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Key Essential Guide in Riding your Ways in Thailand

Thailand guide, how to commute around Thailand

Thailand is one of the gorgeous places that you must not miss. Just like in the Philippines, getting a cab is something tricky and for some a nerve-wracking experience however, don’t be because I’m sharing with you some of the means to go around places.

Well at first it is indeed daunting, but always wear your smile and you’ll be fine!


TUKTUK


Key Essential Guide in Riding your Ways in Thailand
These motor tricycles make the picture-perfect postcard, but some people may not think inhaling a lungful of carbon monoxide is worth that Instagram moment. Still, who says you have to spend hours on one? Just go for a quick spin so you get a feel of it. Bargaining is acceptable. There are no tuk-tuk ranks, so just hail one at your convenience.


Tuk-Tuk Hua Kob or Trang Tuk Tuk


Key Essential Guide in Riding your Ways in Thailand
There’s probably no need to explain how the tuk-tuk hua kob (frog’s tuk-tuk) got its name. Originally found in the southern province of Trang, it has since spread to other parts of Thailand, including the old capital of Ayutthaya.


Horse Carriages


Key Essential Guide in Riding your Ways in Thailand
Yes, horse carriages are still used in the northern province of Lampang – the only place in Thailand with such luxury. If you’re visiting this charming city, be sure to try this out.


Chakrayan Samlors (three-wheeled bicycle carriages)


Key Essential Guide in Riding your Ways in Thailand
In a world that’s evolving so rapidly, you’ve got to give it to the chakrayan samlor drivers for doing what they do. Guilt will cause almost every passenger to make himself or herself weigh as little as possible but believe me, you will end up looking silly. Just enjoy the ride, because these guys are many fitters and stronger than you think. The best thing you can do for them is to leave a handsome tip if you’re happy with their services.


Skylabs


Key Essential Guide in Riding your Ways in Thailand
The Skylab is a motorized tuk-tuk with an engine of 90 to 150cc. First used in the northeastern region, these tricycles will not disappoint if adventure is what you’re after.


Motorcycle taxis

Bangkok is probably one of the few places in the world with motorcycle taxi services (add the Philippines to the list!). You’ll see groups of men sporting numbered bibs in virtually every part of the capital (from afar they resemble a team of netball players huddled together). You’ll need to rely on your sense of balance, as he’ll most likely weave his way through traffic. Only get one if you really have to, and insist on wearing a helmet since it’s the law. Most motorcycle queues have prices displayed at their makeshift “station”, but if they don’t, make sure you agree on a price before hopping on. Bargaining is acceptable.


Use the BTS

Key Essential Guide in Riding your Ways in Thailand
Bangkok by Skytrain (BTS) – Sukhumvit Line

There are two BTS lines:

SILOM LINE runs west to south, between the National Stadium in the Siam shopping area and Bang Wa in Thonburi (across the Chao Phraya River).

SUKHUMVIT LINE runs north to east from Mo Chit to Bearing. The two lines meet at Siam Station, and also connect at two points with the underground (MRT) – at Sala Daeng Station (Silom Line) and Asok Station (Sukhumvit Line). A new train arrives every 3 – 6 minutes or so between 06:30 am and midnight. The last train leaves between 23:30 and 23:50. Fares start at 15 baht for one stop.
Note that trains can get pretty full during peak hours around 07:00 to 09:00 and 16:00 to 19:00 as the BTS has also become the choice mode of transport for people living and working in Bangkok.


Taxis (Pink, Green, Blue, Orange, or Yellow)

Key Essential Guide in Riding your Ways in Thailand
Bangkok is notorious for its gridlocked roads, which means you could be sitting and watching the meter run while you remain at a standstill. But if you’re left with no other choice, take your pick between the pink, green, light blue, or yellow taxis. Make sure the meter’s on before you sit back and enjoy the ride, but don’t forget to jot down or take a photo of his license plate and registration number (usually displayed at the back of his seat or on the dashboard) just to be sure. Thailand has no taxi ranks so to speak, but major department stores in Bangkok will have one outside the main entrance for customers.

Bargaining is acceptable (sometimes). Tipping is not expected and rounding up the cost is usually the norm. If you’re at Suvarnabhumi or Don Muang airports, there are taxi ranks outside the terminals – just follow the signs.



And yeah we experience a quite interesting one. Sometimes drivers refuse to give service to passengers, telling you that the destination is far, traffic, etc.


TAXI TIP:
By Thai law, cab drivers do not have the right to deny service to passengers no matter where their destination is. If you have a problem with your taxi driver, record the date, time, and location of an incident and report his license plate and registration card number to the following authorities:

Passenger Protection Centre – dial 1584

Traffic Police – dial 1197

Traffic Radio Society – dial 1255 or SMS 452250


Use the GRAB

Key Essential Guide in Riding your Ways in Thailand
From Suvarnabhumi Airport to my hotel in Sukhumvit, I paid 350baht for my getting a GrabCar

Key Essential Guide in Riding your Ways in Thailand
Since my first visit to Bangkok, I learned to use the app GRAB to book my car to go to my hotel in Sukhumvit. If you want less hassle and more convenience and you don’t might paying a little bit more, then I suggest you use the GRAB app. These are private cars and the drivers are very professional and mostly polite. The total cost will already reflect on your mobile phone, and if you are good for the price (depends on the distance) then just hit the “book” button. You can pay either by cash or through a credit card connected to your app. I prefer cashless payment before it's less hassle for me, and also more favorable for the drivers. Cashless payment also gives me additional GRAB reward points that I can use for my next rides!


