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Feeling overwhelmed whereas planning a visit to Bangkok? No worries. We’re right here that will help you out!
Visiting Bangkok for the primary time may be overwhelming, and planning a visit to this bustling metropolis is an actual problem. Thailand’s capital is a mixture of historical tradition, meals paradise and buying heaven, however to get it proper is just not that easy.
After so many emails from readers asking us to assist them plan a Bangkok itinerary, we determined to checklist the very best journey suggestions on your first time in Bangkok: what to do and the place to remain.
That is the final word journey information to Bangkok [a long one], with all the highest sights, the very best locations to remain in Bangkok, easy methods to get round, scams to keep away from, and native experiences.
Bangkok has been our “dwelling” in Southeast Asia for greater than a yr, and each time we keep there we uncover new issues to do in Bangkok. However we additionally love to go to the normal sights, locations that make Bangkok such an iconic metropolis.
There are tons of issues it’s worthwhile to do to prepare your first journey to Bangkok.
Have you ever booked your flights to Thailand? Not but?! Yow will discover the very best costs and connections at Skyscanner.
Did you arrange your journey paperwork? No!! Earlier than flying verify all of the paperwork you have to have for a world journey to keep away from any issues.
Now again to our journey information to Bangkok, what to do in your first journey to Thailand! We’re going to begin with issues to do in Bangkok, sights you can slot in a 4 or 5 days itinerary. So sit again, chill out, and let’s plan your first journey to Bangkok!
When is the very best time to journey to Bangkok?
To begin with, it’s all the time an excellent time to journey to Bangkok, however some seasons are higher than others, and right here is why.
Plan your journey to Thailand through the dry months, from November to February.
From March to June it’s the sizzling, tremendous sizzling season, however when you’ve got the possibility to be in Thailand round April go for it! A pageant known as Songkran (the Thai New Yr) occurs round this time of the yr and it’s an incredible celebration!
The wet months final from July to October which is named the monsoon. The monsoon is just not so unhealthy, we have now been in Bangkok throughout all seasons and the toughest one was the summer time. The one factor is that gonna rain every single day, however not the entire day. If you’re planning to go South to the Thai islands then it won’t be the very best time.
First time in Bangkok: The place to Keep?
Earlier than we speak about what to do in your first time in Bangkok and locations to go to, let’s speak about lodging, one other problem on your Bangkok itinerary.
Town is big and gives a variety of motels, hostels and flats for lease. How to decide on the very best place to remain in Bangkok for the primary time? Don’t panic, we’re right here to assist and to level out the very best areas to remain in Bangkok:
> Silom – Sathorn Space
That is the enterprise space of Bangkok, with good eating places, buying malls and near Lumpini Park. It’s the most effective locations to remain in Bangkok for the primary time as a result of it’s near many sights and it’s related by the BTS (Skytrain) and MRT (underground metro). With all these amenities and a premium location, motels in Sathorn are usually a bit costlier, however nice!
Two of my favourite 5-star motels in Bangkok are situated in Sathorn. No phrases to explain the impeccable service and stylish décor of Oriental Residence Bangkok, we had a romantic keep there and beloved it.
One other nice choice is the So Sofitel. With a design that mixes French high fashion and Thai heritage, So Sofitel is creative, modern and funky. It’s not your common 5-star lodge, it has a singular twist and the most effective views from Bangkok.
That can assist you select the very best place on your first journey to Bangkok we put collectively some good choices for mid-range motels and likewise some boutique hostels in Sathorn, verify them out and e-book your favourite.
> Pratunam Space
That is the very best place to remain in Bangkok for buying! All the department stores and streets stalls are at your step. It’s probably the most touristic areas in Bangkok, and likewise a spot you’ll find any sort of lodging, from luxurious motels to funds rooms.
Round Pratunam, we beloved Amari Watergate Lodge, it’s fashionable, tremendous comfy, surrounded by buying malls, close to the BTS line and even nearer to the Airport Hyperlink prepare. It’s an ideal choice if you wish to be in the course of the motion and nonetheless have an ideal place to chill out. We stayed within the Govt Suite, and loved the completely happy hour with free drinks and meals on the Govt Lounge. Wasn’t sufficient to persuade you? Take a look at the publish we wrote about our expertise on the Amari Watergate.
