Traveling to Bangkok, Thailand? We want to help by providing insider tips before your Bangkok trip. Things you need to know before you go to Bangkok!
Bangkok is a massive city with countless things to do and a great culture to experience. However, quite often people are overwhelmed by the big city vibe. Busy streets, traffic jams, relentless heat, and the odd scam or two commonly get it labeled as a transit destination.
We plan to fix that with this guide that contains 19 things you should know before visiting Bangkok. These are tips as learned firsthand by a Bangkok expat over a period of six years.
Some tips you may have heard of, while others will be a complete surprise. Take point number 15 for example where the city stands still at 8am and 6pm every day on the dot.
So, let’s start the preparation for your trip to Bangkok.
Traveling to Bangkok? 19 Things to know before you Visit Bangkok
1. It is worth spending more than 1 day in Bangkok
So often I see people say that Bangkok is a terrible destination, avoid it as much as you can, and leave immediately. These people are so wrong and have no doubt missed out on the best parts of what the city has to offer. There are enough things to do in Bangkok to keep you busy for months.
Yes, Bangkok is a huge and overwhelming city, so you need to give it a bit of time to appreciate. With a bit of guidance, you can sift through the madness and enjoy this city for what it is truly worth.
If you’re planning to visit Bangkok for one day, one week, or one month, then you will find this detailed guide on things to do in Bangkok quite useful. It is packed with local tips and unique experiences that will keep you busy all day every day.
2. Traffic is a parking lot at the best of times
The traffic in Bangkok can be shocking. Often, main roads seem like parking lots, and what was meant to be a three lane road somehow descends into five lanes of madness. For this reason, it is generally advisable to get around Bangkok by train as much as possible.
Trains run above or below the traffic, and can get you to your destination much quicker. We’ll explore the various options in a moment.
3. Always take a taxi by the meter
Locals know that taxis always go by the meter. However, in the tourist areas like Khao Sarn Road, Siam, and Victory Monument, taxi drivers quite often push for a flat rate fare which rarely starts below 200 THB. This will always be more expensive than a metered ride.
Unless you are desperately trying to get somewhere in time, it is best to let that taxi go and flag down another who is willing to take you by the meter.
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4. Tuk Tuks are almost always more expensive
Expats in Bangkok refer to it as the Tuk Tuk mafia. While Tuk Tuks are an iconic image of Bangkok, they are almost always more expensive than a taxi. The drivers commonly get together and artificially inflate the prices. A 50 THB trip by taxi could cost you 200 THB by Tuk Tuk, for no reason other than it being a tourist trap.
Not only are taxis cheaper, but they also have air-conditioning which offers some respite from the heat.
5. There are four separate train systems
It may not seem obvious, but Bangkok has an extensive network of public transport. In fact, there are four individual train systems reaching across the majority of the city and are always being extended.
The BTS Skytrain runs overhead with two separate lines. The MRT runs underground with one line. The Airport link also runs overhead with one line from the city to the airport. Finally, a standard railway connects Bangkok with its neighboring cities and provincial areas.
6. Avoid trains at peak hour
While trains can save you plenty of time, they can also be super packed in peak hours from 7.30am-9.00am and 5.00pm-7.00pm. Train lines are constantly being extended, carrying more and more passengers, and have not seen a recent increase in train size or frequency.
During peak hours it is not uncommon to wait for four or five trains to pass before managing to get on board. However, outside of these peak hours, trains are relatively empty.
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7. Motorbike taxis can save you hours
Never heard of a motorbike taxi? You can easily recognize a motorbike taxi rank by the guys with bright orange or yellow vests and large numbers printed on their backs.
Motorbike taxis are ideal for short trips when you don’t want to walk in the Bangkok heat but also don’t want to be stuck in horrendous traffic. A typical 1 kilometer trip will cost somewhere between 10-20 THB, but varies on location.
Check out my quick one minute travel tip to learn how to catch motorbike taxis in Bangkok.
8. Street food is generally safe
Some of the best food in Bangkok is street food. Locals know it, expats know it, now you know it. In 2016 the government cracked down on street food trying to clean up the image of the city. Fortunately, there are still some street food safe havens around.
Try the small alleys off Yarowat (Chinatown) at night for a huge selection of Chinese-Thai dishes. For more of a local vibe you can visit Pridi Banomyong Soi 2 in Phrakanong where there are loads of Thai foods you have probably never even heard of.
9. There’s so much more than Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Tom Yum
Every tourist wants to try one of these three iconic dishes, but listen up, there is so much more to get your taste buds onto. Thai food is so diverse, varying region by region, and Bangkok offers it all.
Instead of Pad Thai try a 10 THB bowl of Boat Noodles in Victory Monument, a classic Bangkok dish. Swap the Green Curry for a turmeric flavored Yellow Curry, traditionally from the south of Thailand. As for the spicy Tom Yum Soup, you could try its close relative the creamy coconut based Tom Kha Gai.
Most first time visitors are also completely unaware of Isan food, which originates from the northeast of Thailand. Popular Isan dishes include Som Tam Papaya Salad, Spicy Larb Pork or Beef Salad, Sticky Glutinous Rice, and Sai Gok Sausage. You will commonly find these sold from small street side vendors in more residential suburbs like Onnut in Sukhumvit 77, and Udom Suk in Sukhumvit 103.
