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Bangkok (BK), home to 15 million people, is one of my favourite cities. It’s overwhelming in all the best ways: the heat and humidity (it’s said to be the most consistently hot city in the world), the 24/7 traffic, the noise, the skyscrapers, smells, lights, colours and culture. It pulsates with life and vibrancy and I can’t wait to return soon!
I’ve put together a few tips for first-time visitors. Check out a few of my fave things to do in Bangkok as well!
ARRIVING at Suvarnabuhmi airport
* Keep an eye out for signage requesting citizens from Africa to fill out health forms and have a checkup by a medical team after disembarking. There will be stations for this near the arrivals hall. Note, the immigration queue is very long and it can take up to two hours to get your passport stamped. Helpful English speaking officials are everywhere though, with spare immigration forms if needed (you usually get given these on the plane). NB to Keep whatever forms you’re given until you leave Bangkok for home. as you will have to re-present them at Immigration).
* Get a local sim card at the airport once you’re through immigration: AIS/DTAC networks offer good, inexpensive packages
GREETING THAI PEOPLE
* Be courteous- women greet saying ‘Sawadee Kha’ and guys say ‘Sawadee Khap’. It’s also appreciated if you put the prayer hands together under your chin in response to the same.
TRANSPORT / AIRPORT to TOWN & IN THE CITY
* If you’re worried about finding your way into the city from the airport, book a shuttle or cab through your hotel (can be pricey, up to 1200 THB) or take a taxi, and settle on a price before you get in. The fare shouldn’t cost you more than 400-500 THB into Sukhamvit – make sure the driver restarts his metre as well as some tend to ‘forget’ to do that. Uber (cashless) operates in BK but I’ve had really bad experiences with it, with most drivers not being able to speak English. If you do use the service though, opt for Uber Black.
* The Airport Rail Link is also a good way to get into town- it makes 8 stops and leaves the airport every 15 minutes and costs 45THB
* If you’re confident re your directions and only have minimal luggage (I seldom pack more than cabin baggage as you can really travel lightly in Thailand), then take the airport train to Phaya Thai, and join the BTS (skytrain) to Mo Chit. There are always helpful officials to assist you.
* The BTS Skytrain is the way to get from A to B in the city – easy and cheap. Buy day/week passes. Exchange bank notes for coins at the info booth and they will happily assist you with that and anything else you may need to know.
* For getting around in the city, Tuk Tuks are fun but way overpriced – cool for a once-off experience but that’s about it;
* You can also catch a ride with the licensed scooter guys (they wear bright green lumo jackets) usually parked near the BTS stations…it’s a lot of fun for short distances, and from 5-15 THB depending on where you’re headed;
*Water taxis on the klongs (canals) are fantastic. A day pass costs only 40THB and you get to see a side of Bangkok that’s often missed by tourists. Take a hop on, hop off ferry up Chao Praya to visit the many temples en route and side street markets along the way. It’s another fantastic way to explore the city.
* Don’t eat on the BTS station platform or in the train. Keep your grub out of site.
* Obey the yellow arrow markings on the BTS platform that tell you where to stand safely when Q’ing to get on the train; let passengers out before climbing on.
Typical BTS station -the circled numbers denote the cost to each destination
*Try a Tuk Tuk once for fun…but be prepared to bargain!
On the move: Blow your hair back on a scooter… such FUN and really useful if you need to get from the BTS to your hotel when walking is too much of a shlep
HOTELS
* Choose accommodation close to a BTS (Skytrain) stop. I can recommend the Galleria 10 in Soi 10, Sukhumvit, right between BTS Nana and Asok – it’s stylish, well priced and has a fab rooftop pool, bar and deck. There’s also the @Mind Suites in Sukhamvit and, if you feel like splurging, book into Siam @ Siam– superb!