Nowadays, many taxis also promotes passengers to pay cashless just like this one below:

Key Essential Guide in Riding your Ways in Thailand

This makes your trip more convenient and not worry about extra change.

Whatever transport means you use, always practice being cautious.

However, I personally recommend that you use GRAB especially if I am fully dressed and need to document my trip like this:

Key Essential Guide in Riding your Ways in Thailand
I may not do this if I’m using a motorcycle or tuk-tuk!


Have you tried visiting Bangkok? Which of these rides is your favorite?




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111 comments :

  1. I have been to Bangkok and did go with tuk-tuk, It is a must do I think. The sky train is very easy and a cheap way to get around. But what I didn't know about was the GRAB app. I suppose it is the same as Uber? Then it would be my next ride in Bangkok.

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    1. Yes, Grab app is similar to Uber.

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    2. More transpo option.... That's great for wandering around the city....

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  2. Wow so many modes of transportation, you guys had great fun it seems

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    1. It seems I forgot to include the bus, another cheaper mode of transportation.

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  3. I have never visited Bangkok but hopefully one day I will. I have heard great things.

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    1. Many loves to visit this place because of the combination of the many beautiful destination that wouldn't hurt your pocket.

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  4. These sound like some fun ways to get around. I'd want to try the tuk tuk personally.

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    1. Soon we will try the tuk tuk! But my boyfriend seems doesn't like it :D

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  5. This is such a great informative post on ways to get around in Thailand! The Grab app sounds great and I would love to try a TukTuk one day.

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    1. You should try the tuk tuk and hold on tight coz the drivers tend to drive so fast!

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  6. Tuk tuk is definitely one of my favourite ways to get around but I try to avoid horse or donkey carriages; I feel sorry for the animals who it seems often aren't treated so great :(

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    1. That is true however it is their mode of transport ever since the Thailand's beginning. Some even use water buffalo for transport.

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  7. I have never visited Bangkok but I have my fair and share of stories with transport in South East Asia. The motorbike taxi reminded me when I arrived in Saigon and negotiate a price with a taxi driver who was waiting outside the bus station... only for him to take me to his motorbike! I had no idea that he didn't have a car but a motorbike. It was a fun ride though, especially that we stopped at the gas station as well.

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    1. That is awesome! How I wish I am adventurous enough to try motorcycle :D

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  8. So many different and interesting modes of transportation. I would want to try them all!

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  9. Thailand is very high on my bucket list! I will be travelling to Asia for the first time next month, and would love to return to visit this gem of a country in the future.

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    1. You will definitely enjoy Thailand, but be aware of its climate coz it seems way hotter than here in Manila.

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  10. It is great to know that Thailand has so many great options for travellers. I would love to ride in a tuk tuk

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    1. Tuk Tuk is fun! Unfortunately my boyfriend seems not a fan of it and he can't fit. :D

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  11. I absolutely loved the tuk tuks in Thailand, felt like a total tourist, but that made it even better. Thanks for this post, I totally loved reading it!

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    1. I am so glad that you appreciate our post. Tuk Tuk is the iconic transportation of Thailand.

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  12. I've never been to Thailand but if I ever do, I will have some great knowledge about how to get about. Thanks :)

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    1. When you decided to travel here in Asia, never forget Thailand :D

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  13. Oh, that looks like a great way to get around! I have to admit, it looks like fun.

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    1. Yes it is, but be always alert of your surroundings as Thailand streets tend to be fully busy.

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  14. I have never been to Bangkok and i was not aware of all the different ways you can get through the city! i'd love to try tuktuk and the sky train!

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    1. The sky train is very efficient. Try the tuk tuk coz it is a very adventurous experience.

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  15. This is a great post! We've never been to Thailand so this is useful.

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  16. The Skylabs look like they would actually be a lot of fun to ride around in. Interesting how differenttransportation is here in North America.

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    1. That is true. Oh I haven't include renting a bicycle, which many parks have it.

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  17. Love the mode of transportation. I want to ride in Trang Tuk Tuk looks amazing. I love your blog. Read so many blogs about Things to do in Thailand but this is quiet interesting and different

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    1. Thank you dear! Yes there are tons of blogs about Thailand, but I prefer to share niche stories about Thailand, and those topics that are always overlooked by many bloggers.

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  18. I haven't been but this would be super handy to read before travelling, get an idea of what you are in for travel wise, and to see all the different options. Very helpful!

