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Got a Bangkok question?

Get fast, first-hand Bangkok travel tips from our editors. Best neighborhoods, where to stay, things to do, street food and nightlife, plus how to get around.

Please ask below, and we’ll email you an answer. If it helps others, we’ll also publish a short Q&A.

Latest Answers

Hey everyone!

I’m gearing up for my first-ever trip to Bangkok and, no surprise, shopping is at the top of my to-do list!

Where do I start? With so many markets and malls, I’m a bit overwhelmed. If you had to pick one place for the ultimate Bangkok shopping experience, where would it be?

If I had to pick one place for shopping in Bangkok, it’d probably be Chatuchak Weekend Market. There’s just nothing you can’t buy there and as soon as you get the hang on haggling, you can get most stuff for a really great price. There’s also great food, drinks and massages.

As for the best shopping malls in Bangkok, i’d definitely say MBK Center and Terminal 21.

This article might help as well: https://www.bangkokinsiders.com/the-10-best-shopping-malls-in-bangkok/

I’m visiting Bangkok for a week and want to make sure I don’t just hit the major tourist attractions. Are there any off-the-beaten-path spots or local secrets I should know about?

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while, check out Bang Krachao, often called Bangkok’s Green Lung. It’s an island in the Chao Phraya River, just a short boat ride away, but it feels like a completely different world.

You can rent a bicycle and ride around the lush green parks, visit floating markets, and enjoy some peace and quiet. There are barely any cars, and the air feels fresher. It’s perfect for a laid-back day of exploring nature without leaving Bangkok.

I don’t speak any Thai, and I’m wondering if I’ll be okay just using English or if I should try to learn a few key phrases. Is English widely spoken in Bangkok, especially in restaurants, hotels, and tourist areas?

Honestly, in tourist areas like Sukhumvit, Silom, and the Old Town, you’ll get by perfectly fine with just English. Most people working in hotels, restaurants, and malls speak enough English to help you out. Even on public transport, signs are usually in both Thai and English, so navigating is pretty easy.

That being said, it’s always appreciated if you can learn a few basic Thai phrases, like “hello” (Sawasdee) and “thank you” (Khop Khun). People will smile even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect!

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