Bangkok has so much to see and do, it is difficult to know where to start. So, let’s kick it off with essentials.
First and foremost, Bangkok (and Thailand in general) can be stiflingly hot year round. Except in rainy season, when the temperatures are a little cooler. However, the torrential rainstorms of rainy season offset the benefit of the cooler temperature as streets become streams. Therefore, like most tourists, I opted for the non-rainy season and focused on dressing weather/culture appropriate and staying hydrated.
Despite the heat, the Thai people dress modestly. So you may want to leave those tank tops and short shorts at home. I was there in March, and the average high for the week was in the 90s (Fahrenheit). And it was around 87 on my first day in Bangkok. Riding into the city center from the airport, I was surprised to see how people on the street were dressed. I would have thought it was closer to 60 — lots of zipped up jackets, long sleeves, and pants.
Exploring the city on foot can be a little confusing as most of the street signs are not in English. So my navigation took the form of landmarks — the McDonalds across from a gas station and a convenience mart with the window full of arm waving lucky cats. And while I did not find the streets anywhere near as difficult to cross as they were in China, you will still want to keep an eye out for motorbikes. They yield to oncoming traffic, but do not necessarily remain stopped at red lights.
However, if you are near a BTS train station, getting around is very easy and affordable. Day passes are around $4 (USD). The stations and trains are well lit and very clean. With my pass, I was able to get from my hotel near the Victory Monument station to Bangkok’s riverside area (Saphan Taksin). A complimentary river ferry will take you from the station to the shops and restaurants along the river. At night, the ride along the river is very scenic. Hotels, restaurants and bars along the river’s edge are festively lit. The area really comes alive in the evening, with an extensive night market attracting shoppers as well as diners and bar hoppers.
Compared to goods and services in the US, Thailand is pretty inexpensive. Prices vary depending on how upscale and where you go, but I didn’t spend more than $8 – $10 for dinner most nights. That would include a beverage, soup, entree, and dessert. If you are interested in a more authentic “foodie” experience than restaurant dining, Bangkok has a plethora of street food stalls dishing out food ranging from traditional Thai food to durian smoothies.
Last, but not least, I will dispense a few tips I picked up while in Thailand.
1) Do not touch other people on the head. In Thailand, the head is the most spiritual part of the body, and it is considered extremely rude to touch someone there. I’ve never been one to pat small children on the head, so that was not an issue for me. But if you do, suppress the urge. It’s a big no-no in Thailand.
2) The Thai Greeting – hands pressed together brought up to chest height and head inclined forward, touching nose to fingertips. Most commonly seen in welcomes and thank yous, it is a sign of respect. It will become so ingrained in your interactions with people that by the time you leave Thailand, you’ll still be hand-to-nose bowing to people at home. I miss it just thinking about it!
3) Do not speak ill of the Thai royal family. It is against the law, and you could end up in jail or with a fine.
4) Remove shoes when entering someone’s house or a temple. It’s a sign of respect.
5) Pack a light weight jacket or shawl. If you visit a temple, or wat, you will be required to have your shoulders and legs covered. I wore a lot of maxi dresses with 3/4 length light jackets.