Bangkok is among the many prime most visited cities in Southeast Asia, welcoming hundreds of thousands of vacationers yearly. It’s a kind of locations our crew actually seems ahead to visiting many times. Its energetic nightlife, bustling buying 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 be an enormous issue why it’s amongst our favourite worldwide locations. Plus, the truth that we don’t have to safe a visa to enter Thailand as a result of we’re ASEAN neighbors. It’s simple to really feel comfy when exploring Bangkok due to our similarities, however this familiarity can generally 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. It will show you how to be extra aware of your actions whereas exploring. Listed here are some frequent errors vacationers make in Bangkok.
1. Don’t get confused with Thai Baht notes.
Thai baht is the official foreign money of Thailand. All the time verify 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 attainable, 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 risk that you just may see two totally different faces. Some banknotes characteristic 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 charge of Thai baht (THB) to Philippine peso (PhP) is 1 (THB) = 1.6 (PHP). For simple 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 crew can deal with spicy meals. However for me, their NORMAL spicy is already my EXTREME degree, experiencing all of those on the identical time: involuntarily shedding tears, sauna-level sweating, and prompt 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 in style 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 degree. They are going to normally ask you ways spicy you need your dish to be — not spicy, gentle, or spicy.
REMINDER! Their “gentle” is commonly the equal of tremendous spicy for the extraordinary Pinoy palate, so it’s safer to only go for “NOT SPICY/NO SPICY” degree.
3. Don’t keep within the fallacious space.
Bangkok isn’t wanting lodging choices. Many districts are thought-about very best vacationer bases. Nonetheless, they cater to various kinds of vacationers. Every district has its execs and cons. So, the place is the very best space to remain in Bangkok? Selecting the suitable base for you’ll rely in your priorities — price range, consolation, accessibility, and itinerary.
Listed here are among the in style bases for vacationers:
Bang Lamphu District
You’ll discover Bangkok’s hottest backpacking hub — Khao San Highway. This space is dotted with reasonably priced hostels and evening spots. That is good for backpackers and people touring on a price range. If you’re touring as a household, particularly with youngsters and aged or if you happen to favor a quieter place, this won’t be the best choice for you. One other factor to notice is that it’s removed from each BTS or MRT traces.
Listed here are among the top-rated properties within the space based mostly on on-line consumer opinions:
Sukhumvit Highway
That is a part of the nationwide freeway and is a serious highway in Bangkok, operating from central Bangkok to the southeastern provinces of Thailand. Most areas inside Bangkok are very accessible through BTS Skytrain, particularly Nana and Asok (or Asoke). It additionally has a vibrant evening scene, very best for these searching for evening cap.
Listed here are among the top-rated properties within the space based mostly on on-line consumer opinions:
Siam Space
Contemplate this space, significantly the realm 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 situated and covers numerous BTS stations, so it’s additionally very accessible. As a preferred buying district, the realm is bustling with retailers and customers in the course of the day.
Listed here are among the top-rated properties within the space based mostly on on-line consumer opinions:
Silom Space
This significantly consult with the realm near Silom Highway, operating 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+ neighborhood otherwise you’re a fan of drag exhibits, this is likely to be your turf.
Listed here are among the top-rated properties within the space based mostly on on-line consumer opinions:
Seek for extra Bangkok Accommodations!
4. Don’t communicate in poor health concerning the Thai royalty.
Do you know which you can be imprisoned for insulting or defaming the Thai royalty? In keeping with 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 legislation 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 smart transfer to insult or communicate in poor health concerning the Royal Household. Once more, it’s towards the legislation.
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 you’ll want to costume appropriately to enter these locations.
On the Grand Palace, they’re strict. You actually need to comply with 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 normal rule is, the knees, shoulders, and heels should be lined. Chances are you’ll deliver a sarong for canopy or further unfastened 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! Prior to now, it was regular to lease clothes, however that point, no extra rental place in sight.
