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Home , Chao Phraya Express Boat, Giant Swing, Lebua at State Tower, Patpong, Pratunam, Pratunam Market

TOBIAS MEYER TABLE OF CONTENTS

About this guide 5

ABOUT BANGKOK 6 Why you should travel to Bangkok 6

Data, facts and history 8

TRAVEL TIME & GETTING THERE 10 The best travel time for Bangkok 10

Getting to Bangkok 11

Arrival in Bangkok 14

ACCOMMODATIONS 16 General information about accommodation 16

Accommodation recommendations 18

TRANSPORTATION 21

OVERVIEW MAP 25

TEMPLES 27

MARKETS 32

SHOPPING 36

SKY BARS 39

MORE ATTRACTIONS 44

ROUTES 47 Route 1 / Day 1 48

Route 2 / Day 2 52

Route 3 / Day 3 56

2 3 NIGHTLIFE 60

EXCURSIONS 63

EAT AND DRINK 66 General facts about food in 66

Food guide 67

Recommendations for restaurants, food stalls and food courts 71

SAFETY & BEHAVIOR 73 General things about safety 73

Stay healthy 76

Dos and Don'ts in Thailand 77

SERVICES ON SITE 78

MOBILE INTERNET 80

HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS 82

BEFORE DEPARTURE 84 General things before departure 84

Visa for Thailand 86

FINANCES 87

RESOURCES & TRAVEL GUIDES 90 More Thailand Travel Guides 90

More Ressources and websites 90

IMPORTANT ADDRESSES 92

LANGUAGE GUIDE 93

ABOUT US 95

2 3 View from the Lebua at

Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udom Ratchaniwet Maha Sathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit

4 5 ABOUT THIS BANGKOK GUIDE

Bangkok is the first point of contact with Since you purchased this guide, you now the country for many visitors to Thailand. want to visit Bangkok and discover the vari- Incidentally, Thais call their capital Krung ety of the Thai metropolis. Thep Maha Nakhon, which is the short In this book, we'll show you everything form for "Krung Thep Maha Nakhon you need to know when planning a trip Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yutthaya to Bangkok. That way you will have a first Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani impression and get to know the city a little Burirom Udom Ratchaniwet Maha Sathan before your visit. Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit". Bangkok has the long- The chapters of this book include travel est city name in the world. time, travel information, accommodations, nightlife, excursions, exciting day trip routes The Thai capital is directly accessible from through the city, and much more. In ad- many places all over the world and exerts a dition, there is a small language and food fascination with many tourists. Often the guide to experiencing a wide range of Thai saying "either you love or hate Bangkok" cuisine. falls. There is only very little in between. The guide will give you lots of tips about I came to Bangkok for the first time in 2012 Bangkok and you can use this book for your and have visited the city countless times since travel planning, as well as for the stay on then. Only for a few days, sometimes a bit site. longer, as I spend most of the year in Thai- land. I explored the metropolis in detail. From If you have any further questions about temples, markets, sky bars to various attrac- the city of Bangkok or a specific topic, feel tions, Bangkok has grown very close to my free to contact us via our blog at www. heart. homeiswhereyourbagis.com/en.

Bangkok is absolutely diverse and without Have fun with this guide and on your a doubt you can organize three interesting journey! days. A perfect introduction to the capital of Thailand. Whether by Tuk Tuk, train or boat on the , Bangkok will never be boring.

On Home is where your Bag is, our travel blog that I run with Marcel, we have already published many articles about Bangkok's activities and attractions. The city is incredibly diverse and with every visit you can explore new corners.

4 5 OVERVIEW MAP

DON MUEANG 5 km

19 N

21 22

16 14

MO CHIT BANGKOK 5 SAI TAI MAI 11 17 15

4 3 7 2 20 18 23 8 10 1 6 24 EKKAMAI

12 26 SECTION SEE PAGE 9

SAMUT 13 PRAKAN

SUVARNABHUMI

DISTRICTS / AREAS: 8. Sukhumvit 17. Huai Khwang 9. Lower Sukhumvit 18. Lat Krabang 1. 10. Silom 19. Don Mueang 2. Chinatown 11. Phaya Thai 20. Bangkok Yai 3. Rattanakosin 12. Sathorn 21. Bang Khen 4. Khao San Road 13. Yan Nawa 22. 5. Dusit 14. Bang Sue 23. Watthana 6. Riverside / Bangrak 15. Bangkok Noi 24. Suan Luang 7. Ratchathewi 16. Chatuchak

24 25 TEMPLES

The Buddhist culture is omnipresent in whole Bangkok and there are more than 400 tem- ples spread throughout the city. For a first visit to Bangkok we have listed 10 beautiful temples in this chapter that you can visit in your 3 days.

