A To Z Guide To Bangkok & Bangkok Hotels For The Indian Traveler

Fondly called as Kunng Thep among the Thais, Bangkok is a mystic city that juxtaposes the secrets of oriental ancestral civilization as well as the fast paced modern city life. The cityscape is adorned with high-rises but beyond that you will catch multiple glances of canal, bearing testimony to this waterborne civilization. Erstwhile fame of Venice of east still holds true for Bangkok continues to amuse explorers with many offering by the river Chao Phraya and its tributaries.

Weather In Bangkok

Thailand is a tropical country with Andaman Sea nearby. There are thunderstorms happening on a regular basis during the monsoon. At the same time, you can expect bright sun and humid cloud gathering in summer. However, for a summer escape, Thailand is the best choice.

Bangkok sun shines bright for the entire summer, allowing you a well formed tanned skin. March to September is the time period I recommend you for visiting the Thai capital. However, monsoon is beautiful too except for endless traffic on the narrow roads of the city. You can also opt for winter where snow is never poured and winter parties galore all night.

Flights To Bangkok From India

There are two major airports in Bangkok – Suvarnabhumi Airport (IATA:BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (IATA:DMK). Suvarnabhumi Airport is the major airport of the city and you are most likely to land here if you are flying from India to Bangkok, unless you are flying Air Asia. All Air Asia flights and low cost airlines land at Don Mueang Airport.

The national carrier of Thailand is Thai Airways and is affiliated with Star Alliance. Air India too being a Star Alliance member, there might be a possibility of these two airlines having a code sharing partnership. The other major airlines in Thailand are Air Asia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air and Thai Lion Air.

Delhi to/from Bangkok Flights – Thai Airways, Air India, Bangkok Airways, Spice Jet and Jet Airways operates a flight daily from Delhi to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. There are no flights between Delhi and DMK airport.

Mumbai to/from Bangkok Flights – Thai Airways, Air India, Bangkok Airways and Jet Airways operates a flight daily from Bombay to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. Garuda Indonesia’s Mumbai-Jakarta flight which flies thrice a week, stops in Bangkok enroute. There are no flights from Mumbai to DMK airport.

Check flight availability on ClearTrip or Expedia India.

Hotels In Bangkok For The Indian Tourist

The cityscape of Bangkok is located by the banks of the river Chao Phraya. And then there is Shukhumbhit district, at the heart of the city, busy and bustling all day long. You can choose your stay in Bangkok either of the area or even go on and split it into two to experience the best of the both world.

The advantage of staying near the river is easy access to ferry service that takes you to the temples quickly. All major hotels have their own ferry service to take to the main pier, leaving as frequent as every half an hour. Here is a curated list for the reader with recommendations of best hotels in Bangkok. These hotels are the best for their impeccable service standard and value for money offerings.

Ambassador Hotel Bangkok

Address – 171 Soi Sukhumvit 11, Khwaeng Khlong Toei Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand
Average price per night* on Agoda at Ambassador Bangkok Hotel – INR 3,200/-

The Hotel Ambassador Bangkok takes pride in being one of the oldest in Sukhumvit 11 road, the quintessential hub of Bangkok’s night life. The hotel offers rejuvenating relaxation and spa therapy to the weary travelers after a day’s exploring activity. I personally was stunned with their outdoor pool situated to render a panoramic view of the city. It gives you easy access to the major commercial hubs of the city and the most convenient hotel to stay if shopping is in your mind!

Check The Ambassador Hotel Bangkok prices on Agoda** & Booking.com.

Ecotel Hotel In Bangkok

Address – 1091/333-4 New Petchburi Road 35, Makkasan, Rajthevee, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Average price per night* on Agoda at Hotel Ecotel Bangkok – INR 2,400/-

Staying true to its European-style decoration, the Ecotel Bangkok Hotel easily takes place in the explorer’s mind who seek a sleek and classy staying experience. The three star hotel is strategically located right in the heart of Bangkok, on Rajthevee road. Among other things, I loved the fact the hotel is located near the major shopping malls, including the Pratunam and newly built Platinum Fashion Mall. The fast paced BTS skyline is situated in close vicinity allowing easy access to all the major attraction of the city in short time. You can easily access places of interest like Khao San Road, China Town and the Buddha temples from the property. They also serve a sumptuous breakfast to kick-start your day.

Check Hotel Ecotel Bangkok prices on Agoda** & Booking.com.

Bangkok’s Holiday Inn

Address – 971 Ploen Chit Road, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Average price per night* on Agoda at Holiday Inn Hotel Bangkok – INR 7,230/-

Staying true its brand offerings, Holiday Inn Bangkok offers a hassle free stay right at the heart of the city. It is conveniently located near the BTS metro station with airport link. It serves as a warm abode in the foreign country for both family and business travelers. The contemporary decor, outdoor pool and wide range of wine & dine options are few of the many reasons why guests find it easy to stay there. If you are travelling with kids, you will be appalled by the range of activities the hotel offers for the little ones. Thailand’s largest shopping malls and many popular markets are within walking distance, while some of the city’s world-class medical centers are a mere 10 minutes away.

