Thailand Becomes Kolkata's Top Republic Day Getaway, Surpassing Domestic Routes
In a significant shift in travel preferences, Thailand has emerged as the most favored international destination for travelers from Kolkata during the extended five-day Republic Day weekend. This trend highlights a growing inclination among Kolkata residents to opt for quick, hassle-free overseas trips rather than traditional domestic holidays.
Survey Reveals Strong Preference for Easy-Visa Destinations
Recent tourism surveys indicate that many travelers are choosing international destinations that offer visa-free or easy-visa access over domestic options. A comprehensive survey conducted by MakeMyTrip found that between January 22 and 26, Thailand topped the list of international destinations for flyers departing from Kolkata. The United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore followed closely behind, rounding out the top five preferred overseas locations.
Notably, Bangkok and Phuket both featured among the top five cities traveled to from Kolkata, underscoring Thailand's dominant position in the regional travel market. The appetite for weekend travel remains robust, with the extended Republic Day weekend providing an ideal opportunity for short getaways. Internationally, the preference for destinations with straightforward visa procedures continues to gain significant traction.
Connectivity and Competitive Fares Drive Demand
Currently, six airlines operate a total of 36 direct flights weekly between Kolkata and Bangkok, ensuring strong connectivity. Countries with direct connectivity to multiple cities are leading the demand, with Thailand positioned firmly at the forefront, according to Rajesh Magow, co-founder and group CEO of MakeMyTrip.
Anil Punjabi, chairman of the Travel Agents Federation of India (East), noted that Bangkok has consistently been a favored sector for airlines. The introduction of Thai VietJet on this route at the beginning of this year has further intensified competition, offering international fares that are often cheaper than several non-premium domestic sectors. This competitive pricing has made international travel more accessible to a broader segment of travelers from Kolkata.
India as a Key Source Market for Thai Tourism
According to Thai tourism data for the 2024-25 period, India ranks among the top three source markets for visitors to Thailand, trailing only Malaysia and China. A senior Thai VietJet official revealed that close to 25 lakh Indian tourists visited Thailand in 2025, driven by multiple factors including visa-free access, enhanced connectivity, and Thailand's popularity as a wedding and leisure destination. Approximately 30% of these Indian visitors flew from Kolkata, highlighting the city's significant contribution to this tourism flow.
The airline operates flights four days a week from Kolkata, with arrivals scheduled on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, and departures on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. This frequent schedule facilitates convenient travel planning for short breaks.
Removing Barriers: Visa-Free Entry and Favorable Exchange Rates
The elimination of visa requirements for Indian passport holders has removed a major barrier, encouraging spontaneous short trips without the need for extensive paperwork or lengthy processing times. Additionally, currency conversion works favorably for Indian travelers, with the rupee-to-baht exchange rate remaining comfortable at around 1 baht for Rs 3. This favorable rate allows tourists to stretch their budgets across various activities, including shopping, dining, and local experiences.
Bangkok's Diverse Attractions Continue to Draw Visitors
Bangkok's broad appeal spans from luxury shopping destinations like ICONSIAM to affordable night markets and floating bazaars, catering to diverse traveler preferences. Among its most photographed landmarks is Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The short ferry ride to the temple adds to its charm, offering breathtaking views as visitors approach, according to tour guide Som Bun.
The Grand Palace, home to the revered Emerald Buddha, remains another major attraction, drawing history enthusiasts and cultural tourists alike. Evenings in Bangkok often revolve around Chao Phraya River dinner cruises, where visitors can enjoy authentic Thai cuisine against the backdrop of illuminated temples and bridges. Sailing past the city lights while dining provides a completely different perspective of Bangkok, shared Supriyo Mukherjee from Uttarpara, who is currently holidaying there.
Beyond the City: Safari Parks and Nightlife
On the outskirts of Bangkok, an open animal safari park offers a unique drive-through experience where animals roam freely. Seeing giraffes and lions up close without cages felt unreal, described Rohan Mehta, who visited earlier this year, noting that the experience is both thrilling and family-friendly.
As night falls, Khaosan Road comes alive with vibrant music, diverse street food offerings, and late-night parties. City-based radio jockey Kaushik Bhattacharya recounted being there from 1 am to 3:30 am, with people still dancing on the streets, illustrating the area's energetic nightlife.
This surge in travel to Thailand from Kolkata during the Republic Day weekend reflects broader trends in Indian outbound tourism, where convenience, affordability, and unique experiences are increasingly driving destination choices over traditional domestic holidays.
