What you need to know before travelling to Bangkok?

Bangkok might not be your love at first sight but give it a try and it will surprise you in a way that another country has never done before. It's a city with its own rhythm but tourists are welcome and locals are willing to show you the true Asian culture. Bangkok is definitely worth taking a place in your travel bucket list. Below you can find a guide with these 10 handy travel tips when going to Bangkok for the first time.

10 essential tips for visiting Bangkok:

1. Public transport is your best friend
2. Bring the copy of your passport
3. Dress appropriately
4. Mind your etiquette
5. Thai National Anthem
6. Be carefull with street food
7. Get a map
8. Shopping time
9. Don't be shy and barter
10. Watch out for scammers

1. Public transport is your best friend 🚋

Bangkok is a big city and it's not really possible to get around the city by walking and still succeed in seeing everything. It might sound somewhat unexpected, but the fastest way to get around Bangkok is by... public transport! Especially during these hours from 7 am to 9 am and between 5 pm and 7 pm, when the roads of Bangkok become extremely busy with cars, buses, tuk-tuks, and motorbikes. Thus, when it comes to travelling in Bangkok, there are two most convenient options:

• BTS Skytrain
• MRT

These two types of public transport can get you around the city without being a part of the traffic. How come? The Skytrain soars above traffic, while the underground MRT whizzes, mole-like, beneath it. Knowing the hot weather of Bangkok, both types of public transport offer cool air-conditioning.

2. Bring the copy of your passport 🆔

In Bangkok, it's possible to encounter a local policeman asking for your passport. Most of the time, it has nothing to do with your looks - it can be random and that's why it's a must for everyone to have an ID with them in Thailand. The security at one of the city’s nightspots can request to check your ID as well. However, we understand that carrying your passport with you around the city is not safe because you might lose it. In order to avoid the loss of the document, we recommend to bring a photocopy of it instead. Have a copy of your ID with you or on your phone.

3. Dress appropriately 🧥

It's understandable to dress pretty light while you are in Bangkok and there is no shame in wanting to get some tan while exploring the city. But in Thailand, it's very important to mind the religion. Buddhism is a very central part of life in Thailand. That's why covering most parts of your body while visiting temples is expected even from tourists. When visiting temples, anything above your knees as well as your shoulders has to be covered up by clothes. Additionally, always take off your shoes before entering the temples and in general, in Thailand, it's a part o the culture to take off your shoes if you enter the apartments.

• This is especially essential when you are planning to visit The Grand Palace. Moreover, if you will be deemed inappropriately dressed, then you can expect that you won't be able to enter the temple unless you rent a pair of baggy pyjamas.

4. Mind your etiquette 🚫

In Thailand nowadays there are still some significant restrictions regarding the freedom of expression. We recommend not discussing the royal family of Thailand and don't mention the King out of respect. Even though King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away, people who show any kind of disrespect should be careful because the reaction of local citizens can be unexpected since it's a big offence towards them and their country.

5. Thai National Anthem 🎵

Another possible unexpected sightseeing you can witness on Bangkok's streets is happening exactly at 8 am and 6 pm every day when the National Anthem will be played and the locals will stop whatever they are doing. If you are visiting Thailand for the first time it's likely that you will be surprised and confused. But as a sign of respect, even as a tourist, you should just pay respect to the locals. During the national anthem, life literally stops but just after the last drum, everything comes back to normal. The Thai National Anthem is played in:

• Train stations
• Markets
• Civil buildings throughout the country

6. Be carefull with street food 🍱

Bangkok’s street food is known for its rich variety of flavours. Depending on your diet you will be able to find something for your taste but regardless - you should be careful. If you are unlucky, there is a chance to get a bellyache alongside food poisoning.

In order to avoid unnecessarily unpleasing days in bed instead of exploring the city we advise you to eat where locals do. Most of the time locals know the best places to eat and you should trust their choices. Busy restaurants are good indicators of quality. In general, Bangkok is a great place to explore the variety of cuisine and it's impossible to stay hungry while you are there.

7. Get a map 📍

Getting lost in Bangkok is a part of the deal when visiting the city for the first time! Bangkok can remind you of the labyrinth with its confusing street names and similar neighbourhoods. Sometimes getting lost in an unknown city has its own unique benefit but eventually, you will need to get to specific spot. In order to do so you should consider buying a map or having it downloaded on your phone which you can access even offline.

8. Shopping time 🛍️

It's highly recommended to make a visit to a couple of shopping malls in Bangkok. They can surprise you with their dimensions and the type of activities you can find there: from playrooms for children, hair salons to cinemas and restaurants. Save one day on your trip to visit the shopping mall and enjoy the activities it has to offer while cooling down under AC, escaping from the outside heat. Here is the list of some popular shopping malls in Bangkok:

• MBK Center
• centralwOrld
• Siam Paragon
• Terminal 21
• Asiatique The Riverfront

9. Don't be shy and barter 💵

The most important rule while shopping in Bangkok is - if there is no barcode, set the price yourself! Locals expect you to barter and discuss how much money you are willing to spend on the product. But even during your bartering with the seller, be polite and we rather recommend you to be friendly - with this approach there is a higher chance of agreeing on the lower price.

10. Watch out for scammers ⚠️

Watch out and don’t be careless with your belongings! There are cases of pick-pocketing and not only around the markets. Locals can also be a part of the scam on the streets, so take it as a rule - be mindful of strangers approaching you on the streets. They can be friendly and very talkative but unfortunately, they might not have the best intentions. Don’t keep your belongings in your pockets - rather have them where it’s hard to reach them to anyone but you.

Hope this guide could smooth your journey in this amazing city. Find cheap flight deals to the Thailand and book your tickets on BudgetAir.co.uk.

Discover and experience the wonderful Bangkok! Good luck!

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