Your whole life you have been saving up not just money to travel abroad but self-confidence and self-security to travel solo, too.
Solo traveling is a fun thing to do in your 20’s or 30’s. But where to start? You might also prepare some bucket list were to travel on your 20’s. So, you might want to start traveling to Bangkok and cross it out on your list.
So, before we book that airplane ticket, here are some reminders to prepare when going to Bangkok, Thailand.
Quick tips before going to Bangkok
Basic communication is a key
English is not a common language in Thailand. Since you are a foreigner in their land, you might get lost in the city if no one understands you. If so, you are very lucky. So, you might want to learn some basic language before you approach a local.
Learn how to approach a wild animal
Thailand has a vast on hand experience in handling wild animals such as elephants. So, if you are not an expert in handling animals such as them, you need to learn ethics in approaching them. So, before you get excited in your personal encounters with elephants, be sure not to scare them so that you can enjoy visiting some local zoos.
Watch out for the monkeys
In spite of their short bodies and adorable appearances, monkeys may attack you. So, the tourist beside you might just scream, “Watch out for the monkeys!” Monkeys are also clever stealers, so when they got something from, you need to bargain for food. We might have the same inquiry though, why do Thais allow monkeys to roam around freely? Monkeys play an important role to the Thais’ culture and origin. It was said that monkeys helped Rama, king of Thailand, and his army to retrieve his wife. So, keep your eyes open and be careful in treating monkeys while on your trip.
Beware of stray dogs
This might also be a problem in a lot of places, not just Thailand. You may encounter a group of them while you are on your way to your destination. Some locals feed them but are vigilant at all times.
Bug sprays are your friend
Be sure to have one on the go in your travel pack. Whether in Thailand or any country, an unfortunate encounter with bugs is the worst thing that could happen on your trip.
Toilet paper is a must
Wherever you go, you need to pack one of these. Many comfort rooms in Thailand have squat toilets and bidets (if you are lucky enough to find one) in place of toilet papers.
Bargain responsibly and reasonably
Before we visit the Thais’ Chatuchak market, we may need to sharped our greatest weapon in human history, bargaining. But there is a line in bargaining that you need to consider. If you think the deal is not worth a fight over a cent, just give in or know when to walk away.
Don’t agree with too-good-to-be-true kind of deals
This is where your street knowledge will be tested. Never trust a good deal because chances are, this may cost you a lot. Watch out for some paid tickets and non-metered taxis. Even in some other places, tourists are taken advantage of since they have the capability to travel and spend a lot of money on leisure.
“Mai pen rai” attitude
Thais are very fond of saying this phrase meaning, “don’t worry” or “all is well.” Thais are easygoing people and they are resilient in times of difficulties. So, if you happen to experience difficult times, just remember “Mai pen rai.”
After packing these extra tips, we are ready to explore the beauty of Bangkok in these “must try” adventures.
Must try: what to include in your itinerary during Bangkok’s adventure
1. The Reclining Buddha in Wat Pho Temple
Almost 95 percent of Thailand’s population is following Theravada Buddhism (more conservative type of Buddhism). You can find a lot of Buddhist temples here, around 3,000 alone in the city. But the Wat Pho temple is one of a kind since it houses a reclining golden Buddha. It measures around 15 meters tall and 46 meters long.
2. Grand Palace
It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Bangkok. This is a must try since it showcases and has witnessed the history of Thailand. It became also a house in one of the kings of Thailand. This also houses the “most important” image of Buddha which is the Emerald Buddha. The palace covers almost 214,000 square meters so you may want to take time covering it. Entrance fees are only paid once you want to enter. Beware of the scammers outside the palace.
3. Bangkok National Museum
Feast your eyes on the largest Thai collection of artifacts and arts across the country. It also shows Chinese weapons, precious stones, puppets, clothing, textiles and Khon masks. English tours are available every Thursday.
