22/6/16 - Travelling to Bangkok, Any Advice?

bich.light on 22/06/2016 - 15:53
Last edited 22/06/2016 - 15:55

Hey guys,

I'm travelling to Bangkok this Saturday and wanted to hear if anyone had some must do's in the Thailand for me?
I'll be primarily going there to study on Mon-Fri for 3 hours in the morning so I'll have the afternoon free as well as Sundays free for 3 weeks.
What could I do around in Bangkok or around in Thailand that would cater to my time table?

I was thinking possibly flying to another city in Thailand but am not sure about the domestic travels? I'm interested in nature and seeing awesome landscapes to take photos of, so if you have any suggestions in this department as well, hit me up!

At the moment I'm thinking on these:
+ MBK ceneter - shopping Mall
+ Markets
+ Asiatique
+ Chatuchak Weekend Market
+ Ayuthaya (I really want Sukhothai but this one is too far from Bangkok)

Many thanks!
:D

Travel

Comments

  • No on 22/06/2016 - 15:56
    +12

    domestic travels?

    Chiang Mai

    I'm interested in nature

    Chiang Mai

    and seeing awesome landscapes to take photos of

    Chiang Mai!

    Seriously go to Chiang Mai :) I hired a car and drove out to the national parks and Doi Inathon it was awesome. Even if you don't want to hire a car there is plenty very close by to Chiang Mai.

    • bich.light on 22/06/2016 - 15:59

      I would love to but due to study limitations it seems like I'm stuck in and around Bangkok.
      Unless I do a day flight to Chiang Mai and back to Bangkok?

      Also, whats the best landscape place you went in Chiang Mai?

      • Davros on 22/06/2016 - 16:01

        Up the mountain to Jade Buddha at Chiang Mai, very peaceful but get there at sun up well before the busloads of tourists arrive and shatter peace.

        Whats the smoke situation like that time of year?

        • bich.light on 22/06/2016 - 16:02

          I'm guessing that's at the temple.
          I've also heard of lots of horror stories regarding hiring cars and people deliberatly trying to hit you. So I'd rather not drive :(

        • Elision on 24/06/2016 - 18:54

          @bich.light:

          Yeah don't drive, Thailand is so easy to get around and taxis cost pennies unless you're in Phuket. Don't catch tuktuk's in Bangkok as they are overpriced, and make sure your Taxi driver puts on the meter when you get in the car. If they say a set price say meter please and if they refuse just get out. The only time it doesn't make too much of a difference is from the airport as they usually say a set price so you don't have to get out change for tollways.

          I second that Chiang mai is really beautiful but it's a bit of a crime to only go for one day, you will lose a lot of time dealing with airports etc.

      • No on 22/06/2016 - 16:03
        +3

        Doi Inthanon National Park

        Its the highest point in Thailand, you can drive all the way to do the top. On the way from Chiang Mai to Doi Inathon there are a lot of waterfalls and trails to see.

        I donno about the day flight. Air Asia fly Bangkok -> Chiang Mai many times a day, its cheap and only 1hr 20min. Could you go on a Sat / Sun ?

        • bich.light on 22/06/2016 - 21:34

          Yeah, I'll look into that.
          I'm going to try and see if I can do a day trip early morning Sunday and back by Sunday night. :D

    • peterpeterpumpkin on 24/06/2016 - 21:13

      "I'm looking for an affordable laptop for school that I c…"

      " Chiaaaangg Maiiiii! "

  • Davros on 22/06/2016 - 16:03
    +2

    Get a taxi from the airport, use him as your driver, pretty cheap, cheaper than a car.

    • bich.light on 22/06/2016 - 21:35

      Really? How much was it for yourself?

  • indium on 22/06/2016 - 16:13
    +3

    Phra Pradaeng

    It's a jungle/botanical garden/bike path thing in the middle of Bangkok where high rise buildings are banned. Can rent a bike very cheaply and there is a good market there on weekends. I think it cost about $1 to cross the river to get there and you can rent a bike for the day for $5 I think. There is also a Siamese Fighting Fish Gallery in a nice garden.

    • bich.light on 22/06/2016 - 21:34

      Thanks :)
      I'll check it out.

  • watwatwat on 22/06/2016 - 16:46
    +8

    some must do's in the Thailand

    Ladyboys.

