Bangkok Travel Guide for Indian travelers 2019

Bangkok travel guide for Indians will cover everything from Visa information, Airport guide, Shopping, Where to stay, transport within city, Things to do, What to eat etc. everything you need to know about Bangkok.

Welcome to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. The main language spoken here is Thai, and the official currency used is Thai Baht. This hot, humid, bustling city never sleeps and is packed with tourist from all over the world. It is famous for its vibrant street life, rich history, cuisine and stylish lifestyle. Bangkok has become the most visited city around the world. It is also famous among Indian tourist. Therefore, this is our Bangkok travel guide for Indian friends, so that they can know more about this city.

Visa Information : Bangkok Travel Guide

For the Citizens of India who want to visit Thailand for a period not exceeding 15 days can avail Visa on Arrival from designated checkpoints at the airport Thailand.

Visa on Arrival

Indians tourist need to carry below listed documents with them.

• A valid passport with at least 2 blank pages. The passport should be valid for at least 6 months following your departure date.
• Filled Visa on arrival application form with recent photo (4cm x 6cm).
• Return ticket within 15 days.
• Visa on Arrival fee for the application is THB 2,000. (Thai Currency only).
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking/ invitation letter).
• Have to carry at least THB 10,000 per person and THB 20,000 per family.

After submitting these mandatory documents at Visa on Arrival counter. They might interview you with following question:

1. Your travel Plans (purpose of visit).
2. Accommodation in Thailand.

After this you are done with the process and you will get your passport with Visa stamped.

For the Indians who wish to visit Thailand for more than 15 days have to get their visa in advance from Thai consulate in India. This Process is managed by VFS in India

Tourist visa for Thailand

Tourist Visa (Single entry) is INR 2,500 for 3 Months. Permitted to stay for a period not exceeding 60 Days. Tourist visa (Multiple entry) is INR 10,000 for 6 Months. Permitted to stay for a period not exceeding 60 Days in each entry.

Documents required to apply Thailand Tourist visa:

• Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months with TWO OPPOSITE BLANK PAGES
• Visa Application Form completely filled out.
• Two recent photographs of the applicant (3.5 x 4.5 cm) against white background.
• Confirmed tickets in and out of Thailand.
• Proof of hotel/accommodation reservation in Thailand. Reserved under applicant’s name covering total number of days wished to say in Thailand. If intend to stay with relatives or friends must provide invitation letter along with their ID/passport photocopy. In case they are not Thai, must provide their working records in Thailand, e.g. work permit, letter from company they are working with valid at least six months.
• Evidence of adequate finance. Original receipt of endorsement of $700/person or Original Bank Statement from last month with minimum balance equally as $700/person with bank stamp and signature or Credit Card issued by a bank or financial institution along credit card statement from last month.

How to apply Tourist Visa for Thailand:
Collect all the required/ Mandatory documents listed above and visit the VFS office. And submit all the documents with visa fee and service charge.

When to visit Bangkok : Bangkok Travel Guide

Bangkok enjoys a tropical climate which means it is warm year around and can also be humid and rainy. It is almost a year-round destination, which means no matter what season you arrive, you’ll see lots of lots tourist everywhere.

• November – February (Perfect weather): These is the “peak season” for tourist to visit Bangkok. As the temperature remains around 25 degrees Celsius. This is the perfect time to explore Bangkok on foot. For this time you should do all your booking in advance as it will be costly during this season.

• March – June (Hot): These are the hottest months of Bangkok. As the city has a lot of activities to do, it welcomes tourist year around. During these seasons the most popular things to do are boat cruise, shopping malls, pool parties, roof top bars, aquariums and other indoor activities.

• June – October (Rainy): It is comparatively “low tourist season” for Bangkok. Due to heavy and unpredictable rainfall this is the less crowded season. But this is a great time to fetch some great deals on hotels and excursions. Bangkok really gets cheaper during these months.

Note: One of the biggest festivals of the year is Songkran (Thai New Year), which takes place in mid-April, most the places are closed as Thai people go on vacation. The Christmas and the New Year holidays see a big increase in visitors to the city.

Airport Guide : Bangkok Travel Guide

Bangkok has two airports namely BKK-Suvarnabhumi Airport and DMK-Don Mueang Airport. Both are connected with international flights and domestic flights. Both the airports are far from central Bangkok. There are many ways to reach your hotel depending on the arrival time and your budget which includes:

• Public Bus from Airport
• Public Taxi from Airport
• Prebook Taxi Service from Airport to City|Pattaya|Huahin and more
• Airport City Rail Link from Suvarnabhumi Airport

You can get detailed information about both the airports in our Bangkok Airport Guide. It has everything in detail you want to know. It includes bus number, taxi counter info, how to get tickets for airport link and all the price.

