Bangkok is among the many prime most visited cities in Southeast Asia, welcoming tens of millions of vacationers yearly. It’s a kind of locations our group actually appears to be like ahead to visiting time and again. Its vigorous nightlife, bustling purchasing districts, historic landmarks, and wealthy culinary scene make up for the absence of seashores that vacationers normally search for in a vacation spot. And naturally, it’s affordability, attracting droves of price range vacationers across the globe.
For us Pinoy vacationers, its proximity to us can also be an enormous issue why it’s amongst our favourite worldwide locations. Plus, the truth that we don’t must safe a visa to enter Thailand as a result of we’re ASEAN neighbors. It’s straightforward to really feel snug when exploring Bangkok due to our similarities, however this familiarity can typically lead us to miss necessary particulars and trigger us to commit errors. We should nonetheless remind ourselves that we’re nonetheless guests and should pay attention to cultural norms and traditions whereas we’re right here to keep away from any issues.
Whether or not it’s your first time touring or not, it’s necessary to familiarize your self with the tradition and guidelines of the place you’re visiting. This can show you how to be extra conscious of your actions whereas exploring. Listed below are some widespread errors vacationers make in Bangkok.
1. Don’t get confused with Thai Baht notes.
Thai baht is the official foreign money of Thailand. At all times examine the banknotes or payments you’re holding earlier than paying for one thing as a result of they look comparable and the colours are virtually the identical. It’s a bit complicated, particularly if it’s your first time to go to the nation. Don’t confuse 50 with 500, in addition to 100 with 1,000 (its highest worth banknote). As a lot as potential, separate the 50 and 100 payments with the five hundred and 1,000 payments.
One other factor to be aware of is the king’s portrait printed on them. There’s a chance that you simply would possibly see two totally different faces. Some banknotes function King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), the present king, whereas different payments nonetheless carry the image of King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Nice (Rama IX), the late king. There’s nothing to fret, although, as a result of each variations are accepted.
As of writing, the alternate fee of Thai baht (THB) to Philippine peso (PhP) is 1 (THB) = 1.6 (PHP). For straightforward reference, a ฿100 is equal to about ₱160.
2. Don’t underestimate hot-and-spicy ranges.
Thais love spicy meals. It’s already of their DNA. However even with this in thoughts, we nonetheless get blown away by the extent of spiciness of their dishes! Our group can deal with spicy meals. However for me, their NORMAL spicy is already my EXTREME stage, experiencing all of those on the similar time: involuntarily shedding tears, sauna-level sweating, and instantaneous runny nostril. Hahaha!
By default, most — if not all — of their dishes are spicy. Consider tom yum, som tam (papaya salad), pad kra pao (floor pork with basil), curries (purple, yellow, or inexperienced), and different standard Thai dishes. They’re usually spicy. However don’t fret! As a result of Thais are used to vacationers, most institutions and meals stalls can alter the spiciness stage. They’ll normally ask you the way spicy you need your dish to be — not spicy, gentle, or spicy.
REMINDER! Their “gentle” is commonly the equal of tremendous spicy for the bizarre Pinoy palate, so it’s safer to simply go for “NOT SPICY/NO SPICY” stage.
On the lookout for a guided meals tour in Bangkok? Take into account this midnight meals tour from Klook! Fulfill your starvation for Thai meals and tradition as you scour the streets of Bangkok in a Tuktuk!
✅ BANGKOK MIDNIGHT FOOD TOUR by TUKTUK
✅ You may as well try our extra detailed Bangkok meals journey article right here: The place to Eat Low-cost in Bangkok
3. Don’t keep within the unsuitable space.
Bangkok isn’t in need of lodging choices. Many districts are thought of splendid vacationer bases. Nonetheless, they cater to various kinds of vacationers. Every district has its professionals and cons. So, the place is the perfect space to remain in Bangkok? Selecting the suitable base for you’ll rely in your priorities — price range, consolation, accessibility, and itinerary.
Listed below are a few of the standard bases for vacationers:
Bang Lamphu District
You’ll discover Bangkok’s hottest backpacking hub — Khao San Street. This space is dotted with inexpensive hostels and evening spots. That is excellent for backpackers and people touring on a price range. If you’re touring as a household, particularly with children and aged or when you favor a quieter place, this may not be the most suitable choice for you. One other factor to notice is that it’s removed from each BTS or MRT strains.
Listed below are a few of the top-rated properties within the space primarily based on on-line person evaluations:
Sukhumvit Street
That is a part of the nationwide freeway and is a significant highway in Bangkok, working from central Bangkok to the southeastern provinces of Thailand. Most areas inside Bangkok are very accessible by way of BTS Skytrain, particularly Nana and Asok (or Asoke). It additionally has a vibrant evening scene, splendid for these in search of evening cap.