Here’s a checklist we made with extra choices of motels in Pratunam space.
> Sukhumvit Space
Sukhumvit is a large avenue that goes from West to East in Bangkok, however there’s a explicit space that’s well-known for retailers, eating places, bars and good motels. We’re speaking concerning the space between the Nana and Phrom Phong BTS stations.
There you’ll find hundreds of motels from luxurious to funds, from worldwide manufacturers to native boutique motels. For those who fancy an area lodge with a comfortable and fashionable type, Citrus 11 (e-book right here with Reserving.com or Agoda) may be an excellent choice.
Novotel (e-book right here with Reserving.com or Agoda) additionally has an outstanding location at Sukhumvit 20, proper off Ekkamai BTS station with trendy rooms.
If you’re searching for a spacious and fancy keep, S31 Lodge (e-book right here with Reserving.com or Agoda) has double-floor flats overlooking the town. We made an inventory of the greatest motels in Sukhumvit space, decide your favourite and e-book now.
> Chinatown
It’s not a standard choice for vacationers visiting Bangkok for the primary time, however it may be an unbelievable expertise if you happen to select the precise lodge. Shanghai Mansion Bangkok is an efficient instance of a singular expertise in the course of multicultural Bangkok.
Chinatown can be the deal with for a lot of 3 and a pair of stars motels, it can save you up on lodging and spend on the scrumptious meals you’ll discover across the neighborhood.
> Khaosan Highway
Khao San Highway and Rambutree Road are recognized for being the most affordable space to remain in Bangkok. I agree and disagree, I’d say that Khaosan Highway is the very best place to remain in Bangkok if you wish to be surrounded by bars, and avenue meals, near the historic sights and expertise the backpacker scene. It’s not solely about funds as a result of you’ll find low-cost and good motels throughout Bangkok.
The issue with Khaosan is that not all of the motels are pretty much as good as they appear on the web site. What seems to be like a comfy & clear room, is usually a soiled cubicle, with out home windows and filled with cockroaches. In fact, there are good locations in Khaosan, our favourite is A&A Homestay, clear, cozy, and good worth for cash, and breakfast included.
Want extra choices for funds locations to remain? Take a look at our solutions for motels on your first time in Bangkok, and in Khaosan Highway.
First time in Bangkok: what to do?
Many of the prime sights in Bangkok are temples or non secular websites, my recommendation on your first time in Bangkok is to go to the principle temples and the Grand Palace on the identical day.
The sights are fairly shut to one another, and as it’s worthwhile to gown respectfully [cover your shoulders and wear long skirts or pants] it is smart to schedule them on the identical day of your Bangkok itinerary.
There are a whole lot of temples within the metropolis, we are going to suggest probably the most well-known and most stunning ones, sights that it’s worthwhile to go to in your first journey to Thailand.
A fast tip that will help you get pleasure from Bangkok safely and lower your expenses :
To see completely different sides of Bangkok and SAVE MONEY on the best way, get your Bangkok Day Move!
It’s a digital move that provides you entry to sights (just like the unbelievable Mahanakhon Skywalk), eating places, boat transportation, tuk-tuk- excursions, massages and extra. It’s means cheaper than if you happen to would pay for every exercise individually.
We used the Bangkok Move and beloved it (here’s a video of our itinerary).
For those who like the town move concept, additionally they have the Phuket Day Move (right here is our video touring with it), Chiang Mai Day Move, Chaing Mai Premium Move, Ayutthaya Day Move, and Pattaya Day Move.
The actions, sights, eating places and advantages in every metropolis are completely different, so it’s price checking them out.
Now let’s return to our Bangkok Information.
> Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
That is the #1 attraction in Bangkok. To keep away from vacationer crowds you higher get up early within the morning. The advanced is big, contained in the Grand Palace you possibly can go to the well-known Wat Phra Kaew and the Emerald Buddha, plus the gardens, the Royal workplaces, superb statues and Thai designs.