WAT INTHARAWIHAN (STANDING BUDDHA)

The Intharawihan is known for its 32-meter-high Buddha Luang Pho Tho and is nevertheless relatively little visited. The construction of the statue lasted 60 years, and it is decorated with glass mosaic and gold leaf. There is a belief among Thais that the statue has the power to bless admirers with success. Therefore, many gifts are de- posited at the foot.

Opening hours: 6.00 A.M. to 10.00 P.M.

Admission charge: free

Station: Phra Arthit Pier () + Walk / Taxi / Tuk Tuk

NOTE: The same rules apply to all tem- ples. You may only enter them with appropriate clothing, that means the shoulders and knees must be covered. When you visit the interior of a temple, be sure to always remove your shoes first.

26 27 - HIGH LIGHT

THE ROOFTOP BAR

The Baiyoke Tower II is the third tallest building in Thailand and offers visitors a rotating 360 degree viewing platform on the 84th floor. Furthermore, there is a Skywalk on the 77th floor with a beautiful view. The entrance fee is 400 baht, including a drink at the bar. You do not have to comply with a dress code for the Baiyoke Tower II.

Opening hours: 10.00 A.M. to 11.00 P.M.

Drink prices: reasonable, cocktails starting from 150 baht

Station: Chit Lom (BTS) / ( Boat) + walk / taxi / Tuk Tuk

40 41 View from Sirocco Bar in the Lebua Tower

SIROCCO SKY BAR to 7.00 P.M. there is a happy hour where you get two drinks for the price of one. The The sky bar of the Lebua Tower with its dress code in this sky bar requires long golden dome is the most famous bar with a pants, closed shoes, and no sleeveless shirts view due to the Hollywood movie Hangover for men. Women can wear a dress to visit 2. On the 63rd floor you can overlook the this place. river of Bangkok at sunset comfortably with Opening hours: 5.00 P.M. to 1.00 A.M. a nice drink. If you come before 6.00 P.M., you can bridge the time in the Distil Bar. The Drink prices: high, cocktails starting dress code is long pants, closed shoes, and from 300 baht no sleeveless shirts for men. For women, a simple dress is totally fine. Station: Chit Lom (BTS) / Pratunam (Khlong Saen Saep Boat) + walk Opening hours: 6.00 P.M. to 1.00 A.M.

Drink prices: very high, beer starting from 400 baht

Station: Saphan Taksin (BTS) / (Chao Phraya Express Boat) + walk

RED SKY BAR

Located on the 55th and 56th floors of the Centara Grand Hotel at the Central World Mall, the Red Sky Bar boasts a 360 degree panoramic view of Bangkok with the Baiyoke Tower or . From 5.00 P.M.

