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 staff actually appears to be like 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 normally search for in a vacation spot. And naturally, it’s affordability, attracting droves of finances 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 must 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 assist you be extra conscious of your actions whereas exploring. Listed here are some widespread 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 examine the banknotes or payments you’re holding earlier than paying for one thing as a result of they look comparable 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 chance that you just may see two completely 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 staff can deal with spicy meals. However for me, their NORMAL spicy is already my EXTREME stage, experiencing all of those on the identical time: involuntarily shedding tears, sauna-level sweating, and on the spot 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 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 regulate the spiciness stage. They’ll 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 atypical Pinoy palate, so it’s safer to simply go for “NOT SPICY/NO SPICY” stage.
3. Don’t keep within the mistaken space.
Bangkok is rarely in need of lodging choices. Many districts are thought of best vacationer bases. Nevertheless, they cater to several types of vacationers. Every district has its professionals 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 — finances, consolation, accessibility, and itinerary.
Listed here are a number of the in style bases for vacationers:
Bang Lamphu District
You’ll discover Bangkok’s hottest backpacking hub — Khao San Street. This space is dotted with inexpensive hostels and evening spots. That is good for backpackers and people touring on a finances. In case you are touring as a household, particularly with youngsters and aged or for those who choose a quieter place, this won’t be the most suitable choice for you. One other factor to notice is that it’s removed from each BTS or MRT traces.
Listed here are a number of the top-rated properties within the space primarily based on on-line consumer critiques:
Sukhumvit Street
That is a part of the nationwide freeway and is a significant highway in Bangkok, operating 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 evening scene, best for these searching for evening cap.
Listed here are a number of the top-rated properties within the space primarily based on on-line consumer critiques:
Siam Space
Contemplate this space, notably the realm 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 a variety of BTS stations, so it’s additionally very accessible. As a preferred procuring district, the realm is bustling with retailers and customers in the course of the day.
Listed here are a number of the top-rated properties within the space primarily based on on-line consumer critiques:
Silom Space
This notably seek advice from the realm near Silom Street, operating between Sala Daeng Station and Saphan Taksin Station. That is Bangkok’s enterprise district, so it exudes a severe 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. In case you are a member of the LGBTQIA+ neighborhood otherwise you’re a fan of drag exhibits, this may be your turf.
Listed here are a number of the top-rated properties within the space primarily based on on-line consumer critiques:
Seek for extra Bangkok Resorts!
4. Don’t communicate unwell concerning the Thai royalty.
Do you know you could be imprisoned for insulting or defaming the Thai royalty? In accordance with 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 legislation doesn’t solely apply to locals but in addition 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 clever transfer to insult or communicate unwell concerning the Royal Household. Once more, it’s in opposition to the legislation.
5. Don’t costume 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 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
- brief tops
- vests
- see-through tops
- torn pants
- brief sizzling pants/brief pants
- tight pants
- bike pants/biking shorts
- mini skirts
- sandals/slippers
The common rule is, the knees, shoulders, and heels should be coated. Chances are you’ll carry a sarong for canopy or additional 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! Prior to now, it was regular to lease clothes, however that point, no extra rental place in sight.
6. Don’t simply consider 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 received’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’ll normally introduce themselves as a tour information or a trainer. When you fall for it, they are going to “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 recommended 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! Nicely, this additionally occurs in different cities and international locations: taxis or native/conventional autos overcharging passengers. Tuktuk is a motorized three-wheeled car in Thailand, very similar to our Pinoy tricycles. It not solely serves as one of many technique of transportation in Bangkok but in addition 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 trip begins.
Undecided concerning the fare? You may as well obtain the Seize app, which incorporates GrabTuktuk within the choices. There, you may ebook a tuktuk with out having to guess how a lot the trip will price you as a result of it is going to instantly replicate the fare.
In our case, if our subsequent cease just isn’t walkable (we love strolling!) or if we’re removed from any prepare stations, we normally choose 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 Street and the temple advanced.
In case you are not touring with a gaggle or you’re a solo traveler, it’s also possible to ebook their GrabBike, which is a bike taxi choice.
8. Don’t get scammed at a ping pong present.
In case you are fascinated about desk tennis, this isn’t it. Ping pong exhibits in Bangkok are completely different. Actually, nobody from the staff noticed or went to those exhibits, however to offer you an thought, it’s normally 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 take a look at Nationwide Geographic’s Rip-off Metropolis documentary particular on YouTube.
Anyway, this is without doubt one of the power and widespread scams in Bangkok, particularly in crimson mild districts. Touts carrying posters alongside busy strips will lure vacationers with “free ping pong present” supply; you solely want to purchase drinks. WARNING! That is most likely 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 assume twice when the supply 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 one of the vital inexpensive cities on this planet, making it a paradise for procuring fanatics! You could find loads of good-quality gadgets at low costs. And the very best half? You’ll be able to nonetheless cut price over the worth!
Usually, the worth displayed just isn’t the ultimate worth, and retailer homeowners or distributors count on clients to barter. Normally, the low cost is extra important if you are going to buy a couple of merchandise. TIP! For those who’re a gaggle, you may mix and buy your gadgets as a single transaction.
Beneath are the favored procuring locations in Bangkok:
- Platinum Style Mall
- Palladium World Buying
- Chatuchak Market
- Union Mall
Completely satisfied 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 while 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.
How one can 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 just need to avail of the tax refund. They’ll ask to your passport, so ensure you have it with you.
- Step 2: Normally, it is advisable fill out the yellow Tax Refund Kind at a separate Tax Refund counter. Typically, the workers 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’ll examine the kinds and stamp them if all the things is cleared. Typically, they will even examine the gadgets, so its necessary 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 via 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 workers will lastly hand you the cashback cash (in Thai baht). Woohoo!
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2025 4 22 – First uploaded