The Grand Palace is open every day from 8:30 AM to three:30 PM, and a fast go to can take greater than two hours, so be ready for lengthy walks. Verify the Grand Palace web site for costs, location and concerning the gown code. If you wish to make your first go to to Bangkok a studying expertise, you possibly can lease an audio information on the entrance and comply with the historical past behind every temple and constructing of the Grand Palace.
> Wat Pho and the Reclining Buddha
Wat Pho is true beside the Grand Palace, and it’s one in all Bangkok’s predominant sights. For those who get up early, you possibly can go to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho on the identical morning, it’s a wise technique to save time in your first journey to Bangkok.
Wat Pho is one other huge advanced, with many corridors, stupas, statues, and a pleasant backyard. The most important attraction is the Reclining Buddha, 15 meters tall for 46 meters lengthy, all coated in golden leaf, spectacular!
The Wat Pho Temple is open every single day from 8:00 AM to five:00 PM, for more information on easy methods to get there, the doorway charge, and concerning the Thai Therapeutic massage College that’s situated contained in the temple, verify the Wat Pho official web site.
> Wat Arun
In your first time in Bangkok, you have to go to Wat Arun, also called the Temple of the Down. You’ll be mesmerized by the fantastic thing about the temple. On the banks of the Chao Praya River, Wat Arun is nearly in entrance of Wat Pho, and to get there it’s worthwhile to catch a public ferry that crosses the river.
It’s an incredible expertise, particularly if you happen to climb the 67 meters excessive pagoda. The steps are steep, however the view from the highest is just gorgeous. The Wat Arun is open every day from 8:30 AM to five:30 PM.
If you’re bored with strolling however nonetheless wish to admire the fantastic thing about Wat Arun, seize a desk on the Sala Rattanakosin Rooftop bar and chill out whereas watching the sundown. The solar sinking behind the temple might be a spotlight of your first time in Bangkok!
> A private advice: Wat Ratchanatdaram
It’s not probably the most well-known temple or attraction in Bangkok, however in my view, it needs to be. I really like the structure and design of this temple, particularly at night-time when it’s all lit up. The temple opens every day from 8:00 AM to five:00 PM and it’s free entrance.
> Floating Market, the true one, not the vacationer lure!
Boats filled with fruits and veggies, individuals buying and selling on the banks of the canals, the odor of Thai meals within the air… That is what you get when visiting a conventional floating market in Bangkok. However not all of the floating markets are definitely worth the go to, a few of them are actual vacationer traps. As all of the floating markets are exterior Bangkok, you have to go on a tour or use a information to take you there. The issue is that a lot of the excursions will take you to most vacationer markets, with boats filled with vacationer teams, souvenirs, and selfie sticks.
We’ve visited some floating markets in Bangkok, and I used to be form of dissatisfied, till my final expertise. We select a tour known as A Good Floating Market Day with TakeMeTour [click on the tour name to see the details], and we beloved it. The identify of the tour set some excessive expectations, however Maitree [our guide] and his household didn’t disappoint us. If you’re touring to Bangkok for the primary time, that is the kind of expertise it’s worthwhile to have, a correct introduction to Thai tradition.
Maitree is an fanatic for Thai tradition and meals. We met him on the BTS station and headed collectively to the Klong Lad Mayom floating market. After a couple of minutes’ drive, we parked on a mud street, full of individuals carrying buying luggage, youngsters taking part in and having fun with their Sunday.
The odor of meals, the colour of the fruits, and the scorching sound coming from the wok pans have been superb. It was a sensorial expertise, scrumptious in each sense, excellent for a primary time in Bangkok. The moist market on the canal banks was only the start. After tasting some Thai sweets we caught a longtail boat and began a tour by means of the canals. Our first cease was on a temple, the place we witnessed a ceremony and even obtained a blessing from a monk!
Our information defined every little thing concerning the ritual, how we should always behave, and what the monk would do. So we took off our sneakers, grabbed an providing to the temple, and bought down on our knees. A novel second that made me really feel near the Thai tradition, a second whereas we didn’t really feel like vacationers, however really like locals, surrounded by mates and households.
Then the boat stored navigating by means of the slim canals, with twists, turns and a few water splashing. Our second cease was in an Orchid Backyard after which we headed again to the market. On the best way, we handed by boats with monks, individuals promoting meals alongside the canal, and a few picket Thai homes that have been really masterpieces.