Check Holiday Inn Bangkok prices on Agoda** & Booking.com.

Hotel Novotel Bangkok

Address – 392/44 Siam Square Soi, Rama I Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Average price per night* on Agoda at Novotel Bangkok Hotel – INR 6,130/-

Unlike other branded hospitality centres, Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square, offers an extremely value for money stay for those who seek to experience Bangkok city life at the downtown and with ease of access to major points of interest. With the BTS station at a stone’s throw and Sukhumbhit area by side, Bangkok Novotol is the perfect base to explore the city. For business and pleasure travelers, the hotel offers many a facilities including pool, spa, gym and fine dining restaurants. Art institutions, stadiums and other monuments are only minutes away by a metro rail commute. You can venture out at the wee hours of night to experience the best of Thai fashion and gourmet scene in nearby hubs.

Check Novotel Bangkok prices on Agoda** & Booking.com.

Eastin Makkasan Bangkok

Address – 1091/343, Charurat Alley, Phetchaburi Rd., Makkasan, Rajthevee, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Average price per night* on Agoda at Bangkok Eastin Makkasan Hotel – INR 2,300/-

Eeastin Makkasan Bangkok is located at a prime location of Pratunam. It is the business hub of Bangkok with multiple points of interest nearby for an explorer. The international chain of hotel property offers an elegant stay option with an emphasis on supreme comfort and style featuring a contemporary interior. The hotel is a favorite among guests for their excellent service, dining facilities & gourmet options, amenities and modern equipment. There are floors dedicated to families travelling with children. The hotel also offers a boardroom located on the 31st floor catering for small corporate meetings, extremely convenient for the business travelers.

Check Eastin Hotel Bangkok prices on Agoda** & Booking.com.

Banyan Tree Bangkok

Address – 21/100 South Sathon Road, Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Average price per night* on Agoda at Banyan Tree Hotel Bangkok – INR 12,700/-

Conveniently located in the Sathorn/Silom area, Banyan Tree Bangkok serves as an urban retreat for travelers seeking urban luxury staying experiences. The hotel contains all the suites, designed with the finest of decor and idea. World-class dining experiences, meeting & event spaces and an award-winning Spa and much more await you when booking a stay with Banyan Tree Bangkok. The impeccable service standard seamlessly merges with their 5 star statures. In here, you are presented with a rare opportunity to savor the finest of exotic Thai cuisine while marveling at the best views of night sky on the city.

Check Banyan Tree Hotel Bangkok prices on Agoda** & Booking.com.

Grand President Bangkok

Address – 14, 16 Sukhumvit Soi 11, Sukhumvit, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Average price per night* on Agoda at Grand President Hotel Bangkok – INR 3,270/-

What I loved the most about Grand President Bangkok is the location. It is just a five-minute stroll from BTS Nana station, providing easy access to the bustle of Bangkok’s central business district, prime shopping and entertainment areas, embassies and renowned Bumrungrad International hospital as well as other medical centers. Extremely suitable for both business and leisure travel, Grand President is located on Sukhumvit Soi 11. One of the tallest buildings of the city, the hotel offers unmatched spa service and exquisite dining experience right at Bangkok downtown.

Check Hotel Grand President Bangkok prices on Agoda** & Booking.com.

Baiyoke Sky Hotel Bangkok

Address – 222, Thanon Playa Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Average price per night* on Agoda at Bangkok Baiyoke Sky – INR 4,520/-

You can call Baiyoke Sky Hotel little India at ease. Even the Thais from nearby lanes will try to talk to you in Hindi. They will go to the extent of offering you Tandoori chicken as a next step. However, a stay in the soaring high all suite room hotel is truly an experience of its own kind. Located opposite the Bangkok famous Pratunam shopping mall, the hotel is the tallest building in the area. The suits are designed with luxury and sleek urban style. From the top you can have a spectacular view of sunset and sunrise over the city. A sense of tranquility and peace engulfs you as you look from above, amid the hustle of the city but away from the screaming pollution. It is a unique experience to stay at Hotel Baiyoke Sky in Bangkok.

Check Baiyoke Sky Bangkok prices on Agoda** & Booking.com.

Things To Do In Bangkok

Bangkok houses few of the most amazing sights of the country. There flows a beautiful river by the banks of which ancient temple bearing cultural and religious emblem of the country. There rises a thriving night life at the advent of evening in many of the night clubs and bars. Weary travellers make fun in the river cruise or the zoo safari and shop souvenirs at their heart’s content.

Here are the major attractions of Bangkok that you should not miss!

Grand Palace Of Bangkok

The heart of Thai kingdom resides inside the magnificent Bangkok’s Grand Palace. It has been playing the role of home to Siam kings from past 150 years and more. It is a complex of multiple building woven with detailed & beautiful Thai architecture and offering a breathtaking view. It is situated at the heart of the city and commands high importance in every traveler’s list. Check the cost of tour to Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Safari World Bangkok

In the crowd of concrete jungle appears to be Bangkok Safari World which is a big relief. It is situated on the outskirt of the city and is home to several species of animals. Though it is a zoo, animals are not really caged here in. You will be taken for a ride in the bus and will be given the chance to feed the giraffes. While planning for Safari world, keep aside a whole day for reaching there from Bangkok downtown takes about more than an hour. If you are travelling with children, this is the place for them to make merry. Inside Safari World Bangkok, you can visit the dolphins. Every day there is a show where they perform in front of the crown amid loud cheer. Safari World is indeed a rich visual experience.

