Buzz
Traveling and shopping in Bangkok always allure Vietnamese travelers. To make your trip more enjoyable, check out these handy tips provided by Mytour:
Key Points to Note:
1. Always carry your passport with you, separate from your money or other documents.
2. Opt for purchasing Thailand's international SIM card (yellow), make calls at public phone booths for much cheaper rates. Dialing from Thailand to Hanoi: 001-84-area code without the leading 0-number to call. If calling a mobile number: 001-84-number to call (omit the 0 before 9). If your mobile phone has international roaming, upon arriving in Thailand, it will automatically search for Thailand's network.
3. Note down the phone number of the Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Alternatively, you can contact TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand), which is quite open-minded and enthusiastic, generally speaking, they are friendly, at +66 2250 5500.
Vietnamese Embassy address in Thailand: 83/1 Wireless Road, Pathumwan, BKK 10330; Tel: (662) 267 9602; Fax: (662) 254 4630; Email: [email protected].
Booking Accommodation:
You can check room rates on Mytour and browse the list of hotels in Bangkok.
When leaving the hotel, always lock your suitcase in the room. The room key should always be returned to the hotel.
Before traveling, print out your flight tickets and hotel check-in vouchers, and do the same upon return.
Sightseeing Address:
Grand Palace is a must-visit destination, beautiful and expansive, worth spending a whole day exploring. When visiting the Royal Palace, temples, and pagodas, it's advisable to wear long clothes (otherwise, you might end up spending money on renting clothes).
Dream World Park
If you have kids, Dream World Park is a worthwhile destination to visit, it's like a miniature Disneyland, with plenty of attractions, thrilling rides, and notably, the 'Hollywood Action' show.
Natura Café
If you're a fan of spacious, nature-inspired cafes, then Natura Café will captivate you from the first glance. Upon entering, you'll be impressed by the café enveloped in a large, airy garden, surrounded by numerous trees, creating a cool and refreshing atmosphere for you to chill with friends.
Wat Traimit Golden Buddha Temple
Situated in the heart of Yaowarat, Wat Traimit is renowned for its 5.5-ton solid gold Buddha statue, standing 3.5 meters tall. Few temples in Thailand allow visitors to get close to such magnificent Buddha masterpieces, but this temple is an exception. Visitors can stand very close to the statue to fully admire its beauty.
The tallest building in Bangkok at the moment, standing at 86 floors. You'll enjoy a premium buffet meal at the revolving restaurant on the 84th floor of Baiyoke Sky, featuring a diverse range of dishes from Asian to European cuisine. Not only will you savor delicious food, but you'll also get to admire the panoramic view of Bangkok from above.
SkyWalk – King Power Mahanakhon Building
Located within the King Power Mahanakhon Building, the Mahanakhon SkyWalk is the perfect spot for you to witness a bird's-eye view of Bangkok. If you're not satisfied with ground-level check-ins in Bangkok, the Mahanakhon SkyWalk is the perfect choice for a change of scenery. Experience the thrill of walking on the transparent glass skywalk, looking down at the city below, and check-in at the highest bar in Thailand!
And there are plenty of other temples and interesting spots to explore. Check out more useful travel information about Thailand HERE.
Where to Go Shopping?
Remember: All shops and supermarkets open around 10 – 10:30 a.m. (some may open at 9:30). Markets open earlier.
– For affordable clothing, head to Pratunam Market or Platinum Fashion Mall; For electronics, visit Pantip Plaza, both are right next to Pratunam.
– For high-end clothing, jewelry, and home goods: Siam. This area boasts luxurious department stores worth exploring, such as Siam Center, Siam Paragon, Central World… Central World in particular offers a variety of world-renowned brands like Marks and Spencer, CK, Zara, Next, Miss 60, Guess, MNG, Axara…
– Major shopping districts: Easily spotted on the map, many places have a cluster of several supermarkets, making it convenient to walk from one to another. One unmissable supermarket is MBK, selling everything from clothing, jewelry, high-end and mid-range home goods, electronics…, and adorable decorative items, sold on the top floor at cheap prices.
– Other supermarkets worth visiting (several of each type in Bangkok, all locations clearly marked on the map): Lotus Texaco, Center, Robinson, Big C. (for souvenir shopping, supermarkets are the best bet).
– Chatuchak Weekend Market, also indicated on the map. Offers a wide range of home decorations and jewelry (especially silver). Beautiful but slightly pricey (despite being a fairly budget-friendly market). From central Bangkok, take the Skytrain to Chatuchak.
