Thailand
I traveled outside of India for the first time, and that was to this beautiful country with beautiful, gorgeous, lovely, humble, polite, respectful, and content-looking people. Thailand. Thailand is one of the most open-minded and welcoming countries in the world.
P.S. I did NOT go there for hook-ups and I did not hookup with anybody. This isn't a justification, but writing this, because some people blatantly conjecture (and spread) rumors without knowing the person deeply.
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| First Visit [...] |
| VISA On Arrival [...] |
| Booking Websites [...] |
| External Informative Links [...] |
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Seventh Visit to Thailand
Bangkok - Sat, 20-Jul-2024 to Sun, 28-Jul-2024
My first Bangkok 🇹 Trip in my 40s. I can unabashedly say that it was a 100% flawless trip, probably because I was carrying the awareness of the few kinks and scars that were present during the past trips. FEAR NOT ALLOWED was the strict rule that I'd set for myself. I'd also implemented 'BE LOUD & CLEAR'. However, with such 100% flawless trips, the problem is the sadness 😥 you feel while returning 😅
I got 1F Seats (with extra legroom) 💺 for FREE during the onward journeys (checked in via WhatsApp), which was such a blessing 🙏 Return journeys' check-in didn't happen online. It was done at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport itself.
🏨 Stayed at Furama Xclusive, Sathorn
(click for my review) and enjoyed a lot, even though the hotel was at a 250-300 m distance from BTS Chong Nonsi. I've discovered that hotels with one huge glass window wall on one side work best for me.
Overall, this time, somehow, Bangkok felt more welcoming. This wasn't necessarily the case in 2019 or 2022.
Do check the elaborate vlogs in the videos embedded on this page.
SIDE NOTES / HINTS (July 2024):
• 1 Baht = ~ 2.38 Indian rupees at ForEx (buying rate).
• If possible, buy your desired in-flight seats in advance, albeit not compulsory.
• No VISA. Directly walked into immigration. He checked my Boarding Pass, Passport, and asked me for the Hotel Reservation.
• Baggage wrapping charges were hiked to THB 250 this time. My check-in baggage weighed 16.2 KGs on the way back.
• Saved a THB 1,000 note, but a hint is to keep some additional cash for spending upto the Bangkok's Departure Gate (for water, food, etc.).
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Sixth Visit to Thailand
Bangkok - 02-Aug-2022 to 11-Aug-2022
Yet another Solo Trip to Bangkok at the age of 40. This trip was the much awaited post-COVID-19 refresher, and to visit a few shopping malls for all the shopping that I'd kept pending for a long time.
I'd first planned the trip from the 2nd to 7th of August only, but re-booked the return flight for the 11th of August. This turned out to be a good decision, and this was THE BEST trip to Thailand so far - first, because I was older, emotionally stronger, and more experienced, and also, because of Google Maps.
The journey was tiring, but good. However, the check-in experience at Grand Business Inn was very very unpleasant. Read the details here. Even though I felt like it scarred the trip, I achieved what I wanted and prevented from possibly getting scammed. However, the staff did NOT make me uncomfortable thereafter. The rest of the trip was just very very wonderful.
Went to several malls. Platinum Fashion Mall, CentralPlaza (multiple locations), Chatuchak Weekend Market, Union Mall, Phra Khanong Local Market, and a few others. Shopped a lot. This time, I visited almost all the H&Ms in Bangkok 😉 Also, this was the first trip when I made elaborate vlogs - that too using a low-budget magnificent phone: Oppo F17 Pro. Watch them at: bit.ly/ThailandTrip2022
This time I spent on eating at some expensive restaurants like Chowpati Indian Street Food, and the all-time favorite Dosa King. Discovered a Vegetarian Food Stall near BTS Ari as well.
There were many bearded foreigners! So, my concern - whether to keep beard or not - was relieved.
⚠ During the return journey, the security took away two small Jam Bottles from my hand baggage, but before I could feel sad, a representative from the Tourism Authority of Thailand conducted a detailed survey on me, and gave me a souvenir. This happened at the very end of the trip, thus, ending the trip on a high note. I cannot begin to explain how wonderful and happy I felt at the very end of the trip.
SIDE NOTES (August 2022):
• 1 Baht = ~ 2.34 Indian rupees at ForEx.
