Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world, and once you see it, it is easy to understand why millions of tourists flock to Thailand’s capital each year. Situated on the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok is full of cultural landmarks, stunning scenery, and modern architecture that proves to be irresistible for travelers.
But for first-timers, what do you need to know when visiting this beautiful part of the world? Whether you’re staying for two days, two weeks, or longer, the following tips can help you to avoid any cultural faux pas and ensure your trip is just as impressive at its location.
1. Pack Accordingly
Bangkok is hot and humid, so packing cool, lightweight clothing is a must and unless you’re visiting during November to February, which is the cool season, you are likely to get rained on, so bring a thin, waterproof jacket too. You will also need to be prepared for the mosquitoes, so bring plenty of protection to avoid being bitten throughout your stay.
You should also ensure you have clothes that cover your body when visiting certain attractions. For men, a pair of long trousers might be required for certain buildings, and women can do well to take a sarong with them to cover their shoulders when visiting temples, for example.
2. Use Official Taxis
It can be really tempting to jump into any cab offering you a ride when you are at the airport, especially if the heat and humidity come as a shock to you. But this can put you at risk of being ripped off by touts who charge up to 4 times the price of official taxi services. Always head out of the official taxi queue where the attendant can tell your driver when you are going and ensure you arrive safely in a metered taxi. There will likely be a surcharge for this, but it is well worth paying to ensure you pay the correct fare.
3. Use Public Transport
This might not be what you want to hear, but using the city’s public transport system can get you to where you need to be faster than the roads, especially between rush hour (7 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm) the streets become a gridlocked mess and you won’t get anywhere. Instead, use the subway, the BTS skyline, and even boat transport to get you where you need to be, especially if you are crossing the city, as it is vast and generally inaccessible by foot due to its size.
4. Beware of Prices
A general rule of thumb in Thailand’s capital is that the more tourists there are, the higher the prices will be. This is down to the vendors banking on people not knowing the actual cost of an item and being willing to pay what they are asking. It can be worthwhile making purchases outside of the heavily tourist-centric areas to help you get a better price.
5. National Anthem
The Thai national anthem is played in public areas like train stations, markets, and civil buildings across the country. First-time visitors in Bangkok will experience this daily at 8 am and 6 pm. Locals will stop to observe the anthem being played and resume regular duties on the last beat of the song. Tourists would do well to observe this, too. So if you are out and about and you hear this being played. Stop, be respectful, and then you can go about your day once it is finished.
6. Scams
Much like anywhere with a high percentage of tourists, Bangkok has its fair share of scammers. They will try to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists who are unaware of what they are doing. This can be via encouraging you into unmetered taxis and charging extortionate fares, offering you a tuk-tuk ride and “stopping off” at shopping venues to over-inflate the prices or offering you tickets or experiences that aren’t suitable or are part of an extortion attempt. Once you know what to look for, you can avoid it. But if you’re booking day trips or transport, always book via official channels before you go. Whether this is booking Bangkok ice baths or sightseeing tours, or you need affordable, reliable transport options, check online first or talk to your hotel reception desk for their advice to avoid being scammed.
7. Food
The dreaded “Bangkok belly” isn’t a myth and can be easily avoided if you know where to go. Don’t let the fear of being ill put you off trying new foods or eating at restaurants. Instead, follow some simple tips for staying healthy and always carry medication to help you should you experience any untoward digestive issues.
Eat at places that are busy as this indicates people enjoy the food, and there isn’t likely a quality issue. Eat in restaurants, avoid street food, and ask the chef to cook BBQ meat for slightly longer for added reassurance. If you’re ever in doubt, order what other people are eating so you know it will be cooked properly, as it’s a popular item. Ensure the food you eat is prepared hygienically, and take your time when ordering to feel comfortable with what is being prepared before diving in.
8. Pack Light
Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise, so it pays to pack lightly to bring your purchased home with you. From hitting the designer stores in Siam Square to the bustling alleyways of Chatuchak, there are plenty of goods for you to browse and pick up on your journey. It can be a good idea to buy your holiday clothes there as the markets and stores are plentiful and often cheaper than back home, plus they will be ideal for the climate too.
A trip to Bangkok can be wonderfully enriching regardless of your chosen itinerary. You can explore the delights and culture of the city while taking in the sights and wonders it has to offer. These tips can help you have a better experience and avoid some pitfalls of traveling to new destinations even if you don’t speak the language.
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