If there's a group of people who understand bad traffic, it's Manileños. But surprisingly, Bangkok traffic seems to be a whole lot worse. In a 2017 study, the Boston Consulting Group concluded that Bangkok had the worst traffic in Southeast Asia, with a gridlock that could keep motorists at a standstill for up to two hours on just one street (as attested to by my friendly hotelier). A lot of their traffic timers allow drivers a long green light but then require a long stop afterwards too. 

Much like in the Philippines, traffic is worst during rush hour: between 7 AM to 9 AM and then again from 5 PM to 8 PM; so if you're heading out to meet some friends or want to catch an important event, we suggest heading out very, very early. 

If you're really in a rush, it's probably best to rely less on cars or tuk-tuks and more on motorcycles. The Thailand Grab app has a feature that allows one to book motorcycle taxis, and in my experience, finding a driver usually takes less than 10 minutes. It's also cheaper and much more time-efficient as you're less likely to get stuck in traffic. The only drawback is that it's much more dangerous than driving a car. Not all Grab drivers will offer their passengers helmets; they will, however, weave in and out of traffic in tight-knit spaces, so be careful not to get distracted when riding on one. 

See also: 9 Asian Destinations Named Among the World's Greatest Places in 2022

Every country has its own signature delicacy. In Thailand, one can indulge in plenty of tropical fruits. If durian, passionfruit, dragonfruit, and pomegranate are a rare sight at home, we suggest loading up on them while in Bangkok. Plenty of stalls—both streetside and in malls—sell fresh juices and desserts made from exactly these!

Thailand only recently legalised cannabis. But since then, entrepreneurial minds are already finding ways to incorporate it into businesses. Though it's not always readily available, some shoppers are able to spot cannabis-infused groceries and foodstuffs—everything from toothpaste to milk tea—around the city. 

Read more: Boracay Island Recognised as One of the 50 Greatest Places in the World

When it comes to dressing up in Thailand, it's always best to dress modestly. This is particularly true if you're a tourist looking to visit temples and other tourist spots. Some locations—such as Wat Arun—have coverups one can rent for free, but others, such as the Grand Palace, require those in improper clothing to buy items from their gift shop before entering. As a rule of thumb, it's best to wear pants or carry a jacket around to avoid having to buy extra clothing or use communal items. 

Something that fascinated me while in Bangkok was the animals that I saw. There are tree shrews or squirrels running all over electric wires around the city. In the famous Lumpini Park, one is sure to spot a monitor lizard lazing around by the pond. In the Philippines, brown Maya birds tend to flock in the sky or rest among trees—in Bangkok, there are pigeons and ravens all around. None of them are harmful, but it's always interesting to see how one locale is different from another through its four-legged—or perhaps winged—residents. 

NOW READ 

Siargao Travelogue: Why You Should Head Back Down to the Famed Beach Destination This 2022

Rustic Hotels to Discover (and Lounge In) Around the World

These are 11 of The Best Luxurious Resorts in the Philippines