40 41 SAO CHING CHA Opening hours: day and night

Under the reign of King , the giant Station: Phra Arthit Pier (Chao Phraya swing with many other shrines and temples Express Boat) was built to mark the center of the city. The AIRPLANE GRAVEYARD 21.15-meter high swing is designed to swing from east to west along the sun. The current The Airplane Graveyard is one of the rather Sao Ching Cha was built / renovated in 2007. unusual sights of Bangkok, because no one In the past, a Brahman New Year swing cer- knows how the gutted aircraft got there. emony was held here, depicting the story of After an entrance fee of 200 baht, which and . benefits the family that lives here, you can see Opening hours: day and night the Boeing 747 and two McDonnell Douglas MD-82. But be very careful, there is nothing Station: Panfa Leelard Pier (Khlong Saen secured and therefore we strongly advise Saep Boat) + walk / taxi / Tuk Tuk against climbing inside of the abandoned planes. MAHANAKHON SKYWALK Opening hours: 9.00 A.M. to 4.00 P.M. In Thailand's second tallest building is the Mahanakhon Skywalk. It was built at a height Station: Wat Sriboonruang (Khlong of 314 meters. With an entrance fee of 850 Saen Saep Boat) + walk baht for the indoor and 1050 baht for the outdoor area it is indeed not cheap, but it offers a breathtaking view of Bangkok with a The Erawan Shrine is dedicated to the Hindu glazed floor. The 360-degree view from the deity Brahma. It was built in the year of 78th floor is an exciting highlight in the cap- 1956, as many accidents occurred during ital of Thailand! the construction of the Erawan Hotel. So the Opening hours: 10.00 A.M. to midnight shrine was built to soothe the evil spirits in the area around the hotel. Today the gilded Station: Chong Nonsi (BTS) + walk plaster statue with its face in every direc- tion attracts hundreds of Thais every day POM PHRA SUMEN to pray, as they may wish for money, love, success, health, or enlightenment. You can The white fortress Pom Phra Sumen is located also attend dances or ceremonies here as a in the Santi Chai Prakan Park, right at the tourist sometimes. Chao Phraya River, within walking distance of Phra Arthit Pier. It is one of the last two Opening hours: 6.00 A.M. to midnight fortresses of the original 14 that surrounded the Rattanakosin area. It served as a defense Station: Chit Lom (BTS) system and was incorporated in 2000 in the park. A short visit, together with the park, is worthwhile.

46 47 ROUTES

This is the main chapter of our 3 days in Bangkok guide. Here you will find routes that are valid for one day and guide you to the main sights of Bangkok. Of course, it's also about how you get to the sights. Thus, we describe the way by boat or train, including prices and stations. In which order you do the routes, of course, is entirely up to you. Also, you can omit specific points of the route (or swap them with other attractions featured in this book) if they do not suit you or you do not have enough time.

With these 3 route suggestions, you can explore many tourist destinations in Bangkok, without having to research much further. Have fun!

View from the 342 Bar at the Chao Phraya River

46 47 ROUTE 1 / DAY 1

The Old Town of Bangkok is the destination of many visitors, because some of the most famous places in the city are located here. On this route you will explore the Royal Palace, , as well as the popular Khao San Road and much more.

LEGEND:

BTS BTS City highway / tollway Chao Phraya Express Boat station Temple

7 N 6 Khao San Road 8

N 4/5

N 3 SIAM 2

C 1 SAPHAN TAKSIN

SECTION SEE PAGE 25

48 49 The starting point is at Sathorn Pier or BTS Next, take the ferry to cross the river to Saphan Taksin (1), which is located next to Tha Tien Pier – cost 3 baht. Leave the pier it. To the Saphan Taksin Station you can go straight ahead and turn right at the inter- with the BTS Silom Line. If you are coming section. On the other side of the road you from the direction of Sukhumvit, then you will see the entrance to Wat Pho (3). In this have to change once in Siam towards Bang famous sight of Bangkok you can visit the Wa. The Skytrain ticket costs between 16 and reclining Buddha and the beautiful temple 44 baht. complex. Entrance fee: 200 baht. More in- formation on page 29. At the Sathorn Pier, look for the Orange Flag Express Boat. On site, you can buy a ticket to the station of (Station No. 8). The price for a ticket is currently 15 baht, and once you got it, you just wait for the next boat.

The Reclining Buddha in Wat Pho

From the exit of Wat Pho, you go almost the At the Sathorn Pier same way back, but you do not turn left to the pier. Instead, you walk straight ahead. After about 15 minutes you will reach the Follow the way past the wall of the Royal Wat Arun (2), the first destination of this Palace until the road leads to the right. It is tour. The Temple of the Dawn attracts many just about 15 minutes of walking. Finally, you visitors and tourists. You can explore the area will find the entrance of Wat Phra Kaeo (4) for free, but the entrance fee for the inner on the right. It's time for extensive sightsee- area is 50 baht. There you can climb the Wat ing. Entrance fee: 500 baht. More informa- Arun and admire the mosaics from close by tion on page 29. as well as the view of the river. More infor- mation you can find on page 28.

Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall

48 49 Sao Ching Cha () and food stalls. The Thip Samai restaurant, which is famous for its Pad Thai, opens only in the evening. But right next door, there is another shop that also offers cheap and good Pad Thai at lunchtime: Loong Pha Pad Thai (4).

Now go back to the intersection after the bridge. Go right this time and after about 5 minutes you will reach the next destination, Sao Ching Cha (5), the giant swing of the Old Town. It stands on a large square in the middle of the traffic. More information on page 46.

Opposite the Giant Swing is located one of Bangkok's largest temples. You've probably already seen it from the swing. It is time for a visit to (6). The entrance fee is 100 baht. More information can be found on page 30.

When you leave the temple grounds, go right back to the boat pier. Just go back down the street, over the bridge and turn left. At the end, again over the small bridge and right down to the Phanfa Leelard Pier. The walk takes about 10 minutes.

Get on the next boat and pay 12 baht back to Pratunam Pier. There you leave the pier upwards in the direction of the road and go right to the intersection. Here you cross the street to the left and – after a short distance – go to the right.

58 59 Once you are on the other side of the street, a drink. There is no dress code here. Further follow the sidewalk to the left past the information on this building you can find on Amari Watergate Hotel. After just about 5 page 40. minutes, you will see the enormous Baiyoke After the visit, you can go back to the same Tower II on the right in the alley from afar. way straight through the Now enter the Pratunam Market (7), Soi and cross the road. Here is the Platinum Petchaburi 21. For more information on this Fashion Mall (9). In the evening, many see page 33. stalls with clothes, souvenirs or food set up directly in front of you, if you still want to go on a big shopping spree at the end of your 3 days in Bangkok.

Otherwise, after crossing, turn left at the intersection, then walk right and at the next big intersection turn left again to the BTS Chit Lom, where you can take the train back to your hotel. Alternatively, of course, there is always the option of taking a taxi or calling a Grab.

ROUTE 3 / DAY 3 SUMMARY

• 1. Start: Sathorn Pier

• 2. Erawan Shrine – duration: 20 min.

• 3. Wat Saket – duration: 1 h

• 4. Optional: Loong Pha Pad Thai Pratunam Market and Baiyoke Tower II • 5. Sao Ching Cha – duration: 10 min. Now you go straight through the market. If you want, you can shop here for a low price. • 6. Wat Suthat – duration: 45 min. Since a lot is going on there, it will take a • 7. Pratunam Market – duration: 1 h while to get out of the mess. Do not turn anywhere and just follow the road straight • 8. Baiyoke Tower II – duration: 2 h through. • 9. – duration: At the end, you will arrive at the entrance 1 h of Baiyoke Tower II (8). The currently third Total budget: ca. 700 baht tallest building in Thailand has a great obser- vation deck on the 84th floor, which you can visit. The entrance fee is 400 baht, including

59 and travesty shows in Bangkok. However, you do not need to think about shabby shows, as they are very well-choreographed, professional and entertaining. The Calypso Cabaret at the Night Market or the Playhouse Cabaret in Chinatown are two great shows that are sure to delight.

NIGHT MARKETS street kitchens. On the 3rd floor you can visit The night markets are also part of Bangkok's various establishments in . Cou- nightlife. However, they are usually not ples or families are definitely not in the right open all week, but only from Wednesday place here. or Thursday to Sunday. Among the most popular night markets is the Talad Rod Fai Ratchada, which is absolutely worth a visit. More information on page 32.

Night market in Suan Lum Night Bazaar SKY BARS PATPONG The sky bars are a highlight for every visitor The third famous red-light district of in Bangkok, but there are no big parties Bangkok is Patpong, which is spread out on here. It is a little quieter and more civilized. Patpong 1 and 2 and is close to If you want to spend the evening with a BTS station. While pubs, GoGo bars and fantastic view of Bangkok, then you should strip clubs line up left and right, you'll find not miss the sky bars. The audience is com- the Patpong night market in the middle. pletely different than e.g. on Khao San Road. However, many of the bars are scams, and The prices in the sky bars are generally a bit even if you're promised free entry, you end higher. Next to the Sirocco Sky Bar on top up paying more than you think. The drinks of the , which is one are therefore also more expensive. Very in- of the most popular bars with a view, there teresting to see, but only enjoy these places are a few more. More detailed information with absolute caution. on Bangkok's most famous sky bars you can CABARET SHOWS find on page 39.

