Bangkok - Travel Tips for Visitors

 

Weather in Bangkok

 

Bangkok has climate extremes with hot summers and warm winters.

Bangkok summers are hot and humid.

Usually, Winter, Spring, and Autumn are the best seasons to visit Bangkok.

 

Clothes & Shoes in Bangkok

 

Bring a good pair of walking shoes as you will be walking a lot. 

Rain can be torrential so bring an umbrella or plastic poncho.

Clothes and shoes are Asian size (0-9) for women and (s-m) for men. 

Finding clothing/ shoes may be difficult in Thailand if your size is outside these parameters.

 

Attractions Closed day

 

Some Bangkok tourist attractions are closed on Specific days of week or year, so check before you go and plan accordingly.

 

Local transportation in Bangkok

 

Tourist attractions are connected by rail, and bus systems.

BTS, MRT, and public buses are inexpensive, organized, clean, efficient, and the fastest way for local commute in Thailand

Thai Taxi cabs are easy to catch but make sure they use the meter. 
If you have to take one use an online taxi app to call a taxi. 
This avoids the hassle of negotiation and meter issues.  (See arrival page for detailed info)

Bangkok Mass Transit (BTS, MRT)


The BTS Skytrain and MRT in Bangkok are frequent, travels to most attractions, organized and fairly inexpensive.

Both are easy and efficient once you get a hang of its network & transfer stations between different lines.  

BTS Skytrain :

• The BTS (Skytrain) has two major lines which will connect you to major shopping malls, Chatuchak Weekend Market, all Sukhumvit Road's attractions, and even the riverside.

• The Silom line runs west to south, the Sukhumvit line runs north to east

• Service runs between 06:30 and midnight, and the trains are busy during the peak hours of 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

• The BTS Rabbit cards are stored-value cards.

• Fares start at 15 baht per one stop.

• One-day Pass:  Unlimited travel within the duration of a single day for 120 baht.

• Standard Rabbit Card / Stored Value Cards:  These are available for 100 baht plus 50 baht refundable deposit.

• Standard Rabbit Cards are valid for 5 years and can be filled with a minimum of 100 baht and up to 4,000 baht.


Bangkok MRT :

• The Mass Rapid Transit network (MRT) in Bangkok has 18 stations in a horseshoe shape from Hua Lamphong in the South (near Chinatown) to Bang Sue in the north.

• Trains arrive every 5-7 minutes and connect to the BTS Skytrain at Sukhumvit and Silom stations.

• The Petchaburi Station is near the Airport Rail Link’s Makkasan Interchange Station, where you can board the express train to Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

• The MRT underground service hours are from 06:00 AM – midnight.

• The MRT underground’s Stored Value Cards are not compatible with the BTS Skytrain or Airport Rail Link.
   You must purchase the passes separately.

 

Eating in Bangkok

 

Thai food can be spicy.  Make sure to ask about the spice rating before ordering. 
Best of all it is really tasty and affordable!

Phad Thai and Green Papaya Salad are must try!  

Try a local restaurant that is open air.  They tend to have great prices and food. 
If there is a crowd, try it!

 

Restaurant Tipping in Bangkok

 

Tips are always expected, locals appreciate a nice tip when someone has gone out of their way to help you.

Many people just round up or add on a 10 or 20 baht tip for a typical meal.

 

Safety in Bangkok

 

Although Bangkok is safe, be aware of your purse or backpack, especially when on crowded subways or buses.  

Always know where you are going and how to get there before you leave.

 

Languages in Bangkok

 

English is spoken by most hotel front-line staff, mall shops, big restaurants, and tourist places.

Local Thai and English are the most commonly spoken languages in Bangkok.

Street signs are in local Thai and English.

 

Electricity (Power)

 

If visiting from outside, 230 Volts (as compare to U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts) power supply.

 

Miscellaneous

 

Restaurants: Tips are always expected, locals appreciate a nice tip when someone has gone out of their way to help you.

Taxi: Taxi drivers in Bangkok don't expect tips.

Hotel: Tip porters around 20-50 Baht, if they help you with your bags or help you out.

Don't haggle over pennies.  Have a general idea of what you are willing to pay for a taxi ride or an item and don't go over. 
Make it a win-win situation!

You will see many transgendered people in Bangkok. 
Transgendered people are common and socially accepted in Thailand. 
Avoid being rude by staring or making comments