• Additional THB 220 fees for ATM Cash withdrawal. I withdrew THB 3,000
• Notes with anything written / printed on the face are NOT accepted in Thailand CurrEx centers.
• Bought a 15 GB SIM Card at BKK Airport for THB 299, but despite constantly using Google Maps, Instagram, and WhatsApp, I consumed only 1.3 GB in 7 days.
• VISA On Arrival fees: THB 2,200, by default. We all (Indian arrivals) were put in that queue. It was quick and hassle-free though.
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Fifth Visit to Thailand
Bangkok - 12-Aug-2019 to 20-Aug-2019
This was my Solo Trip to Bangkok. This trip was exclusively for some change, and to visit a number of places that I newly discovered in Bangkok. Such a shame that I never knew about them.
The highlight of this trip was flying using SpiceMax. The journey was from Pune to Delhi and then to Bangkok. The Pune to Delhi journey was very ordinary, and uncomfortable. No "SpiceMax exprience" at all.
However, the journey from Delhi to Bangkok (9:20 pm IST onwards) was probably the best one I've had so far. Very comfortable and large seats. Welcome drink, Complimentary meals and beverage, cookies, pillow and a blanket. This was a late night travel, so the benefits were really worth it.
Stayed at the Sawasdee Hotel @ Sukhumvit Soi 8, and I would NOT recommend this hotel. More about it on the specific pages. Links on the top of this page.
Returned via SpiceJet itself, but not SpiceMax. The journey was a late night one, and a very unusual experience for me. Bangkok to Kolkata was very uncomfortable, and very slow people at the Kolkata Airport Immigration and Stalls. The Security Check was fast though.
1 Baht was approximately 2.29 Indian rupees during this trip. On returning - the Selling Price (at the Kolkata Airport Arrival) was 2.28 INR (along with an additional INR 250 fees). I got my Baht exchanged AFTER Immigration. There is a Counter on the Ground Floor, soon after getting down from the elevator.
SIDE NOTES (August 2019):
• 1 Baht = don't remember
• VISA On Arrival fees were waived for Indians during this period. I chose to take the FastTrack Queue at 200 Baht to save time.
Fourth Visit to Thailand.
Bangkok - 21-Aug-2018 to 27-Aug-2018
This was my Baiyoke Sky Hotel-special and Shopping-special trip. Click on the Baiyoke Sky Hotel button to read all about this awesome trip.
VISA On Arrival cost was 2,000 Baht for General Queue. I took the FastTrack Queue (2,200 Baht - took me around 15-20 minutes) since I was tired from the long journey. It was too crowded and chaotic that day. An officer DID confirm with people that that was the FastTrack Queue.
Since it took me quite some time to get my VOA and reach my Baggage Collection Conveyor Belt (# 15), on reaching there, I saw that a Staff Member had already picked up all the baggage from the belt and placed it neatly nearby. I initially pointed at the wrong bag (since it was the same size and color), but discovered that it was someone else's. The Staff Member checked my name and found my baggage. ALWAYS CROSS-CHECK YOUR NAME ON YOUR CHECKED-IN BAGGAGE WHILE COLLECTING IT.
This trip's highlight was that my several TikTok videos went viral.
SIDE NOTES (August 2018):
• 1 Baht = ~ 2.155 Indian Rupees
Third Visit to Thailand.
Chiang Mai - 26-Sep-2014 to 26-Nov-2014
This was specifically for my TEFL Course. To read more about my 2 months experience. Reached Bangkok (via Kolkata), took the City Line up to Hua Lamphong, and caught the Railway to Chiang Mai (700 KMs overnight journey).
I hardly spent time in Bangkok during this trip. My parents visited me in Chiang Mai over a weekend, and then stayed in Bangkok for 2 days (at Lub d - Siam Square) before returning. I stayed at Chok Dee Guesthouse, and it was a wonderful stay.
Read all about this trip here for now. Will merge it on this page itself later.
I had procured my 60 Days Tourist VISA in advance from Pune.
Second Visit to Thailand.
Bangkok, Krabi, Bangkok - 12-Mar-2014 to 20-Mar-2014
This was soon after I quit my full-time IT Software Job.
One of the most notable things about this trip was that this was the last Pune to Bangkok direct flight by SpiceJet. They scrapped their flights thereafter. Hardly 5-6 of us were on that plane. Nevertheless, it was a superb experience to travel directly from PNQ to BKK, and I hope that this service starts again in the future.
