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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.

Bangkok, the pulsating capital of Thailand, is as renowned for its exquisite cuisine as it is for its bustling street life and awe-inspiring cultural attractions. The city is a melting pot of flavours where the traditional seamlessly melds with the contemporary. Here, you are sure to fall in love with local delicacies like Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, and Som Tam, each of which presents a myriad of distinctive flavours that create an unforgettable culinary experience.

Why limit your Bangkok Thai dining experience to just eating delicious food when you can also learn to cook it? Join a traditional Thai cooking class that offers a deep and hands-on understanding of the region's age-old culinary practices. Local chefs, armed with years of experience, will gently guide you through the creation of iconic dishes. You'll leave the class with not only a full belly but also a unique skill to flaunt back home.

There's no better way to experience the thrill of Bangkok than by hopping on a tuk-tuk food adventure. This ride promises a food experience that combines the excitement of a fast-paced tuk-tuk journey with the exploration of the city's diverse food culture. As you navigate the city's labyrinthine streets, you'll be stopping to sample a variety of delicious cuisines that make this city a food lover's paradise. Also, if food market hopping is high on your Bangkok activities list, consider staying at a place like Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.

The true heart of any city lies in the dishes its locals savour. Step off the beaten path and sample beloved local delights that extend beyond the typical guidebook suggestions. From mango sticky rice and tantalisingly spicy green curry to the freshest of spring rolls, there's an endless gastronomic trail to follow in Bangkok. And you simply can't miss trying Kai Jeow Moo Saap, a comfort food that's a local favourite!

Enjoy the best of what Bangkok has to offer with a bicycle and boat food tour. Pedal through charming local communities, stopping to enjoy bite-sized delights, before setting sail on a boat to further explore the city's riverside dining experiences. This tour is not just a sightseeing expedition, but an immersive journey into Bangkok's food scene.

Banglamphu, or the Old Town of Bangkok, is a gastronomic treasure trove. Embarking on a food tour here means walking down winding streets, unveiling hidden foodie gems, and gorging on dishes that have delighted the locals for generations.

Dive into the culinary heart of Bangkok's Chinatown, a place where every corner presents a new foodie delight. Bustling stalls here offer an abundance of authentic Chinese Thai cuisine, from irresistible dim sum to mouthwatering noodle dishes. The vibrant ambience of the night market, teeming with exotic aromas, is something every food enthusiast should experience.

Experience the city's unique culture with a visit to the floating markets. Here, vendors aboard small boats offer fresh produce and cook meals right on the water. Taste a uniquely cooked breakfast from a floating kitchen and sample some of the freshest fruits Thailand has to offer. It's an experience that promises to be as picturesque as it is delicious!

What better way to conclude a day of culinary exploration than with a serene dinner river cruise? Feast on an array of exquisite Thai dishes as you gently cruise down the Chao Phraya River, taking in the spectacular view of illuminated temples and other famous landmarks. This floating restaurant experience combines the beauty of Bangkok's nighttime cityscape with its culinary magic.