Unofficially called the “Big Mango”, Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand that attracts millions of tourists from every part of the globe. From simple customs outposts 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. Your Bangkok tourism offers a whole range of things to do. But before you begin exploring this land, remember to check out the Bangkok travel guide to make your trip memorable.

How to reach Bangkok?

• By air: The Suvarnabhumi Airport lies 25km from the east of Bangkok, and the Don Mueang Airport lies 24 km 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/local transport in Bangkok: 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.

In Bangkok, there are a lot of markets that offer all kinds of food - no matter if you prefer veg or crave for some fish and meat, you’ll have many places to eat in Bangkok.

The best time to visit Bangkok is during the cool and dry season, which typically runs from November to February. This period offers pleasant weather with lower humidity levels, making it ideal for exploring the city's attractions and outdoor activities.

The most commonly spoken languages in Bangkok are Thai and English. Thai is the official language of Thailand, while English is widely used, especially in areas frequented by tourists, businesses, and international communities.

These are many local shopping markets in Bangkok, each offering its own unique atmosphere and selection of goods. Your Bangkok tourism will include some popular local shopping markets in Bangkok such as:

• Chatuchak Weekend Market: One of the largest weekend markets in the world, offering a wide range of goods including clothing, accessories, handicrafts, souvenirs, and more.
• Pratunam Market: Known for its wholesale clothing and fashion items, Pratunam Market is a bustling market area with numerous shops and stalls.
• Talad Rot Fai (Train Night Market): Offering a unique shopping experience with vintage and retro items, antiques, clothing, and food stalls set up in a vibrant night market atmosphere.
• Sampeng Market: Located in Bangkok's Chinatown, Sampeng Market offers a variety of goods including fabrics, accessories, toys, and household items at wholesale prices.

One of the best highlights in Bangkok is their festivals. If you book flights to Bangkok close to any of these festivals, then you are in for a treat. Some of the top local festivals in Bangkok include:

Bangkok is known for so many things, and your Bangkok travel guide may not take you to some of the less explored attractions. Below are some of the 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, which is home to the largest gold Buddha statue measuring about 10 feet high and weighing over 5 tons.

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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