Bangkok, one of the most visited cities, is the capital of Thailand. When on tour, we tend to forget our surroundings. But to be careful and aware is a no-option rule, so here are some “don’ts” while you are in Bangkok! Also, book Bangalore to Bangkok cheapest flights to be easy in your pocket!
This information would help in you work in Bangkok too.
Thailand has its own traditional practices, and tourists and locals must respect them. Several newcomers and tourists in the pretext of having fun cause an intentional disturbance. Meanwhile, there are some who don’t realize that they might be hurting the sentiments of the natives. To prevent this unintentional inconvenience, here is a list of things to keep in mind while you are out vacationing in the capital.
- Temples are a must visit at Bangkok. Keep in mind to dress appropriately before you step in there. Make sure to do some prior research before visiting the temple and learn about the dress code, the expected culture and behaviour and any other specifics related to the temple. This is not to be applied just to temples but other places of tourist attraction too.
- Leave your footwear outside any building. It includes temples, hotel rooms, shops, houses and any other building on the streets of Bangkok. They practice the removal of footwear as it is considered to be dirty and probably unhygienic if any.
- Never put your feet up, be it on a table, a chair or any other elevated furniture. It is considered to be too casual and disrespectful. They also do not want dirt from the feet sticking around on their furniture. This also means moving around things, picking up things using your feet is looked down upon.
- Never disrespect the monarchy.
- Gesture well with all four fingers stretched and extended with the thumb on the palm. They have a special gesture called the wai.
- Refrain yourself from wearing revealing clothes. This brings us back to dressing appropriately. A lot of things come under the ‘not in public’ category and sunbathing and breastfeeding also comes under that category.
- Make sure to have thorough research performed before attending any animal related activity. Check out the ethical issues and legitimacy as several animal activities can invalidate one’s travel insurance.
- Never touch anyone’s head, not even of children. The head is respected as the most important part of the body and touching it is not entertained at all.
- Ensure that you treat a native warmly, politely and with respect every single time you interact with them. Never shout or start a fight with them. To have ill issues with your host is not a nice thing from your side while being their guest.
- Do not allow tuk-tuk drivers to make plans for you. They might suggest gift shops, gem stores in exchange for free petrol and might make you buy goods. Not only will you be robbed blind, but might also refuse to continue your ride and might abandon you immediately.
- When they refuse to put on the meter, do not ride the taxi. Ensure the meter is on when you get in.
- Make sure to not talk to random strangers who approach out of nowhere. They might dupe you after offering some not a very useful service, and run away with your money. They might offer to read out your future for free and later use aggressive means to demand money from you. They might offer tours with discounted charges to lead you on and cheat you.
- Don’t drink water unless it’s bottled. Make sure that bottles are not leaky with broken seals as this will indicate refills and recapping. Tap water is not regulated and hence is not safe enough for drinking. Ice, when provided by the government, has a hole in it, and if these are used in roadside smoothies, you can treat yourself to the chill drinks. If they are not, it is better to refrain from them.
- Don’t take up the exploration of Khao San road. The area is filled with drunk people, and people ready to pick up a fight. The road is shabby and has clubs opening late nights for its locals to party. Class and culture cannot be found, no niceties, no money, no safety and security, no assurance of preserving your wallet and belongings safe and sound.
- Don’t buy goods from roadside backpackers as the prices they quote will be hiked up costs. You could try bartering even so.
Any trip to anywhere in the world has to be treated with care. Every area has its own individuality. With it comes, its beauty, its rules and its drawbacks. If taken care of delicately prior to the journey and just keeping them in mind while at the destination spot, you will have one smooth and happy trip.