E book your floating market tour in Bangkok right here!
Again on the market we purchased takeaway meals and headed again to Maitree’s grandma’s home, a conventional Thai home overlooking one of many many rivers in Bangkok. And there she was, Grandma, 81 years previous, carrying an enormous smile and eyes filled with knowledge. I didn’t converse any Thai, she couldn’t converse English, however we bought alongside very quick.
She heated up the wok, and began cooking Pad Thai [one of my favorite Thai dishes], exhibiting me the components, easy methods to maneuver the pan, and stir fry the prawns and noodles. She made every little thing seems to be really easy and yummy.
Then it was my flip on the wok, and present {that a} Brazilian woman may also cook dinner Pad Thai. The warmth from the fireplace, the recent pan that I needed to maintain, the countless stir-frying strikes made me sweat. However sure, I cooked a Pad Thai, not as quick as grandma, however scrumptious. We recorded a video of my cooking expertise, test it out! We had a feast: Pad Thai, grilled fish, papaya salad, fish tartar, tropical fruits and Thai sweets. A desk filled with flavors and laughs, an incredible expertise.
So now you understand, in your first journey to Bangkok, you have to do it proper, go to an actual floating market, and learn to cook dinner a Pad Thai. E book a tour that might be price your time and money, and that will provide you with reminiscences for a lifetime.
> Chinatown
The deal with for scrumptious meals, attention-grabbing retailers and a really Chinese language vibe. Chinatown is a unique world, particularly if you happen to enterprise past Yaowarat Highway. Discover the streets and alleys, go to the temples, attempt avenue meals and desserts. Go to the retailers to purchase tea, herbs and plenty of unusual stuff you can solely discover there. Arrive in Chinatown earlier than 5:00 PM and go to the Wat Traimit Temple, there you possibly can see the most important gold Buddha on this planet, 3 meters large and three.91 meters tall. It’s stunning! Take a look at this video:
> Jim Thompson Home
A journey information for the primary time in Bangkok gained’t be full and not using a go to to the Jim Thompson Home. In the course of the busiest space of Bangkok, the home/museum is like an oasis, filled with inexperienced, arts, and legends. Go there to admire the silk work and legacy of Jim Thompson, and likewise to find the conspiracy story behind his life in Thailand.
> Lumpini Park
Within the coronary heart of Bangkok, Lumpini Park is a inexperienced escape for locals and vacationers. My suggestion is to go there early within the morning, round 7:00 AM, so you possibly can admire the teams doing Tai Chi Chuan with swords, yoga courses for all ages, individuals exercising in the course of the backyard, and the massive monitor lizards strolling across the park.
> Chao Phraya River
In your first time in Bangkok, you have to cruise on the Chao Phraya River. There are many methods to do it: personal longtail boat tour, dinner cruise, and even on a standard public transportation boat. All of it will depend on how a lot you wish to spend and how much expertise you wish to have.
If you’re searching for one thing extra romantic in your first time in Bangkok, go on a non-public longtail cruise. The perfect is to e-book it upfront by way of GetYourGuide, or you possibly can go to the Sathorn-Taksin Pier [Central Pier], the place you’ll discover many boats ready for vacationers. Don’t overlook to barter the value.
Another choice is to hop on the Chao Phraya Categorical Boat and commute alongside the river with different vacationers and locals. The blue flag boat is the vacationer route, and the yellow or orange flag is the common public transportation.
> Muay Thai, The Thai Boxing
Greater than a sport, Muay Thai is a practice in Thailand. If throughout your first time in Bangkok, you wish to watch an actual Muay Thai struggle go to Lumpinee Stadium or Rajadamnern Stadium. Verify on their web site the dates/time of the fights, and e-book the ticket on-line. Please, don’t purchase tickets from any vendor in entrance of the stadium, solely on the ticket sales space. There are many scams occurring there, you possibly can find yourself paying twice as a lot or getting a pretend VIP ticket.
> Khao San Highway
This is among the most well-known addresses in Bangkok. Khao San Highway is understood for the backpackers’ scene, the bars, low-cost drinks and avenue meals. Some individuals like it, others hate it, that’s why in your first time in Bangkok you have to go there and see it by your self.
