Surviving (and Enjoying) Bangkok 2

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Our first Surviving (and Enjoying) Bangkok list of travel tips was well read and received - here's part two for your enjoyment and edification.

1) Dress for success. Unless you want to be hassled by tuk tuk drivers and pushy street vendors across the capital avoid wearing any of the following - singlets (especially singlets with local beer logos), bandanas, floral shirts with matching floral shorts, hiking pants/boots, 3/4 pants, beachwear, camouflage pants, crocs, sandals and socks, his & hers matching outfits, football shirts (unless Man U or Liverpool), sarongs, flip flops and t-shirts/caps that advertise your country of origin.

2) And when not in use try to keep the cameras, video cameras, smart phones and fanny packs out of sight.

3) If you are here for business never schedule a meeting between 11.30 am - 1pm. Bangkok people are easygoing about many things but nothing comes between them and their lunch break - it's the same in Singapore.

4) Cold beers should only be enjoyed in bars or restaurants. Slugging a can or bottle of beer whilst walking through malls, markets, on the street and train stations is not a good look.

5) One of the fastest, safest and cheapest (3 baht) ways to navigate Thonglor Road is by the little red bus that zooms up and down the busy road. Hail it on the street and when you want to disembark - just pull the buzzer chain.

If you must drink in public - stick to Khao San Road.

6) In pubs and clubs, no need to order drinks from the bar - find a seat or table and wait for the bar staff to take your order and to serve the drinks.

7) If you're travelling on the Sky Train and miss the next station announcement in English don't panic - the Thai announcement will follow. Listen for "satani"(station in Thai) then the name of the station e.g. National Stadium Station is Satani National Stadium.

8) A rough guide to the iconic MBK mall - Floors 1-3 - mostly clothing shops; floor 4 - smart phones, software, iPads, cameras and other electronics; floor 5 - furniture; floor 6 - more clothing and the famous MBK food court.

9) If you must visit the Patpong Night Market be warned - after 10 pm many circling vulture "metre-off" cab drivers will ask for a flat fee of 100 baht.

10) Street side fruit vendors will often drop a small sachet, of what looks like orange crystals, in the fruit bag. Relax, it's not an attempted drugs sting - the sachet contains a zesty dipping condiment made from salt, sugar and chillies.

Watch your step.

11) Please leave a tip after dining. While most high end eateries will include a 10% service charge it's good form to leave a tip of between 20-50 baht after dining at street stalls or cheaper restaurants.

12) If you want to order a vegetarian meal ask for an "ahan jae" meal.

13) So it's 2pm and you want to buy a 6-pack of beer from the supermarket or 7 (local slang for 7-11) to enjoy in the afternoon. Tough luck - booze can only be purchased from 11 am - 2 pm and from 5 pm - 10 pm. However, it is ok to purchase a slab of beer (24 cans/bottles) at anytime - why the exception for a 24-pack? I have no idea.

14) How to call for the bill at a restaurant? Kep Tang khrup/kha (the polite way) or check bin khrup/kha.

15) Watch your step - really. If you don't take care, BKK's sidewalks can become boulevards of broken legs and ankles - watch out for holes; broken and uneven pavements; dog droppings; wet concrete and broken glass. In addition keep an eye out for wandering baby elephants (not so common these days), street vendors and massage salesmen.

If you have other ideas/suggestions to add please send it to us.