I finally visited this floating market, and it was such a fun and unique experience for my kids. We opted for a one hour paddle boat ride and could ask our boatsman to stop at the shops that interested us. The shops are lined on either side of the canal and sell a wide range of goods, from hand crafted pencils to spices. Just remember to bargain, don't be shy to come down as much as 50% of the asking price. 

We picked up some coconut ice cream along the way that was being sold from a boat. In all my years in Bangkok, this was the first time I visited a floating market, and I would totally recommend it.

The river is a different experience altogether, and if you have the time, definitely book a dinner cruise and see Bangkok from a different perspective. 

Although I did not opt for a river cruise this time round, I did visit the river to check out the Doulos Hope floating bookstore. It had a small cafe on board, and we could watch the barges float by. Definitely something off beat. 

I absolutely love Terminal 21. Instead of being a regular mall, here, each floor is designed to represent a city.  You can find a mix of brand name stores and independent shops. I always end up buying diffusers, candles, and soaps from here. My kids just loved walking around and picking knick-knacks to take back home. The highlight for them was experiencing the Japanese toilets on the Tokyo level that they had seen on IG. The mall is on the Asok BTS station, making it extremely easy to reach. 

The ground floor usually has a sale or expo happening and the top level is the food court. 

Due to the numerous colleges in Nasik, there are a lot of affordable cafes in the city as well. Skip Starbucks and head to these smaller venues in and around College Road, which all start to get packed from around 4pm. Nothing can beat the thick cold coffees at these venues. Definitely a bang for your buck.

Over the years, Sula has become one of the popular places in Nasik, and it is packed no matter when you visit. I remember a time when you could easily walk in and get a table, but now it is impossible to get in without a booking. During Sula Fest, the villas at Sula and the rooms at nearby Soma are sold out months in advance. But even if you get a room in the city, it is easy to get to the vineyards. We live in the city center, and it takes us around 15-20 minutes to reach Sula. During the fest, I really recommend that you skip your car and travel via Uber or Ola instead. The parking is crowded, and it takes forever to find a spot.

The fest hosts some really great singers at the open-air amphitheater, and there are multiple stalls that serve food, and of course, wine.

I would definitely recommend traveling to the older part of the city where dozens of temples line the Godavari River. If possible visit the area in the evening when many pilgrims release diyas or clay lanterns into Ramkund. It is easy to book an Uber or hire an auto to reach Panchvati or the older part of the city.

This air-conditioned wholesale marketplace is a better alternative to Pratunam market. This is also a wholesale market and just like Pratunam allows shoppers to mix and match designs within the same price point. If you are in the mood to shop, get a light weight trolley bag to make it easy to navigate all the floors.

The best way to reach Pratunam is to take a Skytrain to Siam or Chidlom station and then a motorbike taxi to the market. Avoid cabs as you are very likely to get stuck in traffic. Make sure to carry a large shopping bag to dump your purchases and to avoid misplacing smaller bags. Remember Pratunam is a wholesale market, so the more you buy the less you pay per item.

Make sure carry at least one pair of long pants and a t-shirt that does not expose your shoulders for visits to religious sites and the Grand Palace. Some places will have clothes that can be borrowed, but in case they don't you will have missed you chance to explore an impressive attraction.

No. 1 tip when traveling to Thailand is to pack light. You will end up making a ton of purchases here, since there are countless affordable markets no matter where you go. Either that or carry an extra bag for all the shopping you are sure to end up doing. 

The King is a reverential figure in the country, with the late King Rama IX having a almost God like presence in the country. The lese-majeste laws in the country are extremely strict and does not tolerate any negative mention of the King and the Royal family. It is jail and/or direct deportation if anyone is found guilty. Never step on Thai currency notes or coins either since they feature images of the Monarch. Make sure to always talk about the King is a respectful manner.

You definitely need the entire day to go around the entire park and set time to watch the parade. If you love thrilling rides, purchase the ticket that allows unlimited rounds on all rides. Viking and Hurricane are definitely must visit attractions and the music and preppy operators make the experience all the more entertaining!

The best thing about street food in Thailand is that most of it is prepared fresh and served piping hot. Office workers on their way back home pick dinner from here and many stop by during lunch hours as well. Most of these stalls have been operating for years and in all my years in Thailand have never once fallen ill from consuming street food. 

Don't forget to try the local menu items at fast food chains such as KFC and Starbucks.

Some of the most luxurious hotels in Bangkok are riverside, but this area is a little away from the city center. If you are mostly doing group tours it will be no problem, since most tours do pick ups and drop off. Make sure you keep in mind that you will be a few stations away from the Sukhumvit area. On the plus side you do get the most spectacular views and a front row seat to the Chao Phraya.

Even the most out of box and offbeat activities in Bangkok will have a crowd. Koh Kret and Bang Krachao are truly off beat places where you are not likely to encounter a lot of tourists and can simple spend a slow day. Other great places of-beat places where you are likely you are likely to primarily encounter locals is Lumphini Park and Benjakitti Forest Park.

Basically the area from Chitlom station to Siam is packed with malls and shops on both sides of the road that offer everything from high end to boutique Thai brands. The shaded and breezy Skywalk helps connect tourists to all the malls, so don't walk on the pavement unless you want some coconut water or freshly squeezed orange juice.

Night markets in Bangkok are an experience and sell more than just clothes. You can get customized accessories made on the spot that can be excellent souvenirs to take back home. It is best to visit these on an empty stomach and eat steaming Thai food freshly prepared right in front of you. 

There are countless restaurants and two food courts at this mega mall-making it quite easy to find food even for the pickiest of diners. After a day of shopping, you can head to the rooftop bar at Centara Grand, which is also within the complex.