If you wish to purchase souvenirs this is among the greatest locations to go in Bangkok. In the course of the day the road is filled with retailers promoting all forms of crafts, garments, excursions, tattoos and far more.
At night time time, the bars stretch their tables and chairs over the road and Khao San Highway turns into an enormous celebration.
> Rooftop Bars in Bangkok
Bangkok has wonderful eating, worldwide cocktails and views to die for. My advice on your first time in Bangkok is to go to a rooftop bar a minimum of for one night time. Be ready to spend greater than regular and gown properly.
The perfect rooftops in Bangkok are Vertigo and the Moon Bar at Banyan Tree Lodge, Sky Bar – Lebua at State Tower [that became famous after the movie Hangover 2], Octave Rooftop Bar at Marriott Lodge, and the normal ThreeSixty on the Millennium Hilton Bangkok. You need to e-book a desk upfront if you wish to have dinner at one in all them.
There are many rooftop bars in Bangkok which are much less well-known, much less crowded and fewer choosy with the gown code than those I discussed above. I really like the Park Society at SO-Sofitel. It has a jaw-dropping view of Lumpini Park and the Bangkok skyline, a superbly embellished place and nice cocktails.
We’re midway by means of our first-time information to Bangkok. Now it’s time to speak about markets and buying malls, as a result of in your Bangkok itinerary, it is possible for you to to buy until you drop!
First time in Bangkok: the place to buy?
In Bangkok, you’ll find buying facilities and markets for all tastes and pockets. From classic garments and antiques to modern Asian designers and worldwide manufacturers. Bangkok is a buying paradise. However earlier than hitting the fashionable buying malls, there are two conventional Thai Markets that it’s worthwhile to go to in your first time in Bangkok.
> Chatuchak, the largest market in Thailand
Chatuchak is among the greatest weekend markets on this planet, a fancy that covers a 35-acre space, with greater than 8 thousand stalls, and on regular days over 200,000 guests might be buying there.
A go to to Chatuchak Market is a should in your first time in Bangkok. What to do if you arrive there? Attempt to not get misplaced and purchase plenty of cool stuff! Garments, furnishings, crafts, meals, and dwelling put on, they also have a part for crops and a spot to promote animals.
Chatuchak is insanely large! It’s open on Saturdays and Sundays, from 9:00 AM to five:00 PM, go early within the morning to keep away from the crowds and the warmth.
> Pak Klong Talad, The Bangkok Flower Market
A universe of colours and smells, the Flower Market in Bangkok is an intense expertise, however sadly many vacationers that go to Bangkok for the primary time don’t go there. The market is open 24 hours, however it will get actually busy after midnight. For those who don’t wish to miss your bedtime, go to the flower market round 7:00 PM and it is possible for you to to see the women engaged on the bouquets and garlands.
> Siam Paragon, MBK, EmQuartier and far more…
The perfect locations in Bangkok for buying are round Sukhumvit Highway. There you’ll discover Siam Paragon, Central World, MBK [the electronic paradise], and the tremendous posh EmQuartier. Sukhumvit can be the deal with for bars and nightclubs, so understand that throughout your first journey to Bangkok, you need to spend a few hours there.
> Asiatique
Asiatique is a fancy of eating places, retailers and enjoyable, all in a classy open-air mall constructed on the south banks of the ChaoPhraya River. To get there the most suitable choice is to go to Sathorn – Taksin Pier and from there get the free shuttle boat to the mall.
First time in Bangkok: what to do if you arrive?
You’ve made it to Bangkok and arrived on the airport protected and sound, so what now?? The very first thing it’s worthwhile to do after passing the immigration is to purchase an area SIM Card. Imagine me, you will want an web connection to discover Bangkok, get taxis, verify the general public transportation and discover on Google Maps the good locations I really helpful.
Search for a DTAC store, there you possibly can get the Glad Vacationer SIM card, it’s simple, quick and dependable. The workers from the store may also help you with the settings and you might be able to go. Select between the 7-days plan or 15 days, each with limitless web plus calls. You’ll get nice protection throughout Thailand
> Easy methods to get round Bangkok
Bangkok has two airports. Suvarnabhumi Worldwide Airport is the largest one and from there you will get a prepare that brings you to the guts of the town the place you possibly can join with different public transportation, or get a taxi to your lodge.
