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Bangkok is among the many prime most visited cities in Southeast Asia, welcoming hundreds of thousands of vacationers yearly. It’s a type of locations our group actually seems to be ahead to visiting many times. Its full of life nightlife, bustling buying 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 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 typically 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 assist 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 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 doable, 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 simply would possibly see two totally different faces. Some banknotes function 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 fee 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 group 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 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 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 degree. They are going to 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 unusual Pinoy palate, so it’s safer to only go for “NOT SPICY/NO SPICY” degree.
3. Don’t keep within the improper space.
Bangkok isn’t in need of lodging choices. Many districts are thought-about ultimate vacationer bases. Nevertheless, they cater to various kinds of vacationers. Every district has its execs and cons. So, the place is the most effective space to remain in Bangkok? Selecting the suitable base for you’ll rely in your priorities — finances, consolation, accessibility, and itinerary.
Listed below 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 reasonably priced hostels and night time 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 should you choose 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 traces.
Listed below are a number of the top-rated properties within the space based mostly on on-line consumer opinions:
Sukhumvit Street
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 through BTS Skytrain, particularly Nana and Asok (or Asoke). It additionally has a vibrant night time scene, ultimate for these searching for a superb night time cap.
Listed below are a number of the top-rated properties within the space based mostly on on-line consumer opinions:
Siam Space
Take into account 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 positioned and covers numerous BTS stations, so it’s additionally very accessible. As a preferred buying district, the world is bustling with retailers and buyers in the course of the day.
Listed below are a number of the top-rated properties within the space based mostly on on-line consumer opinions:
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 in the course of the day, however come night, it turns into energetic and wild! It boasts a superb 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+ group otherwise you’re a fan of drag exhibits, this could be your turf.
Listed below are a number of the top-rated properties within the space based mostly on on-line consumer opinions:
Seek for extra Bangkok Accommodations!
4. Don’t converse unwell concerning the Thai royalty.
Do you know that you may be imprisoned for insulting or defaming the Thai royalty? In line 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 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 smart transfer to insult or converse unwell 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 points of interest 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 you should 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 sizzling pants/quick pants
- tight pants
- bike pants/biking shorts
- mini skirts
- sandals/slippers
The common rule is, the knees, shoulders, and heels should be coated. You might convey a sarong for canopy or further unfastened 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! Previously, 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 as regards 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 points of interest, 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 that you may’t enter the temple, to allow them to counsel one other temple or vacationer spot to you. They are going to often 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).
Often, 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 value are unreasonably excessive, you’ll really feel robbed.
7. Don’t fall for Tuktuk and taxi scams.
One other rip-off alert! Effectively, 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 like 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 journey begins.
Undecided concerning the fare? You can too 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’ll instantly mirror the fare.
In our case, if our subsequent cease shouldn’t be walkable (we love strolling!) or if we’re removed from any practice stations, we often choose 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 advanced.
In case you are not touring with a bunch or you’re a solo traveler, it’s also possible to e book their GrabBike, which is a motorbike taxi possibility.
8. Don’t get scammed at a ping pong present.
In case you are enthusiastic about desk tennis, this isn’t it. Ping pong exhibits in Bangkok are totally different. Actually, nobody from the group noticed or went to those exhibits, however to provide you an concept, 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 take a look at Nationwide Geographic’s Rip-off Metropolis documentary particular on YouTube.
Anyway, this is among the persistent 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 costliest drink you’ll ever purchase whereas in Bangkok, even amounting to hundreds of baht.
So, it’s okay to be paranoid typically. At all times suppose 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 named one of the crucial reasonably priced cities on this planet, making it a paradise for buying fanatics! You’ll find loads of good-quality gadgets at low costs. And the most effective half? You possibly can nonetheless cut price over the worth!
Typically, the worth displayed shouldn’t be the ultimate value, and retailer house owners or distributors count on clients to barter. Often, the low cost is extra vital if you are going to buy a couple of merchandise. TIP! In case 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 Trend Mall
- Palladium World Procuring
- Chatuchak Market
- Union Mall
Pleased buying! Only a pleasant reminder: haggle fairly 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 collaborating shops? YES! To make sure that your buy will likely 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 the right way to 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 be sure you have it with you.
- Step 2: Often, you should 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 must signal it. Hold the shape with you. Don’t lose it.
- Step 3: On the airport, don’t examine in your baggage but if the entire 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 varieties. They are going to examine the varieties and stamp them if all the pieces is cleared. Generally, they may also examine the gadgets, so its vital to do that first earlier than checking in your baggage. If the entire quantity of your buy is lower than ฿20,000, you could 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 entire quantity of your receipts is greater than 20,000 baht, the varieties 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
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