Tags
Around the World, Asia, Bangkok, Family, Grand Palace, Thailand, Travel, Wat Po
I was already on guard against tuk-tuk drivers. (A tuk-tuk is part motorcycle, part golf cart, and a favorite mode of transportation for tourists in Southeast Asia.) On our ride from the airport to the hotel – before I had a full grasp of the currency exchange rate – we were majorly overcharged by a tuk-tuk driver.
Here’s how today’s scam worked:
This morning, we were walking to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho in the touristy area of Bangkok. A few blocks before we got there, we stopped to check the map. A “helpful” Thai man approached to give us directions. He also mentioned that the Grand Palace and Wat Pho (temple) were not open to foreign tourists until 1 p.m., as it was Sunday and only Thais were allowed in to worship. Despite having checked the hours online and recording them in my notes, I believed him. Big mistake.
Since we now had three hours to kill, he suggested visiting some of the other wats and Buddhas in the area, plus a Thai silk and gem showroom. He said that admission was free today and that the tuk-tuk ride would only be 20 Baht (less than a $1) because it was subsidized by the government on Sundays to encourage tourism. As I write this, it sounds absolutely absurd; it seemed a lot more plausible in broken English. Unfortunately, we bit.
We spent the next three hours visiting wats of little interest. The Thai silk showroom ended up being a custom clothing store. Again, unfortunately, we ended up spending some money there. As we requested, the driver dropped us off at a Thai massage school near Wat Po. (That was the best deal of the day: 1/2 hour Thai massage for $6.) We then headed to the Reclining Buddha at Wat Po, our original destination. A few blocks away, we were approached by another Thai man, saying that the Wat Po was closed for a religious holiday this afternoon, but we could visit some other wats and the Thai silk showroom. Ahhhhh… it suddenly became apparent how utterly stupid we had been. That was the real scam. The tuk-tuk drivers get gas vouchers from the businesses.
If I hadn’t been so angry, the whole situation would have struck me as funny. My whole career centers on helping viewers spot and avoid scams, and we got took. Ugh!
Wish we would have seen this sign 3 hours earlier.
Travel Tip 35: Be skeptical of people’s motives.
I hate to approach travel in this way, but there are enough scams out there to warrant the warning.
Travel Tip 36: Bargain for nearly everything.
With the exception of food in restaurants, we’ve found that you can bargain for hotel rooms, spa services, entertainment, clothing, and souvenirs. Whatever price you’re quoted, offer half and then let the bargaining begin. At first, it’s fun. But after awhile, it’s exhausting. You’re always left wondering if you got a good deal.
In the evening, we went to a Muay Thai Boxing competition. Muay Thai is like kickboxing; it’s Thailand’s national sport. It’s not my cup of tea, but I agreed to do it for the boys.
Travel Tip 37: Skip overpriced Muay Thai bouts.
Ignore the travel guides’ advice about attending a Muay Thai competition. The bouts were lame. They seemed like they were set up more for tourists than the Thai people. Foreigners couldn’t buy the cheap tickets; they were required to buy ringside. It was a total racket.
We’re glad to be leaving Bangkok. Two days here was plenty. The Thai experience that we’re seeking is not here.
Around the World in 72 Days 
I have a different philosophy on this. Look at the total dollar value and apply the appropriate amount of frustration.
Looking at the above – you were “taken” for how much? Seems like pennies. Not like the fellow is going home to his $300K 4 bedroom home and $100K per year job. He had to scrape out a living grabbing a gas coupon here, $1 for the ride there.
It has happened to me a bunch of times and I often ask – am I happy with what I got back for the fee, understanding that sure I may have paid a bit more in that culture, but if I bought it back in NA I would have absolutely paid more.
In the last couple years, the only time I have only been truly been “worried” or “frustrated” about being taken was around a purchase in Venice at a glass place … and that was well over $1K .. and even then, I applied the same question – was I happy with what I got? Answer is yes. A chandelier that we will cherish for a very long time, that has a story behind it. Who cares if I paid $400 too much, I definitely would not have gotten it in NA for that price.
Oh yes, and I tip often when traveling in places like this. Leaving $5 on the bed at the hotel as I leave .. for them that is a weeks wages supporting a family, for me a morning coffee.
Understood and thank you for your input. I think that we were actually more frustrated with the amount that we spent at the custom clothing store under false pretenses. But again, that’s on us. Lesson learned.
Glad I stumbled across your blog. Fascinating to watch the trip.
Great memories being made for your family 🙂
I’m sure the Muay Thai in real life pales in comparison to Jean Claude van Damme’s rendition in BloodSport!
Neerav says that’s true. He described the MT as “lame,” at least what we saw!
We had the same scam happen to us when we were there in April. It’s amazing they allow it to go on. Highly recommend you try to take a cooking class while in Thailand! Also get as many of those Thai massages as you can
It’s so frustrating, isn’t it! We are taking a cooking class – all of us – in Chaing Mai. And you’re right, I’m totally down with the massages!