    • bich.light on 22/06/2016 - 21:37
      +18

      Swordfights **

    • inherentchoice on 23/06/2016 - 07:32

      Are you speaking from experience? Same same but different right?

    • danwarraich on 24/06/2016 - 15:29
      +7

      if you see a bulge don't indulge..

      • kerodean on 25/06/2016 - 00:14
        +1

        alternatively, if you see a buldge get ready to indulge ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

  • Jay43 on 22/06/2016 - 17:29
    +2

    If you go to Chatuchak remember to keep hydrating. It can get very hot in the market and you can get disoriented and lost easily. I ended up coming home with 10 ridiculous t-shirts I bought there as a result.

    • bich.light on 22/06/2016 - 21:35

      Only 10? :P
      I've bought hydralyte so I should be good. I also drink lots of water in general anyways :)

      • Elision on 24/06/2016 - 18:56

        I suggest a hat too! that place is ridiculously hot, humid and crowded.

      • shiningstars on 26/06/2016 - 05:17

        No need to bring Hydralyte- every chemist has little packets of electrolytes for around 10baht which you can add to your bottled water.

  • [Deactivated] on 22/06/2016 - 17:43
    +2

    Booze, blackjack and hookers

  • ode1online on 22/06/2016 - 17:45
    +6

    check out youtube for scams to avoid in Bangkok.

    Use the skytrain when u can. Its easy.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5waDld3Gg0

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5waDld3Gg0

    If the taxi driver offers a CHEAP trip ,then he is probably going to try to take you somewhere like a GEM store or a MARKET , AVOID. it will be a hard sell.

    Have a COLOUR copy of your Passport on you if you intend to exchange money as its required.

    http://www.bangkok.com/area-khao-san-road/ of an evening

    and check out the grand palace http://www.bangkok.com/attraction-palace/grand-palace.htm

    You can buy ticket for temples at the temple.. Don't believe Taxi that its a Buddhist holiday.. (it aint:SCAM)

    • bich.light on 22/06/2016 - 21:36

      Thanks :)
      And what do you mean colour copy of my passport? Simply showing them my passport isn't enough?

      • ode1online on 22/06/2016 - 22:33
        +2

        Typically you would store your passport somewhere save and just have a copy on you. You don't want to lose your passport.

    • mponderosa on 25/06/2016 - 22:02
      +1

      Just back from Bangkok last week for 9 days.

      Sorry but our main interest are FOODS and FOODS. I am travelling with 3 other friends and we are always hunting for the best and authentic food.

      Most of the time I am using UBER and GRAB taxi. It's faster, more economic and comfy. From airport to our hotel in Asoke (CBD) we only pay 300 Baht. During our travel from hotel to the other place in Bangkok we never pay more than 100 Baht. Mostly we only pay 40-60 Baht. Using MTR/BTS you expect to pay around 28-60 Baht per person.

      Recommended spots:

      • Silom Soi 20 and Soi 10, catch BTS and stop at Chong Non Si. This is the street food heaven. There is Khai Mok Gai (Chicken briyani rice) that open at 6am and finish at 8am :) Best of the best. Just at the entry of Silom Soi 20, across the Mariamman Temple! next to it is Pork Porridge - also the best.

      • Siam Paragon - go to the basement and see Gourmet Market Paradise. Most Thai food are sold here and a very interesting visual experience at least. If you are after salad, they have a salad bar of 60+ high quality items, choose what you want and pay after weighing your bowl.

      • Khlong Lat Mayom - floating market only open on weekends. Be there for breakfast around 7am and finish at 10 or eleven then go to Chatuchak. When you are in Chatuchak. Pay attention to Stall/Block 2,3. Around 90% visitors on this market are LOCALS. Highly recommended food here: PLA PAO (grilled fish covered with salt.), Goong ob wun sen, Grilled big prawns, etc. Watch this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JECMG2IIDCA

      • When in Chatuchak, don't eat there, be patient as just across the street you can find Or To Kor market. Food is much much better here.

