Things YOU need to know before YOU go to Bangkok in Thailand.
Bangkok is the bustling capital of Thailand with a population of more than 11 million. About 13% of Thailand’s population lives in Bangkok. Bangkok was the world’s top tourist destination with 20 Million Tourists in 2017. Bangkok is also known as the “Big Mango.”
2 – Weather
Hot and Humid! Really hot and humid! Like all the time!
Daytime highs all year are in excess of 30C/86F
Bangkok holds claim to being the hottest city in the world
Not because the highs are the highest, but because it doesn’t cool down at night
Lows range from 21C to 26C ( 70F-79F )
April to October is the wet & hot season
The “cool” and dry season is November to February, like a degree or 2 less on the highs and a few degrees cooler on the lows
3. Getting In
Chances are you’ll be flying in to Bangkok, yes there are buses, and yes there’s a train, and you can take it from Singapore, but most people fly.
2 Airports
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK).
Most international flights go in to BKK
By Rail:
The Airport Rail Link connects Suvarnabhumi Airport with the BTS Skytrain system, which is Bangkok’s primary public transportation system. The City Line connects with the BTS Skytrain at Phayathai Station and costs 45 baht from Suvarnabhumi.
By Taxi:
Metered taxis are available from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok.
4. Getting Around
MRT Subway
Fare varies according to age
People don’t stand in lines. Instead of queuing up, Thais form a crowd. Stand your ground, and get used to a lack of personal space in public places.
Taxis
Notorious for ripping off tourists. Make sure they turn on the meter. It should start at 35 THB. Or download the GrabTaxi app — like Uber, but cheaper.
Tuk Tuk
A small vehicle with no windows or doors but with a roof and a seat.
Price is always negotiated
Make sure to hold on the handles, tuk tuk drivers can be crazy drivers
Motorbike Taxis
Best to get through traffic
And come with a free massive heart attack!
5. Money
Thai Baht
1 Thai Baht was about $.03 US
Or 33 Baht to 1 USD
In Thailand, there are 1 baht, 2 baht, 5 baht, and 10 baht coins and 20 baht, 50 baht, 100 baht, and 1,000 baht notes. You may also occasionally see a 10 baht note, although those are no longer printed.
Get it from an ATM, but select “Continue Without Conversion”
6. What to wear
Linen, Rayon, or wicking/quickdry fabrics
DON’T WEAR JEANS — you’ll combust! Also don’t wear anything lined with Polyester — it’s as good as wearing a ziplock bag.
Temples and Palaces require you to cover your shoulders and knees.
pay attention to see if others have taken off their shoes. If so, follow suit.
7. Language
Big cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok have a lot of locals who speak English
“Sawadiikaa” for females, and “Sawadiikrap” for males – This is the Thai greeting for hello and goodbye, and is accompanied by the “wai” gesture.
placing hands palms together at your chest and bowing your head
Also note that adding kaa or krap to any sentence in Thai makes the sentence more polite.
“Kapkhunkaa” for females, and “Kapkhunkrap” for males – This means thank you, and it is also often accompanied by the “wai” gesture.
“Chuai buht meter dai mai kaa/krap?” – “Could you turn on the meter?”
“Gepdthang noi” – Check please.
“Mai ao” – This verbatim means “I’m not getting that,” but can generally be used to deny an interest in purchasing anything.
“Krungthep” – This is the word for Bangkok in Thai. Many people mistakenly assume Bangkok is a Thai word. It’s not, and knowing the real word can come in handy.
8. Shopping
9. Food
10. Bug Spray
11. Respect the King and the Royal Family
12. Don’t touch anyone on the head.
13. I’ve got more videos!
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You might enjoy watching my other videos from Bangkok in this Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOVadUHX1B-LwjAEvvDE9JkY3U4ZRqhkt
Tourist Scams in Bangkok: https://youtu.be/jMcCVSl9vA8
Best Food Courts in Bangkok: https://youtu.be/oEAtr1pIkaI
Chatuchak Market in Bangkok: https://youtu.be/Nd6XrO9iFvU
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