A visit to Bangkok, one of the most bustling cities in Asia may be an alluring prospect. But, while you are out there enjoying what the city offers, here are a few tips for you to have a pleasant tourist experience.
Every year, millions of thousands of people from India visit Thailand, especially the capital city, Bangkok. Known for its bustling nightlife, cheap markets, and plenty of natural landscape, Bangkok is often the first overseas trip for many Indians. You may have heard many stories from your friends and families about their recent visit to the city, and get tips on what to do and how to go about there. It is advisable to do your own research and have a basic knowledge of what to expect when you arrive in Bangkok.
Here are a few important things you must know before visiting Bangkok.
· Be wary of the pickpockets and take care of your safety
Just like any other big city in the word, Bangkok has its own pros and cons. No matter, if you are travelling alone in the city or with your friends, you must be extra careful of your belongings in the crowded areas, especially around the popular markets. There may be a pickpocket lurking around waiting for an opportunity to snatch your money.
It is always a good practice to avoid putting anything important – money, mobile phones, and other valuable items in your pockets. Instead, put them in a small backpack and keep it in front always. Also, when you are going out to a crowded place, especially to the market, make sure that you carry only the essentials and keep your money secured in a money belt or underneath the clothes. And, always be alert, if you sense something wrong move as far as possible from the spot.
· Insist on turning the meter down to the taxi drivers
Getting overcharged by a taxi driver is one of the easiest ways to lose your money in Bangkok. Many drivers in the city purposely drive without a meter so that they can scam a tourist. So, to avoid being a soft victim, always ask the taxi driver to start the meter before you get in. Alternatively, you can use the Taxi service app, which is used all over the country and get a ride to your destination at a fair price.
If you are travelling to Bangkok for the first time, be careful about your flight time from Mumbai to Bangkok. It is better to land in the kingdom during the day so that you can get to your accommodation from the airport safely and you can get around easily even if you are lost somewhere.
· Take the train
Like Mumbai, Bangkok too has a good railways connectivity to all parts of the city. While some destinations are accessible only by roadways, others can be easily reached via train. So, if the places to visit in your itinerary has a train connection, it is better to take the rail route. It is much cheaper, faster, and more importantly safer.
Make sure that you use the train map, which is available at stations so that you easily know where you are travelling to and navigate around safely.
· Bargain responsibly
A trip to Bangkok is incomplete without indulging in some street-side shopping. After all, it is a shopping mecca. But, like any street side market, all the stores have a ‘local price’ and a ‘tourist price’ so be aware of this and always bargain with the shopkeeper, and you may get the product at half the price than what they quote.
But, bargain responsibly. If you don’t see a price tag on any product, you can ask the merchant to go lower on the price. But, if the merchant is not willing, or if you sense the bargain is not long friendly, don’t get into an argument. It is better to move onto the next shop.
Final Word
Now that you have a few useful tips, make sure that you remember them throughout your time in Bangkok and enjoy a safe and memorable trip.
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