Touris Thai
Bangkok travel guide for Indians will cover everything from Visa information, Airport guide, Shopping, Where to stay, transport within the city, Things to do, What to eat, etc. everything you need to know about Bangkok.
Bangkok travel guide for Indians will cover everything from Visa information, Airport guide, Shopping, Where to stay, transport within the 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 International 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 now 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 the following question:
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 and Cox & Kings in India
Tourist visa for Thailand
For a limited period till 30th April, 2019 its free for Indians Afterwards
Tourist Visa (Single entry) is INR 2,000 for 3 Months. Permitted to stay for a period not exceeding 60 Days. Tourist visa (Multiple entries) is INR 10,000 for 6 Months. Permitted to stay for a period not exceeding 60 Days in each entry.
Documents required to apply for 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 a white background.
Confirmed tickets in and out of Thailand.
Proof of hotel/accommodation reservation in Thailand. Reserved under applicant’s name covering the total number of days wished to stay 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 the 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 Cox & Kings and 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): This 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 Things to do in Bangkok: Bangkok Travel Guide
There are many activities which can be booked among these. You can book these attractions by clicking on them which will take you to the vendor website.
SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World
It is a huge underground aquarium containing a huge variety of aquatic animals. They also feature 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 the 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 the 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 favourite is:
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 a 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 a 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 at River City.
Luxurious Massage and Spa
Indulge yourself in a relaxing massage or spa. The aroma is very beautiful. You can either enrol 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 theatre, performance and especially the costumes are spectacular. You will enjoy the culture and tradition of 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 are travelling with kids, then you can also visit these attractions. Click on them to book at discounted prices.
Siam Park City
Art in Paradise Bangkok
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, Rajasthani, 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 serve 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 comprises 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 serve traditional Indian food. Cooking is based on the Ayurvedic principle. Their Beverages include Ayurvedic tea, fresh juices, saffron & almond milk shake. They have a little organic garden at the back of the 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 the perfect place. There rolls and sandwiches are really good.
** Khana Khazana**
Address:153 Sukhumvit Soi 11/1 (at Main Rd corner), Bangkok, Thailand
They offer 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 specialize 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 bread, 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 restaurants on 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 speciality restaurant that brings authentic and delectable Kababs from all over India to one table. The Great Kabab Factory Bangkok has 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 speciality lies in the use of classic tandoors along with the mix of great Indian spiced unique flavored cocktails. Charcoal Bangkok has an 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 flavoursome 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 vary 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 to 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 a good restaurant. Both the malls are famous for wholesale shopping. To get a good price you might have to bargain hard.
MBK Shopping Mall
How to get there: It is connected to 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 a 15 min walk from Chidlom BTS station. The 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 the 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 the 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 favourite 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. The 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 centre. 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 in 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.
