Top Tips for first-timers visiting Bangkok

One member this week seeks advice about the Thai capital of Bangkok. What to do? Where to stay? What to eat?

…have a long weekend planned in Bangkok. Neither of us have visited previously. Looking for those with some knowledge to share their tips please. We are early 30’s celebrating getting engaged.

As always, our well-travelled members possess a wealth of knowledge on the subject. One member asserts that it is not necessary to spend more than $200 per night for a very good hotel. Some of those recommended include the Sukothai, Conrad and the Four Seasons hotels, however there are many 5 star hotels in Bangkok that won’t break the bank.

Suggested activities include visits to the floating markets, markets, Bang Krachao and the ancient city of Ayutthaya. Food tours and bike tours are also recommended.

Bangkok is famous for its food and travellers on any budget won’t be disappointed. The street food is not just world-famous but often a steal at just a few dollars for a meal. On the other end of the spectrum are world-famous – though somewhat more expensive – fine dining restaurants. Our member is interested in trying Nahm Restaurant and it is highly recommended.

Recently dined at Nahm on a visit to BKK and it was possibly one of the best meals I have ever had. Highly recommended although be sure and tell them if you can’t handle spicy.

Bangkok is also home to a number of popular roof-top bars.

Although most agree that Bangkok is a fantastic choice of destination, our members do issue a warning about scammers. Tourists in particular often find themselves being magnets to scam artists and sneaky taxi or tuk tuk drivers.

Even if you’re well travelled if it’s your first time in BKK beware at all costs of scam artists. If you get approached with anything that sounds too good to be true, it’s because it probably is. If you want to take a Tuk Tuk somewhere (which is lots of fun) expect to pay at least 200B to go anywhere. If you get quoted less (think 40 or 50B) then it will be a scam and you’ll end up on unexpected shopping trips. Ditto with taxis – even the ones parked right outside the boundaries of your hotel. Only take taxis that your concierge calls for you and make sure they turn the meter on or negotiate an upfront amount. Oh, and the temples are always open most days, no matter what anyone tells you….

BKK is an amazing place, full of life, great food and awesome entertainment but for first timers (especially if you look like it!) you are new meat for the scam artists.

Share your tips HERE.

Read more: The Ultimate Bangkok Stopover Guide

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 90 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include aviation, economics & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.
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