Still thinking about where to go for Christmas? You may want to take a trip outside India but may find that you are falling short of both time and money. An excellent option would be Bangkok, Thailand's capital and an explorer's dream. It has come a long way from the small village by the Chao Phraya River that was chosen as the capital of Siam in 1782 by the first monarch of the Chakri dynasty, King Rama I.
Today, it is a land of temples and traditional culture, as well as a budget-friendly cosmopolitan city with excellent shopping, cuisine, and nightlife. And it is a great place for Christmas festivities. Here are some things you can do on a trip to Bangkok this December.
The Christmas light displays around the Siam area, one of Bangkok’s busiest shopping areas, is a must-visit, with Christmas trees, winter villages, and even a snow-covered cafe complete with Father Christmas. The massive Siam Paragon has dozens of palm trees illuminated with colourful lights. And there are dozens of stalls selling clothes, accessories, souvenirs, and street food.
There is no better place to unwind than one of the city's numerous beer gardens. You can drink a cold beer, eat delicious food, and listen to live music. At the CentralWorld Square area, you will find beer gardens with nightly live concerts that take place throughout December. Then there is Sathorn Square, which offers delectable bites from several restaurants as well as live performances.
One of the nicest ways to get an overview of Bangkok is to take a ride along the Chao Phraya River. The city's famous riverside comes alive during the Christmas holidays. Floating restaurants and party boats transport revellers up and down the river throughout the day (and well into the night). During Christmas, you can visit Chinatown, Khao San Road, and Ratchadamnoen Road.
Travelling through Bangkok in a tuk tuk is always an adventure, but it's even more so during Christmas when the drivers are dressed as Father Christmas in full red and white, complete with fluffy hats and white furry beads.
Not just glitzy malls, Bangkok is also known for its open-air markets. During Christmas, there are many pop-up markets where you can find unusual Christmas gifts among the handcrafted goods. And if you're a fan of shopping, you won't want to miss the Chatuchak Weekend Market. One of the largest in the world, it has more than 15,000 stalls selling everything from clothing and accessories to antiques. You must also visit a floating market while you are there.
It is important to be acquainted with tourist scams that can potentially ruin your holiday. Our tips in this guide will help you avoid them when you visit Bangkok. For budget stays, check here. If you are travelling solo, check here for the right hotels and here for tips that will help you make the most of your solo adventure.
You can reach Bangkok from India by air, with direct flights available from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Several airlines operate daily flights to Bangkok, offering a range of options to suit your budget and schedule. The flight duration typically ranges from 4 to 5 hours, depending on the departure city. Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport is the primary international gateway, offering seamless connectivity to the city centre via taxis, airport shuttles, or public transportation like the Airport Rail Link. Ensure you have a valid passport, visa (if required), and check for travel advisories before your journey.