Where to Stay : Bangkok Travel Guide

Top 5 Hotels with in house Indian Restaurant

• • Fraser Suites Sukhumvit

In house Indian Restaurant : Charcoal Tandoor Grill and Mixology

• • Radisson Suites Sukhumvit

In house Indian Restaurant : Punjab Grill Restaurant review

• • Majestic Grande Hotel

In house Indian Restaurant : The Great Kabab Factory

• • Holiday Inn Sukhumvit

In house Indian Restaurant : Maya

• • Rembrandt Hotel

In house Indian Restaurant : Rang Mahal

Top 5 luxurious hotels in Bangkok

• The Siam Hotel
• Mandarin Oriental Hotel
• The peninsula
• Siam Kempinski Hotel
• Tower club at lebua

Top 5 Budget Hotels in Bangkok

• Majestic Suites Hotel
• Aspira D Andora
• Double One Hotel by Aspira
• Rezt bangkok
• Aspira G Sukhumvit

You can also look for Apartments on Airbnb. Here is 2000 INR (30 USD) free credit for your first trip.

Top Things to do in Bangkok : Bangkok Travel Guide

Their are many activities which can booked among these. You can book these attractions by clicking on them which will take you to vendor website.

SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World
It is a huge underground aquarium containing huge variety of aquatic animals. They also features wonderful shows with awesome light and sound technology which is lovely to watch.
Opening hours: 10.00 hrs. – 21.00 hrs. Daily
Recommended Transport: BTS | Siam station

Safari World
It is an open zoo and leisure park. There are lots of entertainment for every age group. You can enjoy without disturbing animals and birds in their natural habitat from your car or coach of tour guide. Safari world is perfectly planned and divided into marina park, zoo. You will also enjoy live shows of dolphins, birds & seal here.
Opening hours: 09.00 hrs. – 18.00 hrs. Daily
Recommended Transport: Taxi | 45 minutes from City Center

Asiatique River front
It opens in evening. Therefore it is the perfect evening in open sky. It is on the bank of river Chao Phraya. It is packed with options for shopping, fine dining and local street food. The best part is to have a bird eye view of city from the giant wheel.
Opening hours: Daily from 17.00 – 24.00 hrs.
Recommended Transport: BTS and Shuttle Boat | Get off at Saphan Taksin Station and board Shuttle Boat of Asiatique which takes around 15 min.

Madame Tussauds Bangkok
You can take photographs with wax statues of your favorite celebrities. They showcase exhibition of international and Thai celebrities.
Opening Hours: Daily from 10.00 hrs. – 21.00 hrs.
Recommended Transport: BTS | Siam station

Rooftop Bars
Live the high life, actually! When you are in Bangkok, make sure you visit at least one of the many sky bars. These are the ultimate destinations for a chic and classy night out or party. You can’t forget those unforgettable views. Rooftop bars can be found all over the city. Our personal favorite are:
Sky Bar, the Dome at Lebua State Tower
Vertigo and Moon Bar, Banyan Tree Hotel
Park Society, Sofitel So
Octave Rooftop Bar
Above Eleven
Recommended Transport: Taxi
Note: These places have dress codes so dress to impress – keeping in mind no sleeveless shirts for men, no sandals, no flip flop and no shorts, and torn looking jeans might get you refused entry as well.

Temple and River of Kings
Bangkok has rich history, there for many temples. The highlight of the tour will be exploring The Grand Palace, visit Wat Phra Kaew “the temple of Emerald Buddha” and Wat Pho home to world’s famous reclining Buddha.
Recommended Transport: Taxi and boat

Chao Phraya Princess Cruise
This will be an amazing experience for a family. At the cruise you will enjoy live music, sightseeing with buffet of delicious Thai dishes and selected delicacies of international cuisine. You will board this cruise on Chao Phraya River.
Opening hours: Boarding time is 19.00 hrs – 19.20 hrs. Daily.
Recommended Transport: BTS | Get down at Saphan Taksin Station and go to the pier

You can also book River Star Princess Cruise.

Luxurious Massage and Spa
Indulge yourself in relaxing massage or spa. The aroma is very beautiful. You can either enroll for couple massage or separate.

Siam Niramit
It is a world class performance to feature the best of the traditional old Thailand and its beauty. The theater, performance and especially the costumes are spectacular. You will enjoy the culture and tradition with dance and music which is outstanding. Definitely you will get into the flow.
Opening hours: Daily from 18.00 hrs. – 22.00 hrs. Show starts at 20.00 hrs. (Show Duration: 80 minutes)
Recommended Transport: Taxi| 10-20 mins from City Center

If you traveling with kids than you can also visit these attraction. Click them to book at discounted prices.
Siam Park City
Dinosaur Planet Bangkok
KidZania Bangkok
Art in Paradise Bangkok
Dusit Zoo
Lumpini, Benjasiri and Benjakitti Parks

Note: You can also find details about more of these in our Bangkok Family Friendly activity guide.

