If you’re travelling to Bangkok for the first time you might’ve already listened to enough tips, warnings and advice to be able to write a book on the subject. Depending on who you talk to, Bangkok is portrayed as anything from a poverty-stricken danger zone to a playground for dirty old men. Don’t listen to these, frankly, hysterical opinions.
We have several lifetimes’ worth of knowledge about what it’s like to be a foreigner in Bangkok, so we’ve compiled the information we most wish we knew the first time the plane touched down at Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Mueang International Airport.
Use the official taxi queue at the airport
First thing first, you’ve landed at the airport and felt the first hot rush of Bangkok air. You collect your bags and head out to catch a taxi into town – don’t go with the friendly touts with their big smiles because they’ll charge you 3 or 4 times more than the official ‘metre’ price. Go to the ground floor and join the fast-moving official taxi queue.
You tell the lady where you’d like to go… she writes it down in Thai, explains to the taxi driver, and away you go. There’s usually a 50 baht surcharge added to the price but it’s well worth it for a quick and convenient taxi to your hotel. In Thailand, all taxis should use a metre.
Try to use public transport (especially during rush hour)
It might sound somewhat counterintuitive, but the fastest way to get around Bangkok is by public transport. From 7am to 9am and between 5pm and 7pm, the roads of Bangkok become a quagmire of cars, buses, tuk-tuks, and motorbikes.
Instead, make use of Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain, subway and, often overlooked, boat networks. This is vital when trying to cut across town to the temples and palaces of the Old City from the tourist centres of Sukhumvit and Silom.
Carry small change and bills
Carrying a pocket full of coins and 20 baht notes might be a little inconvenient, but it’ll help you out considerably when paying for transport or food at local restaurants. Many taxi drivers and food vendors won’t be able to break a 1,000 baht note. And running around trying to find a 7-Eleven isn’t much fun in the midday sun, even less so in a tropical storm!
Remember that prices in Bangkok vary
Something that takes some getting used to for first-time visitors to Bangkok is that there are many products at vastly varying prices. There are several reasons for this, but the most prevalent one is that traders are trying to take advantage of tourists’ ignorance about the true cost of things in the Thai capital.
A good rule of thumb dictates that the higher the proportion of tourists, the higher the cost of things for sale. At markets such as Chatuchak, Pratunam and Asiatique, many items don’t have a price tag and haggling for a discount is common – perhaps even expected. It’s also a surprise to find different prices quoted at different stalls within the same market!
Dress appropriately for temple visits
Many of us want to get a bit of a tan when the sun is out, but it’s important to remember that Buddhism is still a very central part of life in Thailand. So, when visiting temples, shoulders and anything above the knee should be covered up.
This is especially good advice for when visiting The Grand Palace, as you may be forced to rent a pair of baggy pyjamas and a 1970s-style floral shawl if your attire is deemed ‘inappropriate’.
Pack light and save space for shopping
Whether you like exploring the packed alleyways of Chatuchak, finding the latest designer fashion in Siam Square or top-end accessories from Siam Paragon Shopping Mall, Bangkok has got you covered. Shopping is undoubtedly one of the highlights to many people’s Bangkok experiences, so resist the temptation to pack your suitcase to the brim.
Instead, buy the majority of your holiday clothes when you arrive. The markets and malls of Bangkok are rightly considered some of the best in the world, with prices often cheaper than back in your home country. Tourists can enjoy even more deals with discount cards and VAT refunds!
