Suchergebnisse

Here I share my most important travel tips to help you have a smoother vacation and avoid mistakes I made. Before Departure: • Check with the Thai Embassy to see if you need to apply for a visa. If you have Austrian citizenship, you can enter visa-free for up to 60 days. The visa will be issued upon arrival at the airport in Thailand. Occasionally, return or onward tickets may be required. • To enjoy your flight, download movies, games, and music offline beforehand. • For flights with layovers and checked luggage, ensure you have at least a 5-hour layover, as you may otherwise not receive your luggage in time. • A power bank is helpful since some airplane sockets might not work. • One of the best tips I received was to download offline maps and Google Translate. Trust me, these two tools will make your life so much easier. Which Airlines to Use and Where to Book: • From personal experience, I flew with Air China with a layover in Beijing, and I was 100% satisfied. I booked my flight through Expedia and collected my tickets at the airport counter – 2 hours before the flight. • If you ever fly with Air China, be aware that their app is not very user-friendly, and self-check-in is often not possible. However, they make up for it with included meals, drinks during the flight, and very friendly staff. • Bring a jacket or sweater for the flight, as it can get quite cold on the plane. Arrival at the Airport: • After processing your initial overwhelm, follow the crowds. You don’t need to be highly experienced to find your way; most airports are very well labeled. • At Bangkok Airport, there are countless currency exchange machines. I recommend using those on the lower floor where the Airport Rail Link departs, as they offer the best exchange rates. • I also recommend using a credit card for withdrawals and payments. I set up an account with an N26 Bank credit card, which offers the best conditions for longer trips. • From the airport, you can take a taxi or, my recommendation: the Airport Rail Link to your accommodation. The Airport Rail Link is located on the lower floor of the airport and is much cheaper than a taxi. Accommodation: • For long-term travelers, it’s worth booking accommodations on-site, as you’ll often get better deals. However, it’s advisable to organize a place to stay for at least the first week in advance. Infrastructure: • Bangkok and the rest of Thailand are very traffic-dependent. If you decide to take a taxi, I recommend using Bolt or Grab. If you hail a taxi or scooter from the roadside, be sure to negotiate the fare in advance. • If you rent a car or scooter, research the rental provider beforehand and make a video documenting any damages to avoid being scammed. • For a cheaper travel option, public transport is a great tip. You can travel from A to B for as little as 35 Baht. Google Maps is again very helpful here. For long distances, like Bangkok to Chiang Mai or Surat Thani, it’s worth taking a night train or booking a flight. Sightseeing: • When visiting temples, wear appropriate clothing – long pants and a top that covers your shoulders. Otherwise, you won’t be allowed to enter the temple. • Be cautious with TukTuk rides. If someone in the city approaches you, speaks decent English, and tells you about promotions at the Thai Factory or that a temple is closed, it’s 100% a scam. I fell for this trick and ended up on a TukTuk ride. While I saw some cool temples, I was also taken to an alleged “Thai Factory” and offered overpriced, low-quality clothing and jewelry. The trick here is that the TukTuk drivers and businesses collaborate to increase sales. Be cautious! • For market and temple visits, it’s worth arriving early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Miscellaneous: • If you need a SIM card, I recommend buying one at a 7-Eleven or purchasing an eSIM online, as these are the most affordable options and don‘t buy a SIM card at the airport, was to expensive.

