From In-Portal Developers Guide

Bangkok: A Young Traveller's Guide

Bangkok is surely an exotic, friendly, and exquisite city in southern Thailand. It is the capital of Thailand, it's got over eight million people and it is the cultural core country. It is a place of outrageous nightlife and beautiful temples, of delicious food and sweltering heat, of crowded streets and large markets. There is absolutely no not enough what to do and see from the city, but additionally, there are many travel tips to remember while travelling through Bangkok at the same time.

Some Basics

Thai is the main language spoken in Bangkok, but as a result of booming tourist industry, a lot of people speak English (practice a few Thai phrases, though- the time and effort will be appreciated).

The device of currency is the Baht (THB), often misspelled "Bath" on the street. One US dollar is around 31 Baht. Prices are highly affordable in Thailand making Thailand a significant hotspot for Western tourists. You don't have to tip for services or at restaurants as with a great many other countries, but it is certainly appreciated.

There are a few cultural taboos and laws that you can take seriously while travelling around Thailand:

When going to a Buddhist temple, dress conservatively and take away your shoes upon entering. Don't take on photographs if anyone is meditating or during ritual, without prior permission.

Touching someone else's head (even a child's head) is a religious affront and should not be practiced. Touching another woman's feet are consider an impure act and cannot be ignored. Pointing to something using your feet are also dirty.

Females shouldn't touch a Theravada monk, but monks often touch lay men, and even females when the lay female is extremely ill.

Never embark on public displays of affection.

The King of Thailand is kept in reverence with the Thais. The King is legally "inviolable" in fact it is a legitimate offense to state or do anything that could at all be interpreted as "disrespectful." This is a serious matter. A violation may get you arrested and put into prison. That is seriously. Water and food

Water and food aspects another significant problem here. Don't drink the regular faucet water with your hotel or even in restaurants, and don't use ice. Drink only bottled water. Do not eat street food which may spoil within the heat. Although Thai cuisine is delicious where there are street vendors all over the place, you won't want to take your time in Bangkok sick from this food.

The Streets

The traffic in Bangkok is overwhelming- it's extremely congested, as well as crossing the road is dangerous! As a result of large population, there are several alternatives for transportation: the Metro, the SkyTrain, the boat network, the buses, taxis, and tuk-tuks.

Even though three-wheeled, motorized tuk-tuks aren't the most cost-effective way of getting throughout the city (concur with a cost prior to in-sometimes you can go for cheap!), these are this type of huge a part of Bangkok that it is worth just driving one one or more times!

Sex for Sale

Bangkok carries a flourishing and over-active Click here, both straight and gay. Many male and female prostitutes are HIV positive. A specific percentage of visitors arrived at Thailand to meet their sexual desires and fantasies. So, remember that especially male visitors to Thailand is going to be propositioned rather aggressively as you land on the airport, plus the red districts in Bangkok. Try to be firm in saying "no", and guys, try not to look interested or the sales pitches can become more aggressive and demanding.

Temples and Palaces

Bangkok is acknowledged for its abundance of temples and palaces. Such as:

The Grand Palace is perhaps one of the most spectacular. This massive residence with the King consist of many buildings-each more beautiful than the next. It will take hours to educate yourself regarding, and it is really worth the 400 Baht (about $13 US) admission fee.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew, is a national monument as well as a must-see here-it was one of the most memorable sights from time in Bangkok. You must dress very conservatively in order to enter, so prepare.

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho, located near to the Grand Palace, is the one other temple that's extremely memorable. It's the place to find beautiful gardens, sculptures, as well as a golden statue of Buddha that's over 150 feet long. Entrance is cheap (20 Baht, about 60 US cents), and discovered listed here is a famous Thai massage school that could allow you to get an hour-long massage for 200 Baht (about $6.50)!

The Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun, is another incredible temple to find out. It is found on the Chao Phraya River which is recognized for its high colorful spires and Ordinance Hall. For 50 Baht ($1.60 US), this attraction provides beautiful views with the river and gives great understanding of Buddhism.

Markets

Bangkok comes with a impressive amount of markets, and they are an ideal places to buy Thai clothing, food, and crafts. You will discover some pretty amazing prices, but expect you'll haggle- it is possible to typically bargain for a cheaper price! Along with hesitate simply to walk away if you think maybe you're getting ripped off.

Be cautious about personal belongings from the markets. You can find lurking pickpockets.

If you are inside the city over a weekend, go to the Chatuchak Weekend Market, containing thousands of stalls that offer whatever you might actually imagine. Although it's crowded (try pointed in the morning before it gets too hot), it's worth a vacation to just experience something so large in space therefore abundant in Thai culture.

Another important information mill the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Vendors are all in small boats and they primarily sell fruits and vegetables. You have the use of looking at land or renting a small boat at the same time. Although this is rather touristy, there aren't many other locations in the world which may have floating markets!

Museums

If you prefer somewhere less crowded, Bangkok has lots of museums which are intriguing and attractive. There are 2 which i particularly recommend:

The National Museum is a stunning building which has a huge assortment of Thai art and architecture.

The Jim Thompson Home is an extremely large compound that houses art, antiques, plus an interesting mixture of both Thai and European design.

Nightlife

If you want some really unique nightlife, there's two spots in Bangkok that can leave an extremely lasting impression.

Soi Cowboy will be the city's very tourist-heavy sex district- it's a street brimming with fluorescent lights and go-go bars.

Khao San Road, meanwhile, was the good place I went along to in Bangkok. While there are numerous clubs and cheap bars (mobile bars can be extremely popular here too), there's also Thai restaurants, Western fast-food chains, cafes, street vendors and performers, and individuals from all over the planet having fun experiencing and enjoying the city. It's a place where Thailand meets free airline, and also this combination of a lot of cultures makes Khao San Road a fascinating place.