Also popular with tourists are the cabaret

62 63 EXCURSIONS

Also, in the surrounding area of Bangkok there are many more highlights and attractions to explore. If you would like to replace one of our routes or if you spend more than three days in Bangkok, how about visiting one of the following destinations?

- HIGH LIGHT

TEMPLE HOPPING IN AYUTTHAYA

The temples in the Historical Park of Ayutthaya attract the most visitors. Many tourists visit famous temples like Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, or Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Outside of the Historical Park, there are also many ancient temple ruins to discover, some are more or less well preserved. One of these unknown temples is e.g. the Wat Choeng Tha. Ayutthaya has a unique atmosphere and a visit is definitely worth it.

Opening hours: 8.00 A.M. to 5.00 P.M. daily (applies to most temples)

Admission charge: 20 – 50 baht, depending on the temple, some are free

Getting there: Train from Hua Lamphong station to Ayutthaya, duration 1.5 hours, price 20 baht. Bus or minivan from Khao San Road or Mo Chit Bus Terminal, price 90 to 230 baht. Even the taxi is a possible option that can cost only 3000 baht or more.

62 63 EAT AND DRINK

GENERAL FACTS Also the western kitchen or other kitchens like Japanese, Indian etc. are represented as ABOUT FOOD IN well. So everything is offered and you will THAILAND have a great choice. You have to prepare for the fact that the love to eat and is dishes in the restaurants and, above all, west- considered one of the best in Asia, if not the ern dishes are more expensive than dishes world. The cuisine is very diverse and offers in the food stalls or street food. Nevertheless, numerous dishes from soups and salads to a the prices are of course still much cheaper variety of rice and noodle dishes. than in Europe, USA, and Australia. Generally, in Thailand, people eat with the Our favorites are always the food stalls and spoon and the fork. Since the ingredients the food courts. You see how everything is are cut very small, no knife is needed. The freshly prepared, you pay much less than in fork is only used to push the food on the a regular restaurant and get a good, authen- spoon. But there are, of course, knives in tic meal. Prices range between 50 – 80 baht western restaurants if you order a piece of (1.35 – 2 €). Often, additionally there is even meat or similar. For noodle dishes such as free water included. Pad Thai or noodle soups, often there is a spoon and chopsticks. If you are unable to But we also go to thai shops or restaurants. eat the Thai food with chopsticks, you can Especially in Bangkok there are often new always get a fork. and trendy restaurants that serve very good food. If you are worried about the hygiene conditions, go to the food stalls or Thai NOTE: Thai cuisine often offers spicy shops, where many locals eat. If the dishes. Usually, the level of spiciness is Thais can eat the food there, you can do significantly reduced for tourists. If you that, too (see also page 76 in the chap- really want to eat spicy, use the words ter "staying healthy"). "pet pet" when ordering. It means some- thing like "very spicy" or "very hot". If you do not want to eat spicy, use "mai The possibilities to eat in Thailand are great. pet" which means "not spicy." There are many food stalls, mobile cook- shops or food courts offering delicious food in all sorts of variations. There are just as many restaurants, especially in Bangkok.

66 FOOD GUIDE

Delicious Thai food is often very fresh, healthy, and naturally spicy. Thailand's ex- otic cuisine has made Thai Food well-known throughout the world, and Thailand's first- time visitors are easily overwhelmed by the wide variety of dishes available. Everywhere it smells like food and there are tons of res- taurants and food stalls on the street. Quite different than at home. That's why we will show you 5 food highlights and other rec- ommendations that you can try.