4. Vimanmek Mansion
This mansion is the world’s largest teakwood building. It became a museum decade after being left by a royal residence. The Vimanmek Mansion showcases ancient artifacts and photographs donated by the King. If you have time to visit here, just be mindful of your clothes since the establishment has strict rules in dress codes and also taking pictures inside the museum.
5. Sky Train ride
This is the most efficient and comfortable way to travel in Bangkok. The routes of the Sky Train cover most parts of Bangkok. You may witness the picturesque view of the city while riding in comfort.
6. Motorcycle Taxis
Since Bangkok also has the worst traffic situation in the world. You can go ride a motorcycle taxi to comb your way from the congested traffic situation. This is a good option if you want to spend time in museums rather than sitting through the traffic.
7. Chao Phraya River
If you want to take time in enjoying the view of the city, you can try taking a boat ride to witness the ‘Venice of the East’. You will see high rise buildings and condominiums around the area. Feel free to get on and off at any of the stops the ferries make to further explore the city.
8. Wat Arun Temple
This temple is named after the God of Dawn, Aruna, which is situated on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. The temple has a height of 79 meters tall and is covered with ceramic tiles and colored porcelain. The temple was said to be guarded by two mythical giants to look after the temple grounds.
9. Mark your calendar for the Songkran festival
Songkran festival is observed every April 13 to 15. It is a traditional festival for Thais which is equivalent to new year. Locals or tourists, nobody is safe from getting wet. It is believed in the Buddhist religion that sprinkling of water will wash away your sins and bad luck.
10. Bangkok puppet show
You may not want to miss this on your itinerary. Puppet shows here showcases the classic folk tale with a live band of the orchestra to give more taste on the show. Unlike some puppets shows that hide puppeteer, you will see here people controlling the puppet.
11. Chatuchak Market
If you are a market person who has a skill in bargaining, this is a place for you. It is the world’s largest market that has over 8,000 with 27 acres of space. You will find anything that you could think of at a lower price. It is certainly worth a shot even though it only opens every Saturday and Sunday.
12. Siam Paragon
Take the next level of your shopping experience in Bangkok by visiting Siam Paragon. It is a popular shopping mall in Bangkok that houses high-end fashion designers, Southeast Asia’s largest aquarium, a huge multiplex cinema, restaurants, and even car showrooms. It has around 250 shops inside.
13. Dusit Zoo
Experience a personal encounter with Thailand’s wild animals including monkeys, alligators, lions, tigers, penguins and kangaroos. It is the oldest zoo in Thailand. The zoo also has an animal hospital to take care of its sick animals as well as an education center, museum and train.
14. Nana Plaza
It may be the largest sex complex in the world for some people, but nana plaza has a lot more to offer. The plaza is somehow alive during the night and you might want to experience in just watching a lot of people passing by.
15. Thai Massage
You don’t want to miss this out where the Thai massage originates. Prepare your back. Thai massage will give you relief and will change your life for the better.
16. Durian
If you live in the western part of the world, you should meet the “king of fruits,” Durian. It has a horny outer shell and foul smell and it usually grows in tropical countries in Southeast Asia. It may have a bad odor for fruit but it has a creamy buttery texture that people enjoy.
17. Muay Thai
If you find Muay Thai or kickboxing an interesting sport, this is your chance to witness one on its birthplace. It is the national sport of Thailand. One of the biggest fights happens in the city. You may find a lot of fighting stadiums in Bangkok.
18. Nightlife scenery
There are much greater differences between the day and the nightlife scenery. You may want to witness, too, the nightlife scenery of Bangkok to see its other face. There are nightclubs, rooftop bars, hip cocktail bars, and such.
19. Chinatown
Even though you are in Thailand, you may not want to miss its Chinatown to experience a different delicacy while you are in the city.
20. Street foods
There is no other way to taste the culture of a place without trying their street foods. You should also want to try the authentic Pad Thai, which originates from this country. So, go ahead and try some to complete your adventure in Bangkok.
After visiting Bangkok, you must visit one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, Phuket! Click HERE!
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