My First Impression: The heat hits you like a warm embrace, the scent of street food wafts through the air, and the chaos has a strange sense of harmony. Welcome to Bangkok – a city that never stands still. Let me take you on a journey through this thrilling metropolis. Barely out of the plane, I started melting right away. Bangkok’s climate takes some getting used to – a mix of tropical, humid, and very warm. But after a few days, you adapt, especially with the right clothing. I highly recommend changing into something light and breathable at the airport. I didn’t, and trudged to my accommodation in long clothing, which wasn’t the best choice. Residential Areas and Infrastructure: Bangkok is divided into various districts. I chose my accommodation in the residential area of Bang Kapi , where you can find very affordable lodging. Unfortunately, this area is far from the city center, and it takes about an hour to get downtown using public transportation. If you want to save some time, choose a location closer to the main attractions, such as Rattanakosin , Thonburi , or Siam . However, even then, Bangkok’s vast size means you’ll still rely on taxis, public transport, or tuk-tuks to get around. Walking to attractions can take hours depending on where you’re headed. Bangkok can be overwhelming at first glance: endless traffic, noisy streets, and a flood of impressions. But once you familiarize yourself with the public transportation system and street network, it becomes much easier to navigate. For those not on a tight budget, ordering taxis or motorbike rides can get you to your destination faster but at a higher cost. Alternatively, you can hail a taxi directly from the street. However, note that on weekdays and during rush hours, traffic jams can be extreme. To avoid this, public transport is the way to go. I found Google Maps or similar apps to be the best and most reliable option for planning routes. If you ever get stuck, don’t hesitate to ask someone for help – Thais are very friendly and willing to assist. Attractions: I spent a week in Bangkok and visited the following sights —— > Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple): This architectural masterpiece is one of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok. Inside, you’ll find a Buddha statue that creates a magical play of light at sunrise. The temple is surrounded by lush green gardens, and you can also explore the monks’ quarters within the grounds. Wat Pho: One of Bangkok’s oldest and most significant temples, Wat Pho is best known for its reclining Buddha, which is 46 meters long and covered in pure gold leaf. Definitely worth a photo! Wat Sitaram: A hidden gem, away from the tourist crowds. This peaceful temple offers a deep dive into Thai culture. It was my personal highlight, as a local took me inside the temple and showed me the typical process of a Thai prayer ritual. The Grand Palace: Bangkok’s most iconic landmark and a former royal residence. The complex consists of several magnificent buildings and is considered the holiest site of Thai Buddhism. If you love glitter and grandeur, this is a must-see. Free guided tours are available at 10 a.m., but to avoid the crowds, I recommend going early in the morning. Chinatown: The absolute highlight of my Bangkok trip. About a 20-minute walk from the Grand Palace, Chinatown feels like stepping into a completely different world. The main street is adorned with classic Chinese signage and lined with countless shops. But the real treasures and street food stalls can be found in the narrow side streets, offering an incredible variety of experiences. Chatuchak Market: The world’s largest weekend market with over 15,000 stalls. It offers everything from clothing and crafts to antiques, plants, and an extensive array of street food. Plan at least 2–3 hours to explore and bring cash. Khaosan Road: During the day, this street is filled with food stalls; at night, it transforms into a party hotspot. I initially imagined it as a long, bustling street, but during the day, it was just a 400-meter alley with only a few people. Thankfully, it’s much livelier at night – highly recommended for a nighttime visit. Central Rama 9: This fantastic shopping mall was only 10 minutes from my accommodation. It’s a mix of local street food vendors and international shops. I especially enjoyed the affordable food here. Hua Mum Night Market: A hidden gem for those seeking an authentic market experience without the tourist crowds. This market offers local fashion, crafts, and especially delicious street food. Popular among locals, it has a relaxed atmosphere, live music, and unique dishes you won’t find elsewhere. A true insider tip for a laid-back evening. Atmosphere: Depending on where you are, you’ll experience vastly different sides of Bangkok. In general, the city has a vibrant atmosphere that ranges from calm to overwhelming. The people are incredibly polite, but you’ll notice a significant language barrier – not many Thais speak English. Learning a few basic phrases before your trip can go a long way. My Opinion: Bangkok is a city you have to experience – with all its extremes, energy, and unique charm. However, for a first stop, I found it a bit overwhelming and too long of a stay. Navigating the city, especially as a backpacker with a heavy bag, can be challenging. Add to that the initial struggle with the heat. But once you get used to the hustle and bustle, exploring the city becomes a lot of fun. Conclusion:  Bangkok is worth seeing and feeling its unique charm, but I wouldn’t return for a second vacation. What are your favorite Bangkok moments or tips? Share them in the comments – I’d love to hear! Next Stop: Chiang Mai

The first post is known to be the hardest because you're not sure what exactly you should write, but I'll just start: About me: Hi, I'm Emilia, a 21-year-old backpacker with an insatiable curiosity about the world. I've dreamed of exploring the world since I was a child and now the time has come and I'm starting my backpacking tour together with my boyfriend. Why this blog? This blog is for everyone who feels the same wanderlust as I do or just wants to experience a bit of travel fever. Whether you're dreaming of your next big trip or just looking for a little inspiration - you'll find it here! What awaits you : Travel reports, insider tips, delicious street food and maybe even a funny story or two from the road. Whether you're a backpacker or love luxury travel, I'm sharing everything I've learned along the way. I'm so excited that you're following my journey. See you soon!