Don’t get a taxi straight from the airport to your lodge, you’ll get caught in visitors for ages and that’s one thing we don’t need on your first time in Bangkok.
For those who land at Don Muang Airport, you will get the prepare that goes to Bang Sue Practice station or you will get a taxi from the terminal to the BTS Station Mo Chit [ask the driver to take the tollway, it will be a 50 bath more expensive, but you will save time]. From Bang Sue Station or Mo Chit BTS station, you possibly can attain nearly in all places in Bangkok.
In case your lodge is within the Sukhumvit or Sathorn space you possibly can undoubtedly go by prepare. If you’re staying at Khao San Highway, Chinatown, or someplace alongside the riverside, then a taxi may be the most suitable choice. Use the map in your cellphone to search out your means.
The BTS, MRT, taxis, buses, boats and tuk-tuks are the transports out there in Bangkok, and you should use all of them, simply watch out.
Taxi drivers are inclined to not use the taximeter [they ask for outrageous flat rates] and more often than not they don’t have a clue concerning the deal with. So obtain the GrabTaxi App in your cellphone, it’s quick, and protected and you’ll save time and vitality.
First time in Bangkok: the place to eat? What to eat?
Thai meals is scrumptious however is usually a problem for first-time vacationers, particularly if you’re not used to spicy meals. It’s arduous to counsel locations to eat as all of us have completely different tastes, a few of us are vegetarian, and others have meals allergy symptoms [as me].
We by no means had an issue consuming avenue meals in Bangkok, and we beloved it. Earlier than ordering take a look across the meals stalls, if it seems to be clear sufficient, if you happen to see locals consuming there and if the meals seems to be good, then give it a attempt.
Our favourite avenue meals are: Pad Thai, Som Tam [papaya salad], Massaman Curry, Braised Pork Noodle Soup [the best ones are the food charters in front of the 7-11 shops], Fried Rice, Rooster Satay, Tom Kha Gai Soup, Tom Yum Soup, and for dessert Sticky Rice Mango and Roti. Here’s a checklist explaining all of the Thai dishes we talked about and plenty of extra.
Chinatown, previous city, Khao San Highway and Sukhumvit are the very best locations to attempt avenue meals in your first time in Bangkok.
If you’re vegetarian or vegan, my favourite locations are Ethos Restaurant or Might Kai Dee, each near Khao San. Additionally, don’t overlook to attempt the fruits and juices, it’s protected to purchase them from the stalls on the road.
For Western delicacies, the choices are countless too, particularly in Sukhumvit, Sathorn, and Thonglor areas.
First time in Bangkok: what to do to be protected?
Thailand is a protected nation, however as in some other massive metropolis, in Bangkok, you have to take care of your self.
So, what to do to be protected throughout your first journey to Bangkok? Earlier than even arriving in Thailand you have to buy journey insurance coverage to guard your self and your belongings. We all the time have good insurance coverage, so once I bought actually sick and was rushed to the hospital in Thailand, they coated all my bills.
Journey Recommendation:
Don’t overlook your Journey Insurance coverage! You don’t need something to destroy your journey, proper? So don’t take the danger! Dependable journey insurance coverage may also help you in case of journey points, from accidents to well being issues, journey delays, and misplaced baggage.
There are various insurances available in the market, our picks are HeyMondo and SafetyWing. We used each and all the time had an excellent expertise. Click on on the insurance coverage names to get a quote.
Additionally, don’t be too flashy, preserve your cash and passport in a protected place. We use a cash belt for our passports, massive cash and financial institution playing cards. If it’s worthwhile to change cash, do it in a financial institution, it’s safer and so they have good charges.
One other journey tip on your first time in Bangkok: ask the lodge reception to put in writing in Thai the identify, deal with and cellphone variety of your Lodge, so you possibly can present it to a taxi driver or to any native in case of emergency.
However is Bangkok actually protected for vacationers? Sure, however it’s worthwhile to watch out. We wrote a complete information about security in Bangkok, learn it right here!