Where to Eat : Bangkok Travel Guide

Bangkok is filled with so many Indian restaurants. Therefore it is a challenge to find the best of them. So, here is our list of best Indian Restaurant divided into mid-range Veg/ Non-veg restaurants and fine dining restaurants.

• Indian Food (Mid- range)

Price: 500 – 2000 INR

Exclusively Vegetarian Indian Restaurant

It can be challenging being a vegetarian in meat-loving Bangkok. Even more so for vegans. Below is the list of vegetarian restaurant mostly recommend for pure vegetarian Indian Families/Tourists. The food here is extremely delicious.

• Saras Indian Restaurant
  Address:15 Sukhumvit Soi 20 (near Windsor Hotel) Bangkok Thailand
  The most popular pure vegetarian Indian restaurant. Saras menu covers from “Snacks” Chaat Chowpati, to Indian Chinese, South Indian, Tandoori Tikkas-n-Kababs, Main Course covers from North Indian, Rajhasthani, Gujrati, Jains meals.
• Sri Ganesh Restaurant
  Address: 19/13-14, Sukhumvit Suites, Sukhumvit Soi 13, Khlongtoei Nuea, Wattana (at opposite Citrus Hotel), Bangkok
  Perfect south Indian restaurant. The restaurant is not fancy at all but they serve the best south Indian in Bangkok.
• Dosa King
  Address: 153/7, Sukhumvit Road, Soi -11/1 (at 35 meters inside Soi-11/1), Bangkok
  They serves both North and South Indian vegetarian food. They also have vegan options, which are clearly marked on the menu. The taste is authentic.
• Saravana Bhavan
  Address: Saravanaa Bhavan, 2/F, Baan Silom, Silom Soi 19, Bangkok
  It provides very relaxed atmosphere. A typical South Indian food which servers dosa, idli, uttapam. They also have delicious north Indian cuisine and fixed thali which comprise rice, 2 large pieces of roti, 3 kinds of veggie curries, pickle, curd. Relaxed atmosphere.
• Suananda Vegetarian Garden and Ayurveda
  Address: 109/9 Thanon Pan, Silom, Bangkok, Thailand
  They serves traditional Indian food. Cooking is based on the Ayurvedic principle. Their Beverages include Ayurvedic tea, fresh juices, saffron & almond milkshake. They have little organic garden at the back of restaurant.
• Taste of Mumbai Haji Ali
  Address: Silom Road, Soi 19, Baan Silom Arcade, Silom, Bangkok
  If you are looking for some light snacks, this is perfect place. There rolls and sandwiches are really good.
• Khana Khazana
  Address:153 Sukhumvit Soi 11/1 (at Main Rd corner), Bangkok, Thailand
  They offers variety of Indian cuisine from various regions of India like Gujarati, Jain South, North, and Punjabi.

Veg and Non Vegetarian

• BBQ Delight
  Address: Mahaset Road, Bangkok, Thailand
  It is a Halal restaurant. They are specializes in Pakistani barbecue and curry dishes. Pre authentic taste.
• Masala Art Bangkok
  Address: Room L 205, 2/F, Eight Thonglor, 88 Thonglor Soi 8, Bangkok
  They serve tandoor dishes and appetizers that is really the restaurant’s strong point. Do try their barra kebab, it is a highlight, delicious tender lamb that’s packed with an aromatic blend of spices.
• Indus
  Address: 71 Sukhumvit 26, Bangkok
  Indus Bangkok is perfect for a candlelight dinner. This Indian restaurant serves refined Mughlai (Royal) cuisine.
• Mrs. Balbir’s
  Address: Multiple Locations – Central World, Nana and more
  Typical Indian food. Known for their customized species and famous for butter chicken and Naan bread.
• Bawarchi Indian Restaurant
  Address: Basement, Intercontinental Hotel, 973 Phloen Chit Rd., Bangkok
  Bawarchi´s fare is derivative of traditional Mughals cuisine focusing around the Tandoor clay oven, where breads, fish, meat and poultry are all cooked in the authentic North West Indian style.

Fine Dining Indian Restaurant

Price Range: Above 2000 INR

This is the list of the best Fine Dining Indian restaurants in Bangkok. Our selection of restaurants are excellent on taste, style and service. The spices they use are fresh and dishes are without MSG. Most of these fine dining restaurants serve Mughlai Royal Cuisine. And on top some of these restaurant in our list have surprise elements to feature, when you visit them. Each of them has Vegetarian and Non- vegetarian both on their menu. These restaurants have set menus and Ala cart is also available.

