹2,500–₹6,000 for a decent beach hotel. In Siem Reap, accommodation is excellent value — lovely boutique hotels with pools for ₹1,800–₹3,500. Phnom Penh is similar. Book near the centre to cut tuk-tuk costs.
Food — and vegetarian notes
Thai food is a highlight: pad thai, green curry, mango sticky rice, tom yum. Vegetarians should learn the phrase “jay” (strict veg/vegan) and watch for fish sauce, which sneaks into most dishes — ask for it without (“mai sai nam pla”). Bangkok has excellent Indian restaurants in the Sukhumvit/Pratunam areas if you crave home food. In Cambodia, Khmer cuisine (amok, lok lak) is milder; veg options exist but are fewer, so Siem Reap’s tourist restaurants and the handful of Indian eateries are your friends. Jain travellers should carry some staples and stick to Indian restaurants for full peace of mind.
Sample budget (per person, 10 days)
Here is a realistic mid-range estimate for one traveller:
- International + internal flights: ₹28,000–₹42,000
- Accommodation (9 nights): ₹22,000–₹38,000
- Food: ₹12,000–₹18,000
- Local transport, tuk-tuks, taxis: ₹6,000–₹9,000
- Angkor Pass + entry tickets: ₹6,000–₹8,000
- Tours, activities, island trips: ₹8,000–₹12,000
- Cambodia e-Visa + misc: ₹4,000–₹6,000
Total: roughly ₹86,000–₹1,33,000 per person. Backpackers can do it for far less; comfort-seekers more. Plug your own numbers into our trip cost calculator for a tailored estimate.
Practical tips
Carry US dollars for Cambodia (it runs on USD; the local riel is used only for small change). Get a local eSIM or a cheap tourist SIM at the airport for maps and Grab. Use Grab for fair taxi fares in Thailand and PassApp in Cambodia. Bargain politely at markets — start around 50–60% of the quoted price. Carry sunscreen, a refillable water bottle and a light scarf for temple dress codes. Keep digital and printed copies of your visa, hotel bookings and return tickets.
Safety
Both countries are generally safe for tourists, including solo and female travellers, with the usual caution around petty theft, scams (the “temple is closed” tuk-tuk scam, gem scams) and over-priced tours. Avoid unlicensed taxis from the airport. In Cambodia, stick to marked paths near remote temples. Buy travel insurance before you fly — medical care for tourists is fine but costs add up.
FAQ
Is 10 days enough for both countries? Yes — it covers the headline experiences. If you have 14 days, add the Thai islands or Cambodia’s coast (Kampot, Kep).
Should I fly or take the bus between Thailand and Cambodia? Flying saves a day and avoids the chaotic Poipet land border. The bus is cheaper and an adventure, but slower.
Is the trip doable for vegetarians? Absolutely — just learn a few local phrases and lean on Indian restaurants in the bigger cities.
What currency should I carry? Thai baht for Thailand, US dollars for Cambodia.
Getting around within each country
In Bangkok, the BTS Skytrain and MRT metro are fast, cheap and beat the traffic — buy a stored-value card on arrival. Use the Grab app for door-to-door rides at fair prices, and river ferries along the Chao Phraya for a scenic, budget way to reach the old town. For intercity hops to the islands, low-cost airlines and overnight buses are reliable. In Cambodia, tuk-tuks (book via PassApp or Grab) handle short hops, while comfortable tourist buses and minivans connect Siem Reap, Battambang and Phnom Penh. Always agree the fare or use the app meter before setting off, and keep small notes handy as drivers rarely carry change.
Money, SIMs and connectivity
Carry a mix of cash and cards. Thailand is increasingly card- and QR-friendly, but markets and small eateries are cash-only, so keep baht on you. Cambodia runs primarily on US dollars — carry clean, untorn notes, as damaged bills are often refused, and you’ll get change in local riel. Pick up a tourist SIM or eSIM at the airport in each country for cheap, reliable data; this powers your maps, ride apps and translation tools. Inform your Indian bank before travel so your card isn’t blocked, and prefer ATMs attached to banks to reduce skimming risk.
What to pack
Pack light, breathable clothing for the heat, but carry a scarf or sarong and a pair of long trousers for temple visits, where covered shoulders and knees are required. Bring sturdy sandals for walking the vast Angkor complex, a hat and high-SPF sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, mosquito repellent, and any personal medication with a copy of the prescription. A light rain jacket is wise in shoulder season. Don’t forget a universal adapter and a power bank for long temple days.
Etiquette and culture
Both countries are deeply Buddhist and respectful behaviour goes a long way. Never touch anyone’s head, point your feet at people or Buddha images, or climb on statues for photos. Dress modestly at temples and remove shoes where indicated. A gentle smile and the local greeting — wai in Thailand, sampeah in Cambodia — are warmly received. Show respect when photographing monks and locals by asking first.
Plan your trip
Ready to build your own version? Use our trip planner to map your days, the trip cost calculator to set your budget, and the visa checker for the latest entry rules. For more route ideas, browse our itineraries section.
Last updated: June 2026