      • If you're after great Thai restaurants, try:

      1. YUM SAAP chain in most malls (MBK also have this resto),
      2. Taling Pling (Upscale, Siam Paragon, the Moo Yang (grilled pork neck) is TOP of the class),
      3. Tummour restaurant (Isaan/North Eastern Thai style - my fave),
      4. Som Tum Der in Sala Daeng / Silom (has a branch in NY and just got Michelin Award),
      5. Somboon Seafood (have 7 outlets in CBD and all having long queues, but just come early as they don't receive RSVP) - their Deep fried curry crab is MUCH BETTER than Chilli Crab in No Sign Board (Singapore)
      6. Baan Kanitha
  • dasher86 on 22/06/2016 - 18:01
    +1

    Platinum if you're after cheap but 'trendy' youth clothing.
    New rot failed market, great way to experience local Thai night life.
    http://www.bangkok.com/magazine/rot-fai-market-ratchada.htm

  • Ozbargainite on 22/06/2016 - 18:03
    +5

    Don't change money here. Change your Aud to Baht when you get there. Change some at the airport then in Bangkok.

    Try not to use ATMs if possible,Thai banks charge 180 Baht($7) to use a foreign card.
    If you use a ATM remember to retrieve your card as the ATMs give you your cash then your card which is the opposite to here and many people leave their card behind in the machine.

    If you use the BTS train buy a smart card to save time.

    Ask for taxis to use the meter.
    If they won't politely decline.

    Never use taxis that hang around outside hotels waiting to prey on clueless tourist, sometimes in cahoots with hotel staff.

    Don't give money to beggars.

    Google "scams in Bangkok" or similar

    Check out Siam Paragon and Terminal 21 shopping malls also China town if shopping is your thing.

    Drink bottled water.

    Check your change and use small denominations where possible.

    Beware of the pavement which is terrible in places.

    Check out Richard Barrow on twitter or his websites. He's a travel blogger living in Thailand and has details on day trips from Bangkok.

    Have a great trip

    • bich.light on 22/06/2016 - 21:38

      Thanks.

      And is the exchange rate / conversation rate better in Thailand than in Australia?

      • dasher86 on 22/06/2016 - 22:10
        +1

        Usually better in Thailand.
        I use SuperRich

      • IMFrugl on 24/06/2016 - 07:37
        +1

        Change at the banks (some require id like passports, most don't). Avoid moneychangers - some will shortchange you then act 'surprised' when pointed out. Banks- very good rates.

    • dandandan on 22/06/2016 - 22:59

      Some good advice and tips, the ATM and wait for your card is always one to remember!

      I will add, stay on the river, a little further out but just seems to be so more enjoyable. Hilton Millennium is my go to. Bangkok is easy to get around though with the Skytrain and Metro.

      Bangkok is a city you can just take in, great food and people.

    • DrAlco on 24/06/2016 - 15:55
      +2

      USE ATMs if you have a Citibank Plus account. They have Citibank branches in Bangkok and the exchange rate is on par if not better than most local exchange centres (and definitely much better than the ones at the airport). There's no service & exchange rate fees if you withdraw from a citibank ATM with your citibank debit card.

      • Elision on 24/06/2016 - 18:57

        Yup, citibank plus account is a godsend. Has saved me a lot of money in atm and exchange fees.

  • Ozbargainite on 22/06/2016 - 18:41
    +1

    For money exchange comparisons in BKK checkout

    https://daytodaydata.net/

    Currently the difference between the worst bank and the best money exchange place for Aussie dollars is 4.88%

  • adventurer96 on 23/06/2016 - 09:08
    +2

    Exchange your money in Thailand. The rates are horrible here. If you're worried, exchange enough here to pay the taxi. However, hotel exchange rates there are very poor too.

  • 973728 on 23/06/2016 - 10:59
    +1

    Get a local SIM card. I remember paying ~$10 and having free calls and text for a the entire week I was there!

  • Seraphin7 on 23/06/2016 - 11:47

    Just make sure you are getting what you pay for. Doubly so in the bars.

