We love visiting Thailand and the city of Bangkok is one of our favorite cities in the world. But like any other place in the world, it has its own rules. If you’re not prepared, a small misstep could turn your dream holiday into a very frustrating one. It does not matter whether you’re backpacking or going for the ultimate luxury holiday, knowing what NOT to do can make a world’s difference.
Here are 10 common mistakes that you need to know and how to avoid them:
- Disrespecting the Royal Family
- Inappropriate Clothing at Temples
- Falling for Tuk-Tuk Scams
- Pointing Your Feet at Buddha Statues
- Touching People’s Heads
- Expecting Cars to Stop for You
- Taking Regular Taxis
- Taking a Taxi During rush-hour
- Not Taking the Airport Rail Link into Bangkok City
- Staying in the WRONG Area of Bangkok
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1. Disrespecting the Royal Family
In Thailand, the Royal Family is deeply respected. Speaking negatively about or acting negatively towards the royal family, is not only culturally offensive it’s illegal under strict lèse-majesté laws. And with illegal we mean, straight to jail. This goes for foreign visitors too!
Do this instead:
Stand respectfully in silence when the national anthem plays (like before a movie) and try to avoid political conversations with locals.
Insider Tip:
If you hear the anthem in public spaces, just pause and follow the locals’ lead.
2. Wearing Inappropriate Clothing at Temples
Wat Pho, Wat Arun and the Grand Palace are places that are a must visit, but showing too much skin is a major no-go. Sleeveless tops, short shorts, crop tops are just examples of too much skin. This goes for men and women alike.
Do this instead:
Wear long pants or clothing that goes over the knees combined with something with sleeves.
Insider Tip:
Be sure to bring a lightweight sarong that you can wrap around yourself. Alternatively many places offer one for rent and some even for free. Of course you can also opt to buy yourself a pair of long elephant pants from a vendor nearby.
3. Falling for Tuk-Tuk Scams
Riding a Tuk-Tuk is a unique Bangkok experience that you see everywhere, but sadly also where many of the scams happen. You’ll see this with drivers overcharging you for a ride, or they will offer you a 50 baht tour. How lucky are you, only 50 baht for a tour in a tuk tuk! Sadly this is usually a setup to bring you to overpriced souvenir stores, tailored suit shops or vendor friends of the driver.
Do this instead:
Use the Grab app (Thailand’s Uber) or read our Ultimate guide to Tuk-Tuks to get the most out of this quintessential Bangkok experience.
Insider Tip:
Avoid drivers who approach you near major tourist attractions, the harder they shout… the harder you run away!
4. Pointing Your Feet at Buddha Statues
In Thai culture, feet are considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body. Never sit with your feet pointing toward Buddha or other people.
Do This Instead:
When sitting at temples, kneel or sit cross-legged, keeping your feet behind you.
Insider Tip:
If you know you are going to visit a lot of temples, wear easy to-take-off footwear because no footwear is allowed inside.
5. Touching People’s Heads
For anyone you meet in Thailand, touching someone’s head is a big cultural no-no. The head is seen as sacred in Thai culture. Touching (especially in public) is something they prefer not to do, unless family or in a close relationship.
Do this instead:
If you do not know what to do, just follow the local person you are meeting. Don’t assume they have the same habits as in your own country.
Insider Tip:
Show respect with a Wai. This is a Thai greeting in which you put your palms together and make a small head bow. The higher you place your hands in the Wai, the more respect it shows
6. Expecting Cars to Stop for You
Crossing the street in Bangkok can be a challenge, and don’t automatically expect cars to stop for you. Not even when you have the right of way at a crossing pad.
Do this instead:
Use pedestrian bridges, wait for a crowd to cross with or find a crossing with a traffic light.
Insider Tip:
If you really need to cross, raise your hand indicating crossing, look the driver in the eyes, make a little Wai and bow.
