QUICK TIPS FOR TOURISTS
If you are visiting Bangkok or other places of Thailand, these quick tips will be very useful in making your stay a pleasant one.
The Monarchy
Thai people have a deep, traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and a tourist should be careful to show respect for the King, the Queen and the Royal Children.
Social Norms
Thais don't normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture called a "wai". Generally a younger person wais an elder, who returns it. Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally and figuratively. Therefore, avoid touching people on the head and try not to point your feet at people or an object. It is considered very rude. Shoes should be removed when entering a private Thai home. Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon.
When visiting a temple at Bangkok
If you come to Bangkok and don't see a Wat (temple) then you have missed the most important thing. Though, there are certain guidlines you should follow when entering temples. The strictness of rules changes with the level of importance of the temple you are visiting. At the Royal Palace, no bare shoulders or shorts should be worn. Generally, if your knees are covered, you will be fine. Don't point your feet towards the buddha in a temple when you kneel down. The head is considered closest to heaven and good, the feet the furthest and bad. Shoes off. It is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept. Women never touch or hand anything to the monks. Never be above a Buddha, and never touch a shrine. Be respectful and the Thai people will respect you back.
What to wear
Bangkok is hot and sticky nearly through out the year. You will require to walk a lot if you really want to enjoy sight-seeing and shopping. Hence wearing cool clothes and light comfortable shoes would be more practical. Watchout for exposed man-holes, pot holes, vendor carts, etc. while walking on the pavements.
A small hand towel, face cloth or wet wipes come in very handy, especially if you're going to venture around markets.
Tips for Shoppers
Bangkok has a kind of unique shopping culture. Simply venturing aimlessly into the city, hoping to find what you are looking for, is not a good idea. Plan your shopping around specific areas, say, China Town (which is an outdoor market place) in the morning hours, and Siam (which has several air-conditioned malls) in the afternoon hours. Outdoor Markets are good to visit in the mornings or evenings when it's a little cooler and usually less frantic. In the heat of the day, air-conditioned malls are better places to be.
Most shops open from about 10 AM to 10 PM. So you will have plenty of time to shop. Small shops, even in large shopping malls, usually close on Sundays, while large department stores are open seven days a week. Shopping hours can be irregular, especially on weekends and Public Holidays.
If you want the best prices around, spend time to shop around and compare prices. Take advantage of VAT refunds and tourist discount cards.
Be careful when you are buying something from a pavement stall. You cannot be sure of the quality. Further, heavily discounted goods are usually rejects or of inferior quality. Inspect items closely for any visible signs of defects/poor quality.
Bargaining is a common practice in the market place. However, prices are fixed in malls, department stores, supermarkets and large retail shops.
General Tips
Buy a good map of Bangkok city and plan your daily excursions before moving out of your hotel. You will save a lot of time, energy and money.
Most of the time, places within an area can be reached on foot, thereby eliminating unnecessary travelling. If you do need to travel, avoid travelling around the city during rush hours (mornings from 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM and in the afternoons from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM). Variety of commuting options are available, viz. taxis, tuk-tuks, public buses, canal and river boats, motorbike taxis, the Skytrain (BTS) and underground train (MRT). Bangkok's traffic is quite notorious. Hence BTS and MRT are better options.
Beware of thieves and pick-pockets, especially in busy market places. Do not leave your belongings and bags behind in any shop or in your taxi.
Avoid talking to strangers. If a stranger approaches you with any kind of story, be it with tales of fantastic jewels or something unusual only he has privileged knowledge of, chances are good you have been targeted for some sort of tourist scam. Avoid indulging into a conversation with such strangers. If anyone attempts to harass you, reach for your mobile phone or walk to the nearest public phone and tell the harasser that you're calling the Police.