Listed below are a few of the top-rated properties within the space primarily based on on-line person evaluations:
Siam Space
Take into account this space, notably the world close to Siam Sq., in case you are touring with your loved ones. It’s handy and family-friendly as a result of it’s centrally positioned and covers quite a few BTS stations, so it’s additionally very accessible. As a well-liked purchasing district, the world is bustling with retailers and customers in the course of the day.
Listed below are a few of the top-rated properties within the space primarily based on on-line person evaluations:
Silom Space
This notably consult with the world near Silom Street, working between Sala Daeng Station and Saphan Taksin Station. That is Bangkok’s enterprise district, so it exudes a critical vibe in the course of the day, however come night, it turns into energetic and wild! It boasts variety of golf equipment and bars, together with homosexual golf equipment, and the best focus of drag exhibits. If you’re a member of the LGBTQIA+ group otherwise you’re a fan of drag exhibits, this could be your turf.
Listed below are a few of the top-rated properties within the space primarily based on on-line person evaluations:
Seek for extra Bangkok Lodges!
4. Don’t converse ailing in regards to the Thai royalty.
Do you know that you would be able to be imprisoned for insulting or defaming the Thai royalty? Based on Part 112 of Thai Felony Code: “Whoever defames, insults or threatens the King, the Queen, the Inheritor-apparent or the Regent, shall be punished with imprisonment of three to fifteen years.” This regulation doesn’t solely apply to locals but additionally to foreigners/vacationers.
The locals have a excessive regard for the Royal Household. All all through the nation, particularly in Bangkok, you’ll see quite a few portraits of the king and different members of the royal household — alongside the highway, malls, and different institutions. It’s actually not a clever transfer to insult or converse ailing in regards to the Royal Household. Once more, it’s towards the regulation.
5. Don’t costume inappropriately at Grand Palace.
Most of Bangkok’s key vacationer sights are non secular websites — Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and Temple of the Emerald Buddha throughout the Grand Palace. They’re all accessible to the general public, however it’s worthwhile to costume appropriately to enter these locations.
On the Grand Palace, they’re strict. You really want to observe the costume code. This implies, NO:
- sleeveless shirts
- quick tops
- vests
- see-through tops
- torn pants
- quick scorching pants/quick pants
- tight pants
- bike pants/biking shorts
- mini skirts
- sandals/slippers
The basic rule is, the knees, shoulders, and heels have to be lined. You could deliver a sarong for canopy or further free pants and outerwear. In any other case, you’ll be compelled to buy there. On our earlier go to (2022), Yosh needed to buy a pair of pants as a result of he forgot that we’re going to the Grand Palace that day. LOL! Previously, it was regular to lease clothes, however that point, no extra rental place in sight.
6. Don’t simply consider that the temples are closed.
And whereas we’re with reference to visiting temples, it additionally helps to analysis first earlier than going, so that you gained’t fall for scams. One of many typical scams round key vacationer sights, particularly temples, is when somebody approaches you on the entrance of a temple and can “inform” you that it’s CLOSED for the day. One other model is, solely locals are allowed to enter for “prayer” time and the temple will open at a later time.
REMEMBER! Their aim is to make you consider that you would be able to’t enter the temple, to allow them to counsel one other temple or vacationer spot to you. They’ll normally introduce themselves as a tour information or a instructor. When you fall for it, they’ll “hail” a tuktuk for you (which is definitely their confederate).
Often, the tuktuk driver will make a cease at a memento retailer (jewellery retailer, tailor store, and many others.) earlier than taking you to a instructed vacationer attraction. Each the tuktuk fare and the memento merchandise value are unreasonably excessive, you’ll really feel robbed.
You are able to do temple-hopping by your self, however when you favor a guided tour that additionally consists of different iconic temples and landmarks in Bangkok, you will discover one from Klook! This one additionally covers admission tickets, an English-speaking information, a ship switch price, insurance coverage, a refreshing face towel, and consuming water.
✅ BOOK GRAND PALACE & TEMPLES GUIDED TOUR HERE!
7. Don’t fall for Tuktuk and taxi scams.
One other rip-off alert! Properly, this additionally occurs in different cities and nations: taxis or native/conventional autos overcharging passengers. Tuktuk is a motorized three-wheeled car in Thailand, very similar to our Pinoy tricycles. It not solely serves as one of many technique of transportation in Bangkok but additionally amongst its icons. If you wish to expertise using a tuktuk, simply keep in mind to NEGOTIATE and AGREE on the value first earlier than the experience begins.
