Bangkok is among the many high most visited cities in Southeast Asia, welcoming tens of millions of vacationers yearly. It’s a kind of locations our workforce actually appears ahead to visiting time and again. Its vigorous nightlife, bustling procuring 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 a giant 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 vital particulars and trigger us to commit errors. We should nonetheless remind ourselves that we’re nonetheless guests and should concentrate on 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 may enable you to 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. At all times test 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 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 simply 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 trade 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 workforce can deal with spicy meals. However for me, their NORMAL spicy is already my EXTREME degree, experiencing all of those on the similar time: involuntarily shedding tears, sauna-level sweating, and immediate 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 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 modify the spiciness degree. They are going to normally ask you the way 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 simply go for “NOT SPICY/NO SPICY” degree.
3. Don’t keep within the mistaken space.
Bangkok is rarely in need of lodging choices. Many districts are thought-about best 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 — price range, consolation, accessibility, and itinerary.
Listed below are a few of the widespread bases for vacationers:
Bang Lamphu District
You’ll discover Bangkok’s hottest backpacking hub — Khao San Street. This space is dotted with reasonably priced hostels and night time spots. That is excellent for backpackers and people touring on a price range. If you’re touring as a household, particularly with children and aged or for those who want a quieter place, this may not be the most suitable choice for you. One other factor to notice is that it’s removed from each BTS or MRT strains.
Listed below are a few of the top-rated properties within the space primarily based on on-line person critiques:
Sukhumvit Street
That is a part of the nationwide freeway and is a significant street 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, best for these searching for a great night time cap.
Listed below are a few of the top-rated properties within the space primarily based on on-line person critiques:
Siam Space
Contemplate this space, significantly the world 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 a lot of BTS stations, so it’s additionally very accessible. As a preferred procuring district, the world is bustling with retailers and consumers throughout the day.
Listed below are a few of the top-rated properties within the space primarily based on on-line person critiques:
Silom Space
This significantly check with the world near Silom Street, working between Sala Daeng Station and Saphan Taksin Station. That is Bangkok’s enterprise district, so it exudes a severe vibe throughout 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 reveals. If you’re a member of the LGBTQIA+ group otherwise you’re a fan of drag reveals, this is likely to be your turf.
Listed below are a few of the top-rated properties within the space primarily based on on-line person critiques:
Seek for extra Bangkok Accommodations!
4. Don’t communicate sick in regards to the Thai royalty.
Do you know you could be imprisoned for insulting or defaming the Thai royalty? In response to Part 112 of Thai Prison 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 street, malls, and different institutions. It’s actually not a sensible transfer to insult or communicate sick in regards to the Royal Household. Once more, it’s towards the legislation.
5. Don’t gown inappropriately at Grand Palace.
Most of Bangkok’s key vacationer sights are spiritual websites — Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and Temple of the Emerald Buddha inside the Grand Palace. They’re all accessible to the general public, however you have to gown appropriately to enter these locations.
On the Grand Palace, they’re strict. You actually need to comply with the gown 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 basic 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 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! Up to now, it was regular to hire 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 reference 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 imagine you could’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 instructor. 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 urged vacationer attraction. Each the tuktuk fare and the memento merchandise worth 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 nations: 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 driving a tuktuk, simply keep in mind to NEGOTIATE and AGREE on the worth first earlier than the experience begins.
Undecided in regards to the fare? It’s also possible to obtain the Seize app, which incorporates GrabTuktuk within the choices. There, you may e-book a tuktuk with out having to guess how a lot the experience will price you as a result of it should instantly replicate the fare.
In our case, if our subsequent cease shouldn’t be walkable (we love strolling!) or if we’re removed from any prepare stations, we normally 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 Street and the temple complicated.
If you’re not touring with a gaggle or you’re a solo traveler, you may also e-book their GrabBike, which is a motorbike taxi choice.
8. Don’t get scammed at a ping pong present.
If you’re interested by desk tennis, this isn’t it. Ping pong reveals in Bangkok are totally different. Actually, nobody from the workforce noticed or went to those reveals, however to provide you an thought, it’s normally carried out in strip golf equipment. That’s the farthest I can go. Hahaha! In order for you extra data, 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 power 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 in all probability the most costly drink you’ll ever purchase whereas in Bangkok, even amounting to hundreds of baht.
So, it’s okay to be paranoid generally. At all times suppose twice when the provide is simply too good to be true.
9. Don’t overlook to discount at some retailers. However don’t overdo it.
Bangkok is called one of the vital reasonably priced cities on the earth, making it a paradise for procuring fanatics! Yow will discover loads of good-quality objects at low costs. And the perfect half? You’ll be able to nonetheless discount over the worth!
Typically, the worth displayed shouldn’t be the ultimate worth, and retailer homeowners or distributors anticipate clients to barter. Often, the low cost is extra important if you buy multiple merchandise. TIP! In the event you’re a gaggle, you may mix and buy your objects as a single transaction.
Under are the favored procuring locations in Bangkok:
- Platinum Vogue Mall
- Palladium World Purchasing
- Chatuchak Market
- Union Mall
Pleased procuring! Only a pleasant reminder: haggle fairly and respectfully.
10. Don’t dismiss tax refund.
Do you know that you’re eligible to assert the Tax Refund in Thailand once you attain the minimal quantity of two,000 baht from taking part shops? YES! To make sure that your buy might be counted, search for the VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS signal on the retailer.
Learn how to Get Tax Refund
Right here’s a step-by-step information on how one 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 are going to ask to your passport, so ensure you have it with you.
- Step 2: Often, you have to fill out the yellow Tax Refund Kind at a separate Tax Refund counter. Generally, the employees will fill out the shape for you and also you solely have to signal it. Hold the shape with you. Don’t lose it.
- Step 3: On the airport, don’t test in your baggage but if the full quantity of the objects you buy is over ฿20,000. Head first to the VAT Refund counter, particularly the customs test counter, on the departure corridor. Then, current your passport and all of your tax refund varieties. They are going to test the varieties and stamp them if every part is cleared. Generally, they will even test the objects, so its vital to do that first earlier than checking in your baggage. If the full quantity of your buy is lower than ฿20,000, chances are you’ll skip this step and proceed to Step 4.
- Step 4: After going by way of the Immigration course of, search for the Tax Refund Counter (airside space), after which current your passport and tax refund varieties. Once more, if the full quantity of your receipts is greater than 20,000 baht, the varieties 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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