Bangkok Tourist Trap Tips by Chyan

Never go to the road outside Grand Palace. There are Thai lady tricksters out there forcing you to feed the pigeons and try to seek money from your pockets. Gem scams seem to have disappeared into the air but there are direct mobile vendors trying to sell Thai hats to you at an exorbitant price.

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At Least Do This: At least walk quickly to the nearby bus stop and catch a bus to areas near Khao San Road.
Alternative: Roam at Suan Lum Night Bazaar, which I find it very safe because of the presence of the tourist police.

I advise all backpackers and single tourists not to follow licensed tourist guides of Bangkok or join their tour groups to Bangkok's gem stores especially at its financial districts Sukhumvit and Rajathewi.

My China friend went to Bangkok recently with Valuair after being awarded a free air ticket to Bangkok. The tourist agency that cooperated with Valuair introduced him to a Thai qualified tour agent. He brought him and his friends to two gem stores at the district of Rajathewi and Sukhumvit. They bought later jewellery which were found to be fake. They lost money on this low-fare trip to Bangkok.

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At Least Do This: If you wish to visit qualified gem stores of Bangkok, go to the prestigious Jewellery Trade Centre along Suriwongse Road, which is near Silom Road. Look for the Mahan Air office building and one of the qualified jeweller y buildings is located here. Explore but do not buy if you suspect the quality of the jewellery.
Alternative: Visit the shopping centres in Silom Road.