Families will absolutely love this place and should definitely set aside a couple of hours so that kids can make the most of the exhibits. Additionals include a glass bottomed boat ride and a chance to dive with sharks. It also includes some reptiles and penguins, though they weren't there when we visited.  If you get hungry, there is a kiosk where you can pick up snacks and drinks. The aquarium is within Siam Paragon and can be reached via BTS.

We purchased a combo ticket for Madame Tussauds and it cost us just 20 THB extra per person. The wax museum is quite interactive and designed for picture taking. You can score penalty kicks next to Beckham and play tennis near Serena Williams.

If traveling independently, make sure to reach Safari World as soon as the gates open so that you do not miss out on any of the shows. There are several fast food joints as well as a couple of cafeteria style dining halls where tourists can have lunch. If you want a nice memory, sit in one of the front rows so that you have a chance of being picked to participate in the interesting shows.

Bangkok is a vast city and the Skytrain along with the MRT is the fastest way to get around. Make sure that the hotel you book is walking distance to the station or that a shuttle service is offered. Khaosarn is best for budget travelers, while Sukhumvit/Siam area is ideal for families.

Some cruises offer pick-up services from hotels-make sure to check in advance so that you do not miss out on the excursion. If you are traveling to the pier independently, the Skytrain is the most convenient mode of transport. The cruise takes a few hours so there is plenty of time to take photographs and make TIkTok videos. Make sure to enjoy the views first.

Rooftop bars are quite popular in the city. If you want a table close to the edge it is best to make a reservation. Remember to carry a light wrap or cardigan as it can get a bit chilly.

Touring the temples and the markets require some amount of walking mostly under the scorching sun. Make sure you are wearing comfortable walking shoes, carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated and pack a small umbrella or cap for your excursions.

For a short stay in Bangkok, pick a hotel close to the Skytrain, preferably one along the early sois of Sukhumvit road. The area is packed with tour operators, has several malls and countless options for dining and nightlife.

A lot of Thai nightclubs have a policy where patrons can leave their unfinished bottle at the venue and pick it up the next time they visit. There is usually a time limit, but if you feel you might be back in a couple of days, it is better to store than to chug. Also, if you want to party like the locals skip the cocktails and order bottles and mixers for the table.

Pick an area depending on what you are planning for your holiday. Khaosarn is an excellent area if you are looking for budget rooms, food, and nightlife. Sukhumvit, especially around the Nana to Chitlom BTS area is better suited if you want to shop, enjoy the rooftop bars and do some local sightseeing. Sukhumvit is appealing since it offers hotels for a variety of budgets and has several Skytrain stations. It is also easy to book tours from here as well as find a variety of dining venues.

If you are looking for a full day spa experience, definitely opt for a larger spa where you can be pampered. But, if you are looking for just a foot massage then pick from one of the many smaller ones in your hotel soi. Depending on where you are staying, a 1 hr foot massage can be as cheap as 150 THB. 

Pavement foot massage shops are also available at Chatuchak weekend market and the night markets. They make for a nice quick break between shopping.

There is no shortage of rooftop bars in Bangkok, and visiting one does not necessarily mean having to shell out big bucks every time. Many of the smaller hotels in the Sukhumvit area also have rooftop bars, they might not be as high up but the vibe is just as chill. Above Eleven and Nest are popular with locals.

If you loved your experience at the Jim Thompson House, you might consider visiting the Jim Thomson Farm outside Bangkok. The only downside is that the farm is only open for a few weeks around New Years. The farm is spread across 240 acres and is decorated with a new theme every year. You can not only purchase pure Thai silk but also watch the silkworms at work. There are countless photo-op spots and several activities for children. It also includes a restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat. 

CentralWorld is one of the largest malls in Asia and includes a office tower and a hotel that keep it busy no matter what time you visit. Tourists are sure to love the unique installations that the mall regularly displays. If you are in Bangkok during the holiday season you cannot miss its multiple ornate and glittering Xmas trees both indoors and outdoors. The mall is also one of the top places in the city for the New Years countdown. 

If you are traveling with children or elderly, try to arrive early so that you can find a space to sit during the festivities. Make sure to buy your return BTS ticket at arrival so you do not have to stand in long queues post midnight. 

Bangkok has countless night markets and all of these are more than just shops. It is an experience, with installations, balloon artists, and even personalized accessories that can be prepared on the spot. There is even a night market around a decommissioned airplane. Asiatique is one of the most popular night markets with tourists and includes a Ferris wheel, haunted house and countless Insta worthy backdrops. Tourists can easily skip the fancy dinner reservation and head to a night market for authentic Thai food on a budget. 

The photo is from a small pop-up night market a couple of years back. It has a ball pit and a balloon artist for kids, and some of the most delicious cakes I have ever tasted.

This scenic sunset photo was taken at the end of a trek. Tired bodies but happy faces!

I am personally a big fan of 'thalis', which basically unlimited small portions of several veg or non-veg dishes including starters and dessert. If you ever find yourself in Nasik, you have to try the vegetarian thali at Purohit.

Another beautiful waterfall is the Devkund Waterfall, a top-rated monsoon trek near Mumbai. During that time, close to 10,000 people trek daily, and it is barely standing room at the falls. We were lucky to have trekked in the off-season and were the only people at the falls. An utterly private experience! This 12 km trek took us around 5.5 hours to complete. This clear pool at the bottom of the fall is filled with ice-cold water and relief after hours of walking. This place is considered a holy spot, and even though I am not religious, I can still feel peace. And that is why this place and photo is special.