HIGHLIGHTS

Panaeng Gai (พะแนงไก่)

Curry with Panaeng paste and chicken in coconut milk

This food is a dish from the classic Thai cui- sine. Panaeng Curry is prepared with the appropriate Panaeng paste that has many ingredients. It is added to the coconut milk that is heated in the wok. Then, the meat of your choice (pork, chicken, beef) will be added. In addition, chilies, garlic, and some vegetables (green beans or similar) are put inside. Unlike other Thai curries, there is rela- tively little sauce here. Usually, this is a spicy dish, but can be ordered as non-spicy. Price: ca. 80 baht

Pad Kra Pao Moo (ผัดกระเพราหมูู)

Fried, minced pork with spicy basil leaves and chili

On the menu often referred to as Fried Minced Pork With Holy Basil Leaves or similar. Pad Kra Pao is prepared very simply. First chilies are fried with garlic, then the meat and long green beans come into the Panaeng Curry

66 67 STAY HEALTHY ter's edge. Otherwise, you can use effective mosquito spray, which you can buy in any 7-Eleven (or any other convenience store) in Even in Thailand it can happen that you get Thailand. In the evening, make sure to wear sick. In the worst case, the medical care in long and light clothes to keep away the mos- Bangkok is excellent and there are phar- quitoes. macies on every corner as well as many in- ternational hospitals. These enjoy an out- For safety, you should always have standing reputation and often have foreign a small first aid kit while traveling. doctors on site. In some cases, even many Headache and diarrhea tablets, possibly tourists come to Thailand for treatments, as needed antibiotics and also patches be- these are correspondingly cheaper than in long inside this kit. But do not worry too western countries. much, you can also buy the drugs for emergency on the spot in any pharmacy NOTE: You should always make sure to in Bangkok. have enough cash to pay the medical bill if you need to see a doctor. Although the health insurance covers the treat- FOOD STALLS AND STREET ment costs, you usually have to pay first FOOD and will get them back from your insur- ance afterwards. Your credit card should We also want to make you aware of the of- therefore have sufficient funds in case of ten-discussed hygiene at street food stalls emergency, because depending on the and food stalls in Thailand. There is a sim- treatment, the medical costs in Thailand ple rule to follow, and we have never had can be sometimes 100 € or significantly a problem with it in Thailand and the other more. Southeast Asian countries for many years. Whereever the local Thais eat, you can also eat, because here the ingredients are usually In addition to the commonly known diseases always fresh. such as cold (mostly due to the cold air condi- You also do not have to leave out ice cubes tioning), gastro-enteritis and sunburn, there in your drink as it is often written in other is even a very low risk of malaria in Thailand travel guides. Nowadays, even the Thai peo- and dengue fever can also occur in some ple do not drink tap water and produce their areas. However, we have been traveling to ice cubes with normal drinking water. Thailand for years and have not had any malaria or dengue fever yet.

Bangkok is considered a malaria-free zone. Dengue fever, on the other hand, can hap- pen, but luckily it is not common. Generally speaking, there are not that many mosqui- toes in Bangkok unless you're at the wa- Roadside stalls on the

76 77 DOS AND DON'TS IN with shoes. Also, in front of some shops you should take off your shoes. Usually, THAILAND you can see that there are already shoes in front of the entrance or not. DOS: • Dress appropriately when entering a tem- • Always try to be friendly and have a smile ple. The shoulders and knees must always on your face. be covered. This applies to both men and women! Topless (also applies to men) or • Eat with the spoon. The fork is just there bikini in a temple is an absolute no-go! for you to put your food on the spoon, which is in the right hand. • Do not talk bad about the king or the royal family. This is considered insulting and can • Have fun (Sanuk) in Thailand. Thai people even lead to a prison sentence in the very do not like being overly serious the whole worst case. time, but love the fun of living. • Never raise your voice or argue loudly in • Learn a few words Thai. It is polite and also public. Otherwise, you will lose your face very welcome when you can at least say in Thailand and Thais do not want to deal "hello" and "thank you" in the local lan- with people who have lost their face in guage (see also page 93 in the language society. guide). • Do not touch a foreign Thai person on the • Always negotiate the price, except when it head and especially not children. Even if comes to food. There is never any haggling they are so cute – that may be perceived here. as an offense.

