Jingjok
Tuk-tuks and the "free tour"
dtúk-dtúk
A tuk-tuk ride is loud, breezy and fun, but it is rarely the cheapest way across town. There is no meter, so the price is whatever you agree before you sit down: ไปวัดโพธิ์เท่าไหร่. Opening prices for tourists are often two or three times a fair fare. Counter calmly; if it doesn't work, smile, say ไม่เป็นไร and walk on. Never reopen the price halfway through the ride. Near the big sights, be wary of a friendly stranger who tells you the Grand Palace is closed today and offers a very cheap tour. That tour stops at gem and tailor shops that reward the driver for bringing you. Thank them and go to the gate yourself.
Try this today
Ask a tuk-tuk driver ไป…เท่าไหร่, then compare the answer with the Grab price on your phone.
The words that carry it
Learn this in “Getting around” →
Your first 90 days of Thai
Culture cards in Jingjok are tied to the words that carry them, each ending in one thing to try today.
- WEEKS 1–2 · SURVIVEGreet anyone, pay, and order food and 7-Eleven exactly how you like it.
- WEEKS 3–6 · SETTLE INGet around by taxi, Grab and skytrain, find anything, and handle your landlord.
- WEEKS 7–12 · RUN YOUR LIFEPharmacy, bank, SIM and apps, how you feel, and a weekend away, all in Thai.
The first week is free.