Bangkok - Ornate shrines to vibrant street life
Bangkok Airport Directory (BKK)
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Unofficially called as the “Big Mango”, Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand that attracts millions of tourists from every part of the globe. From simple customs outpost on the Chao Phraya River downstream to the ancient city of Ayutthaya to the world’s top tourist destination, the Thai capital’s rise has been meteoric. From prayer to the party, there’s a whole range of things to do in Bangkok. But before you begin exploring this land, remember to keep a Bangkok map handy with you.
Read news and flight schedule – IndiGo strengthens connectivity to Thailand with over 25% increase in weekly flights
Best time to visit: December to February is the perfect time to explore Bangkok.
How to reach?
By Air: The Suvarnabhumi Airport lies at 25km from the east of Bangkok, and the Don Mueang Airport lies 24km to the north. Suvarnabhumi Airport handles the majority of the international and domestic flights and connects with the city through various buses, taxis and Airport Rail Link. IndiGo now provides flights to Bangkok with direct connectivity between Bangkok and Kolkata, Chennai & Bengaluru along with seamless connections to other cities in India.
Getting around: You can travel around Bangkok using tuk-tuk, Bangkok subway, BTS Skytrain and taxis. Bangkok Subway and BTS Skytrain are probably the best means to move within the city whereas tuk-tuks are economical and convenient travel modes.
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Places to visit in Bangkok
- Pak Khlong Talat: Take the Chao Praya Express boat to Bangkok's largest flower market Pak Khlong Talat. At its colourful best at dawn, this market is open 24 hours and lies enroute to two of Bangkok's must-see temples – Wat Pho or Temple of the reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn.
- Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha): One of the largest temple complexes in Bangkok, famous for the giant 46-metre long reclining Buddha, Wat Pho temple is a must visit. The temple is also known for traditional Thai massage as it is considered to be the leading massage school in Thailand.
- Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): Situated directly opposite to Wat Pho temple, Wat Arun locally known as Wat Chaeng is among the most spectacular temples because of its design that is different from the other temples in Bangkok. Its architecture is highlighted with decorative spikes and lies at the beautiful riverside.
- Wat Phra Kaew and Grand Palace: Located within the sprawling Grand Palace in Phra Nakhon district, Wat Phra Kaew regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand, enshrines the dazzling statue of the Emerald Buddha. The Grand Palace complex is built in style popularised by the Rattanakosin kingdom with over 100 buildings, pagodas and statues and spread over 234 acres.
- Vimanmek Mansion & Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall: At the sprawling Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall, drop by at Vimanmek Mansion, the world's largest teak building, that houses royal gifts and treasures collected on overseas trips. Also within the palace complex, visit the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, within which lies Thailand’s most majestic museum Arts of the Kingdom, a royal art exhibition of masterpieces by Thai artisans. Other famous museums include the Bangkok National Museum and the National Museum of Royal Barges.
- Hindu Erawan Shrine & the Chinese Wat Mangkon Kamalawat: Besides a plethora of Buddhist temples, the multi-cultural city also has beautiful shrines of other faiths – the Hindu Erawan Shrine and the Chinese Wat Mangkon Kamalawat in the heart of Yaowarat or Chinatown.
- Lumpini Park: The centrally located Lumpini Park spread over 142 acres near the Silom–Sathorn business district is a favourite public hangout. Cruises and boat trips on the Chao Phraya and Thonburi's canals offer an insight into life on the waterfront and the city’s traditional architecture.
Places to eat in Bangkok
DID (Dine in the Dark), Sukhumvit
A unique culinary experience where you are explained the concept over a drink at the bar, before being led to a dark room where you are served by visually-impaired waiters (money from the restaurant goes to a foundation working with the blind), for a meal where you can awaken your senses.
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Tsu, JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok
Hailed as the best Japanese restaurant in town, Tsu offers fantastic sashimi, soft shell crab salad and uni flown in twice a week.
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Le Normandie, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
The best French restaurant in the city is, not surprisingly, located at Mandarin Oriental overlooking the river. Try the five or seven-course set menu, paired with excellent wines.
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Susie Wong’s Beers & Buns, Banglamphu
The softest BBQ pork buns, sausages, American pub grub and beer in a friendly environment make this a favourite hangout.
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Punjab Grill Bangkok, Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit
If you’re missing the familiar comfort of Indian food, head into the best Punjabi restaurant in Bangkok. The spiced cocktails perfectly complement the assortment of fish, meat, chicken dishes and curries.
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Ban Khun Mae, Siam
A right place for Thai cuisine if you’re in Siam Square area. Try their steam fish, fried fish, shrimp cakes, pad Thai, green curry and sticky rice.
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Siamhouse Cafe and Restaurant, Silom
This is a no-frills, family-run Thai restaurant with value for money meals, a mean Thai green curry and an extensive vegetarian spread.
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Shopping in Bangkok
Teak handicrafts, elephant figurines, reclining Buddha statuettes, Thai silk, cheap clothes, high fashion, shoes; there’s a lot to buy here, and Bangkok seems to burst at its seams with shopping centres, department stores and street stalls.
