Thailand has made its way onto many travelers' destination lists and it's no surprise why! Before you make your way to the Land of Smiles, here are 5 travel tips for venturing through Thailand:
- Tuk Tuk vs. Taxi: Always ask for a metered cab to avoid being scammed. Just because it is not as expensive as it would be in the states does not mean that it is a deal. If you cannot find a metered cab then take a Tuk Tuk but be firm when negotiating a price, or if you don’t like the way it’s going – walk away and find another driver. Also, make sure you agree on a price before starting your trip. This all may seem intimidating but finding an honest driver is not as hard as it seems. Just be aware and ready to chat.
- Experience a rooftop bar in Bangkok. Skybars are a huge hit in Bangkok, and many times they can provide a completely uninterrupted view of the city.
- Each district in Bangkok provides a different style of street food. It was recently rumored that Bangkok was planning to ban street food vendors in an effort to “return the pavement to the pedestrians.” However due to massive backlash from locals and foreigners alike the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has now decided to focus of elevating this part of Thai culture by helping to implement new guidelines in hygienic measures and organizing traffic flows.
- It is important to be aware of what the dress codes are at the temples you are visiting. Almost all temples require that you do not wear shorts or skirts. It is important to have sleeves on your shirt and to make sure your shoulders are covered. If you do not meet the dress code, you may be asked to purchase a local garment that would fall within the dress code. If you want to avoid this, simply double check the websites of the temples you will be visiting that day for a more in depth dress code.
- If this is your first trip to Thailand, don’t be surprised when you hear the Thailand National Anthem (more commonly known as “Peng Chat”) which is played every day at 8:00am and 6:00pm. Don’t be surprised when people around you suddenly stop what they’re doing for a few minutes until the song ends. You are simply expected to do the same. While you can be arrested for not observing the National Anthem, the law is not strictly enforced currently. It goes to show you how seriously Thais take their Anthem.
