Malaysia, Thailand visa free for Indians: Main tourist attractions, flights, hotels and more
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Visa-Free for Indians
In a significant move to promote tourism, Malaysia has declared visa-free entry for Indian and Chinese citizens, effective from December 1. Apart from Malaysia, Thailand had earlier announced free visas for Indians in a bid to boost tourism. Let's delve into the main tourist attractions, flight options, hotel accommodations and more for these exciting destinations.
Malaysia
Previously accessible to Indians through a visa-on-arrival process, Malaysia now extends a warm welcome with a 30-day visa-free entry. The former cost of the Malaysian visa on arrival for Indians, including processing fees, was Rs 3,558. Now, with the elimination of this fee, Indians can fly directly to Malaysia and breeze through the immigration process. Some must-visit attractions in Malaysia includes Batu Caves, Petronas Twin Towers, Melaka, Cameron Highlands etc.
Batu Caves
Batu Caves in Malaysia is a group of caves inside a big hill made of limestone. It's an important place for Tamil Hindus, and there are three Hindu temples and shrines inside. To reach the top, you have to climb 272 steep steps, however, the view of the city from up there is breathtaking.With an estimated age of around 400 million years, the cave holds an immense historical significance.
Accommodations in Malaysia
According to Trip Advisor, budget-friendly options include MOV Hotel, TROVE Johor Bahru, Tune Hotel, and Hotel Sixty3, ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 6,000 per night. Premium choices such as Four Seasons Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, The Ritz-Carlton in Langkawi, and W Kuala Lumpur in Petronas Tower could cost above Rs 20,000 per night.
Flight Details to Malaysia
According to Skyscanner, flight prices vary depending on the departure city in India. For instance, if flying from Delhi, ticket prices could start from Rs 10,000, while flights from Chennai or Kochi can be as low as Rs 5,000
Thailand: Land of the Free
Renowned for its appeal to bachelors, Thailand now offers Indians visa-free access from November 10, 2023, to May 10, 2024 in a bid to boost the tourism in the country. The visa free access could also be extended if Thailand’s tourism gets a boost from Indian travellers. Major attractions in Thailand include Phi Phi Island in Phuket, Coral Island in Pattaya, Racha Yai Island, Wat Arun in Bangkok etc.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple
The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, also recognised as Maha Uma Devi Temple, stands as a Hindu temple in the South Indian architectural style on Si Lom Road in Bangkok, Thailand. Constructed in 1879 by Vaithi Padayatchi, a Tamil Hindu immigrant, it holds significant cultural importance. Serving as the primary Tamil Hindu temple in Thailand, it resides in the Bang Rak District of Bangkok, precisely at the junction of Silom Road and Pan Road.
Accommodations in Thailand
According to Trip Advisor, affordable stays include Villa Bangkok, La Petite, BED Nimman Hotel, and Nak Nakara, priced as low as Rs 6,000 per night. Premium choices like Carlton Hotel Bangkok, The Okura Prestige, Banyan Tree Bangkok, and Phuket Marriot Resort could exceed Rs 20,000 per night.
Travel Essentials to Thailand
Just like Malaysia, the flight prices to Thailand depend on the departure city. From Kolkata to Bangkok, the average price ranges from Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000, while flights from Delhi or Mumbai could cost between Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 for one way.