The City of Angels is a metropolis like no other; a strange mixture of old and new and if you are planning a short stay in this unique city, you have come to the right place, as we offer a few tips to help make your experience a rich one!
- Explore the canal boats – Water buses they might be called; longboats that connect a large network of waterways that run through the city, which many Bangkokians use to commute. At the rear of riverside temples, there is usually a stop and all boats are now electric, which is great for the environment. Stay at a five star hotel in Sukhumvit Road and you can easily access the river boats.
- Green/yellow taxis – The cabs in Bangkok come in many colours; blue, orange, pink and a green/yellow combination and the latter are best as the cab is driver-owned. Not a lot of travellers are aware of this. Bangkok taxis should have a green light on the bottom corner of the windscreen to indicate they can accept a fare; a red light means they have a customer. Insist that the driver starts the meter as soon as you climb in, some will try to convince you to go for a fixed fare, which is always higher than the metered charge.
- Book accommodation online – Regardless of where you stay in a hotel, online booking is cheaper than a walk-in. If you walked into a Bangkok hotel reception, don’t be surprised if staff encourage you to connect to their free Wi-Fi and book online. Here are a few reasons why cruises are so popular.
- Change money at Super Rich – While there are many exchange booths in Bangkok. Super Rick typically offers the best rates.
- Stay cool – The worst thing for any foreigner to do is get upset in a public environment; Thais are Buddhists and they see any visible showing of negative emotions as ‘uncool’. Jai Yen, in Thai, means ‘cold heart’ and all Thais practice this.
- Keep personal possessions safe – When you go to crowded places like markets and train stations, always be careful with your possessions. Many tourists wear cross-body bags, which prevents pickpocketing, which does happen in every major city of the world, not only Bangkok.
- Avoid vaping – You may not be aware that vaping is illegal in Thailand; mainly because vaping equipment has no classification, so it is illegal by default. The fact that street vendors openly sell vape sticks doesn’t make it legal. If, for example, you are found to be in possession of a vape pen upon arrival, it will cost you!
- Learn the local lingo – No one expects you to know much for a short stay; numbers and basic greetings will suffice.
- Use mozzie spray – Mosquitoes are everywhere and you should spray your skin and clothes at sunrise and sunset.
- Use Google Maps – This can help you find local attractions.
Always check online for the latest entry requirements for Thailand, as they can change at any time.
