5 Extremely useful Bangkok Travel tips – Getting you up to speed with your surroundings

For obvious reasons and the sake of convenience, Google Maps would invariably come to your rescue but on the flip side, how about relying on a physical map to find your way through the hustle which is part and parcel of Bangkok? This way, you will have access to directions and signs clearly illustrated in both English and Thai that will assist you as you commence moving through winding rivers and ever-changing street names. As pointed out above, the digital version can be a timesaver but with the caveat of having to translate local addresses that still appear in Thai which can be quite bothersome. Thus, stick to what works!

Not to mention, clean bottled water can be brought along for the duration of your stay. The weather in the city can get to you if you're not used to hot and humid weather and to avoid dehydration and a case of diarrhoea, it is always wise to side with caution to avoid any unnecessary hassles. If staying at a Bangkok resort such as the Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort then you may easily bring a few extra bottles depending on the time of day and the things you wish to accomplish. On the other hand, if you desire to carry as little as possible in your backpack, then making your way to the nearest drinks vendor is feasible. Be sure to inspect whether the bottle is sealed before purchase.

The above would come into focus, especially ahead of any impromptu request made by a local policeman or security guard before you can enter a nightclub. Against such a necessity, do ensure that you have a photocopy of your passport as carrying proper identification across Thailand is a rule. To act in violation of the same will leave you at risk of facing penalties and having to talk your way through sticky scenarios which must be stayed well clear of when on vacation.

Not only can rush hour traffic throw a spanner in the works but searing temperatures that swirl through the city's entirety can put you off considerably if not careful. Therefore, look to invest in the Skytrain or the MRT that will have you dropped off at or near your tourist hotspot that you might have penned down in advance. The former moves effortlessly above the lines of traffic while the latter, although a tad slower will escort you underneath all the hullaballoo and that too within air-conditioned environments. To facilitate such commuting, buy a daily or weekly pass and check on the timings from your mode of lodging well in advance.

With a little bit of research, one can be well on one's way to combing and experiencing popular landmarks in the city but on the contrary, the benefits of using an organized tour cannot be summed up in words alone. From temple and cultural tours that will have you in awe of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) coupled with the history and magnificence of The Grand Palace to the picturesque vistas associated with the floating market of Damnoen Saduak; the beauty and pageantry of Thailand's capital are best seen through the lens of an organized and detailed trip.