This second visit was during the year Madhuri Dixit's 'Dedh Ishqiya' and 'Gulaab Gang' released, so, I associate some of those songs with this trip.
First, I reached Bangkok, and stayed in Bangkok City Inn for a couple of days. Shopped a bit, and then headed south to Krabi. In Krabi, I stayed at the Ao Nang Beach's Zabava Guest House, with the beach at a 30 seconds' walk. Stayed here for just 2-3 days, and returned to ibis, Siam Square, Bangkok, where I stayed on the highest floor until then, 16th. Shopped again! I always go to Thailand with one bag, and return with two. There are just so many lovely things to buy there.
To read about my hotel experiences, the places I visited, the activities I did, click on the Bangkok and Krabi buttons that you see on this page.
VISA On Arrival cost was THB 1,000/-
First Visit to Thailand.
Bangkok - 29-Aug-2013 to 05-Sep-2013
We were, initially, planning to go with Kesari Tours, but due to a lot of issues on their end (like trips being cancelled / post-poned, no timely refunds), I cancelled all of that and decided to go on my own... of course not without my mother. I had to show her the new place.
Even though the Chapter began on a slightly disappointing note (because of Kesari Tours), it was an excellent decision to go on our own, because I believe that your travels become very restrictive when you go with tours, besides, they want to control your time. That's something that I would have not liked.
Visited Bangkok with my mum from 29-Aug-'13 to 05-Sep-'13. I had completely researched on my own, to make it the best trip possible. Thanks, to the Internet, especially, a DesiYatri Blog, where I found the information about VISAs, Money Exchange, etc. (unable to find that blog anymore!).
We stayed at the lovely Lub d, Siam Square Hostel, and this was, pretty much, a flawless trip!
SIDE NOTES (August 2018):
• 1 Baht = ~ 2.08 Indian Rupees
• VISA On Arrival (Fast Track) cost was THB 1,200/-
VISA on Arrival
Entering Thailand is very easy.
So far, you had to fill the form, attach a photograph and pay the VISA On Arrival (VOA) Fees, and you would get a 14-day stay in Thailand. However, now, Thailand (until a specific date) has waived VISA requirements for Indians. You can enter Thailand VISA-free.
Just be sure to carry: Return Ticket, Proof of Accommodation, THB 10,000 (proof of funds), and Travel Insurance. Keep some cash handy as backup for anything that you may need at the last moment.
After VISA procurement, you go through immigration, and then collect your checked-in baggage.
Booking Websites
Hotels
I use booking.com always to book my Hotels. I've not found a better website than that.
During my very first Thailand Trip, I used www.asiawebdirect.com to book my Hostel. If you are directly in contact with the hotel (via Facebook or email), they may give you discounts on your subsequent visits / bookings. Do check with them if you would still get the discount if you booked from external websites.
Flights
I use www.cleartrip.com for booking all my flights. I've not yet found a better website for Flights than this.
I had booked my flight from Bangkok to Krabi with Bangkok Airways. www.airasia.com (specific to Asia) and www.nokair.com (specific to Thailand) are low-cost airlines and very affordable.
Important: Check the currency in which the amount is displayed on those websites very carefully.
Below are a few links that I personally found helpful. Click on the [...] besides each title to read the article.
| Visa requirements for Indian citizens [...] |
| 2017 Guide - Duty free allowances for Indian citizens travelling to India [...] Search "duty free allowance india yyyy" |
| Gay Thailand | Thailand Redcat [...] |
| Why is Bangkok such a gay-friendly city? [...] |
| The best-kept secrets of gay Thailand that make it an essential destination for 2017 [...] |
| Inside Thailand [...] |
| Don't do this in THAILAND [...] |
| Thai Meteorological Department [...] |
| BTS Skytrain Service Routes - Bangkok [...] |
| Thailand Guru [...] |
| Guest Friendly Hotels: Link 1, Link 2 |
| 10 Best Gay-Friendly Hotels in Phuket [...] |
| Vietnam Vs Thailand: Full Comparison - Which is Better? [...] |
| When is the best time to visit Vietnam? : Insider Journeys [...] |
| Vietnam Shopping - Where to Shop and What to Buy in Vietnam [...] |