– Suan Lum Night Bazaar is another must-visit destination. It sells everything from clothing, shoes, to bottles, plates, lanterns, pillows, paintings, shelves… This market offers many European-style swimsuits at reasonable prices. The downside is there's hardly anywhere to try on clothes.
– Chinatown and Pahurat market are for those looking to buy car parts. However, note that on weekends, the market is almost closed, with few shops open.
– Khao San Road: sells a lot of ethnic items, silverware, but wholesale purchases are cheaper, retail is more expensive than buying in Vietnam. Generally, trading in Thailand is very pleasant. Their catchphrase is: “Have a look first!” You can browse and try on as much as you like, if you don't buy, they'll bid you farewell with “Thank you!”.
What to Eat?
– Don't attempt to try spicy Thai food (if you're not used to it). Take advantage of dining at major supermarkets. Floors 4 or 5 usually have food towns with dozens of food options, including Vietnamese food; they also offer desserts and beverages. Payments are mostly made with coupons, buy coupons when entering to dine, and if not spent, they can be refunded.
– At the end of the day, grab a few cups of yogurt and a large bottle of La Vie at Seven 11 (a Minimart chain found everywhere in Bangkok, cheap prices, open until 11 p.m. every day), then enjoy them back at the hotel.
– While walking, you can buy fruits sold on the street such as mangoes, and durians.
Currency Exchange
– Currency exchange counters are everywhere, exchange rates may vary slightly but generally not significantly. You can exchange at Siam Commercial Bank or at the airport, it's advisable to exchange some money to pay for the taxi back to the hotel and for tipping the hotel staff who carry your luggage. Alternatively, you can exchange at Bangkok Exchange Co., Ltd at 122/48 Rachaprarop Rd. Phayathi, Rajthewee atunum, Bangkok.1040.
– Only exchange as much money as you need, avoid exchanging too much because if not spent, you'll have to exchange it back to USD when returning, which incurs a double loss.
– If you have a credit or debit card, it's best to bring it along, carrying too much cash can be lost, stolen, or mistaken. Of course, you still need cash to pay at places without card machines.
What to Do?
– If you're not familiar with the roads, you should take a taxi (Make sure the taxi has a meter on the roof before getting in!), it's cheaper and more comfortable than in Vietnam. When traveling from the airport to the hotel and vice versa, taxi is the way to go.
– If you know the way around, take a tuk-tuk and negotiate the fare to be a quarter of the original price. However, tuk-tuk drivers often invite you to certain jewelry stores because they get fuel coupons for bringing customers there. Just clearly state where you want to go or show them a map.
– When shopping, remember to bring the hotel card (you only need to give it to the driver when returning).
Thai people speak English well and in a very understandable manner.
Some common Thai phrases:
Sa-wa-dee…………………………. Hello!
Sa-wa-dee krup……………………. Hello! (if you're male)
Sa-wa-dee kaa…………………….. Hello! (if you're female)
Chai………………………………… Yes!
Mai…………………………………. No!
Khun……………………………….. Sir, madam, miss.
Sabai dee reu?…………………….. Are you well?
Sabai dee………………………….. I'm well!
Kop koon…………………………… Thank you!
Mai pen rai…………………………. It's nothing!
Phoot Thai mai dai…………………. I can't speak Thai!
Mai kao chai……………………….. I don't understand!
Kao chai mai?………………………. Do you understand?
Tai ruup dai mai?…………………… Can I take a photo?
Hong nam yoo tee nai?……………. Where is the restroom?
Chan cha pai………………………. I'm going...!
Chan mai pai………………………. I won't go...!
Prot khap cha cha…………………. Please drive slowly!
Ra wang…………………………… Be careful!
Liao khwa………………………….. Turn right.
Liao sai…………………………….. Turn left.
Khap trong pai…………………….. Go straight.
Cha cha……………………………. Slow down!
Yut…………………………………. Stop!
Nee tao rai?………………………… How much is this?
Nee arai?…………………………… What is this?
Paeng maag……………………….. Oh, too expensive!
Lo ra kha dai mai?………………….. Is there a discount?
Ho hai duai…………………………. Please wrap it up for me!
Gep taang…………………………. Let's tally up!
Prot phut cha cha………………….. Please speak a bit slowly!
Di mak……………………………… Very good!
Mai di………………………………. Not good!
La gon……………………………… Goodbye!
Laew phob gan mai………………… See you again!
Kor thoad………………………….. Sorry!
Wishing you all a joyful trip and shopping experience!
***
Source: Travel Guide Mytour
MytourJanuary 5, 2023
