How to Prepare for a Trip to Bangkok – Essential Tips for the First-time Visitor 

The vibrant city of Bangkok would offer many absorbing experiences with sightseeing highlights, cultural attractions, shopping options and exciting nightlife on offer for foreign tourists. However, if you are visiting this bustling city for the first time, there would be some things that you should keep in mind; in this regard, you would find the tips provided below to be useful.

Join the official taxi queue and make use of public transport

After you arrive at the international airport, you would need to collect your luggage and take a taxi to your accommodation. You should ignore the touts here as they would offer you an inflated price; instead, you can make your way to the ground floor where you may take your place in the official queue for taxis. The person there would write down your destination in Thai and inform the taxi driver so that you would be on your way.

Once in the city, you are likely to find that using public transport would be the most rapid way of getting around Bangkok. Particularly during rush hour, you would be able to evade any traffic jams by taking the subway, BTS Skytrain or even boats and ferries on the Chao Phraya River.

Take spare change and be aware of varying prices

Even though you may find that it might be slightly inconvenient to carry around a pocketful of small bills and coins, it would come in handy when it comes to paying for your transport or buying food from restaurants or vendors. Many food vendors and taxi drivers would be unable to provide change for a large banknote.
You may find that the prices for goods would vary at different establishments in the capital of Thailand. This would often be because some traders would desire to capitalize on tourists unfamiliar with local prices. Therefore, you should take the opportunity to visit several stalls or shops and politely bargain before making a purchase.

Dress modestly for temples and pack light

Packing essentials for Bangkok trip | Image via freepik

Even though Thailand experiences a warm tropical climate, it would be important to respect the local culture and dress modestly when visiting the local temples; in other words, you should wear clothes that cover bare shoulders and knees. When seeking the best hotel to stay in Bangkok, consider Sukhumvit-based accommodation options such as PARKROYAL Suites Bangkok from which you could easily visit some of these key local temples.

Additionally, when packing for your visit, it would be recommendable to leave sufficient space for the purchases you would make in Thailand. In fact, Bangkok would be renowned for its shopping options with many bargains available, so chances are you will have plenty of items to take back!

Respect the national anthem and be aware of scams

In Bangkok, the national anthem of Thailand would be played each morning at 8 am as well as at 6 pm. When this occurs, Thais would halt their activities and stand respectfully; it would be polite for foreign visitors to do likewise.
Whilst the majority of Thais would strive to welcome and help tourists, just as in any other country, there would be a few seeking to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists. You should always be wary of those who offer help unasked, bars where you are invited to go upstairs, and so on.

Be cautious with street food, pushchairs and prams

Naturally, you would desire to sample Bangkok’s tantalizing street foods but there would be some precautions to take. When selecting restaurants, you should try to visit those frequented by numerous locals. 

Also, When purchasing barbequed meats on the streets, ask the vendor to cook them thoroughly.
Whilst Thai people would have a great affection for children, you should be aware that prams and pushchairs may not be compatible in some areas; while some places may not be stroller-friendly, there are other areas which are, so check ahead before your visit.