Bangkok from Ahmedabad: where to stay and what to do
A practical guide for travellers from Ahmedabad to Bangkok, covering flights, areas to stay, things to do, food, and entry rules.
Getting there from Ahmedabad
Non-stop flights operate from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) to Bangkok. The flight takes about 4 hours 45 minutes. Check current schedules as routes and frequencies change. Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) for most international flights, and Don Mueang (DMK) for some budget carriers. Know which airport your flight arrives at before booking onward transport.
From either airport, taxis and ride apps are the most convenient way to reach the city. Suvarnabhumi is about 30 km east of central Bangkok; Don Mueang is about 24 km north. Both airports have rail links: the Airport Rail Link from Suvarnabhumi connects to the BTS Skytrain at Phaya Thai, and a shuttle train runs between Don Mueang and Bang Sue Grand Station. Allow at least 45 minutes to an hour for the journey into the city.
Areas to stay
Sukhumvit is a long, busy corridor with hotels, restaurants, and nightlife. It suits first-time visitors who want convenience and variety. Silom is the financial district, quieter at night but close to the river and markets. Riverside offers luxury hotels and river views, but transport can be slower. Siam is the shopping heart, with malls and the BTS interchange. Old Town (Rattanakosin) is near the Grand Palace and temples, with a more traditional feel and budget guesthouses.
Choose an area based on your itinerary. Sukhumvit and Siam are well connected by the BTS Skytrain. Silom has both BTS and MRT. Riverside is best for those who enjoy boat travel. Old Town is walkable for temples but farther from the modern city. For a first trip, Sukhumvit or Siam give the easiest access to most sights.
- Sukhumvit: central, many food options, good BTS access.
- Silom: business district, night markets, close to the river.
- Riverside: luxury hotels, river views, boat transport.
- Siam: shopping malls, BTS interchange, busy area.
- Old Town (Rattanakosin): temples, budget stays, local character.
What to do
Bangkok is known for its temples. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) are the most visited. Wat Pho has the Reclining Buddha and a traditional massage school. Wat Arun, on the river, is best seen at sunset. These are in the Old Town. Other temples like Wat Saket (Golden Mount) offer views over the city. Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees. An entry fee applies at most temples.
Beyond temples, explore the river. A boat ride on the Chao Phraya River shows a different side of the city. The floating markets are tourist-oriented but worth a visit. Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the largest markets in the world, with thousands of stalls. For a quieter experience, walk through Lumpini Park or visit the Jim Thompson House, a museum of Thai silk and architecture. Bangkok is also a gateway to the islands; many travellers continue to Phuket, Koh Samui, or Krabi.
Food
Bangkok's street food is famous. Try pad thai (stir-fried noodles), tom yum goong (spicy shrimp soup), green curry, som tam (papaya salad), and mango sticky rice. Satay skewers, fried rice, and boat noodles are also common. Many stalls operate in the evening, especially in areas like Yaowarat (Chinatown) and around Khao San Road. Food courts in malls offer air-conditioned dining with similar dishes.
For a sit-down meal, try a Thai restaurant that serves a set menu. Vegetarian options are widely available; look for 'jay' (vegan) signs. Water from taps is not safe to drink; buy bottled water. Street food is generally safe, but choose stalls with high turnover. Avoid raw or undercooked items if you have a sensitive stomach. Carry hand sanitiser.
- Pad thai: stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, peanuts, and lime.
- Tom yum goong: hot and sour soup with shrimp and lemongrass.
- Green curry: coconut-based curry with vegetables or chicken.
- Som tam: spicy green papaya salad with peanuts and chilli.
- Mango sticky rice: sweet dessert with coconut milk.
Getting around
The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are the fastest ways to travel. They cover most central areas. Buy a single-trip ticket or a stored-value card. Taxis are plentiful but traffic is heavy, especially during rush hours. Ride apps are reliable and show the fare upfront. Tuk-tuks are touristy; agree on the price before getting in. They are not cheaper than taxis.
River boats are a scenic option for reaching temples along the Chao Phraya. The public boat service is cheap and frequent. The BTS and MRT do not run 24 hours; they stop around midnight and start again around 6 am. For late-night travel, use a taxi or ride app. Walking is possible in the Old Town and around Siam, but pavements can be uneven. Cross streets at pedestrian crossings or use footbridges.
