Joanna James
Thailand's capital city of Bangkok is a dream destination for most travel aficionados – it's a city that's packed with things to do and sights to see. However, most first-time travellers are prone to do some common mistakes that can hurt the whole experience – here's 5 that you should avoid.
Making sure you pack everything you need is essential for any trip. The problem is when you start packing too much – a common issue when you're travelling to some place for the first time. A good practice is to do a bit of research online about your destination of choice and packing up only the essentials. Make note of the items you can buy on-location as well because that'll save up even more space in your luggage. For instance, Bangkok has so many shopping malls and retail shops that you don't need to pack away your entire wardrobe before you set off.
Bangkok is a really big city, so you need to make sure that you pick out the right place to stay for the duration of your trip. If you're planning on going shopping, for instance, it would be ideal to book a boutique hotel in Bangkok that's close to the most popular shopping precincts after all. The easiest way to ensure you book a hotel in the right place is to scour the establishment's website before committing. Most major hotels like the Maitria Hotel Rama 9 Bangkok will mention the local attractions that are close to the property which makes your decision a lot easier.
Bangkok enjoys the warmth of the tropical sun throughout the year. Now, when you first arrive, this sunny weather may seem all cheery and relaxing but it can overwhelm you really quickly too. If you're planning to lounge by the pool hitting the beach for a tan, make sure you go easy for the first couple of days. Otherwise, you might end up with some nasty burnt skin for the duration of your trip, or worse yet – your skin might start to peel off! Until you develop a base tan it's always a good idea to apply a healthy slathering of sunscreen.
Bargaining too much and bargaining too little – both are common mistakes that most travellers will make during their first trip to the city. Bargaining is the name of the game when it comes to Bangkok's markets and stalls. Don't be afraid to ask for a lower price, you'll find that most vendors are willing to go down a few pegs. Don't push it too far though, or you might end up getting told off. The trick is finding that sweet spot – doing so can be both fun and beneficial to your wallet.
Perhaps the most egregious error most first-time travellers will make is playing it too safe. Now, a healthy dose of caution is always a good thing when travelling overseas, but Bangkok is quite a safe city and you'd be remiss to not explore it fully. So, don't just stick to the shopping malls and restaurant, head out and see what the city really has to offer!
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