“Main udna chahta hoon, daudna chahta hoon, girna bhi chahta hoon … bus rukna nahi chahta” says Kabir to Naina in Yeh Jawani Hai Diwani And he shows his dream book to Naina London, Paris, New York.. Most of us have dreams to travel to different parts of the world singing Musafir hoon yaroo..na ghar hai na thikana… but then  life,ghisi phiti life happens, 22 tak padhai, 25 pe naukri, 26 pe chokri, 30 pe bacche, 60 pe retirement … . Dream of going for a vacation zimedariyoon ke neeche kahin kone pe chup jaate hai.

After the 1990 economic liberalization middle class has added another dream to their ghar, bachoon ki padai, bachoon ki shadi aur retirement and a phoren trip. And with family one wants to visit a place economically not expensive (during diwali trip to bangkok was cheaper than the flight tickets from Bangalore to Delhi) , not far (saat samundar par…na baba na, saas sasur itna travel kase karenge), no language problem (people should understand English and that too without an accent) similar to India but still different (indian khana mil jaye aur wahen ki cusine bhi kha saken, aur agar Mcdonald bhi hoo to bas sone pe suhaga), not much of jhanjhat on going (easy to get visa preferably visa on arrival), not much expensive (shouldn’t end up converting local currency to India rupee), shopping (the branded ones at cheaper cost and roadside one too), fun filled activities (like beach) thoda culture-shulture bhi bache sikh lein to kya baat ho. And places like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hongkong, Bangkok, fit the bill. (Nepal, Srilanka jaakar Baajo waali Mrs Sharma ke samne naak neechi thoda karni hai) And my first choice to visit, to satisfy bache,boode aur jawan is Bangkok (alphabetically bhi bangkok pehle aata hai…my son’s logic) Bangkok is a vibrant and exciting city with something for everyone. There are enough activities and places to see that you could decide how much time to spend in Bangkok.

Bangkok occupies 1,568.7 square kilometres in the Chao Phraya River delta in Central Thailand, and has a population of over eight million. Bangkok is one of the world’s top tourist destination cities. MasterCard ranked Bangkok as the global top destination city by international visitor arrivals in its Global Destination Cities Index, with 15.98 million projected visitors in 2013.  Bangkok’s multi-faceted sights, attractions and city life appeal to diverse groups of tourists. Royal palaces and temples as well as several museums constitute its major historical and cultural tourist attractions. Shopping and dining experiences offer a wide range of choices and prices. The city is also famous for its dynamic nightlife.

Did you know :

Bangkok’s name  is listed by Guinness World Records as the world’s longest place name.

Krungthep Mahanakon Bovorn Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokpop Noparatratchatathani Burirom Udomratchanivetmahasatan Amornpiman Avatarnsatit Sakkathattiyaavisnukarmprasit.

The english translation is something like this:

The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn.

Bangkok

The Video below gives you an overview of Bangkok and 10 places you should not miss

For children 

Siam Ocean World is a journey through seven different types of sea life.  Billed as the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia, Siam Ocean World has over 30,000 marine animals in its tanks. A trip to Siam Ocean World is much more than just a visit to an aquarium. If viewing the marine life from outside of the tank is not enough of a thrill, you can dive with the sharks too(along with certified instructor ). It is great place to experience life under the sea right in the middle of Bangkok in Paragon shopping mall.

Safari World is an open zoo that offers a wide variety of fun and entertainment for the whole family. You can drive through the Safari Park, which features African wilderness settings, , walk through the Marine Park to encounter dolphins and seals. The highlight in the safari is the tiger and lion feeding show, the only one of its kind in the world.Egg World located in the Marine park and shows you everything you ever wanted to know about egg incubation. It is not only entertaining, but educational as well.

Madame Tussauds : A visit the famous Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, which has real life wax figures of famous personalities from across the world.

Only in Bangkok

Kanchanaburi is the site of the famous Death Railway and the Bridge Over The River Kwai, a poignant reminder of the thousands of Prisoner of War (POW) and forced laborers who lost their lives in the Second World War. It has a wonderful new World War II museum, boat rides, war cemeteries, and boat restaurants . Kanchanaburi is also the place to go if you want to see the famous ‘Tiger Temple, where you can literally walk with the tigers that are taken care of at the temple by monks.

Floating market : Would go to catch a glimpse of everyday life on the water in Thailand as we cruise along the Bangkok canals in a narrow, long-tailed motorized boat in the Damnoen Saduak floating market. Bangkok floating markets are among the most photographed tourist attractions in the city. The floating market at Damnoen Saduak is the most popular floating market in Thailand and best time to visit is in the morning.

Culture of Bangkok

Thailand is predominantly a Buddhist society. Bangkok’s temples or wats are a unique part of the capital’s heart and soul. There are more than 400 wats  disseminated all around Bangkok. Taking a longboat down the Chao Phraya River is a fabulous way to see & experience Bangkok. One can use the long tail boats as a hop on/ hop off system to visit and see the major historical sites along the river – the Grand Palace,Wat Arun Temple,Wat Pho (The Temple of the reclining Buddah) and Wat Phra Khaew(Temple of the Emerald Buddah)

Siam Niramit Bangkok (Siam – the Enchanted Kingdom) is a grandiose tour through Thai culture and history taking its audience back in time to mystical bygone eras. Billed as a World Class Spectacular Show, With over 150 dazzling performers and state-of-the-art special effects,  this captivating 80-minute journey uncovers the history, customs and cultural treasures that have descended through centuries. The show offers a live elephant, magical illusions, aerial performances, acrobatics, pyrotechnics, special effects, stunts, and literally a cast of thousands.

Hat ke experience

An evening cruise along Bangkok’s Chao Phraya river. Would love to watch river life go by and feast on a Thai or Indian dinner feast as the band on board entertains you.

 A rejuvenating spa treatment in one of Bangkok’s luxurious spas or a famous traditional Thai massage offers the perfect antidote after a long day of shopping and sightseeing.

Food

Few cities can rival Bangkok when it comes to street food variety and quality.  Spicy noodles, glistening rice porridges, even gem-like sweets. Relish the Coconut Ice Cream at JJ Market, Fresh fruits and local snacks at Or Tor Kor market
Malls have huge food courts( the sheer size  is mind blowing) offering plethora of street-food style options with various stands of local  Thai, Vietnamese, and American,Yes you can find even McDonald. Burger King, which during shopping is a big help to feed the kids!

Shopping in Bangkok

Shopping in Bangkok,  is an experience to thrill and delight the most discerning of shoppers whatever it is you’re looking for. From the gleaming chrome and towering size of modern, air-conditioned malls, to the hustle and bustle of its famously buzzing street markets, Bangkok has all kinds of places to blow your baht. A visit is must to Mahboonkrong Mall (MBK) Mall which is an enormous mall that has around 8 floors and all types of clothes,electronic gadgets are available here.  Chatuchak is Bangkok’s local weekend market. With more than 13,000 stalls (it’s huge!) the market sells everything.  Most shopping destinations are easily accessible via the city’s modern and efficient Skytrain (BTS) system. You just walk into a mall straight from a metro station!

NightLife

Bangkok’s diverse nightlife scene features everything from excellent live music and good jazz clubs to ultra cool bars, trendy clubs and great restaurants – and go far beyond its once-upon-a-time sleazy and naughty image. It’s relaxed, safe, enjoyable and great fun.

Note: This entry is for AirAsia and Ripple Links the Dream Asian Destination Blogger Contest!“ AirAsia is offering great fares through World’s Best Online Travel Fair for travellers visiting Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok!  

Which place did you take your family for the first foreign trip?