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10. There are two islands in Bangkok
Believe it or not, there are actually two islands in Bangkok. However, don’t expect white sandy beaches and palm trees like the islands in the far south. Both of Bangkok’s islands are located in the Chao Praya River which runs north south cutting the city in half.
The first island is Koh Kret located in the far north of the city where you will find a traditional pottery village, local weekend market, and craft brewery. The other is Bang Krachao, commonly referred to as the Green Lungs of Bangkok, with some great cycling routes and a massive wetland park to explore.
11. Dress appropriately when visiting temples
We love visiting temples in Bangkok but always remember to be respectful. A temple, locally known as a Wat, is a religious place and frequently visited by locals paying their respects. A simple dress code to remember is; cover your knees, cover your shoulders, and don’t wear your shoes inside.
There are over four hundred Buddhist temples in Bangkok alone. Here is a quick video that shows you how to visit four of them in one day.
12. The Grand Palace is not closed
There are a few common scams in Bangkok, but the one that gets people time and time again is “the Grand Palace is closed” trick.
As you approach the entrance a Tuk Tuk driver (remember the mafia I explained earlier) will approach you informing you of the unfortunate circumstances. Instead, they will offer to take you on a city sightseeing tour at an exorbitant rate to shops where they are paid handsome commissions.
This scam is illegal but works so often. Now you know, don’t fall for it.
13. Understand the odd alcohol laws
Thailand has some odd laws regarding when alcohol can and cannot be purchased. Before midday, from 2pm to 5pm, and then again after midnight convenience stores and supermarkets are not allowed to sell alcohol. Get to the counter at 12.01am and unfortunately, you’re out of luck.
That said, you will find old Ma and Pa stores who will secretly sell you a bottle of Chang Beer or Sangsom Thai Rum outside of legal trading hours. Bars can also serve alcohol until well after midnight, so it’s not all bad news for party goers.
14. Never disrespect the Royal Family
Thailand has strong lese majeste laws which makes it illegal to defame, insult or threaten the Royal Family. Do not talk bad about the Royal Family in public, and do not deface Thai money as this has the King’s face on it.
Make sure you take this warning seriously as punishment ranges from three to fifteen years in prison, per offence. In 2015, two lese majeste offenders suddenly died in military captivity within the space of a few weeks. Conspiracy theories still remain open.
15. Stand still at 8am and 6pm
Every day at 8am and 6pm the King’s song plays over the loudspeakers in most public spaces. This includes train stations, bus stations, markets, shopping malls. Almost instantly people stop walking and stand where they are, conversations pause, and the otherwise noisy Bangkok becomes silent for a moment. Even as a tourist you are expected to follow this tradition.
16. The popular floating markets are actually out of town
You’ve probably seen photos of Bangkok’s iconic floating markets where narrow canals are lined with small boats selling all sorts of goods. This is truly an iconic part of Thai culture and would have been very common in Bangkok around 100 years ago.
These days those well-known floating markets are actually located outside of Bangkok. The Amphawa Floating Market is located in located in Samut Songkhram while the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located in Ratchaburi, each around 90 minutes away. The good news is that both markets are still an easy day trip.
This detailed article on the top destinations near Bangkok contains guides to both markets with transport options, along with some other great day trips you should not miss.
17. Khao Sarn Road is a backpacker’s party
Khao Sarn Road may be fun for a night or two, but don’t expect to see how locals actually have a night out. There are plenty of other venues around Bangkok where locals tend to go.
For cheap drinks and live Thai music head to either Rot Fai Srinakarin or Rot Fai Ratchada, which are both huge lively night markets. For drinks with a view head to a rooftop bar like Above Eleven on Sukhumvit 11, or Octave on the roof of Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit 55.
There are also plenty of live music bars in Bangkok like Old Dirty, Saxophone Bar, Tak Su Ra, and Skytrain Jazz which locals and expats love.
18. Talking loudly and pointing fingers are disrespectful
Getting your head around local traditions can be tough, and quite often you aren’t even aware of them until you’ve accidentally offended someone. Here are a few tips to ensure you stay in the good books with the locals.
Don’t point at people or items with your fingers, rather indicate with your entire hand or eyes. Don’t talk obnoxiously loudly, not only is it annoying but also considered quite rude. Never ever point at something with your foot or show the bottom of your feet to a local, that’s about the rudest thing possible.
19. Avoid discussing politics
Thailand has had its fair share of political tension in the past decade. Violent fighting between two opposing parties, followed by a military coup that has dragged on far longer than should have been allowed. Discussing your views on Thai politics is one day to get locals fired up in all the wrong ways, so even if asked, just avoid the topic. Taxi drivers are notoriously bad for getting a bit too passionate on this topic.
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Hopefully, these tips help guide you through Bangkok a little easier, offer a few local insights, and travel as a respectful tourist. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to leave a comment below and we’ll get right back to you.
This is a guest post by Josh from the blog The Lost Passport.
Josh Shephard is a travel writer, photographer, and vlogger who spent six years living in Bangkok. He runs The Lost Passport which provides travelers with local insights, cultural experiences, and off the beaten track destinations throughout Asia. Follow The Lost Passport on Facebook, and Instagram for exclusive travel updates and insights to take your trip to the next level.
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