Bangkok Guide for Indians
It’s humid, hot, crowded and still wildly popular with tourists-including visitors from India. The city is an amalgam of ancient and modern, with Buddhist monks, girls in miniskirts, temples and shopping malls all coexisting to create an exhilarating mix. The prices are about the same as in Mumbai or Delhi and coupled with low airfares, Bangkok can be a very attractive and affordable place to visit.
Things to do and see in Bangkok
Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn is a splendid sight at sunrise or sunset. The temple is 270 ft. high and covered with Chinese porcelain mosaic. For a small fee you can climb the central prang, though keep in mind that the stairs are narrow and steep. Beat the crowds by getting there early. Dress appropriately with shoulders and knees covered.
Wat Pho is the temple of the reclining Buddha. The Buddha statue here is 151 feet long and covered in gold. The temple is also a center for traditional Thai medicine and massage therapy; you can get your aches and pains massaged away if you desire. Here too you should dress appropriately and will be asked to remove your shoes. You are supposed to dress properly and remove shoes before entering the temple. Best way to get to Wat Pho is to take the Chao Phraya Express Boat.
The Grand Palace hasn’t had a king in residence for a hundred years but tourists still throng the place. Within the palace walls is the Wat Phra Kaew Temple and its main draw is the Emerald Buddha. This palace too has a strict dress code and is situated opposite the Wat Pho or the Temple of the reclining Buddha. The Grand Palace still hosts government events sometimes and can be shut for tourists, so confirm before going.
Chatuchak Weekend Market is the world’s biggest street market and sells anything and everything and you can test your Indian bargaining skills here. Carry more cash here because some vendors don’t accept cards. Get there early to avoid the rush and the heat.
Besides these and many more places to see in Bangkok, the real charm is discovering the city by just ambling along aimlessly and discovering hidden secrets on your own. This is a tourist friendly city and it sleeps late if at all and the roadside food is delicious and the show never stops.
In another few weeks the summer holidays will begin and so will the exodus of tourists to Bangkok. Be smart and book now to avail of the many discounts that airlines and hotels offer for early bookings. These can range from 5% to 40% and more. Get your EbixCash World Money Forex Card with its pin and chip security loaded with the currencies of your choice and purchase travel insurance as well before visiting abroad.
