Bangkok travel information
Bangkok is one of the world’s truly populous cities and can be quite overwhelming to new arrivals. However, it is a popular tourist destination with easy options for travellers wishing to get about and see this interesting city. Thailand, on a whole, is traveller-friendly, but Bangkok can be somewhat intense and has a higher risk of trouble than other tourist centres.
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Bangkok is famous for its traffic congestion and it’s not uncommon to spend several hours sitting in a taxi; fortunately their rates are cheap but it certainly does wear on your patience. Avoid travel before 10:00 or between 15:00 and 19:00. Use the skytrain or underground metro instead.
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Walking is an unpleasant and hazardous option in Bangkok, with disrupted, vendor-laden sidewalks, dangerous holes everywhere and the threat of ill-disciplined motorists.
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Fake gem scams are a common crime reported by visitors. Be wary of any individual offering you ‘good deals’ on semi-legal items. A similar problem is the many tuk tuk drivers offering free rides which stop off at jewellery and tailor shops. Failing to purchase anything from these establishments results in some uncomfortable situations. Women should be alert to travelling alone in taxis and tuk tuks.
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In the heat of the summer (February to October), Bangkok is unpleasantly hot and becomes extremely humid. There are plenty of air-conditioned shops about; don’t be too ambitious with your outdoor sightseeing plans as it may leave you dehydrated.
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Food preparation hygiene is a problem at the cheaper, road-side noodle shops. Just because the locals are able to stomach a 20 baht bowl doesn’t guarantee you won’t become ill. Rather, stick to the licensed restaurants that have been inspected for health and safety.
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In heavily touristed areas, pimps can often be annoying with their persistent invitation to attend a sex show. Firmly saying ‘mai ow krap’ (or ‘mai ow ka’, if you are a woman) usually shakes them off.
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Locals in tourist services and areas tend to shamelessly overcharge unsuspecting tourists who regard everything in Thailand as relatively cheap. Learn to bargain, insist on using taxi meters, ask for receipts, and verify prices.
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Bangkok is a large city where mafia-type crime thrives and corruption facilitates injustice. Be careful not to become involved in any questionable deals and conduct due diligence before agreeing on any partnership deals.
Useful travel tips resources
Footprint Guides - Bangkok
Incomparable resource on Thailand travel from this well-known travel guide publisher.
http://www.footprintguides.com/
Thailand Guidebook
Highly acclaimed site built by Thai students with hundreds of pages of guides and useful info.
www.thailandguidebook.com
Asia Travel Tips - Thailand
Covers hundreds of topics related to travel in Thailand and other Asia countries.
www.asiatraveltips.com/
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Bangkok maps and geography
Thailand travel information
Thailand travel tips
Thailand health and safety
Thailand maps and geography
Essentials
Visas: 30 days issued upon arrival to most nationals
Season: November – April
Money: Baht – ATMs widely available, transactions mostly cash
Language: Thai – English understood in tourist areas
Emergency #: 191; traffic accidents: 1193