(Image source from: What makes Bangkok a holiday hotspot for Indians?)

Bangkok, world's number one tourist destination has always been a holiday hotspot for Indians. Be it New Year, anniversaries, weddings or honeymoons, an Indian's itinerary is incomplete without a trip to Thailand's capital city.

So what is it that lures Indians to the ports of Bangkok? Is it their love for Buddhist culture, Thai food,  picturesque beaches and parks, and sea water sports? Or is it something more nudge-nudge-wink-wink reasons like an  indulgent trip to massage parlors, girlie bars, nightlife and or cheap electronics that holds the lure? We explore.

Clearly, an average Indian holidaying in Bangkok is to stingy to fritter any cash on massages or at girlie bars, unless it's free. Also, they won't spend money on  anything they can’t take back, read cheap LED TVs (*government of India bans import of LED TVs)
 
One reason could be that Bangkok offers everything you get in the West — the best hotels (and Bangkok hotels routinely appear on lists of the world’s best hotels) which are less expensive than hotels in London,  Hong Kong, Dubai and even Delhi or Bombay hotels. The food in Bangkok is among Asia’s best . The clothes are cheaper and the designer brands (not cheaper than India, alas) offer a greater range.

If you want to live on a budget, then that’s easy in Bangkok too. There are excellent three star hotels which cost under Rs 2000 a day and there’s lots of midmarket to downmarket shopping.
 
To cut short,  Bangkok is the one city in the world where Indians do not feel poor.
 
It's also safe. Thais have a rational attitude to protests. They rarely attack tourists. They treat bystanders with courtesy.  And they do not damage property, burn cars or go looting.
 
It also boasts of great shopping complexes like Central World, Gaysorn Plaza, Erawan Complex and Big C. Slightly away, to one side, is Central Chidlom. And a short distance away, on the other side, are the Siam Centre, Siam Discovery and Siam Paragon. This stretch also covers several top hotels: the Intercontinental, the Holiday Inn, the Grand Hyatt, the Four Seasons, the Centara Grand etc.

Then there is always the carnival-like atmosphere. Lining the streets are food stalls serving the most delicious Thai food imaginable – from grilled squid to complete meals, consisting of curries and rice. There are stalls with cold beer and chilled Diet Coke. Stereos are blaring Thai pop. Some people are singing.
 
And the best part — nobody pays any attention to you, even though  you areclearly  a foreigner who does not belong.

AW: Suchorita Choudhury