BangkokTravel Tips

Typical weather seasons by month.

When the city is peak, balanced, or quieter.

Typical monthly AQI index trends.

What to know before drinking water, eating street food, or dining out.

• Drink sealed bottled water; ice is usually fine in established restaurants and cafes.
• Street food is best where turnover is fast, grills are active, and sauces are covered.
• For delicate stomachs, avoid raw herbs from quiet stalls late at night.

Common scams and safety precautions during your stay.

• Ignore anyone saying a major temple is closed; check the gate yourself.
• Use Grab, Bolt, BTS, MRT, or metered taxis from official queues.
• Tuk tuks are for short novelty rides, not cross city transport.
• Keep phones away from curbside traffic in nightlife and market areas.

Respectful behavior for temples, neighborhoods, and restaurants.

• Dress cleanly for temples: shoulders and knees covered.
• Never touch anyone on the head, including children.
• Remove shoes when entering homes, small clinics, and some salons.
• Keep your voice low; public anger loses status fast.

Plugs, voltage, and electrical charging standards.

Tipping customs for dining, taxis, and services.

• Tipping is appreciated, not demanded.
• Round up taxis when the ride is clean and direct.
• Leave 20 to 100 baht for attentive restaurant service if no service charge appears.
• Hotel porters and spa therapists expect small cash tips in better properties.

Essential local laws and regulations to respect.

• Carry a passport photo or digital copy; hotels may request the real document.
• Do not vape in public; enforcement can be strict.
• Alcohol sales are restricted during certain afternoon hours and official voting periods.
• Stand clear of temple rituals unless invited closer.

Health advice for climate, insects, and well-being.

• Use mosquito repellent at dusk, especially near canals and garden restaurants.
• Heat management matters: plan outdoor walks before 10:00 or after 17:00.
• Private hospitals are excellent but expensive; keep travel insurance accessible.
• Air quality apps are worth checking daily from December through March.

Simple local phrases that help with greetings and polite conversation.

Useful phrases for shopping, bills, and price negotiations.

Phrases for dietary preferences, vegetarian choices, and water.

Polite ways to decline offers, transport, or street vendors.

Directions for finding toilets, basic shopping, and asking help.

Emergency calls, hospitals, and help phrases in the local language.