There is a reason why the amount of people, who travel from India to Thailand, and particularly Bangkok, has spiked in the recent years. The tickets come cheaper and so do awesome hotels, the experience is almost exotic, its not far off and not too close, and there is the amazing fine-dining scene, a rocking nightlife and beautiful architecture.

For those of you instantly trying to figure out how far is this tourist destination – here is the information. It only takes a little over four hours to travel to Bangkok from Mumbai via plane. The flight covers a distance of 1883 km. Did you know that you could also do a road trip to Bangkok – that’s almost 5000 kms away through the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway!

So let’s come back to the main question – why head to Bangkok this year? Apart from the fact that Mumbai to Bangkok flights booking, if done well in advance, are extremely affordable; here are five other reasons to visit this amazing city!

An exotic shopping experience

If you love shopping, there is no better place to be. Bangkok is definitely one of the greatest shopping destinations in the world in terms of variety and price. While the collection of modern malls is ever growing, the night markets are equally exciting for experiencing the night life as well as bargain marketing. From vintage fashion to cheap eats to designer rip offs and the latest in entertainment, you get practically everything here. Shopping in the moonlight is definitely worth it. Next, check out the floating markets in Bangkok. A sight to behold, these markets, usually only found in South East Asian countries, will be unlike anything you have ever seen before. The ideal way to explore the market is to take a boat tour with a guide and navigate the crowded waterway. The vendor boats are stocked with the freshest fruits and vegetables, so you might be tempted to do a little shopping too.

Also, don’t forget the vibrant street markets which are proving to be a huge hit in the Thai capital. Discover everything from clothes to homewares to gadgets to antique pieces at really affordable prices. When all the walking gets to you, kill the tiredness by downing a beer or indulging in street food.

The rich culture

Thailand is known for the majestic temples that exude calm and serenity and Bangkok has its fair shares of cultural symbols in the form of beautiful architecture. If you love buildings and culture, you can spend an entire day visiting different temples and count the differences between how the old ones and new ones are built. Most of these sites are located within the city so they are easily accessible by public transportation. Do pay a visit to Wat Arun, located opposite the Grand Palace on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The palace looks beautiful when lit up and night. And if you fancy a view of the skyline, you can climb the highest spire in the temple.

The nightlife

If you are a night owl, Bangkok has something for you. Uber swanky bars, drinking holes, skybars, this city has an immense night life. Some tourists opt to explore local bars to experience the local nightlife. Yet others prefer to visit rooftop bars and sip on cocktails on a terrace overlooking the fantastic and brightly lit Bangkok skyline. You will definitely not be disappointed with your nighttime experience on the streets of Bangkok. The beautiful rooftop bars are peppered throughout the city, so you have the perfect place to observe the hustle bustle of the city from above. There are so many options to party and have fun in the city that we guarantee that you won’t ever visit the same nightclub twice even if you stay in the city for a week.

Experience new cuisine

While in Bangkok, you will be swamped with options about what to eat for your next meal. By the time its night, pop-up dining spaces mushroom all over the footpaths. Street vendors whip up tasty delights and sometimes unimaginable combinations (fried insects for instance) that is a gastronomic delight. While exploring the city, if you chance upon a street food vendor, definitely give their dish a try. Apart from the street food, Bangkok has every imaginable cuisine. So, whether you want some authentic Thai food or want to try some seafood, there is a street stall for everything.

Other things to do

If you are in Bangkok, do not come back with visiting a massage parlour and trying a Thai foot massage atleast. The masseurs know exactly how to soothe your stress in minutes through a mastery of strokes.

Take a long boat excursion on the Chao Phraya River that winds through the city alleys and gives you a peek into the local life as you pass villages and houses.

You can visit the many lush green parks spread across the city, or visit the various museums. Of particular note are the Museum of Death, a medical museum, and the airplane graveyard, which is home to old airplanes that cannot be used anymore. You might also want to opt for a traditional Thai massage to relax after a day full of sightseeing and exploring the city.

Excited to travel to Bangkok? Then what are you waiting for, check out flight bookings from Mumbai to Bangkok and plan your next trip.