Sputtering tuk-tuks, the chaotic bustle of the night markets, finger-licking street food, Buddhist temples of yore…and a heavy stream of tourists. Bangkok is the hub of Southeast Asia, maybe even all of Asia, attracting over 18 million international visitors every year.
Bangkok is a colorful city, imparted with a wide range of sights and smells, redolent of ancient times yet infused with modern culture. There’s a lot to love about Bangkok.
And, frankly, there’s a lot that’s hard to love.
It’s one of those cities—you’ve got a crush on it or you don’t. I’ve had my qualms with Bangkok, as most people probably do at some point, and despite spending a couple months there, I’ve struggled to connect with it. And though I know I’m not the only one, there are plenty of people who adore Bangkok. It’s a city you have to experience for yourself.
In a way, traveling to Bangkok is a rite of passage. If you’re going to Asia, you have to go to Bangkok. But, in its own artful way, despite Thailand being an extremely affordable destination, Bangkok has a way of sneaking away with your money, dignity, or both. She’s cheeky like that.
While you can learn about the best things to do in Bangkok from the guidebooks, there are some things you just won’t know until you visit. These are six classic mistakes to avoid on your first-time visit to Bangkok.
