Joanna James
Bangkok can be chaotic and noisy at times, but beneath it all lies a blend of tradition and a passion for modernity. Planning to visit? Here are 6 things tourists wish they knew before jetting off.
One of the first considerations when planning your visit to Bangkok should be the timing of your trip. Bangkok has a tropical climate, meaning it’s warm all year round. While you can visit at any time, the different seasons will impact your experience. The cool season, from November to February, is considered the best time to visit. During these months, temperatures range from 24 to 32 degrees Celsius. However, this is also the peak season, so you’ll encounter more tourists. The hot season, from March to June, can be quite intense, with temperatures often exceeding 35 degrees Celsius. This period offers lower prices, making it a good option if you're on a budget and don't mind the heat. Following the hot season, the rainy season lasts from July to October. While this season brings heavy rain and high humidity, it also features lower prices and fewer crowds.
Bangkok is a massive city with a diversity of neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character. A lot of tourists go wrong with their choice of accommodation, which can mess up their travel plans. While the city caters to all budgets, staying in the far corner of the city to save money isn’t a good idea. Why? You’ll end up spending not only more money but also more time trying to navigate the city. So, consider staying at a Bangkok hotel near MRT. You have several options, including Modena By Fraser. Another mistake that tourists make is not taking full advantage of hotel offers. Many hotels feature various offers, such as direct booking offers and early bird discounts.
Yes, planning is a must, but overplanning your trip is not ideal. You should leave some room for spontaneity, as it can lead to some of the best experiences. Create a list of must-see attractions like the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Chatuchak Weekend Market, but don’t cram too much into each day. Bangkok’s traffic can be unpredictable, so give yourself enough time to get from one place to another. Use Google Maps or Grab to check travel times and avoid getting stuck in the nightmarish bottlenecks. Keep in mind that sometimes you find the best moments when you’re not rushing from one sight to the next.
Bangkok’s traffic is notorious, and if you’re not careful, you could find yourself stuck in traffic for hours. Avoid the times between 7 AM to 9 AM and 4:30 PM to 7 PM. During these hours, roads become parking lots, and even the Skytrain gets crowded. Try to plan your activities outside of these peak times.
Like many popular tourist destinations, Bangkok has its fair share of scams targeting unsuspecting tourists. So, be on the lookout. One common scam involves tuk-tuk drivers offering ‘cheap’ tours that often include stops at gem stores or tailors where you’re pressured to buy things. Another issue with tuk-tuk drivers is turning off the meter and pretending it’s not working. Always agree on a price before getting in. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is a scam. One more scam to be wary of is the ‘Grand Palace is closed’ scam. Locals may approach you claiming that the Grand Palace is closed and offer to take you to other attractions. Remember, the Grand Palace is almost never closed.
The BTS Skytrain and the MRT subway are a lifesaver for getting around the city quickly and affordably. Both the BTS and the MRT are clean and reach even the most remote corners of the city. To make travel easier, purchase a Rabbit Card for the BTS or a travel card for the MRT. These cards can be topped up easily and are cost-efficient.
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 passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