MOSQUITOES
* Mozzies are about during the day as well as at night. Do a liberal citronella spritz before you head out and you’ll defeat them! be fine. Here are a few effective Faithful to Nature options (that’s not a paid-for ad fyi)
* To soothe itchy bites, use tiger balm (sold at 711’s and cheap as chips) or Dermovate from any Boots pharmacy. 7/11’s, pharmacies and Boots stay open very late by the way
STREET FOOD, DRINKING WATER, ETC
“I landed in 1980 in Bangkok, and I stopped to eat ten times between the airport and the hotel. It was all lemongrass and ginger and chilies”. -Jean Georges Vongerichten
* Some of the best easy cuisine in the world is BK street food! Totally safe, delicious, traditional and oh-so-cheap – sit and eat…it’s a great experience and you have to try the incredible noodle dishes and the sweet sticky rice with coconut milk and mango – for the ultimate best in the latter, go to Mae Varee in Thong Lor (another great area), open every day until midnight;
* Those orange (naartjie type fruit) and pinky-red (pomegranate) drinks you see on sale on the street in the small skinny bottles are quite loaded with extra sugar fyi; let the trader make fresh juices and smoothies in front of you- delish!
* Bottled water is best. I also use it when brushing my teeth and rinsing afterwards, just to be safe.
Mae Varee
EMERGENCY DENTAL
* If that crown comes loose (G-d Forbid) and you need a dentist in a hurry, the Dental Hospital is very good-I’ve been and can vouch for the top notch treatment they offer.
STREET DOGS & CATS
* There are many street dogs throughout Thailand and Bangkok is no exception. Many aren’t used to being petted; those with collars are usually ok but be cautious and check first with the person/owner nearest to the animal. I want to love them all but you need to approach carefully.
Cat love
COFFEE & BEER
* There is superb coffee throughout Bangkok, as good and sometimes even better than what’s on offer in Cape Town. Try Hello Strangers and Library for starters.
* Beer is nothing like what we’re used in Cape Town ie our fabulous home grown craft varieties, but go for Singha when in BK and make it even more refreshing by adding a few blocks of ice. Yes, trust me, with eish.
SHOPPING
* There are tons of shopping centre monoliths in BK but I prefer the slick environment with the best movie house in town at Siam Paragon; right next door is the Siam Centre, an ode to emerging designers and high end retailers. Central Embassy has winning design and architecture although shopping here is mostly for those with black plastic;
* Shopping at pavement stalls and street markets (try the ones across from Siam Centre) is my first choice for vintage style voile shirts and cool T’s. Traders set up from around 5pm every day and only close around midnight;
* BK has some of the best outdoor markets in the world. Like the weekend Chatuchak market, a 35-acre maze of aisles and alleys that offers solid wood furniture, original art, old comic books, antiques, plants and clothes from every decade since the Great Depression. (be aware: of the pet trade there can be very disturbing)
MASSAGES on/off street
* Amazing and well priced at around 300-400THB (R130-170) for an hour’s massage but first suss out how clean the therapy chairs are, before you sit down.
LAUNDRY
* Drop it off at any street laundrette – it comes back beautifully packaged, ironed and ready to wear. Way more reasonable than using the service at your hotel. Prices start at 30 THB per kilo. (Leave your Prada shirts for the pro laundromats at home)
COOL PLACES TO VISIT
*There is so much to do/see and I have loads of favourites. I love Chinatown – (check my post) for great food, coffee, rooftop bars, temples, markets, architecture and more. It’s an authentic experience.
OTHER TIPS
* Bring extra Ziploc bags and 100ml empty plastic bottles. You can’t find those easily in BK.
* Re tipping, it’s not expected but why not show some love and do it anyway.
* Never voice negative opinions about the late or current King of Thailand or his Family. People have been arrested for doing that, foreigners included, not a word of a lie;
* When you hear the national anthem, pause wherever you are – like everyone else does – until the song is done;
* Leave your shoes outside establishments where it’s required. Never fear, they’ll be there when you go back for the them. Fortunately this is a country where stealing isn’t a national pastime.
* If you have a long layover, book yourself into a lounge at Suvarnabhumi via Lounge Buddy
The rooftop bar at Siam@Siam Hotel
FAST FACTS ABOUT BK:
581 skyscrapers over 90m tall
8th tallest city in the world
It has the longest ceremonial city name ever: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.
It is the most consistently hot (temps) city in the world
There are more than 400 temples (Wats) in BK
Buddhism is the main religion
Visit the Amazing Thailand SA blog and on Facebook
Bon voyage! การเดินทางที่ปลอดภัย !