• When the national anthem of Thailand • Never point with the soles of your feet or sounds from the loudspeakers at 8 A.M. in your fingers to pictures of the king, monks, the morning and at 6 P.M. in the evening, images of Buddha, or people in general. then stop walking, just like everyone else. Once this is over, life goes on normally. • Keep your hands off drugs. The consump- tion and possession in Thailand is much DON'TS: harder punished than in Western coun- tries. • Do not touch a picture of Buddha (, pictures, etc.), which is considered to be • Even if it is very hot: Do not wear too short very disrespectful towards . things in Bangkok (such as bikini, tank top, swim shorts etc.). These kinds of clothes • Do not pose too much (handstand, yoga belong to the beach and not to a modern poses etc.) in front of or even on Buddha big city. Flip flops, however, are perfectly statues. This has happened more often in fine. the past.

• Never enter a temple or a Thai household

76 77 • Rice – Khao • 100 – Nueng roi • 2000 – Song pan • Noodles / Noodle soup – Kuai tiao • 200 – Song roi • 10000 – Nueng • Vegetables – Pak • 1000 – Nueng pan muen • Fried egg – Khai dao • Big / small – Yai / Lek or Noi ATTENTION: In Thailand, due to the politeness, one more word is added to PLACES the end of the sentence. Male: Khrap (often pronounced "Kap") – female: • Town – Muang Kaa • Street – Thanon • Bus station – Satanee rod pra jam tang For example: Khop Khun Khrap/Kaa or • Hotel – Rong raem Sawadee Khrap/Kaa. • Airport – Sanam bin • Airplane – Krueang bin • Toilet / restroom / bathroom – Hong nam SUPPORTING MATERIALS • Hospital – Rong phayaban Thai is not a language that is easy to learn. • Doctor – Moaa This is due to both typeface and pronuncia- • Accident – Ubatiheed tion. Thai is a tonal language, which means • Ambulance – Rod phayaban some words get different meanings through • Pharmacy – Ran khay ya different tones. However, a few basic words • Police – Dam ruat are always helpful. • Post office – Tii tam gan praisanee • Car – Rod yon If you want to learn the , we • Motorbike – Rod jakrayan yun can recommend the following: • Bicycle – Jakrayan • Boat – Ruea Learn Thai with Mod – Mod and her • Taxi – Rod taeksi friend Pear are two lovely young women • Bus – Rod bus / Rod mae who explain to you the basics of the Thai • Train – Rod fai language. They mainly have videos on • Train station – Satanee rod fai YouTube, but you can also find many tips on their facebook page. NUMBERS L-Lingo Learn the Thai Language – Great app that helps you with the basics of the Thai • 0 – Soon • 10 – Sip language. The first helpful part of the lessons • 1 – Nueng • 11 – Sip-et is free. You can buy additional courses in the • 2 – Song • 12 – Sip song app, but if you want to learn the basics, you • 3 – Sam • 13 – Sip sam don't need it. • 4 – Sii • 20 – Yee-sip • 5 – Ha • 21 – Yee-sip-et • 6 – Hok • 22 – Yee-sip song • 7 – Jet • 30 – Sam sip • 8 – Bpet • 40 – Sii sip • 9 – Gao • 50 – Ha sip

94 95 ABOUT US

We, Marcel and Tobi, launched our blog channels if you prefer to contact us there. Home is where your Bag is together in • Facebook: https://facebook.com/ 2012. Back then with a different blog name homeiswhereyourbagis and with a focus on the upcoming round- the-world trip, that was planned from Janu- • Twitter: @tobi_bagis and @marcel_bagis ary 2013 to end of July 2013. • Instagram: https://instagram.com/ The round-the-world trip changed into a homeiswhereyourbagis journey to and Australia / Oce- ania, because we decided to throw over our plans while being on the road. But this is what freedom while traveling is all about – just stay wherever you like it and skip other places instead.

Meanwhile, we have spent over 3 years in Thailand since 2012 and have been to the city of Bangkok countless times. The capital was our first point of contact with Thailand and therefore occupies a very special place. It is loud, overwhelming, chaotic, but most of all, it has an exceptional charm.

Because of the many visits and stays in Bangkok, we have discovered a lot in the Thai capital, visited countless attractions and got to know the local life. We visited vivid mar- kets, fantastic viewpoints, beautiful temples and many other sights, which finally gave us the decision to make this book. Marcel and Tobi Further information and articles about Bangkok are also available on our travel blog at https://www.homeiswhereyourbagis. com/en. You can also visit our social media

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