  • goosegog on 23/06/2016 - 13:37

    Must go - The bridge over the River Kwai. It is a day long tour but so worth it for the history value & very moving to look around the war museum. Also on the tour we took, it involved the floating markets where you are taken on a motorised long canoe along the rivers ,past all the little villages where the locals were seen either doing their washing in the river , bathing or both. This tour took 13 hours in total but was so worth it. We booked it through Viator but I'm sure they can also be booked locally.
    Locally in the city, the night markets are great, with heaps of bars & restaurants off the main market site. The MBK centre is huge - over 7 floors- I love it but hubby doesn't. We've never managed all 7 floors of shops etc. & for a confirmed shopaholic such as myself it is a let down to my fellow shopaholics !
    Always bargain! - so important as the locals expect you to.
    Make sure you go on a Tuk Tuk - they are the local transport - cheap & fun ( never had a safety issue with one ) but again agree a price before your trip to wherever you want to go to at the time . Also use the train service which is easily accessible & cheap. Traffic in Bangkok is horrendous ( it once took 3 hours to get from the airport to our hotel, on a trip which should have been about a 30 min. drive ). That's why the Tuk Tuks are so good - being smaller they whip up all the tiny back streets to your destination - but I wouldn't recommend one to carry you & your luggage to & from the airport !
    Enjoy your time there - the people are lovely, very polite & gentle. However if you hope to meet a girlfriend just try to be sure that she is not a he !
    Have fun .

  • Muimuimorris on 23/06/2016 - 14:27
    +1

    we did cooking classes at the Chiang Mai cooking school. highly recommended.

  • jrad0 on 23/06/2016 - 14:59
    +2

    Hey man, spent considerable time in BKK so I've written a blog on the best things to do in Bangkok in one day for 1000 baht (~$40) www.bkkandbeyond.wordpress.com

    Also written about some awesome restaurants a little off the beaten track which you will learn about if you are spending a bit of time there.

    The Bangkok Expats Facebook group will be worth joining too if you are there for a short amount of time.

    Weekend getaways worth a look (Within a cheap bus ride from BKK):
    Koh Samet
    Koh Chang
    Pattaya - Don't listen to what people say about it being a dirty hole of a place. PLenty of young HiSo thais are going there nowdays to places like the top floor of the Hilton. Yes there are plenty of prostitutes there but stick to the beach road and you wont see many, stay at a hotel on the beach front (ie Baboona) and take advantage of the 10baht taxis doing loops and hit the nightclubs (real music, huge and decent crowds - eg The Pier, Bone Pattaya) that have no curfue on closing times!
    Hua hin (Takiab area pretty chilled - check out cicaida market)
    There is an Island called Koh Larn 30baht ferry away from Pattaya which has nice beaches.

    Health land is where to go for the best quality massages in Thailand (no funny business) - Only found in Bangkok which one branch in Pattaya.

    Enjoy!

    • bich.light on 23/06/2016 - 21:29

      Thanks :)
      I'm not that into the dancing or drinking scene, but Pattaya sounds good for the beach?

      • cheapskatez on 23/06/2016 - 22:11
        +1

        Pattaya beach is horrible and dirty. As jrad0 mentioned try the nearby islands for a decent beach.

      • jrad0 on 24/06/2016 - 06:31
        +1

        Yes Pattaya beach is nothing flash. Not worth going there to go swimming you will wanna go to the islands I mentioned.

        In Bangkok itself if you're into a bit of adventure after you've seen the standard tourist stuff in my blog, have a look into getting to bang kachao aka the green lung of Bangkok. Boats leave from behind wat Klong toei and are 10baht to cross the river. Old school villages and plenty of raised walkways through a forest that hasn't really been touched. A pretty special place. You can rent a bike there to explore or go on a bike tour which will take you there.

        My favourite place to eat cheap is terminal 21 mall food court on level 5. You will get 2 mains and a drink for 100thb. Street food prices but clean and quality!

        • bich.light on 24/06/2016 - 13:04

          Bwahhaha,
          thanks a heap!

      • WillKillfor5Cents on 26/06/2016 - 14:08

        mate, don't go a-go-go bars… once you go there you can't go back. Personally, know a dude, straight as an arrow. Went there once and the rest is history.

        He is officially a sexpat now.

  • Mysterious Laptop on 23/06/2016 - 17:16

    Just out of curiosity, is this a university program for a commerce/business degree?

