Bangkok: Know Before You Go
With a population of over 8.2 million, Bangkok can be a very intimidating city. For first timers it can be a lot to take in. Bangkok was our first Asian destination back in 2013 and it's just recently been our first city to ever return to. In order to have a successful trip to Thailand, I believe it all starts with the research you do beforehand. We've compiled a list of helpful things to know in terms of getting around and getting to know the city of Bangkok.
- GET YOUR VACCINATIONS. We thought it was required to get the Typhoid and Hep A vaccinations in advance, however these are only recommended. Why do we still suggest you get them? Because they work! The tap water is off limits and they wash all their foods in it. We're talking fruits, vegetables, chicken, etc. The chances of you hugging the toilet is very high. Plus, you want to be able to eat everything in site because it's all sooo delicious!
- BRING APPROPRIATE CLOTHES FOR THE TEMPLES. We know you know this already, but it cannot be stressed enough. If your shoulders, knees, and ankles (ankles is for the guys) aren't covered up, you will be required to rent a pair of pants which is an extra time consuming hassle.
- BALL OUT ON HOTEL ROOMS! Seriously, 5-Star rooms go for $120USD per night! We stayed in Lebua at State Tower (where they filmed the first Hangover movie) for this price and it was the sickest hotel room. If you're trying to be even more budget friendly, stay a few nights in a 3-Star hotel for $35USD per night, then splurge on your last day in a penthouse somewhere!
- GO SEE A MUAY THAI FIGHT. This was by far the coolest experience we had in Bangkok! It's simply a very exciting and cultural event. We found ourselves ringside at the Lumpini Boxing Stadium in Bangkok. They have fights every Tuesday, Friday & Saturday nights. Tickets are as low as $6USD for standing room and can be as high as $60USD for ringside depending on the fight. The standing room is preferred by the locals. If you find yourself here, be prepared to be around a lot of yelling, cigarettes, and sweaty men. I will admit it did look fun to be in that section, but I preferred the personal space and cold drafts down below.
- KNOW SOME LINGO. Showing that you have at least put forth an effort to try and speak the native language goes a long way. You can make great connections and find yourself getting along better than you thought. Most importantly, know how to say Hello/Sawatdii Ka(f) Khap(m) and Thank You/Kob kun ka(f) krub(m).
- THE NIGHTLIFE IS UNREAL. The clubs at night are packed with people from all over the world and have house DJ's that are killer! I'm not one for big club atmospheres, but Bangkok does it right. Make sure you bring a nice outfit and shoes because there are dress codes for some of the bigger clubs. Be aware of the prostitutes if that's not an expense you're looking to pay. You will see lovely groups of women that converse back and forth with a well dressed man seen pointing out targets throughout the night.
- CHECK OUT THE ROOFTOP BARS. There has got to be hundreds of rooftop bars in Bangkok all of which have incredible views. The best, most iconic is the Sky Bar at Lebua! There is nothing more posh than this bar at night. All of Bangkok and the river is lit up by lights creating this magical display as far as your eyes can see.
- THE TEMPLE IS NOT CLOSED. Many drivers or even locals will tell you that a temple is closed for the day in order to get you to go to another temple where they make a commission off getting you there. If you find yourself in this situation with a driver, thank them for their time, get out and ask for another driver. Same goes with pedistrians... thank them for trying to help, but let them know you got this.
- BRING TOILET PAPER. I hate to admit it, but it's true. Many of the public restrooms in Bangkok feature toilets that are just holes in the ground. It's you... the hole... and a bucket of water. Even if you just want to "shake it off," you're going to need something to wipe your feet in the case you don't hit your mark.
- PING PONG SHOWS! No, it's not a show where 2 people battle it out over a rousing game of ping pong. Quite the opposite and quite the impressive display of what a woman's body is capable of. I would not recommend these shows to anyone that doesn't have a sense of humor or get's disgusted at strip venues because it is the raunchiest thing I've ever seen! I can't tell you where to find these "underground" shows because the good ones are illegal, but quietly whisper to your tuk-tuk driver "ping pong show" and he'll get you there. It's 30USD to enter and whatever you do, don't take any photos (they will take your phone/camera).
Drawing courtesy of a very talented lady at the Ping Pong Show.