6. Don’t simply imagine that the temples are closed.
And whereas we’re with regards 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 objective is to make you imagine which you can’t enter the temple, to allow them to recommend one other temple or vacationer spot to you. They are going to normally introduce themselves as a tour information or a trainer. When you fall for it, they’ll “hail” a tuktuk for you (which is definitely their confederate).
Normally, the tuktuk driver will make a cease at a memento retailer (jewellery retailer, tailor store, and so forth.) 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.
7. Don’t fall for Tuktuk and taxi scams.
One other rip-off alert! Properly, this additionally occurs in different cities and international locations: taxis or native/conventional automobiles overcharging passengers. Tuktuk is a motorized three-wheeled car in Thailand, very like 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 worth first earlier than the journey begins.
Undecided concerning 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 journey will value you as a result of it would instantly mirror the fare.
In our case, if our subsequent cease is just not 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 Highway and the temple advanced.
If you’re not touring with a bunch or you’re a solo traveler, you too can e-book their GrabBike, which is a bike taxi choice.
8. Don’t get scammed at a ping pong present.
If you’re fascinated by desk tennis, this isn’t it. Ping pong exhibits in Bangkok are totally different. Truthfully, nobody from the crew noticed or went to those exhibits, however to provide you an thought, it’s normally carried out in strip golf equipment. That’s the farthest I can go. Hahaha! If you would like extra data, simply search about it on Google or take a look at Nationwide Geographic’s Rip-off Metropolis documentary particular on YouTube.
Anyway, this is among the continual 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 most likely the costliest drink you’ll ever purchase whereas in Bangkok, even amounting to 1000’s of baht.
So, it’s okay to be paranoid generally. All the time assume twice when the provide is simply too good to be true.
9. Don’t neglect to cut price at some outlets. However don’t overdo it.
Bangkok is called probably the most reasonably priced cities on the planet, making it a paradise for buying fanatics! Yow will discover loads of good-quality gadgets at low costs. And the very best half? You possibly can nonetheless cut price over the worth!
Typically, the worth displayed is just not the ultimate value, and retailer homeowners or distributors count on prospects to barter. Normally, the low cost is extra vital if you are going to buy a couple of merchandise. TIP! Should you’re a bunch, you possibly can mix and buy your gadgets as a single transaction.
Under are the favored buying locations in Bangkok:
- Platinum Style Mall
- Palladium World Buying
- Chatuchak Market
- Union Mall
Blissful buying! Only a pleasant reminder: haggle moderately and respectfully.
10. Don’t dismiss tax refund.
Do you know that you’re eligible to say the Tax Refund in Thailand whenever you attain the minimal quantity of two,000 baht from collaborating shops? YES! To make sure that your buy can be counted, search for the VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS signal on the retailer.
The right way to Get Tax Refund
Right here’s a step-by-step information on the best way to avail of the Tax Refund:
- Step 1: When paying on the retailer’s cashier, allow them to know that you just need to avail of the tax refund. They are going to ask to your passport, so ensure you have it with you.
- Step 2: Normally, you’ll want to fill out the yellow Tax Refund Type at a separate Tax Refund counter. Generally, the workers will fill out the shape for you and also you solely have to signal it. Maintain the shape with you. Don’t lose it.
- Step 3: On the airport, don’t verify in your baggage but if the full quantity of the gadgets you buy is over ฿20,000. Head first to the VAT Refund counter, particularly the customs verify counter, on the departure corridor. Then, current your passport and all of your tax refund types. They are going to verify the types and stamp them if every little thing is cleared. Generally, they can even verify the gadgets, so its necessary to do that first earlier than checking in your baggage. If the full quantity of your buy is lower than ฿20,000, you might skip this step and proceed to Step 4.
- Step 4: After going by means of the Immigration course of, search for the Tax Refund Counter (airside space), after which current your passport and tax refund types. Once more, if the full quantity of your receipts is greater than 20,000 baht, the types ought to have stamps.
- Step 5: Upon checking and affirmation, the workers will lastly hand you the cashback cash (in Thai baht). Woohoo!
Updates Log
2025 4 22 – First uploaded
