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While there is ample information about traveling to Bangkok, Thailand on the internet, first-time visitors to the Land of Golden Temples should remember the following experiences.
5 Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors to Bangkok to Ensure a Memorable and Budget-Friendly Trip
Thailand is an alluring destination for travel enthusiasts worldwide. The Land of Golden Temples is renowned for its friendly locals, bustling shopping centers with affordable prices, and delectable yet wallet-friendly cuisine. Thanks to savvy travel planning, Thailand attracts countless tourists every year.
While traveling to Bangkok is straightforward, and information is abundant on the internet, for first-time visitors to this country, there are four points to note for a perfect trip.
1. Utilize Public Transportation
Thailand's public transportation system is undeniably convenient. Here, every traveler can easily get around using the elevated train system (BTS) or the subway (MRT), with fast, cool, and civilized travel times.
Of course, there are destinations that the BTS doesn't reach. In those cases, tuk-tuks or taxis are worth considering. But if you opt for personal transportation, be sure to avoid rush hours. Bangkok is notorious for its traffic jams, where one car inches forward behind another. Taxi drivers may even refuse passengers during these times.
2. Negotiating Taxi Fares
Although taxis in Thailand have meters, not all drivers use them. Usually, drivers ask where you want to go and quote a price. Taxi fares vary depending on the time of booking and can usually be negotiated. Although some online sources suggest asking drivers to use the meter instead of negotiating, in reality, many drivers insist on fixed fares.
3. Consider Weekends When Booking Flights
If you're a shopping enthusiast and traveling to Bangkok for shopping, then don't miss out on the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Chatuchak Market is considered the world's largest flea market and only opens on Saturdays and Sundays. So if you visit on weekdays, you'll miss out on the bustling market, which is a must-visit in Bangkok.
At Chatuchak, you can find all sorts of goods from clothes to bags at various price points. The cuisine here is also incredibly diverse, offering many of Thailand's signature dishes. If you go to Chatuchak, be prepared to do a lot of walking, so bring along a good pair of shoes and, of course, plenty of money for shopping.
4. Indulge in Street Food Delights
Some may not be enthusiastic about street food due to the belief that dining should be formal. But the truth is, Thai street food is incredibly diverse and enticing, with renowned dishes like Pad Thai and somtam easily found in food streets and alleys.
Among the most famous are Chinatown, Khaosan Road, Soi 11 Sukhumvit... The eateries in these areas offer a variety of snacks to hearty meals. Experience some street food in Thailand. You surely won't be disappointed.
5. Beware of Scammers
While Thai people are known for their friendliness, there are still cases where malicious individuals exploit this to scam tourists. Most of these scams occur at popular tourist spots.
Many tourists visiting Bangkok while touring the Grand Palace have been deceived by scammers from afar, falsely claiming that the Grand Palace is closed and tricking them into joining a river tour at exorbitant prices.
As per Afamily
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourJune 5, 2018