Golden Buddha Bangkok

At the end of China Town, in quite a remarkable temple, housed is the world’s largest Buddha, made in solid gold, weighing 5.5 tons. The official name of the statue is Phra Phuttha Maha Suwana Patimakon. It is located in the temple of Wat Traimit, Bangkok. It is an awe inspiring sight to behold indeed and attracts multiple tourists all the year round. be prepared to get stunned with the rich Buddhist heritage and astounding culture of the land while visiting the temple complex.

Tiger Temple Bangkok

This temple presented me in its poignant best form. There are wild animals, the royal tigers, of all shape and size and age, tamed up and kept inside the enclosure where humans do not hesitate to enter. The tigers are sedated and restraint from aggressive nature. Originally it was known as Theravada Buddhist temple and is located in the Sai Yok District of Thailand’s Kanchanaburi Province. It started as a rescue center of the wild animals however later much tourist footfall started transforming it to a must visit attraction of Bangkok’s nearby area. You can caresses, adore and feed the cubs and click photos with them. There is an entrance fee to enter Tiger Temple.

Floating Markets In Bangkok

The floating market of the city is a unique experience, very earthy to the South East Asian culture. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is the best and attracts most of the tourist from the capital of the country. However, if you are okay to explore roads less trodden you can very well opt for the ones situated at a bay from the city crowd. You can opt for a ferry ride through the canal on which the floating markets are generally situated. There are old temples, rural households and many more things to see. However, be sure to get bowled over by the tasty food the boat women will offer. The floating markets are the place where Bangkok’s locals go for weekend brunch! I suggest try their grilled prawns and quail eggs fry for the best food experience! Tours to Damonen Saduak floating market starts from 1000 THB. Check tour availability.

Dream World Bangkok

Dream World houses multiple jot rides that thrills tourist without any specific set of age bar. The Dream World amusement park houses few of the major adrenaline rush evoking rides of the world and is an instant hot among families with children. The equipment is well kept and checked for secure operation on a regular basis. Reserve a whole day if you have plan to visit the park. Giant wheels, water parks, snow town and many more are among the most loved experiences among fun seekers.

City Tour Of Bangkok

When exploring Bangkok, you can opt for the curated city tour of Bangkok by different groups. This will save the regular hassle of commute and wait and ensure smooth process through which you will experience all the major point of interest of the city. The river system is an integral part of daily life. You will be taken to the Grand Buddha temples on both the sides of the river using a ferry ride. Once the temple hopping is completed, you can spend some time at the sprawling park, centrally located at Bangkok or even explore the famous silk museum. The evening can be beautifully ended on a cruise as the Apsara dance takes place in all its grandeur. City tours of Bangkok starts from 400 THB.

Bangkok’s Nightlife

Often referred as the sin city in western world, Bangkok’s notorious fame lies in the bars and night clubs dotting the roads that hardly lets the city sleep in peace. For pubs and bars you should opt for no other place than Soi 11. The road often acts like a living creature and shall reward you in every way if you are particularly seeking carnal pleasure! The walking street of Khao San houses many bars and massage parlous. It starts to wake up post 9 PM when rest of the city is preparing to sleep. Sukhumvit area should be your ultimate retreat for continuous party scene. The BTS skyline is active even at the wee hours of the day, allowing easy commute for the whole of night!

Shopping In Bangkok

Bangkok is a favorite destination for all the shopaholics of the world. While you can shop multiple of electronic products for personal use or gifting purpose, it surely is a heaven for those seeking a greater experience in clothes shopping. The malls here offer different products in different ranges and often provide quality at par with branded products. Do opt for Central World if shopping for the whole family at decent price range. MBK mall is a huge institution with multiple offerings on different floors. You can also watch a movie here for experiencing the quality movie hall.

During weekend you can walk through the narrow lanes of Chatuchak market that houses everything imaginable at one place. It is the largest weekend market of its kind. From home decor to pets to electronic products everything is on sale here, however at a far more compromised quality than the same at the malls.

There is no dearth of shopping, great food, alcohol, a sprawling night life and destinations in Bangkok. The city welcomes multiple tourist footfalls every year as well as attracts business travellers as well. Needless to say the city has been enthralling explorers from time immemorial for all the right reasons. There are plethora of activities and experiences, waiting to be tried & tasted and they easily make way into your share of fond memory to be cherished and retold forever.

Notes
*Average price per night was calculated by taking the average of prices on 16 September 2017(tomorrow), 16 October 2017(after 1 month) & 16 November 2017(after 2 months) and includes taxes. The room selected was the most basic room at the property and has a maximum occupancy of 2 adults.
**I recommend you to always book your hotels, resorts and stays either on Agoda or Booking.com. Why only Agoda or Booking.com?