How many people would like traveling to Bangkok alone? Will you go alone or accompanied by someone? Do you have full knowledge of the city of Bangkok, or need some help? Very many people visit Bangkok each year. However, before you decide to go to Bangkok, there are some essential things you should know about the city.
This article will highlight some, if not all, of the things you need to be aware of while choosing to set foot to Bangkok. Continue reading to find out more. Be sure to gain more knowledge about the city of Bangkok. Not only will the information below give you a glimpse about Bangkok, but also help you interact correctly with the Thais. Here we go!
The Laws of the Land
Each country has some laws that govern them. These laws may vary depending on the country you are planning to visit. Also, some codes may be regarded as outdated, but are still applied in some countries.
Bangkok is one country that has some weird laws regarded as outdated. Let’s take a look at the strangest nuggets of law present in Bangkok.
Are you the type of people who leave their houses without underwear? Well, this is against the law of Bangkok. What puzzles me is how they check to confirm if you have your pants on. Do they check? There are a lot of questions you may ask yourself regarding this law. Nevertheless, it is a law in Bangkok, and you should not go against it.
Also, while in Bangkok, it is a requirement to always carry your passport with you. Most people keep their passports and other essential documents in their houses. They only time they get them is when they want to use them. You may be arrested for failing to produce your passport while in Bangkok, especially if you are a first-time traveler or a tourist.
Are you aware that it is against Thai law to step on Thai currency? You should be careful with your steps. Such a simple thing might lead you behind bars.
Besides, never should you think of disrespecting the Thai royal family. It is against their law to do so, and you might land yourself in big trouble.
The above are just the most common things to know about Bangkok law. The list is long. You can research more or read more articles like this to help you familiarize yourself with the rules.
Cultural Practices
Every country has its way of life. You need to be aware of some of the cultural practices of a particular country before deciding to travel to it.
Some of the elements of culture include religion, beliefs, education, music, and arts, among others. The modern-day has dramatically influenced the Bangkok culture.
Bangkokians are famously known for their kindness and friendliness towards other people.
The most predominant religion in Bangkok is Buddhism. While traveling to Bangkok, you are likely to come across very many statues of Buddha whom the Bangkokians regard as their god. However, do not be tempted to enter such places while wearing your shoes or sandals. You should also wear appropriate clothing while visiting such sites.
How do you greet someone in your country or culture? Things may not be the same as in Bangkok. The Thai’s have a unique way of passing greetings by using gestures. The gesture is referred to us Wai.
Also, while being addressed by your elder, or someone above you, you should keep your head at a lower level. This is a sign of respect in Bangkok.
Additionally, personal hygiene is highly regarded by Bangkokians. The way you dress shows the level of respect you have.
Ways of Communication
You will need to communicate with the Bangkokians once you land in Bangkok. How will you communicate effectively? Where will you even start the conversation? How will you understand what they are saying? This is a huge problem, especially for those traveling to Bangkok for the first time. So what do you do to communicate effectively?
You have to learn some tips on communications. The first way to do so is by learning their language. It is not easy to learn a foreign language within a limited period. However, you don’t have to learn everything. Some basic things can quickly be learned and understood by a fast learner.
Concentrate your learning on the things that will affect your stay in Bangkok. Know how to pass greetings to people in their local language. Alternatively, you can interact with people from Bangkok to learn some of their writings. You don’t necessarily need to hire a professional teacher.
The other way is to use sign language. This may be very challenging since you never know the meaning of various signs to use. The gestures you use in your own country may not be the same as those used in Bangkok. Do a lot of research on the most common gestures. Practice them as much as you can.
If it becomes hard for you to do either of the above, you may as well use a translator. Imagine being accompanied by someone at every place you go just because you don’t know how to speak? You will have to pay the translator. What if the translator misses certain things and the information is distorted? As much as you want to have a translator, having a little knowledge of understanding about the Bangkok language will be helpful.
Various Means of Transport
As you are in Bangkok, you will be expected to travel to different places in the city. What means of transport will you use? Which are the safest means of transport? How much do they charge for their transportation services?
These are some of the things you should be aware of while traveling to Bangkok alone. Bangkok has various means of transports ranging from taxis to buses.
However, it is highly recommendable to use public transport while in Bangkok. Why is this so? This is because public transport is regarded as the safest, fast, and affordable means of transportation. This will also enable you to save some cash. You can imagine you are in a foreign country and suddenly ran out of money.
Also, some, if not all, of the taxi drivers are not to be believed. They will feed you with false information and give you alternatives. You may think they are helping you when their only intention is to extract money from you.
Be careful when choosing the means of transport.
What Will You Eat?
A city like Bangkok has very many unique dishes that may be unfamiliar to you. You will have to identify something that you can really put in your mouth and chew comfortably.
Some of the best foods to eat in Bangkok include yams, mangoes, sweet potato balls, boat noodles, among others. These foods may have different names, but we’ve just used the ones you are familiar with. Do you know mangoes from Bangkok are regarded as the most delicious in the whole world? You should never leave Bangkok without taking a bite of one or two mangoes.
Also, before you eat, you have to identify a suitable place to find food. In most cases, the best place to find accommodation for first-time travelers is five star hotels and restaurants. These are international restaurants, so you are likely to get any meal you want.
How to Navigate in the Streets of Bangkok
You won’t say you will stay in one place during your stay in Bangkok. You must travel and explore the whole of Bangkok. You must know some, if not all, the areas in Bangkok.
How will this be possible? You’ve just landed in Bangkok for the first time. Still, you are alone. It will be tough for you to navigate without a little help.
There are maps available to help you identify the most suitable routes to use. Also, with the advancements in technology, the world has been made a global village. All you need is a smartphone and an internet connection. You can type in any place you wish to go, and the Google maps will direct you.
The maps will even show you short cuts to use to avoid long distances. If you are driving, they will show you where there is heavy traffic and where the traffic is flowing smoothly. Make good use of available resources and your stay in Bangkok will be memorable.
These are just but a few tips to help you while traveling to Bangkok alone. The above is a skeleton of what to expect in Bangkok. You should conduct more research or read more articles of the same to gather enough information about Bangkok.
You don’t have to cancel your vacation or business trip to Bangkok simply because you don’t understand their culture or language. With just a little knowledge, you can stay in Bangkok for long and build relationships with the Bangkokians.
Traveling to Bangkok Alone? They say knowledge is power and now you know what to expect.