Regardless of where your next holiday takes you, it would be naïve to go without researching the area and learning more about the dos and donts. While its not so essential for the popular European Summer hotspots, as soon as you start considering faraway adventures taking heed of advice and tips made by travellers who have been to the same place is essential if you want to enjoy a stress-free trip.
With holidays to Thailand from Trailfinders, you can be safe in the knowledge that, due to the commercialisation and development of the country as a tourist destination, there is very little to worry about. Like any other bustling city, however, you will need to have your wits about you when you visit Bangkok not because its more dangerous than any other city, but because its so busy and hectic that without a little preparation and common sense, you could find yourself overwhelmed.
If anything, advice about Bangkok will help you to appreciate the city for all that its worth, providing you with helpful hints about where to go, what to do and how to get there. The Bangkok atmosphere is incredible and without the stress of a new city, you will be able to revel in it.
Buy a map
First things first, buy a map. Without one you may find it difficult to navigate this hotchpotch city. The Bangkok streets arent the easiest to understand, especially as directions are in a completely different language, so a translated map is a must. Always keep a note of your hotel address in your bag as well so that if all else fails, a cab driver will get you there.
Use local knowledge
If you havent had as much time to research the city as youd like, and are unsure of what to do and where to go in Bangkok, utilise the local knowledge of the staff in your chosen hotel or other accommodation. Theyll have their own personal local knowledge and theyll also have the benefit of the feedback of hundreds of other guests, as well as being able to tell you the best way to get to where you want to go.
Avoid tuk tuks
Whilst the novelty may seem appealing, avoid using a tuk tuk to get around. These revel in tourists willing to pay through the nose for short trips. If you do insist on travelling on one, make sure you establish the cost before you set off and hang on for a nail-biting ride!
Keep hydrated
Always take a bottle of water with you, wherever you go. The humidity in Bangkok can be stifling and hydration is essential.
Barter for goods
If you do decide to treat yourself to some indulgent retail therapy, make sure you barter on the price! Vendors expect it, so it would almost be rude not to!
Make it part of a multi-centre trip
Finally, a visit to Bangkok is essential as part of your trip to Thailand incorporate it into a multi-centre trip to get the best of both worlds and brace yourself for a busy, bustling city experience.
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Daily Telegraph.
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8 Comments
Hi Paul, strongly agree to avoid tuk tuk as much as possible. Unless if you have done enough research on distance and estimated fare, travel with a metered taxi seems to be a better option.
Great tips! I love Bangkok and just reading this makes me want to go back there. I know from experience that having that address from the hotel with you is essential! I love roaming around and it wouldn’t be the first time that I lost my way..:)
ladies, carry toilet tissue with you. most restrooms don’t have toilet paper. they have a bum gun to hose yourself off. which is nice & very sanitary, but you may get dripping wet if not used to using it & would have no way to dry off (from experience… my first time in Thailand). some places sell toilet tissue outside the restroom, so keep some loose change handy. :)
also, if you can find accommodations near a Sky Train station. it’s a wonderful & easy way to get around. the trains are very clean & modern & AIR CONDITIONED. also a very economical option for getting around.
Tuk tuks are better left for Chaing Mai and knowing a bit of local culture is key (ex: please cover your shoulders when you enter a temple and please do not point your feet in the direction of the front or at a Buddha).
I’ve lived in Bangkok for 12 years and one tip I give to everyone is, if you’re not afraid of getting on a motorbike use the motorbike taxis.
They are all over the city, very cheap and, the most important thing, when Bangkok’s horrendous traffic jams hit (which is pretty much 12 out of the 15 hours most people are outdoors every day), a motorbike taxi can get you to your destination in 5-10 minutes, whereas a taxi stuck in a traffic jam could be an hour or more.
All the locals use them, and nowadays I tend to travel on them 90 percent of the time :)
With holidays to Thailand from Trailfinders, you can be safe in the knowledge that, due to the commercialisation and development of the country as a tourist destination, there is very little to worry about. Like any other bustling city, however, you will need to have your wits about you when you visit Bangkok not because its more dangerous than any other city, but because its so busy and hectic that without a little preparation and common sense, you could find yourself overwhelmed.
If anything, advice about Bangkok will help you to appreciate the city for all that its worth, providing you with helpful hints about where to go, what to do and how to get there. The Bangkok atmosphere is incredible and without the stress of a new city, you will be able to revel in it.
Buy a map
First things first, buy a map. Without one you may find it difficult to navigate this hotchpotch city. The Bangkok streets arent the easiest to understand, especially as directions are in a completely different language, so a translated map is a must. Always keep a note of your hotel address in your bag as well so that if all else fails, a cab driver will get you there.
Use local knowledge
If you havent had as much time to research the city as youd like, and are unsure of what to do and where to go in Bangkok, utilise the local knowledge of the staff in your chosen hotel or other accommodation. Theyll have their own personal local knowledge and theyll also have the benefit of the feedback of hundreds of other guests, as well as being able to tell you the best way to get to where you want to go.
Avoid tuk tuks
Whilst the novelty may seem appealing, avoid using a tuk tuk to get around. These revel in tourists willing to pay through the nose for short trips. If you do insist on travelling on one, make sure you establish the cost before you set off and hang on for a nail-biting ride!
Keep hydrated
Always take a bottle of water with you, wherever you go. The humidity in Bangkok can be stifling and hydration is essential.
Barter for goods
If you do decide to treat yourself to some indulgent retail therapy, make sure you barter on the price! Vendors expect it, so it would almost be rude not to!
Make it part of a multi-centre trip
Finally, a visit to Bangkok is essential as part of your trip to Thailand incorporate it into a multi-centre trip to get the best of both worlds and brace yourself for a busy, bustling city experience.
Hi Paul, strongly agree to avoid tuk tuk as much as possible. Unless if you have done enough research on distance and estimated fare, travel with a metered taxi seems to be a better option.
Simon Lee
Great tips! I love Bangkok and just reading this makes me want to go back there. I know from experience that having that address from the hotel with you is essential! I love roaming around and it wouldn’t be the first time that I lost my way..:)
One more tip: Study “Thai English”…it will help you very much, because it is very different from “Turkish English” and “European English” )))
ladies, carry toilet tissue with you. most restrooms don’t have toilet paper. they have a bum gun to hose yourself off. which is nice & very sanitary, but you may get dripping wet if not used to using it & would have no way to dry off (from experience… my first time in Thailand). some places sell toilet tissue outside the restroom, so keep some loose change handy. :)
also, if you can find accommodations near a Sky Train station. it’s a wonderful & easy way to get around. the trains are very clean & modern & AIR CONDITIONED. also a very economical option for getting around.
Tuk tuks are better left for Chaing Mai and knowing a bit of local culture is key (ex: please cover your shoulders when you enter a temple and please do not point your feet in the direction of the front or at a Buddha).
Nice tips. Thanks ALTB.
I’ve lived in Bangkok for 12 years and one tip I give to everyone is, if you’re not afraid of getting on a motorbike use the motorbike taxis.
They are all over the city, very cheap and, the most important thing, when Bangkok’s horrendous traffic jams hit (which is pretty much 12 out of the 15 hours most people are outdoors every day), a motorbike taxi can get you to your destination in 5-10 minutes, whereas a taxi stuck in a traffic jam could be an hour or more.
All the locals use them, and nowadays I tend to travel on them 90 percent of the time :)
Carry soap – Thais rarely use it to wash hands after using the bathroom
Do not drink with locals (in particular off duty police), especially if you are female. It is simply dangerous.