We though we would share a few things we learned while living in Bangkok, here are our top tips for visiting or living in the city.

Transport - At some point need to take public transport to get around, traffic is always, and I do mean always congested.



Your best choice is to take the BTS (skytrain) service, and or MRT (metro system) that connects the main sections of the city.  We advise getting a "Rabbit Card". This is a chargeable travel card for the transport system, you purchase this at the BTS, charge it up with Thai baht and swipe when you use the BTS service.  It will take you most places, however there is also a Metro system, you do need to purchase a separate token each time you use it though. Before you leave Bangkok return your Rabbit card to the kios at the BTS for a refund of unused credit.



There are some times when you will need to take a taxi, when dealing with taxi drivers make sure you ask them to use the meter.  They have a habit of trying to charge extortionate fixed prices, especially in the central areas around Asok and Nana.


For short journeys its easier to use the scooter taxis, you can flap your arms at the side of the road to signal one.  You recognize them by the colored vests they wear, green, orange, pink... 1.5Km is around 10Baht, just remember to agree your price beforehand.

Healthcare - Bangkok has one of the best hospitals you can visit, the Bumrungrad hospital.  With standards higher than most western medical centers, and a huge array of specialist from all over the world, Bangkok is fast become a destination for all sorts of medical tourism, owing to its low prices high standards and international specialists.

If you need a dentist then I have to recommend "UDS Dental Clinic at 323 Udomsuk Road".  I received the best dental service I have ever had.  Root canal, pin and crown.  No pain what-so-ever and very reasonable price.  Before we left Blu also needed to have a wisdom tooth removed, she visited the same place and was also suitably impressed with the level of service.



Shopping - Bangkok has many markets and cheap clothing, however I prefer to buy second hand.  The chatuchak weekend market has this covered as well.  Loads of reconditioned clothing, footware and accessories, as well as new items, crafts, and everything else you can think of.  Definitely worth a visit, just keep hydrated, its over 27 acres and hotter than you think.


If you are shopping for food then there are plenty of open markets, just learn some Thai beforehand, failure to do so will result in you paying high prices for your food.  In fact we just found it easier to buy from the local stores.



A safe local food to order is Pad Thai, you can order this either normal or vegetarian.  It was one of my favorite dishes.  Throw on extra chillies for that Thai kick.

Entertainment -  If you wish to catch a movie while in the city, wait until Wednesdays when its half price.  Also note that in the cinema you will need to stand at the appropriate time (just follow the lead of others) in respect of the king.  Whatever your view on this, its just easier to do it and avoid any confrontation. You may also notice this while at the BTS around 18:00, everybody will just freeze as the kings anthem is played.

Drinking in Thailand can be expensive, around 100 Baht for a medium bottle of Chang 5%.  If you go to a 7/11 however you can purchase 2 large Chang's for the same price.  You can only buy alcohol between the times of 11:00 - 14:00 and 17:00 - 23:00.


Banking - It can be difficult to open a Thai bank account without a working or residents visa.  If you  need to pay cash into your foreign bank account then you can visit a Thai bank and make a Swift transfer to your foreign account, this can be cheaper than using services like Western Union. Payments must be made before 15:00, they can take up to 3 days to be received.

Things to remember - Bangkok is currently under martial law, as such police presence is noticeable.  There has been a tendency by corrupt officers to shake down foreigners frequenting the tourist bar areas.  This is a simple scam to make money.  If you do get stopped and they want to search you, be polite and insist that you see their hands (you don't want anything planted on you), if you must be searched also insist on being outside of a 7/11 under the security camera.  For women you have a right to ask for a female officer.

Weather - Bangkok has 2 seasons, wet and hot, dry and hot... Make sure you hydrate well.  A great tip is to drink fresh coconut water, this will keep you hydrated is packed with electrodes, fresh coconuts are cheap and sold everywhere.  Even though the weather is extremely hot you should take some sort of wrap up with you.  The air-conditioning on the BTS and indoor areas is set to arctic conditions, its very easy to get ill due to the rapid change of temperature.

Cool places to visit - The Thailand Bangkok cultural center is located next to the national stadium, admission is free, and there are lots of exhibitions, art, crafts, book stores, cafes, etc to explore.



Etiquette - We have all heard that Thailand is known for its lady-boys, the fact of the matter is the Thai people simply accepts this as part of their culture, as should we all.  You will find lady-boys working normal jobs, living normal lives all through-out the Thai society,  please respect this and the people even if you don't fully understand it.  You will find them to be friendly open, funny and helpful.



We hope you find some of these tips useful, and you are able to enjoy the experience of Bangkok and the Thai people.