Local shopping markets: The main shopping avenues are in Siam Park City and Ratchaprasong. On every shopper’s must-visit list is the sprawling Chatuchak Weekend Market, the fantastic Taling Chan Floating Market and the cloth covered stalls at Patpong Market. Another local institution is the Pratunam Market known for its wholesale prices, which is open 24 hours a day. Visit early morning, 4am to 9am for insane deals. The small alleys and streets of Yaowarat or Chinatown towards the riverfront is full of little shops while the backpacker favourite—Khao San Road is full of outlets selling travel gear and clothes.
Shopping malls: To shop in style and comfort, head into the various air-conditioned shopping malls in Bangkok such as the MBK (Ma Boon Khrong) Centre, Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, The Emporium or The Platinum Fashion Mall. For high-end brands, there’s EmQuartier while at Terminal 21, each thematic floor represents a different city. The Amazing Thailand Grand Sale (15 June–15 Aug) is a good time to visit with excellent bargains.
Nightlife in Bangkok
There is no shortage of hangout spots in Bangkok. Some of the popular places to spend a lovely evening in Bangkok are:
Rooftop bars: Sky Bar at Lebua at State Tower, which featured in the film The Hangover 2, is a popular nightspot. Octave Rooftop and Lounge at Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit is the highest party spot in town with a 360-degree view of Bangkok.
Silom: While in Silom, drop by Cloud 47 at United Center Building, the independent Tapas Room Nightclub or Maggie Choo’s at Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom Hotel.
Ratchada: RCA (Royal City Avenue) in Ratchada is the top party hub in town with clubs like Route66, Onyx and Live RCA that have live music and international DJs.
Sukhumvit Road: Sukhumvit Road, especially Soi 11 and Thonglor (Soi 55), has several clubs throbbing with EDM – BEAM
Chidlom: Chidlom in Central Bangkok has several hotels that have clubs in the basement or rooftops. Try Mixx Discotheque at the InterContinental Bangkok basement and Love F Bar also in the same hotel.
Other famous places: Other options include the swanky Club 87 Plus at Conrad Bangkok while Falabella nightclub at Royal Bangkok Sports Club in Ratchadamri is where the posh crowd turns out to party. To drink and dance with locals to some Thai rock, head to Co-Co Walk, an entertainment hub with pubs, bars and live music venues near exit 2 of Ratchathewi station in the shopping district of Siam. While there, check out Spasso at Grand Hyatt Erawan.
Where to stay in Bangkok
InterContinental Bangkok Lumpini One of the largest hotels in the city, the centrally located luxury hotel on Phloen Chit Road overlooks Lumpini Park. Don’t forget to make time for a meal at the excellent Fireplace Grill & Bar.
Tints of Blue Residence Sukhumvit A small boutique hotel in a quiet lane off Sukhumvit Road in Central Bangkok, it has a rooftop pool, garden and a terrific Western or Asian breakfast.
AriyasomVilla Sukhumvit An old Thai villa, offering 5-star luxury in a traditional Thai setting, with wood-floored rooms decorated with gorgeous fabrics, hand-made tiles and antique furnishings.
Phranakorn-Nornlen Boutique Hotel Phranakorn A quirky, nicely-decorated boutique hotel with a laidback vibe and handy services like in-house Thai and foot massages, besides workshops on Thai cooking, fruit carving and tie-dye.
More reasons to visit Bangkok
Jim Thompson House: The Jim Thompson House is the perfect example of traditional Thai architecture that features a collection of Asian artefacts.
Asiatique The Riverfront: At Asiatique The Riverfront, spend an evening at the shops, restaurants, bars, and giant Ferris wheel, in addition to the live Muay Thai, shows and terrific riverfront scenery. Other Bangkok points of interest include the Siam Paragon shopping centre, which even has a Madame Tussauds.
Safari World: A fantastic place to visit with your family and friends. It is Thailand’s most sought-after zoo, divided into two parts. The first part is a safari park, home to several animals from all around the world. Some of the major attractions here include Orangutan Boxing Show, Eggs World, Jungle Cruise and Bollywood Cowboy Stunt Show. The other part is a Marine Park that houses a varied range of marine animals. Do watch beautiful shows by birds, dolphins and other trained animals.
Wat Traimit: You can’t leave Bangkok without visiting Wat Traimit that is home to the largest gold Buddha statue measuring about 10 feet high and weighing over 5 tons.
Visa and Immigration
Thailand would definitely make it to the list of places to visit. To get an entry to Thailand, you require a Thailand visa. Luckily, for Indian nationals, visiting cities like Bangkok for not more than 15 days can avail the Visa on Arrival service from the designated immigration checkpoints. Nonetheless, you can also apply in advance from their official website.
Requirements for Bangkok visa
- A passport with at least 6 months validity
- 8 passport size photographs not older than six months
- Proof of return flight tickets
- Reservation of hotels
- Bank statement or proof of funds
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