Enjoying Your Bangkok Adventure: More Helpful Tips
Bangkok is a city of amazing contrasts, from serene temples to bustling markets. Here are a few more tips to enhance your experience:
Bangkok offers a huge variety of transport options, from the modern BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway to iconic Taxis, Tuk-Tuks, and scenic River Boats. Each has its own benefits for different journeys.
For a complete guide on how to use each of these services, including our detailed tips on taxis, buses, and river transport from Pinklao, please see our dedicated Getting Around page.
Bangkok's streets are full of energy! Navigating them on foot is part of the experience, but it requires extra attention, as traffic patterns may be different from what you're used to.
The Golden Rule: Traffic Drives on the LEFT
The most crucial thing to remember is that traffic in Thailand drives on the left side of the road. This means cars, buses, and motorcycles will be coming from the direction you may not instinctively look.
Your Crossing Mantra: Look Right, Then Left, Then Right Again
Before stepping off the curb, burn this sequence into your mind. It's the opposite of what you might do at home. Always check for oncoming traffic thoroughly.
Watch for Motorcycles
Motorcycles are everywhere and are masters of weaving through traffic. They can appear suddenly from between cars or along the edge of the road. Always take an extra second to check specifically for them.
Using Crosswalks (Zebra Crossings)
While you should always use marked crosswalks (zebra crossings) when available, please do not assume that traffic will automatically stop for you. The best practice is to always wait for a clear gap in traffic and try to make eye contact with drivers before stepping out.
The Safest Ways to Cross Busy Roads
Pedestrian Overpasses (Footbridges): You will see elevated walkways over many major roads. These are, by far, the safest way to cross. Use them whenever possible.
Intersections with Traffic Lights: Wait for the pedestrian light to turn green (the walking person symbol). Even then, be sure to check for turning vehicles before you proceed.
When in doubt, be patient and watch how the locals cross. Never rush into the street. A little extra caution goes a long way in safely enjoying the city on foot!
🌶️ Thai Cuisine: Embrace the incredible flavors! Street food from busy stalls is a must-try.
💧 Drinking Water: While it's wise to use bottled water when you are out exploring the city, you can enjoy unlimited, highly-purified drinking water right here at No.31 thanks to our special double-filtration system. Ice in established restaurants and cafes is also generally safe.
🥵 Spice Level: Thai food can be fiery! You can request "Mai Phet" (not spicy) or "Phet Nit Noi" (a little spicy).
🍜 Food Courts: Found in most shopping malls (like Central Pinklao!), offering a huge variety of tasty and affordable Thai dishes in a clean environment.
A Note on Tipping: In most sit-down restaurants, a 10% service charge is often already included in the bill (check for it!). If it's not included, a small tip of around 10% for good service is appreciated but not mandatory. No tipping is expected at street food stalls.
🛍️ Bargaining: At markets (like Chatuchak Weekend Market, or local Pinklao markets), polite bargaining is expected and part of the fun. Start by offering about 50-60% of the initial price. In malls and department stores, prices are fixed.
VAT Refund: For larger purchases at registered shops, tourists can apply for a VAT refund at the airport upon departure. Ask the shop for the P.P.10 form.
👑 The Royal Family: Deeply revered in Thailand. Always show respect. Stand for the Royal Anthem if it plays in public places (e.g., cinemas, some markets).
🙏 Temples (Wats):
Dress Code: Dress respectfully – cover shoulders and knees (both men and women). No sleeveless tops, short shorts/skirts, or revealing clothing. Some temples offer cover-ups for a small fee/deposit.
Shoes: Remove your shoes before entering any temple worship building (viharn or ubosot).
Respect: Don't point your feet at Buddha images or people. Step over thresholds, not on them. Monks are highly respected; women should not touch monks or their robes.
🙇 The "Wai": The traditional Thai greeting (palms together). You'll see it everywhere. A gentle wai in return is appreciated.
🗣️ Voice & Temper: Thais value a calm demeanor. Avoid raising your voice or showing anger in public. "Jai Yen Yen" (cool heart) is the way!
🦶 Head & Feet: The head is considered the most sacred part of the body, and feet the least. Avoid touching people on the head or pointing your feet at them.
Be Street Smart: Like any big city, be aware of your surroundings and belongings, especially in crowded areas or on public transport.
Common Scams: Be wary of unsolicited "help" from strangers approaching you near tourist sites who might tell you a temple is "closed" and offer to take you to a "special" gem shop or tailor. Politely decline and walk away. If a tuk-tuk or taxi fare seems too good to be true to take you on a "tour," it might involve unwanted shopping stops.
Trusted Information: Rely on official tourist information sources or ask us for recommendations.
⚕️ Pharmacies: Pharmacies are very common in Bangkok and are a great resource. You can recognize them by the green cross symbol. Pharmacists are often knowledgeable and can provide advice and many over-the-counter medications for minor ailments like headaches or digestive issues. For serious medical issues, please refer to our Emergency Information page for details on the nearest hospital.
☀️ Weather & Clothing: Bangkok is generally hot and humid. Wear light, breathable clothing.
Rainy Season (approx. May-Oct): Expect sudden downpours. An umbrella or lightweight poncho is useful.
Sun Protection: Use sunscreen, wear a hat, and sunglasses.
🔌 Electricity: Thailand uses 220V AC electricity. The power sockets at No.31 and most of Thailand are very versatile, featuring a hybrid design that typically accepts both two-prong flat plugs (like those from North America/Japan) and two-prong round plugs (like those from Europe). However, if your device has a third grounding pin or a unique plug shape, a universal adapter is a wise choice
🦟 Mosquitoes: To help keep mosquitoes out, we'd appreciate it if you keep windows and doors closed as much as possible, even when you're home. Use insect repellent, especially in the evenings or near greenery/water.
🗣️ Basic Thai Phrases:
Hello/Goodbye: Sawasdee ka (female speaker) / Sawasdee krap (male speaker)
Thank you: Khop khun ka (female) / Khop khun krap (male)
Yes: Chai / No: Mai chai
Sorry/Excuse me: Khor thot ka/krap
Never mind / No problem: Mai pen rai ka/krap
🚻 Public Restrooms: Finding public toilets can be tricky. Your best bet is to use the clean, modern restrooms inside shopping malls, department stores, and major BTS/MRT stations. Many cafes (like Starbucks or Amazon Cafe) also have restrooms for customers. Be aware that some public facilities may require a small payment (3-10 THB).
🔋 Power Bank (Portable Charger): We highly recommend carrying a fully charged power bank with you each day. You'll be using your phone a lot for maps, photos, and ride-hailing apps, and the battery can drain quickly in the heat.