Joanna James
Bangkok, the vibrant but vociferous capital of Bangkok can be quite difficult to manoeuvre for a newcomer. Keeping that in mind, here is a list of the top tips one should remember when in Bangkok.
Or just make use of a good online map application, whichever. The city is known to leave tourists bewildered, thanks to its shifting lane names, expansive freeways and the similar neighbourhoods in certain areas. If you are old school, you could pick up a good old map to help you navigate through the kaleidoscopic city. For those of you who are more modern, consider downloading a reliable navigational app to help you with the task. If internet coverage is an issue, you could use an old-fashioned map.
There is a simple rule associated with shopping in Bangkok. If there is no barcode on the product or a set price, start bargaining. It is even expected in most shops in Bangkok, especially in shops close to riverside hotels in Bangkok. Don't go for a bullying attitude, instead smile, act friendly and haggle for the product. In general, you should be able to get the product for around ten to forty percent off the initial price.
In Bangkok's sticky tropical weather, more often than not you will be sweating. This means you should always carry water along with you to combat the heat. A simple rule to remember is to drink more water than what you are sweating. On the plus side, you are never too far away from a streetside hawker from where you can buy water or even some of the exotic Thai drinks on offer. If you are buying bottled water, ensure that it is sealed.
While rummaging through the streets on your own without a clue of where you are is fun in its own way, an organized tour of Bangkok will help you experience areas of the city that are off the tourist trail. Most hotels in Bangkok such as Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort organize tours of major tourist attractions as well as other locations out of the city. They are generally inexpensive and easy to book and in addition to that, you do not have to worry about getting lost or tiring yourself.
It begins with a simple message, usually so polite and informative that it doesn't ring any alarm bells in your mind. A conversation begins and before you know it, the guy is persuading you to buy a couple of gems which he claims are genuine. Or they might try to take you around the city in a rickshaw or taxi and charge you an exorbitant value at the end of the journey. A simple tip to keep in mind is to beware of any Thai who randomly comes up to you on the road and strikes up a conversation.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a pas...