  • belongsinforums on 23/06/2016 - 18:02
    +1

    Shopping around MBK is huge. I went there several times.
    Ayuthaya is worth it. You can rent a moped there opposite the train station for a couple of bucks. Extremely hot, though. If you do end up riding there, ride slowly and extremely carefully.
    Personally I found Bangkok pretty boring, but I seem to be an outlier.
    The malls there are omnipresent and have excellent food that you should seek out. Tim Ho Wan, MIX bar from the top of my head are excellent. Motorcycle taxis should be avoided if possible..They rip you off big time. Cheapest private transport is metered cabs.
    There's a forensic museum there.worth a look if you have a strong stomach.
    Have a fantastic time!

  • Muimuimorris on 23/06/2016 - 18:29
    +2

    You may want a massage in Thailand after all your activities. This place that I go to every time in Thailand (Heathland Spa) is really clean and reasonably priced. I was impressed that they wash their hands a lot and the towels and linen used is regularly changed. This is their website. http://www.healthlandspa.com

    I had one unfortunate incident for the work colleagues (guys) that I went to a massage place in Bangkok. We all had massages from ladyboys. As the only girl in the group, I had no problem with that. However it made the chaps in my group feel a bit uncomfortable. This is their website. http://ogotomassage.client.jp/en.html

    • bich.light on 23/06/2016 - 21:29
      +1

      LMFAO.
      Ignorance is bliss!

  • pulpfiction on 23/06/2016 - 18:31
    +1

    If you want to soak in the city, definitely check out a Mountain Biking Tour. Everything from markets to temples to near death experiences. We went with these guys just about a year ago, had an awesome time: https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g293916-d66…

    • bich.light on 23/06/2016 - 21:31

      That's amazing. Her reviews are incredibly high.
      I'll most definitely give it a go :)
      Thanks

  • 00 on 23/06/2016 - 21:33
    +3

    Don't walk through the airport terminal sideways.

  • ahly92 on 23/06/2016 - 22:05
    -2

    Travelling to Bangkok, Any Advice?

    Why are you travelling to 'Bangkok'…you can do that here. save yourself some money :)

    • [Deactivated] on 25/06/2016 - 07:09

      Why are you travelling to 'Bangkok'…

      Because he is going to 'Thighland'.

  • kiribatian on 23/06/2016 - 22:29
    +3

    On top of everyone's great ideas, I'll add my 2 cents. (I was there for a week in March)

    Transport:
    - Airlink to/from Airport. Super cheap and super fast.
    - Traffic is nuts so I wouldn't catch a cab until after midnight even
    - MRT (subway) is cheap and quicker than cabs
    - Another underutilised option is catching the boats down the river especially the Khlong Saen Saep one. It is 20 baht each way and can be really convenient. Skip all the traffic and Also you can pretend to feel like James Bond as you jump on and off at the pier.

    Food
    - it is expensive but we went to Dining in the Dark at the Sheraton. The room is pitch black, the waiters are blind and you have to guess what you are eating. I thought it was worth and a really unique experience. (Especially if your mate is anaphylactic to any seafood)

    Bars:
    - there are heaps of cool rooftop bars in Bangkok including the Skybar at Lebua (in the Hangover). Make sure you wear pants though if you try to go (we got knocked back for wearing shorts, it was 35 degrees and ridiculously humid)
    - There are also some sweet hidden bars in Thong Lor. Iron Fairies is very good but can be very packed. I liked J Borovski the best though (purely for the difficulty in finding it and the unexpected way of finding it (http://bk.asia-city.com/nightlife/news/bangkok-coolest-secre…)

    Activities
    - go bike riding in Green Lung Park (Bang Krachao)
    - if you are an adventurous/crazy type, see if you can head to the Ghost Tower (http://expertvagabond.com/abandoned-skyscraper-bangkok/). We tried to do it in March, bribed the guy at the gate 1000 baht each but still weren't able to get up. It is literally an abandoned tower in the middle of Bangkok. Check out my comments on March 29, 2016 on that link. Check it out on YouTube, views look amazing

    • bich.light on 23/06/2016 - 22:35

      That skyscraper is exactly the thing I'm into!
      Thanks a heap!

      • kiribatian on 23/06/2016 - 22:57
        +1

        Read my comments from that link for some tips. I have heard of very few people being able to do it in the last few months.
        Just did some Youtube searching- these guys did it last month (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZyeO49pcE4).

        Let me know how you go with it. good luck!

        • bich.light on 24/06/2016 - 00:16

          Thanks haha

        • bich.light on 24/06/2016 - 00:17
          +1

          Possibly do it solo? By myself?