First time in Bangkok: easy methods to keep away from scams?
For those who really feel that one thing is flawed, or if the supply is simply too good to be true, concentrate! That is the second your rip-off alarm ought to ring! Thai individuals are very nice and beautiful, but when they’re attempting too arduous to persuade you about one thing, it may be a rip-off. In your first time in Bangkok attempt to keep away from these widespread scams:
> “Immediately it’s closed, however I can take you to a greater place!”
You cease a taxi or a tuk-tuk, inform the driving force you wish to go to the Grand Palace, or some other attraction in Bangkok and the driving force tells you the place is closed. “It’s closed at this time my pal, however I can take you to a different stunning temple, and you’ll buy groceries”. These are the magical phrases, instantly get out of the automobile and stroll away. This is among the most typical scams in Bangkok, every single day dozens of vacationers find yourself going to jewellery retailers, tailors and being pressured to buy any form of merchandise.
> Tremendous low-cost tuk-tuk trip
Thailand is an inexpensive nation, so if somebody gives you an excellent low-cost tuk-tuk or taxi trip you need to run away [again]. The driving force will in all probability take you to a tour operator, a store or restaurant as a substitute of driving you to the vacation spot you requested for. They do this so that they get a fee from the retailers and eating places.
> “I’ve a pal that may make it easier to, very very low-cost!”
Once more, watch out! Thai individuals are genuinely good and useful, however too many guarantees ought to make you assume twice. If in case you have issues or any doubts concerning the metropolis, ask at your lodge reception or name the Vacationer Police at 1155, it’s free from any quantity.
> “It’s worthwhile to purchase pants!”
In entrance of the Grand Palace and different vacationer sights, you will note avenue stalls promoting pants, scarves, sarongs and providing “official” tour guides. They may let you know that to enter the temple it’s worthwhile to put on correct pants and canopy your shoulders, and also you MUST purchase from them as a result of there isn’t any different choice contained in the temple.
A part of this assertion is true, you have to gown respectfully to get contained in the temples in Bangkok, however the different half is a lie. Contained in the temples, you get FREE sarongs and scarves to cowl your self, and on the Grand Palace, it’s worthwhile to lease it, round 30 to 50 Tub per piece.
> “I can take you to an excellent and low-cost ping pong present”
Yearly a whole lot of vacationers get scammed within the pink gentle district and ping pong reveals. There may be nothing flawed to benefit from the naughty nightlife of Bangkok, however do it in a protected means.
So, it’s your first time in Bangkok, what must you do to see a ping pong present? First: by no means belief a taxi or tuk-tuk driver that approaches you in the course of the road providing an excellent and low-cost ping pong present. Rip-off Alert! He’ll take you to a dodgy place, and also you would possibly get your self into hassle.
To go to the ladies’ bar, the most suitable choice is to get a standard taxi [Grab Taxi works fine] and ask the driving force to take you to Soi Cowboy [the most organized red light district in Bangkok], Patpong [the most touristy one], or Nana Plaza [in the heart of Sukhumvit, famous for Ladyboys]. Earlier than getting into the bar verify the doorway charge, the costs, and the foundations.
Now you understand nearly every little thing! Easy methods to plan the itinerary on your first time in Bangkok, what to do, sights, the place to remain in Bangkok, issues of safety and even easy methods to keep away from scams.
That is the longest publish we wrote on our weblog and imagine me, we didn’t cowl all of the issues to do in Bangkok. If you’re staying greater than 5 days and have the vitality to discover additional, we have now yet one more journey information for you: unique and funky issues to do in Bangkok, just like the second step out of your first-time information to Bangkok.
If you wish to plan your journey funds, we have now one other publish for you: how a lot it’s worthwhile to journey in Bangkok and in Thailand, test it out.
On the lookout for extra journey tricks to Thailand? Learn all our guides to Thailand right here!
Nonetheless have doubts about easy methods to arrange your first journey to Bangkok, what to do and the place to remain? Don’t be shy, depart a query within the feedback under. And don’t overlook to e-book your motels and tour by means of our hyperlinks, doing that you simply assist us to maintain writing nice journey guides like this one!
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