Bangkok is among the many prime most visited cities in Southeast Asia, welcoming thousands and thousands of vacationers yearly. It’s a kind of locations our crew actually seems to be ahead to visiting time and again. Its energetic nightlife, bustling procuring districts, historic landmarks, and wealthy culinary scene make up for the absence of seashores that vacationers often search for in a vacation spot. And naturally, it’s affordability, attracting droves of funds 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 must safe a visa to enter Thailand as a result of we’re ASEAN neighbors. It’s simple to really feel snug when exploring Bangkok due to our similarities, however this familiarity can generally lead us to miss vital 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 vital to familiarize your self with the tradition and guidelines of the place you’re visiting. This can aid you 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 forex of Thailand. All the time examine the banknotes or payments you’re holding earlier than paying for one thing as a result of they look related and the colours are nearly 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 doable, separate the 50 and 100 payments with the five hundred and 1,000 payments.
One other factor to pay attention to is the king’s portrait printed on them. There’s a risk that you simply would possibly 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 change charge 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 crew 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 (crimson, yellow, or inexperienced), and different widespread 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 may often ask you ways spicy you need your dish to be — not spicy, delicate, or spicy.
REMINDER! Their “delicate” is usually the equal of tremendous spicy for the extraordinary Pinoy palate, so it’s safer to only go for “NOT SPICY/NO SPICY” stage.
3. Don’t keep within the mistaken space.
Bangkok isn’t in need of lodging choices. Many districts are thought-about preferrred vacationer bases. Nonetheless, they cater to several types 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 — funds, consolation, accessibility, and itinerary.
Listed below are among the widespread 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 night time spots. That is excellent for backpackers and people touring on a funds. If you’re touring as a household, particularly with youngsters and aged or when you want 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 strains.
Listed below 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 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 night time scene, preferrred for these on the lookout for a great night time cap.
Listed below are among the top-rated properties within the space based mostly on on-line consumer opinions:
Siam Space
Think about this space, significantly the world close to Siam Sq., if you’re touring with your loved ones. It’s handy and family-friendly as a result of it’s centrally positioned and covers plenty of BTS stations, so it’s additionally very accessible. As a well-liked procuring district, the world is bustling with retailers and buyers in the course of the day.
Listed below are among the top-rated properties within the space based mostly on on-line consumer opinions:
Silom Space
This significantly discuss with the world near Silom Highway, 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 a great 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 may be your turf.
Listed below are among the top-rated properties within the space based mostly on on-line consumer opinions:
Seek for extra Bangkok Inns!
4. Don’t communicate unwell concerning the Thai royalty.
Do you know you could be imprisoned for insulting or defaming the Thai royalty? Based on Part 112 of Thai Legal 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 smart transfer to insult or communicate unwell concerning 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 inside the Grand Palace. They’re all accessible to the general public, however it is advisable costume appropriately to enter these locations.
On the Grand Palace, they’re strict. You really want 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. You might deliver a sarong for canopy or further free pants and outerwear. In any other case, you’ll be pressured 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! Up to now, it was regular to hire clothes, however that point, no extra rental place in sight.
6. Don’t simply consider that the temples are closed.
And whereas we’re as 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 aim is to make you consider you could’t enter the temple, to allow them to counsel one other temple or vacationer spot to you. They may often introduce themselves as a tour information or a trainer. When you fall for it, they may “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.
7. Don’t fall for Tuktuk and taxi scams.
One other rip-off alert! Nicely, this additionally occurs in different cities and nations: taxis or native/conventional autos overcharging passengers. Tuktuk is a motorized three-wheeled automobile 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 trip begins.
Undecided concerning the fare? You can too obtain the Seize app, which incorporates GrabTuktuk within the choices. There, you possibly can guide a tuktuk with out having to guess how a lot the trip will value you as a result of it’s going to instantly mirror the fare.
In our case, if our subsequent cease will not be walkable (we love strolling!) or if we’re removed from any prepare stations, we often want utilizing Seize app over hailing a taxi. There are common taxi drivers who actually don’t wish to flip their meter on and can simply cost you double or triple, particularly round touristy spots like Khao San Highway and the temple complicated.
If you’re not touring with a gaggle or you’re a solo traveler, you may as well guide their GrabBike, which is a bike taxi choice.
8. Don’t get scammed at a ping pong present.
If you’re occupied with desk tennis, this isn’t it. Ping pong exhibits in Bangkok are totally different. Actually, nobody from the crew noticed or went to those exhibits, however to offer you an thought, it’s often carried out in strip golf equipment. That’s the farthest I can go. Hahaha! If you need extra info, 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 continual and widespread scams in Bangkok, particularly in crimson gentle 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 1000’s of baht.
So, it’s okay to be paranoid generally. All the time suppose twice when the provide is simply too good to be true.
9. Don’t overlook to discount at some outlets. However don’t overdo it.
Bangkok is named one of the crucial reasonably priced cities on this planet, making it a paradise for procuring lovers! You’ll find loads of good-quality gadgets at low costs. And the perfect half? You’ll be able to nonetheless discount over the value!
Usually, the value displayed will not be the ultimate value, and retailer homeowners or distributors anticipate prospects to barter. Often, the low cost is extra important if you are going to buy multiple merchandise. TIP! In case you’re a gaggle, you possibly can mix and buy your gadgets as a single transaction.
Beneath are the favored procuring locations in Bangkok:
- Platinum Trend Mall
- Palladium World Procuring
- Chatuchak Market
- Union Mall
Completely happy procuring! 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 taking part shops? YES! To make sure that your buy will probably be counted, search for the VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS signal on the retailer.
Find out how to Get Tax Refund
Right here’s a step-by-step information on how you can avail of the Tax Refund:
- Step 1: When paying on the retailer’s cashier, allow them to know that you simply wish to avail of the tax refund. They may ask on your passport, so ensure you have it with you.
- Step 2: Often, it is advisable fill out the yellow Tax Refund Type at a separate Tax Refund counter. Typically, the employees will fill out the shape for you and also you solely must signal it. Maintain the shape with you. Don’t lose it.
- Step 3: On the airport, don’t examine in your baggage but if the whole quantity of the gadgets 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 kinds. They may examine the kinds and stamp them if every little thing is cleared. Typically, they will even examine the gadgets, so its vital to do that first earlier than checking in your baggage. If the whole quantity of your buy is lower than ฿20,000, you could 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 kinds. Once more, if the whole quantity of your receipts is greater than 20,000 baht, the kinds ought to have stamps.
- Step 5: Upon checking and affirmation, the employees will lastly hand you the cashback cash (in Thai baht). Woohoo!
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