      • dandandan on 24/06/2016 - 20:39

        Skybar at Lebua is probably good to check out once, to say you have been there otherwise it's a bit of a tourist trap in my opinion. 360 bar at Hilton Millennium is probably one of if not the best rooftop bar in the city, it has both indoor and outdoor.

    • bich.light on 24/06/2016 - 21:56

      After reading your comment now… I'm scared haha
      Though it seems really amazing and I wish I could do it!

  • ribze1 on 23/06/2016 - 23:42
    +2

    Pretty girls may not actually be girls >.<

  • Jackson on 24/06/2016 - 00:50
    +1

    It can't be stressed enough, when getting in a cab, always take the meter. Always.

    And tarp up

  • getcarter on 24/06/2016 - 05:06

    Try checking the correct price of basic items before arrival, some like to raise the price significantly. If you have your wits about you just enjoy, it's a joy to behold!

  • bobbified on 24/06/2016 - 11:06
    +1

    Be on the lookout for them adams apples!

    • Hirolol on 24/06/2016 - 13:28
      +1

      not a surefire way anymore.
      that can shave those bad boys down.
      only way to find out is politely ask.

      • bich.light on 24/06/2016 - 14:34

        Their voices are a giveaway… right?

        • bobbified on 24/06/2016 - 16:05
          +1

          in that case, no answer from them means.. run!!

  • manobik on 24/06/2016 - 13:34
    +1

    When not using public transport, use grab app or uber app and use cheapest bike option, they will provide helmet.

    • mrluke on 24/06/2016 - 14:26

      Tuk tuks are the way to go, they are on every corner and fly through traffic and cost bugger all. Unless you are going more than 20km.

  • mrluke on 24/06/2016 - 14:25
    +1

    You have to go to the Grand Palace and also a couple of big temples when you are there. Don't spend all your time shopping, its not that great, its all crap mostly and you will get hassled a lot. And have fun riding tuk tuks around. :)

  • mrluke on 24/06/2016 - 14:36

    They have one nice shopping center which is just like going to a westfield, I remember the MBK center which is a technology market, just like going to a computer swap meet, there are a lot of flea markets which are like markets here with clothes and illegal DVDs.

    If you want to see real Thai life go to the fish market in the morning or the floating river market where you hop in a gondola type thing they paddle and you trade with other gondolas. Flower market I think its called.

    Don't eat from food stalls on sideofroad, even restaurants cost little and obviously you don't know what you are getting off side ofroad.

    Its a humid, muggy heat there so stay hydrated, get a massage there and be prepared to stick out like a sore thumb.

    • bich.light on 24/06/2016 - 14:43
      +1

      What?! I heard the street food is amazing there!
      I'm just going to stick to the popular/busy ones and that have high turn over of food.

      • mrluke on 24/06/2016 - 15:02
        -2

        When you see the amount of stray animals and the same blokes standing there all day with his little bai Marie in 35 degree heat with food that has been sitting there all day you will think twice about it. If it was that great he would have a shop. I don't know why you would when you can eat at 5 star restaurants for $20. Thais eat things that you wouldn't so I wouldn't risk it unless you want to end up on the shitter your whole trip. You can't even drink the tap water, that should tell you something and wait until you smell the Bangkok air, it reeks.

        • mponderosa on 27/06/2016 - 00:09

          Just because the tap water can not be drink does not mean Thai streetfood are NOT safe. They are two different animals :)

      • dasher86 on 24/06/2016 - 18:24
        +2

        Eat street food only if it is cooked in front of you :)

  • danger163 on 24/06/2016 - 15:26
    +1

    Boom Boom!

  • DrAlco on 24/06/2016 - 15:59

    As already suggested, always ask for meter when catching a taxi. I would also suggest to have google maps ready to go with your destination. Follow the route so they don't "accidentally" take you somewhere else. i.e. a restaurant they get commissions for rather than the one a block down where you asked to go.

    They also have uber in BKK, so if you don't want to go through the charm/hassle of taxis you can pay a little more for an uber. For comparison, uber from airport was 300 baht flatrate, while a standard taxi was 260 baht by the meter to the same hotel.

