How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Bangkok

Touts and scammers can always be a nuisance for tourists, and Bangkok is no exception. Follow these tips to help avoid getting caught in a tourist trap.

Avoid People Who Approach You

Thais are generally shy and mind their own business. Traveling in Thailand is nothing like traveling in the Indian subcontinent, and it is not normal at all for Thais to talk to random strangers. If you ride the Skytrain or the underground, you'll notice that it's fairly quiet and the local people keep their own personal space. That said, anyone approaching you in the street probably has an ulterior motive. They are not just an outgoing person saying hello.

Talk to Official People

A popular scam is to tell tourists going to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew that it is closed for a religious ceremony. Men wearing pink polo shirts, who actually look like they work at the Palace complex, will approach you as you get near the palace. They may try to assist you with the dress code, and then they will tell you that the palace is closed and you need to come back later. Then, to 'help' you out, they will call a tuk-tuk (traditional taxi) to bring you to another tourist sight. The tuk-tuk may also bring you to a tourist shop and try to get you to buy something. These people all work together, and they all get a cut of the excessive prices you pay for the tuk-tuk or at a shop.

Instead of listening to these touts, go straight to the information desk or ticket office of the sight you want to see. They will tell you if the attraction is open or closed. In my case, I was approached by two men telling me the Grand Palace was closed for a religious ceremony until 3:00pm. In fact it was open and everyone was going in without any problems. The next day I got the full story from another tourist who'd gotten caught in the trap.

Avoid Paying Commission

Be careful of tuk-tuk and taxi drivers who recommend stores, restaurants or hotels to you. If you buy anything in these establishments, you're likely to be paying a high commission to the driver who took you there. You can pay for the same thing without the 'aid' of the driver for a much cheaper price.

Stay in a Suburban Area

During my stay in Bangkok, I spent half the time in suburban areas and half the time in near the city center and the river. Quite honestly, I enjoyed my time in the suburbs more because I had no touts and scammers approaching me on the street. The area around Saphan Kwai BTS and the area around On Nut BTS (two different ends of the Sukhumvit line) were lovely areas to stay because not many tourists go there.

Follow these tips and you should be able to enjoy a scam free stay in Bangkok!