Bangkok Travel Advice: Top 10 Tips for Your First Visit
Bangkok Useful Travel Information
If you’re planning your first trip to Bangkok, you’ve likely come across a plethora of tips and advice. While some may portray the city in extreme lights, from a challenging environment to an exotic playground, it’s essential to see Bangkok for what it truly is: a vibrant and dynamic city with rich cultural experiences.
Drawing from extensive firsthand experience, we’ve put together a concise list of travel tips that we wish we had known when we first arrived at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang International Airport.
1. Use the official taxi queue at the airport
Getting a fair fare right from the start
Good for: Budget, Couples, Families
When you land at the airport and feel the first hot rush of Bangkok air, heading to the official taxi queue at the airport is the wise thing to do. Don’t go with the friendly touts flashing big smiles; they’ll often charge you three or four times more than the official meter price. Instead, head to the ground floor and join the fast-moving official taxi queue.
You’ll tell the attendant where you’re going, and they’ll write it down in Thai and hand it to the driver. Then you’re off. There’s usually an airport surcharge added to the fare, but it’s well worth it for a quick and convenient ride to your hotel.
Use the official taxi queue at the airport
2. Use public transportation
When traffic stops, trains and boats keep moving
Good for: Budget, Couples, Families
It might sound somewhat counterintuitive, but the fastest way to get around Bangkok is by using public transportation. Between the peak hours of 7 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm, the roads of Bangkok become a quagmire of cars, buses, tuk-tuks, and motorbikes.
Instead, make use of Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain, subway, and boat networks. This is vital when trying to cut across town to the temples and palaces of the Old City from the tourist centers of Sukhumvit and Silom.
Use public transportation
3. Carry small change and bills
The simple tip that makes paying much easier
Good for: Food, Shoppers
Carrying small change and bills around Bangkok might feel a little inconvenient, but it’ll help you out considerably when paying for transportation or food at local restaurants. Especially in smaller neighborhoods or street markets where larger bills aren’t practical.
Many taxi drivers and food vendors won’t be able to break a 1,000 baht bill. And running around trying to find a 7-Eleven isn’t much fun in the midday sun, even less so in a tropical storm. It’s always better to be prepared with small change on hand.
Carry small change and bills
4. Remember that prices in Bangkok vary
Why the same item can cost more just steps away
Good for: Couples, Families, Shoppers
Something that takes some getting used to for first time visitors to Bangkok is that the prices for many products can vary. There are several reasons for this, but the most common one is that traders often take advantage of tourists’ lack of knowledge about the true cost of things in the Thai capital.
A good rule of thumb is: the higher the proportion of tourists, the higher the prices. At markets such as Chatuchak, Pratunam, and Asiatique, many items don’t have price tags, and haggling for a discount is common, perhaps even expected. It can also be surprising to find different prices quoted at different stalls within the same market.
Remember that prices in Bangkok vary
5. Dress appropriately for temple visits
Modesty is key when exploring sacred places
Good for: Couples, Families
While enjoying Bangkok’s sun, it’s important to remember that Buddhism remains a central part of life in Thailand, and dressing appropriately for temple visits is essential. When visiting temples, ensure that your shoulders are covered and avoid clothing that is above the knee.
This is particularly important at The Grand Palace, where strict dress codes are enforced. If your attire is deemed inappropriate, you may be required to rent a pair of loose-fitting, pajama-style pants and a floral shawl reminiscent of the 1970s. Read more
Dress appropriately for temple visits
6. Pack light and save space for shopping
Clothes are better bought once you arrive
Good for: Budget, Shoppers
Shopping is undoubtedly one of the highlights of many people’s Bangkok experiences, so packing light and saving space for shopping is part of the fun. Whether you enjoy browsing Chatuchak’s alleyways or finding designer fashion and high-end accessories in Siam Square and Siam Paragon, Bangkok has you covered.
Plan to buy most of your vacation clothes once you arrive. The markets and malls of Bangkok are rightly considered some of the best in the world, with prices often lower than in your home country. Tourists can enjoy even more savings with discount cards and VAT refunds.
Pack light and save space for shopping
7. Pause for the Thai National Anthem
Moments of silence that show national pride
Good for: History, Unusual
One of the most curious sights for first-time visitors to Bangkok occurs every day at 8 am and 6 pm when people pause for the Thai National Anthem. At both times, the anthem is played in train stations, markets, and government buildings across the country.
Thai people stop what they’re doing and stand silently in respect, resuming their activities only after the final drumbeat. As a foreigner, it’s polite to do the same if you hear the anthem playing over a loudspeaker and see those around you standing at attention.
Pause for the Thai National Anthem
8. Watch out for common Bangkok scams
A few tricks targeting tourists
Good for: Nightlife, Unusual
Bangkok is generally a safe city where a lot is done to protect tourists, but it’s still recommended to watch out for the most common scams. There are a few unscrupulous characters who prey on tourists with scams or tricks. Some of these are obvious, but others are less so. Fear not, as long as you know what to expect, you can steer clear of an unfortunate episode.
Scams range from unwanted help from “nice local guys” when you don’t need it, to unmetered taxis and tuk-tuk drivers offering to stop at a “shopping destination” along the way. Other common tricks include invitations to go “upstairs” at a bar or extortion by canal boat operators.
Watch out for common Bangkok scams
9. Choose your food and places to eat wisely
Savoring street delights with confidence
Good for: Food, Shoppers
Street food in Bangkok is unparalleled in range and taste, but remember to choose your food and places to eat wisely. In this foodies’ paradise, you can find pots and pans sizzling with all manner of delicacies 24 hours a day. A common issue for tourists unaccustomed to Bangkok street food is, “Can I eat this without getting the dreaded traveler’s tummy?” The answer is “Yes,” but take some precautions.
Eat at busy restaurants, especially those full of locals. Don’t worry about the language barrier; just go in and start pointing at the menu. When buying barbequed meat skewers, ask the cook to keep them sizzling a little longer than normal so you can be sure they’re cooked thoroughly. Read more
Choose your food and places to eat wisely
10. Try a stroller alternative for Bangkok’s streets
A practical solution for getting around with young kids
Good for: Families, Shoppers
When exploring Bangkok, it’s wise to try a stroller alternative for the city’s bustling streets. Bangkok is a wonderful destination for families, as Thai people adore small children and are always willing to assist parents, making travel much easier. However, pushchairs and strollers can be impractical on the city’s bumpy, potholed sidewalks.
Pushchairs and strollers are mostly useful only inside large buildings like airports and shopping malls. Instead, consider using a baby sling that wraps around your back, keeping your baby nice and snug while navigating the vibrant streets of Bangkok.
Try a stroller alternative for Bangkok’s streets
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.