Exotic night life, magnificent Buddhist temples and floating markets draws many tourist to Bangkok. In 2019, Bangkok was the most visited city of the world having 22.7 million international visitors. Tourism contributes approximately 18 percent of Thailand GDP. I spend 4 days at Bangkok and explored many important tourist destination.
Visa and Travel requirements:
Visa: Thailand issues visa on arrival for 19 countries for tourism purposes. Also nationalities of 64 countries do not need a Visa to enter Thailand for tourism. Indians can obtain Visa on arrival at the designated port of entry. The visa fees is 2000 THB and should be paid by cash. Passport, return ticket, accommodation proof, 10000 THB cash (equivalent USD) is required to obtain visa on arrival. Currency: Thai baht is the currency used for all transaction in Thailand. International debit card (VISA, MasterCard) can be used to withdraw cashes from any ATM outlet in Thailand. However, extra 220 THB is charged for every transaction from the ATM excluding the bank charges. It is suggested to carry required cash in THB from the home country before traveling. Internet: Free Wifi is available at every hotels and also many places of the city. Also data SIM can be purchased from the airport at a price of 150 THB for 7 days. It is better to save offline google map of the destination places in the smart phone before traveling to Thailand. It is helpful to navigate using GPS with out internet during moving from one place to other.
Accommodation at Bangkok :
From the Hua Lamphong Metro station, I traveled using the metro to my hostel, Bodega Party hostel which is located at Sukhumvit. The Cost of the ticket was 28 baht from Hua Lampong to Sukhumvit. Bodega Party Hostel is 20 min walking distance from the Sukhumvit metro station. There are many hostels are available across the city. Hostels are the best option for the backpackers. Khaosan road and the Sukhumvit are the two best place to stay to explore the night life in a walking distance. Khaosan road is also close to the Grand palace and many monuments.
Wat Pho:
Wat Pho is a Buddhist temple complex with an area of 80,000 square metres located south of Grand palace . The temple is also known as Temple of the Reclining Buddha due to large statue of 46 m reclining Buddha inside the temple complex. The complex contains largest collection of Buddha images which is more than one thousands. Wat Pho is one of Bangkok's oldest temples and it is believed that the temple was built by King Phetracha. The present day temple was constructed and renovated by King Rama I. The main hall which is called as Phra Ubosot is the most sacred bulding of the complex and is used for performing Buddhist rituals. The main hall enshrines a gold-copper alloy Buddha statue rest on a gold and crystal three-tiered pedestal. The interior of the hall is elegantly decorated. There is a large space where the devotees sits and chant the prayers. Decorated Buddha statues, fine carved temple walls and magnificent architectures make the temple complex a wonderful visiting place. The entry fee for the complex is 200 baht. Grand Palace:
Located at the heart of the city, Grand Palace is the most important tourist attraction of Bangkok. It is a 218,400 square meter complex of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions and temples. The palace was built by King Rama I in 1782 when he shifted the Capital from Ayutthaya to Bangkok. Currently, the Grand Palace is open to general public as museum and some part of the Palace still used as functioning and working Royal office. The Emerald Buddha which is located inside the Grand Palace complex is the most revered Buddhist shrine in Thailand. The statue is made of gold and diamond. The entry ticket of the Grand palace is 500 baht which includes entry to Temple of The Emerald Buddha, Queen Sirikit Museum and Traditional khon performance. Wat Arun:
Wat Arun is a Buddhist temple whose name is derived from the Hindu god Aruna. It is a tall temple of height 86 m and the central prang symbolises Mount Meru of the Hindu cosmology. The entry ticket of the temple is 50 Baht. The temple can be reached by boat from Grand palace. Traditional khon performance:
Khon dance is the traditional dance of Thailand and UNESCO listed Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The best place to watch Traditional Khon is Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre at Bangkok. The entry to the theater is included in the ticket of Grand Palace. There is continuous free bus service to the theater from the Grand Palace. (From UNESCO Site) : Khon, the Khon Masked Dance Drama in Thailand, is a performing art that combines musical, vocal, literary, dance, ritual and handicraft elements. Khon performances – which involve graceful dance movements, instrumental and vocal renditions and glittering costumes – depict the glory of Rama, the hero and incarnation of the god Vishnu, who brings order and justice to the world. The many episodes depict Rama’s life, including his journey in the forest, his army of monkeys, and his fights with the army of Thosakan, king of the giants. On one level, Khon represents high art cultivated by the Siamese/Thai courts over centuries, while at another level, as a dramatic performance, it can be interpreted and enjoyed by spectators from different social backgrounds. Khon has a strong didactic function, reinforcing respect for those of a higher age and status, mutual dependence between leaders and followers, the honour of rulers and the triumph of good over evil. Traditionally, Khon was transmitted in the royal or princely courts, and in dance masters’ households. Today, however, transmission occurs mostly in educational institutions, while still adhering largely to traditional methods. Concerted efforts are made to ensure the continuity of the practice, including through the establishment of training and performance clubs that help reach out to young people. Night Life:
Bangkok is famous for exotic night life which draws most of the tourist to Bangkok. Sukhumvit and Khaosan road are the two most visited night life locations. Khaosan road is also called the party road. Sukhumvit area is full of bars and clubs which opens from 5 pm to night 3 am.
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About me
Tapan Kumar Pradhan Post Doc Researcher, IIT Kharagpur PhD, IIT Kanpur http://tapankp.weebly.com Currency Conversion:
1 THB = 2.23 INR 1 US Dollar = 30.83 THB Thailand Visa:
Visa on arrival: 2000 THB Visa rules may change with time List of Country do not require Visa: www.thaiembassy.com/thailand/changes-visa-exempt.php List of Country for Visa on Arrival: https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand/visa-on-arrival.php Document for Visa on Arrival: Filled application form Passport Return ticket Accommodation proof 10000 THB cash |