• The Great Kabab Factory
  Address: Ground floor of the Majestic Grande Hotel in Sukhumvit Soi 2, Bangkok
  Indian specialty restaurant that brings authentic and delectable Kababs from all over India to one table. The Great Kabab Factory Bangkok have 450 mouthwatering varieties of kababs. Here is our detailed review of The Great Kabab Factory .
• Charcoal Tandoor Grill and Mixology
  Address: 5th floor of Fraser Suites in Sukhumvit Soi 11, Bangkok.
  Don’t expect to see much curries here because their specialty lies in the use of classic tandoors along with the mix of great Indian spiced unique flavored cocktails. Charcoal Bangkok has emphasis on tandoors and grills, Kebabs are the kings. Here is our detailed review of Charcoal Tandoor Grill and Mixology .
• Punjab Grill Restaurant
  Address:(Inside Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit) 23/2-3 Sukhumvit Soi 13, Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok, 10110
  The menu of Punjab Grill restaurant has many varieties starting with flavorsome beverages, vegetarian and non-vegetarian appetizers, delicious curries of main course and innovative desserts. Here is our detailed review of Punjab Grill Restaurant.
• Rang Mahal Restaurant
  Address:(Roof-top of the Rembrandt Hotel) 19 Sukhumvit Soi 18, Bangkok.
  The royal dishes are expertly prepared. Their curries are outstanding and impeccable service. Each curry at Rang Mahal has a distinct flavor.
• Maya Restaurant
  Address: 29 Floor, Holiday Inn Sukhumvit, Sukhumvit Soi 22, Bangkok
  The menu features all your classic Indian dishes, with highlights including the wonderfully fragrant Mughlai royal cuisine.

Shopping : Bangkok Travel Guide

When it comes to shopping, Bangkok is really hard to beat. There is something for everyone. The malls and markets varies from budget shopping to luxurious brands.

Top Shopping Malls

If you are looking for high brands and designer store, head towards below mentioned shopping malls. They have all top fashion clothing stores, stylish hair salons, and luxurious beauty brands.
Siam Paragon and Siam Center
How to get there: It is connected with Siam BTS station.

Central World
How to get there: It is connected with Chidlom BTS station.

The Emquartier and Emporium mall
How to get there: It is connected with Phrom Phong BTS station. It is at Sukhumvit Soi 24.

Terminal 21
How to get there: It is connected with Asok BTS Station and Sukhumvit MRT station. It is at Sukhumvit 19.

Budget shopping experience

For budget shopping experience, where you will find amazing shops dedicated to clothes, handbags, electronics and also have good restaurant. Both the malls are famous for whole sale shopping. To get good price you might have to bargain hard.

MBK Shopping Mall
How to get there: It is connected with National Stadium BTS station. And it is also a short walk from Siam.

Platinum fashion Mall
How to get there: There is no direct skytrain connected with Platinum Fashion Mall. It is 15 min walk from Chidlom BTS station. Mall is in Pratunam area, you can get there by taxi.

Chatuchak Weekend market
How to get there: Get down at Mo-Chit BTS station. The market is just 2 minutes’ walk from station.

Transport within City : Bangkok Travel Guide

Once you settle in your hotel or apartment, and you are ready to explore. There are many different ways to navigate the city. The city is wisely connected with public transport. But picking the best mode of transportation depends on the weather too, as Bangkok is quite HOT during day. We commend air-conditioned transport.

• Metro or Sky Trains or BTS or MRT
This is the quickest way to commute in Bangkok. It is easy to get tickets at the station from ticket vending machine or you can make a rabbit card (just like metro cards). You can also get day tickets for unlimited travel on that day. Mostly all the famous shopping malls are connected with BTS stations.

• Taxis
Taxi in Bangkok, our personal favorite as they are cheap, safe and air-conditioned. Always remember to ask the driver to switch ON meter before the journey starts (Do check! meter starts with 35 baht). It is are easily available on the streets. There’s never a shortage of taxis in a city. Taxi which has glowing red IN sign on their front mirror are vacant and available.

• Tuk-Tuks
Tuk tuks are also available in the city center. They are fancy, colorful but are expensive than taxis. For experience try out a tuk-tuk ride at least once.

• Motorbike Taxis
It is one of the fastest ways to get around town when you’re a solo traveler especially during rush hours. Motorbike taxi drivers are easily recognized, they wear numbered orange vests. Fares will start from 10 baht for short journeys, and varies depending on how far you go. They are easily available on main roads, small street, office area almost everywhere.

• Public Buses
Buses in Bangkok provide an incredibly cheap way to travel from one side of the city to another. For first timers it will be little tough because mostly it is written on Thai on buses. Better remember the number.

This is our Bangkok Travel Guide which includes everything you should know before you plan your Bangkok trip. If anything you want to ask feel free to comment or mail us. We are happy to help.

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