Unsure in regards to the fare? You may as well obtain the Seize app, which incorporates GrabTuktuk within the choices. There, you possibly can e-book a tuktuk with out having to guess how a lot the experience will price you as a result of it should instantly mirror the fare.
In fact, you’ll want web connection to easily navigate town and securing a experience by way of Seize (and different ride-hailing apps). You may get a Information SIM or WiFi conveniently on-line by way of Klook!
Alright, transferring on! In our case, if our subsequent cease will not be walkable (we love strolling!) or if we’re removed from any practice stations, we normally favor utilizing Seize app over hailing a taxi. There are common taxi drivers who actually don’t need to flip their meter on and can simply cost you double or triple, particularly round touristy spots like Khao San Street and the temple advanced.
If you’re not touring with a gaggle or you’re a solo traveler, you can even e-book their GrabBike, which is a bike taxi possibility.
8. Don’t get scammed at a ping pong present.
If you’re desirous about desk tennis, this isn’t it. Ping pong exhibits in Bangkok are totally different. Actually, nobody from the group noticed or went to those exhibits, however to present you an thought, it’s normally carried out in strip golf equipment. That’s the farthest I can go. Hahaha! In order for you extra data, simply search about it on Google or try Nationwide Geographic’s Rip-off Metropolis documentary particular on YouTube.
Anyway, this is likely one of the power and widespread scams in Bangkok, particularly in purple mild districts. Touts carrying posters alongside busy strips will lure vacationers with “free ping pong present” provide; you solely want to purchase drinks. WARNING! That is in all probability the most costly drink you’ll ever purchase whereas in Bangkok, even amounting to hundreds of baht.
So, it’s okay to be paranoid typically. At all times suppose twice when the provide is just too good to be true.
In order for you protected nightlife enjoyable, you’ll discover many protected and respected operators and guides on-line. E-book the one which fits your choice for the pub crawl expertise. The package deal under consists of stopping at Cowboy Road, Nana plaza, and the nightclub space. You even have the choice to affix a gaggle or avail of the non-public tour.
9. Don’t neglect to discount at some retailers. However don’t overdo it.
Bangkok is called one of the inexpensive cities on the planet, making it a paradise for purchasing fans! Yow will discover loads of good-quality objects at low costs. And the perfect half? You possibly can nonetheless discount over the value!
Typically, the value displayed will not be the ultimate value, and retailer homeowners or distributors count on clients to barter. Often, the low cost is extra important if you are going to buy multiple merchandise. TIP! If you happen to’re a gaggle, you possibly can mix and buy your objects as a single transaction.
Beneath are the favored purchasing locations in Bangkok:
- Platinum Vogue Mall
- Palladium World Procuring
- Chatuchak Market
- Union Mall
Pleased purchasing! Only a pleasant reminder: haggle moderately and respectfully.
10. Don’t dismiss tax refund.
Do you know that you’re eligible to assert the Tax Refund in Thailand while you attain the minimal quantity of two,000 baht from taking part shops? YES! To make sure that your buy shall be counted, search for the VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS signal on the retailer.
How you can Get Tax Refund
Right here’s a step-by-step information on methods to avail of the Tax Refund:
- Step 1: When paying on the retailer’s cashier, allow them to know that you simply need to avail of the tax refund. They’ll ask to your passport, so be sure to have it with you.
- Step 2: Often, it’s worthwhile to fill out the yellow Tax Refund Type at a separate Tax Refund counter. Typically, the workers will fill out the shape for you and also you solely must signal it. Hold the shape with you. Don’t lose it.
- Step 3: On the airport, don’t examine in your baggage but if the entire quantity of the objects you buy is over ฿20,000. Head first to the VAT Refund counter, particularly the customs examine counter, on the departure corridor. Then, current your passport and all of your tax refund varieties. They’ll examine the varieties and stamp them if every thing is cleared. Typically, they will even examine the objects, so its necessary to do that first earlier than checking in your baggage. If the entire quantity of your buy is lower than ฿20,000, you might skip this step and proceed to Step 4.
- Step 4: After going by way of the Immigration course of, search for the Tax Refund Counter (airside space), after which current your passport and tax refund varieties. Once more, if the entire quantity of your receipts is greater than 20,000 baht, the varieties ought to have stamps.
- Step 5: Upon checking and affirmation, the workers will lastly hand you the cashback cash (in Thai baht). Woohoo!
Have Peace of Thoughts Whereas Touring!
Getting a journey insurance coverage is optionally available, however we extremely advocate this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey could be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it offers us peace of thoughts in case of surprising delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For worldwide locations, take into account PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You possibly can GET IT HERE. Don’t neglect to make use of WORTHIT for a particular inexpensive fee.
Updates Log
2025 4 22 – First uploaded
