I had just come back from a week long celebration of Songkran in Bangkok. It was quite a fun and exhilarating experience to say the least. Songkran in Bangkok is definitely one of the best times to visit Thailand and once all the wet and wild parties are done, it is also the best place to dine and shop. I shall be talking more about my Songkran experience in a following article, but for now I have come to realize through friends that there are many questions about what one has to do and prepare for if ever they do decide to visit Bangkok. Below is a compiled list of things to take note of when visiting Bangkok, Thailand.
1. Download a Map of Bangkok and Get a Paper Copy just in case. That includes the Map of the BTS which is quite a budget saver once you figure your way around the Metro using it. Personally it isn't too hard to figure out and the Thai's are quite helpful enough to guide you to where you need to go. I also recommend checking the map but dont make it too obvious as unfortunately there are like in many countries tourist trolls waiting to catch a quick buck from first time unsuspecting travelers. There are tourist assistant stations at the airport and the hotel where you can get information on how to get around to and from your chosen destinations.
For Android users:
- Bangkok City Guide App
- Bangkok Fare Calculator
2. Drink Lots of Fluids. Bangkok is a very humid city and if you aren't too careful, you might find yourself rather dehydrated badly. Luckily there are a lot of 7/11 shops at almost every corner of Bangkok and from experience the prices aren't too far if not similar to that of the regular grocery rates. You can also buy drinks from street vendors, but be careful to only drink from sealed bottles and cans. The water from the faucets of Bangkok is not drinkable.
3. Beware of Scammers. As I have mentioned earlier, walking around with a map is like walking around with a big sign to everyone that you are a willing target for scammers. When someone asks you if it is your first time in Bangkok, even if it is, say that you have been here several times. The favorite spots for scammers are in the tourist spots and can be the most polite person imaginable saying that The Grand Palace is closed for the moment and shall direct you to another location and set up a tuk tuk ride for you. You'd be surprised as to how extensive and seemingly organized they can be at getting tourists to believe them. If you fall prey to them, you'd be lucky to simply get forced to go to souvenir shop after souvenir shop. The worst is that you might end up loosing every dime and getting swindled into buying fake jewels. The general rule is that if a Thai approaches you, they'd be after something other than just a simple chat.
4. Barter but barter gently. Bangkok is a street market culture. From the break of dawn till the wee hours of the night, you'd be greeted with a sight of street vendors, peddling products that range from local produce to clothing and accessories. You can haggle for a discount of roughly about 10-40% and if the price doesn't seem right for you, you can by all means simply walk away, though generally that'll get you a last ditch price negotiation. Be very careful though when buying gadgets off the street as you would most likely be getting a knock off.
5. Go for an Organized Tour. Even if one would have those useful travel applications that would help guide you to the best tourist spots, it is still best to go with a tour guide that can help you go through these spots with less hassle and even give you tidbits of history. You can book it with your hotel and this helps keeps the scammers at bay.
6. Always carry a photocopy of your passport and an ID. There are many times when you might encounter ID checks especially at certain establishments that need an age verification prior to being allowed entry. It also is a good thing to have in cases of emergencies.
7. When grabbing a Cab/Taxi, insist on running the meter. There will be times when a taxi driver shall try to swindle you if this isn't done. You should also have a Thai translation written on Paper of where you want to go and instructions on how to get there which can be done by the Tourist Assistant Desk in the Airport and Hotel. You are however responsible for any Toll Fees along the way so please prepare some change. There are only but a few places though that I have encountered where I needed to use a Cab/Taxi in Bangkok as most of the places like Siam and Silom are quite accessible via BTS.
Overall Bangkok is such an amazing city to visit and the food is just so good, whether it be street food or from a fine dining restaurant. The people are generally nice and quite helpful and there is always something new happening every time you get to come back for a visit. The historical sites are a must see and Songkran is a must experience. Best time to visit Thailand is practically all year round and there is no dull day as there are so many things you can get to do and visit in Bangkok. Just remember to keep an open mind and be street smart ;)
Till Next Time...
-Metz-
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