Bangkok is a rich, beautiful city of complements and contrasts. If you’re travelling there for the first time, navigating the city can be a little overwhelming. But, with a little insight and preparation, you can enjoy Bangkok without hassle. In this guide, you'll find some tips and tricks to explore Bangkok as a first timer.

Book your accommodation ahead of time to save on last minute price hikes. Choose a hotel that’s close to public transport including the Chao Phraya River. Look for Riverside hotels in Bangkok if you love views and have easy access to key areas. Check with places like the Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel for early bird offers.

Image via Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel

Buy a SIM card at the Suvarnabhumi Airport. The SIM card stall offers mobile packages with 3G of data or top up schemes. The Happy Tourist card from DTAC is a good deal. If you’re planning to stay in Thailand for a while, go for a package with a monthly deal.

You can use a taxi to get to the hotel from the airport. They have a vending machine at the exit gate. Pay for your taxi and go to the taxi park where your taxi will wait for you. But, once you put your luggage down, switch to public transport unless absolutely necessary. The roads are congested in Bangkok, and the most convenient and fast modes of getting around are the BTS line, MRT and river cruises. You can buy a BTS and MRT card and top up at stations when necessary. Alternatively, you can buy individual tickets too. Vending machines at stations have the English language option, and the staff are friendly and supportive if you need help.

When you’re not dining at your hotel, try street food. Bangkok’s street food is safe to consume, and delicious. Yaowarat district, JJ Green market, Susan Lum Ratchada and the new Talad Neon night market offer delectable fare. Don’t forget to visit the Chatuchak market with its thousands of stalls brimming with Pad Thai, flavourful noodle dishes, smoked or slow cooked fish, spicy, crackling pork, sweet, cooling mango sticky rice and more.

Get your hands on a good map, and plan out your outings including transport. You can check the landmarks and save those on an offline map to refer to when travelling. As long as you have your Smartphone and public transport, you can see the city independently. When you wish to see iconic landmarks, opt for a day pass for a Chao Phraya River cruise. This is the easiest way to see the Grand Palace, Wat Arun etc.

Visit the Khlong Lat Mayom Floating market to savour its authentic atmosphere. Go for a short river ride along the canals with a local boat, and tuck into the scrumptious Thai dishes. As for street markets, night markets put up the best atmosphere and energy. You’ll avoid the heat of the day, and get to discover a true bazaar- like atmosphere. Buy souvenirs for under 1 USD at street market stalls.

Bangkok is full of massage parlours offering invigorating Thai massages. Book a few Thai massages in between your excursions to perk up your energy. If you love wrestling, go for a Muay Thai boxing match. The matches are mainly put on to entertain the audience, and there is no real violence involved. And, finally, don’t forget to try a leisurely dinner at a rooftop bar at least once. Sip cocktails and take in the cityscape from above as dusk falls in purple splashes.