7. Taking a Regular Taxi instead of using Apps
Taxis in Bangkok are very affordable and the easiest way to get from door to door. The regular metered taxi has one big issue however, they DO NOT want to use the meter. It’s always a negotiation game and you are guaranteed to be over paying. Also when they do agree to use the meter, there is a chance that the fare goes up suspiciously fast.
Do this instead:
Download apps such as Grab, Bolt or InDrive to get a fixed price beforehand. You can easily put in the destination and charge the ride to your credit card. You can also set the payment method to cash, if you prefer. By using the apps there will be no issues about the fare anymore.
Insider Tip:
Rideshare drivers usually ask you if you want to take the paid toll way or not. If you agree you have to pay for it yourself. This can be done by cash or the driver can add it in the app as an extra charge.
8. Taking a car during rush hour
We love taking (Grab/Bolt) taxis in Bangkok, except during the busy times at the end of the day. What starts as a 10 minute ride can easily turn into a 40-60 minute slow ride. And as an added bonus: availability, price and wait time increase for taxi apps like Grab and Bolt.
Do this instead:
Take public transport like the MRT or BTS, while yes they are also busy, the trains run very often and will save you both time and money. Learn all about Public Transport in Bangkok here.
Insider Tip:
If you need to go far outside the center, consider taking public transport for a few stops first and then switch over to a taxi for the last part of your journey.
9. Not taking the Airport Rail Link into Bangkok City
The absolute fastest and cheapest way of getting into the city is the Airport Rail Link (ARL). Especially during rush hour. We made a blog about how to use the ARL.
Do this instead:
Avoid Bangkok’s infamous traffic jams by taking the ARL. Stop at eitherone of these two stations to connect to the rest of the city:
- Makkasan Station (Stop A6) and Connect to: MRT Phetchaburi Station.
- Phaya Thai Station (Stop A8) and Connect to: BTS Skytrain.
And if you really must take a taxi with for example a lot of luggage, make sure you get a Grab car instead of a regular taxi to avoid paying too much. Do keep in mind that you need to book a car that’s big enough for your company and the amount of suitcases you have. For example if you’re a family you’re going to want to book either an SUV or a small van to avoid any luggage hassle.
Insider Tip:
Make sure you have cash to pay for the ARL, currently it does not except anything else yet. Luckily you can easily exchange some cash at the same floor before you enter the ARL, and since there’s so much competition the exchange rates are generally good too.
10. Staying in the wrong area of Bangkok
No it’s not that dramatic, don’t worry. However, Bangkok is a big city and the city has many beautiful areas to stay at. It all depends on what you want, but especially as a first time visitor staying near public transport and popular attractions can make life (and your travels!) so much easier.
Do this instead:
Decide what you want to do and see in Bangkok and then read our blog to decide on the best area for you to stay in Bangkok.
Insider Tip:
If you have limited time, pay a little extra to stay in the area of things you want to do. This will actually save you a lot of time and money on transportation. Not to mention the energy that you can spend on enjoying the city.
Travel Bangkok the Smart Way
Bangkok is an amazing city to visit but like any destinations and culture, it takes time to understand all its written and unwritten laws. By avoiding these common mistakes, you will be respectful for the culture, stay safe and have an amazing experience. Also don’t forget to smile a lot, you will get many back. There is a reason why Thailand is called: the Land of the Smiles!
Need more Bangkok tips?
How about spending a perfect 24 hours in Bangkok? Check out our Bangkok in 24 hours: The Perfect 1-Day Itinerary
Thank you for reading and as a reminder: we have a YouTube channel (@YesandExplore) with lots of fun and informative travel videos! Byeeee
– Laurens & Laura
Hotel Tips in Bangkok
Below you can find some hotel tips for your stay in Bangkok. We’ve stayed at all of these hotels ourselves and would book them again.
- Luxury – $$$ – Sindhorn Midtown Vignette Collection
- Midrange – $$ – Novotel Sukhumvit 20
- Budget Comfortable – $ – Ibis Styles Silom
