Bangkok is an amazing city, a unique metropolis where a skyscraper sits next to an ancient Buddhist temple in stunning grounds. A city of contradictions, a place that at first glance looks chaotic, yet it actually works. Known as the City of Angels, Bangkok is a city that never sleeps, and if you are planning to spend some time here, we offer some useful tips to make your stay a bit nicer.
- Stay close to the Skytrain – Sukhumvit Road is an ideal place to stay at one of the hotels close to MRT, where you are at the centre of the action, with street vendors, night markets, bars and restaurants. The best deals are when you book online, via the hotel’s website, which can be as much as 30% lower than walk-in rates.
- Crossing the street – If you come from a country where they drive on the right, be very careful when crossing the street; it is instinctive for you to look to the left for oncoming traffic, when in Thailand, the traffic approaches from the right side. Be careful if you cross in a location that is not a pedestrian crossing, as you can be fined for jaywalking. The other scary thing is that traffic doesn’t always stop for people crossing, even at a pedestrian crossing.
- Carry a stainless-steel water bottle – Invest in a thermos-type water bottle that keeps iced water cold; high humidity can leave you dehydrated, and with a water bottle on your person, you can keep yourself hydrated.
- Carry some ID – Rather than carrying your passport, take photos of the main page and your current visa with your smartphone, which you can show if ever you are asked by the authorities. You should never give anyone your passport, not even bike rental companies, which often ask for your passport as a form of security. If you fancy a holiday in the Maldives, here is an informative article on the subject.
- Hailing a cab – Of course, there are 1000s of taxis in Bangkok, and if the car is occupied, there would be a red sign in the bottom left corner of the windscreen. If the cab is available, the sign would be green. When you get in a taxi, always insist on using the meter; if the driver does not wish to turn on the meter, politely refuse and exit the vehicle. Some drivers try to scam foreigners by agreeing on a fare that is much higher than it would be if they turned on the meter.
Whether you are staying a few days, weeks or months, there is much to see and do in Bangkok, and we feel sure that you will be back at some point in the future. Choose a nice hotel in the centre of the city, then you will be close to many local attractions and getting around is easy using the MRT.