  • LongJohn92 on 24/06/2016 - 16:49
    +1

    Read this. It'll clue you up on scams present and other cool things to see and do around Bangkok. https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Bangkok

  • [Deactivated] on 24/06/2016 - 17:50

    Why is the date in the title? o.O

    • bich.light on 24/06/2016 - 17:56

      In case later on someone asks a similar question but situations change in Thailand? idk

  • darkknightwayno on 24/06/2016 - 19:58
    +1

    Get a Soapy Massage :)

  • grasstown on 24/06/2016 - 20:01

    scammers scammers scammers scammers
    the temple is not closed

  • spoonmugen on 24/06/2016 - 20:28

    pack condoms

  • Avacardooo Rayy Mee on 24/06/2016 - 21:26

    dont take the blue pill

  • singhdeals on 24/06/2016 - 21:42
    +1

    As long as you have availed similar deals, you should be well covered ;)

  • [Deactivated] on 25/06/2016 - 14:45
    +1

    Farang dingdong, don't get tricked by the ladyboys.

  • goosegog on 25/06/2016 - 14:54
    +1

    " One night in Bangkok " - Listen to the song, take note ( no pun intended ) & then enjoy your trip with your wits around you & your internal antennae on Alert.

  • IdBuyThat4aDollar on 26/06/2016 - 10:43
    +1

    • For transport try to stick with the skytrain (BTS) or underground (MRT) if you can. However some areas are not accessible by BTS or MRT (eg Khao San Road) so you may need to get a cab. If you do want to go to Khao San Road, take a BTS to Saphan Taksin and then get the ferry up the chao phraya river. This is also a good way to get to some of the temples as well. Take the normal boat locals take which is something like 11 baht. The tourist boat is 150 baht for the day.

    • Hail a cab that's already driving down the street, not one thats already parked. You can tell if a cab driving down is free because it will have a red light on the passenger side windscreen. These guys are more likely to put on the meter.

    • Depending where your staying, from the airport its cheaper to get the skytrain.

    • Wikitravel has some good information http://wikitravel.org/en/Bangkok

  • Wyzard on 26/06/2016 - 23:25
    +1

    I've recently moved back to Sydney after being in BKK for two years. Things to check out:

    Definitely try street food. Just be sensible and find a busy place with high turnover. If you're not game enough to try street food then go to the food court in Terminal 21 (Asok BTS). It's incredibly cheap and authentic street food without the 'street'. Did I mention it's insanely cheap? It's also my favourite shopping centre. Each floor is a different international theme.

    Check out Chinatown. Get the MRT to Hua Lamphong then get a motorbike taxi ($50baht) into the main centre. and go for a wander through the maze of street vendors. Great for street food, fruit and nik naks. One of my favourite places for street photography so bring your camera.

    You must try a burger from a truck called Daniel Thaiger (Sukhumvit Soi 31 - Phromphong BTS)… Otherwise go to their shop called Nerd on Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor) for burgers and beers. Also on the same street is a bar called Iron Fairies. Harry Potter/Diagon Alley-esque bar with great jazz. If you like jazz also make a trip to Saxophone Pub near Victory Monument BTS.

    Rod Fai markets are great for thrift shopping, live music and food. Its a great big hipster market with people selling new and used items out of vintage cars.

    Check out Asiatique as you mentioned. Temples all start looking the same so I wouldn't recommend seeing more than one. In fact, spend more time at a bar/restaurant along the river and soak up the Bangkok air.

    When getting a cab, make sure they agree to the meter before getting in. Thai cab drivers will take you the most direct route regardless so don't worry too much about getting 'taken for a ride'. If you're out in the middle of the night you may not have a choice but agree to a set price. In that case you should bargain first. Weigh it up…. is saving $5 worth the effort when you're drunk at 3am and just want to get home to bed? Taxi drivers are hit and miss. They're picky about the destination so can refuse to drive you.

    I'm sure you've read about it but watch out for anyone offering you cheap gems… and as someone mentioned, the temples are not closed.

    Bangkok is as safe or as dangerous as you want it to be. It's only seedy if that's what you're after otherwise there's something for everyone. The hipster fashion, music, food and creative arts scene is quite big.

    If you want to find out whats on just check out Bangkok Coconuts and BKPost websites for pop up events.

    TL;DR - Just try the Daniel Thaiger Burger and visit Iron Fairies :)

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