Bangkok: A Guide for Young Travelers

Bangkok is an exotic, friendly and beautiful city in the south of Thailand. It is the capital of Thailand, it has more than eight million inhabitants and it is the cultural center of the country. It is a place of raucous nightlife and beautiful temples, of delicious food and sweltering heat, of crowded streets and massive markets. There is no shortage of things to see and do in the city, but there are also plenty of travel tips to keep in mind when traveling around Bangkok.

Some basics

Thai is the main language spoken in Bangkok, but due to the booming tourist industry, many people speak English (even if you learn a few Thai phrases, the effort will be appreciated).

The unit of currency is the baht (THB), often misspelled “Bath” on the street. One US dollar is equivalent to about 31 baht. Prices are very cheap in Thailand, making Thailand a major hotspot for Western tourists. You don’t have to tip for services or in restaurants like in many other countries, but it is certainly appreciated.

There are some cultural taboos and laws that you should take seriously when traveling anywhere in Thailand:

• When visiting a Buddhist temple, dress conservatively and remove your shoes upon entering. Do not take pictures if someone is meditating or during the ritual, without prior permission.
• Touching another person’s head (even a child’s head) is a religious affront and should not be done. Touching another person’s foot is considered an impure act and should not be avoided. Nor is it done to point something with the foot.
• Women should never touch a Theravada monk, but monks often touch laymen, and even women if the laywoman is very sick.
• Never engage in public displays of affection.
• The King of Thailand is revered by the Thai people. The King is legally “inviolable” and it is a legal offense to say or do anything that could be construed in any way as “disrespectful”. This is a serious matter. A violation can get you arrested and put in jail. This is no joke.

Food and water

Food and water safety is another important issue here. Don’t drink tap water in your hotel or restaurants, and never use ice cubes. Drink only bottled water. Don’t eat street food that can spoil in the heat. Although Thai cuisine is delicious and there are street vendors almost everywhere, you don’t want to spend your time in Bangkok fed up with this food.

Streets

Traffic in Bangkok is overwhelming, extremely congested, and even crossing the street is dangerous! Due to the large population, there are many transportation options: the Metro, the SkyTrain, the boat network, buses, taxis and tuk-tuks.

Although the three-wheeled motorized tuk-tuks aren’t the most cost-effective way to get around the city (agree on a price before you get on, it can sometimes be dirt cheap!), they are a big part of Bangkok worth riding. in one at least once!

sex for sale

Bangkok has a thriving and hyperactive sex trade industry, both straight and gay. Many male and female prostitutes are HIV positive. A certain percentage of visitors come to Thailand to satisfy their sexual desires and fantasies. So be aware that especially male visitors to Thailand will be approached quite aggressively when you land at the airport and in the red light districts of Bangkok. Just be firm about saying “no,” and guys, try not to seem interested or the sales pitch will get more aggressive and demanding.

Temples and Palaces

Bangkok is known for its abundance of temples and palaces. These include:

the great palace is perhaps the most spectacular. This enormous residence of the King is made up of many buildings, each one more beautiful than the last. It can take hours to explore, and it’s definitely worth paying the 400 baht (about $13 USD) admission fee.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew, is a national monument and a must-see here; It was one of the most memorable sights of my time in Bangkok. You need to dress very conservatively to get in, so plan ahead.

The Temple of the Reclining BuddhaWat Pho, located near the Grand Palace, is another temple that is extremely memorable. It is home to beautiful gardens, sculptures, and a golden Buddha statue that is over 150 feet long. Admission is cheap (20 baht, about 60 US cents) and here is a famous thai massage school that can get you a one hour massage for just 200 baht (about $6.50)!

the temple of dawnWat Arun is another amazing temple to see. It is located on the Chao Phraya River and is known for its tall, colorful spiers and Ordinance Hall. For just 50 baht ($1.60 USD), this attraction offers beautiful views of the river and provides a great insight into Buddhism.

markets

Bangkok has an impressive number of markets, and they are the perfect places to shop for Thai clothes, food, and handicrafts. You can find some pretty amazing prices, but be prepared to haggle, you can almost always haggle for a cheaper price! But don’t be afraid to walk away if you think you’re being scammed.

Be careful with personal belongings in the markets. There are pickpockets on the prowl.

If you’re in town for a weekend, go to Chatuchak Weekend Market, which has thousands of stalls offering everything you can imagine. Although it is crowded (try to go in the morning before it gets too hot), it is well worth a trip to experience something so large in size and so rich in Thai culture.

Another really interesting market is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. The vendors are all in small boats and mainly sell fruit and vegetables. You have the option of standing on land or renting a small boat as well. Although this is quite touristy, there are not many other places in the world that have floating markets!

museums

If you prefer a less crowded place, Bangkok has many museums that are interesting and attractive. There are two that I particularly recommend:

the national museum It is an impressive building with a great collection of Thai art and architecture.

Jim Thompson’s house it is a fairly large complex housing art, antiques and an interesting mix of Thai and European interior design.

Night life

If you’re looking for truly unique nightlife, there are two places in Bangkok that will leave a very lasting impression.

cowboy It is the very touristic sex district of the city, it is a street full of fluorescent lights and go-go bars.

Khao San Road, meanwhile, was the coolest place I went to in Bangkok. While there are plenty of cheap clubs and bars (mobile bars are also very popular here), there are also Thai restaurants, western fast food chains, cafes, street vendors and entertainers, and people from all over the world having fun and enjoying the city. It is a place where Thailand meets the West, and this mix of so many cultures makes Khao San Road an interesting place.

Bangkok is a fast-paced city with no shortage of things to see and do. Although it can be quite hot and crowded, its spectacular palaces, museums and temples, active nightlife and strong sense of culture make Bangkok one of the most fun and exciting cities in the world.