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    1. Thank you for visiting Jackie! Hope you visit Thailand soon!

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  19. That's so cool! I never knew there were so many different ways to get around, let alone so many different types of taxi! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Yeah, this guide is perfect especially when you are in a budget travel.

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  20. We will be visiting Thailand next year. Good to know about their transportation, the CHAKRAYAN SAMLORS seems fun!

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  21. So many ways to get around! I think I'd like to try them all but I wouldn't want to be alone

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    1. This would be fun with a companion, especially having those tuk tuk ride.

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  22. Wow that is so cool. I’ve never been out of the USA well except to Canada. I hope one day I can go to Bangkok.

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    1. You must! Most of the people from the USA prefers Bangkok over Philippines.

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  23. I've been to Bangkok and did take some of the vehicles you posted but my favourite was definitely the tuk-tuk. It was so much fun!

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    1. That is cool! You should try the others next time :D Though I forgot to include the bus.

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  24. I had no idea there were so many transportation options in Thailand. It's good to know you have so many possibilities available to get to your destination.

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    1. Yeah, you can also take a bus, and rent a bicycle.

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  25. Looks like Thailand has vehicles that are fun to ride.

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  26. I would love to be experience being on a tuk-tuk! So good to know there are so many options to get around.

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  27. This is so cool! I love the different ways to travel

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  28. I would love to go to Thailand one day. I've heard so many great things about it.

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    1. Totally! And it is a great place to explore especially if you are first timer here in Asia.

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  29. I only experienced riding the famous tuktuk and a taxi in thailand. The horse carriage seems so nice and I would love to try it out as well.

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    1. Yeah, those horse ride are only available in certain places, but not in the city.

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  30. Thailand is so intriguing. Can hardly wait to visit.

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    1. If you are first time traveler in Asia, I recommend you to visit Thailand. But be super mindful of its culture because they exercise strict laws.

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  31. Honestly this reminds me a lot of when I was going in China. Some of the larger cities had cabs. But the smaller ones had motorbikes with side cars and vehicles like you have here. Good things to know while in Thailand.

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  32. So much options!Planing my trip to Thailand! I will definitely use your tips! Actually we have tuk tuks here in Mozambique, we callbit “txopela”. Thanks for sharing

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  33. I remember sometime during the traffic jam take the BTS is faster then Tuk Tuk.

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  34. This is pretty useful, I always try to see what transportation options are available when I travel, but if it's only in one city and the places I want to visit are close by then I would prefer walking, of course this is also great for getting to and from the airport. Great article

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    1. Walking is the best especially if you want to explore nearby areas. I do it and it was fun!

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  35. Hah, these modes of transportation reminds me a lot of the ones we have in the Philippines. I think our tricycle is a combination of a little bit of everything here. lol.

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  36. It's great to know all the ways to get around in a city. Good work!

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  37. Saving this for future use :) It's great that transportation system in Thailand is accessible and easy! Great blog

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  38. Thailand is Amazing! I've never been in Thailand. but the place looks awesome perfect for travel adventure. :)

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    1. Thailand is like Manila or Cebu, but more organized and more tourists around :D

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  39. Very interesting article with great photos. I had no idea Thailand had this many transportation systems. Thailand does seem very fascinating. I would so love to visit.

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    1. Thai people are also very welcoming people that I met. You will love this city.

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  40. I didn't know there were motorized tuks. What a great idea for seeing a place when you're there just on vacation!

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    1. That is true! A great way to travel around the city :D

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  41. Oh, seems the taxi mafia is everywhere. Bali was the same. Before going there I have done my research and I couldn`t believe how aggressive they were if they`ve seen you using Uber or Grab a car apps.

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    1. There are selected incidents, however competition is really tough. I prefer using GRAB for convenience and safety reason. But my boyfriend prefers taxi because (he doesn't know how to use the app), heeheh

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  42. i love to visit in Thailand, i hope someday. Thank you for these useful tips it will really help especially to those who have planned to visit there. There are so many options.

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    1. Thank you for giving time to visit my blog. I will share more specific stories about Thailand travel.

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  43. I hope to get my visa soon. I can wait to explore.

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  44. Thailand is one of the best places in terms of public transport connectivity. We love taking the taxi and sky train when we visit Thailand.

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    1. Not all taxis and other transportation are bad. Only few, and guests shouldn't feel discouraged.

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  45. I haven't been to Bangkok but this will really be useful in my future trip! The kinds of transportation are usually overlooked by travel bloggers because they are focused on the budget and the places. Great job on this!

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    1. That is true, and all travelers prefer budget travel. There are transportation means that are worth paying!

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  46. I think the Chakrayan Samlors look great to ride in and as you say, they are strong people. I mean look at the leg muscles on the rider. He may be older, but he probably stronger and fitter than all of us! Great post with lots of ideas!

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    1. Oh yeah you are right! These old grandpas' are strong!

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  47. Never been to Bangkok but, for me, I'd choose to travel by Tuk Tuk. You just have to!

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    1. For additional experience yeah, but it is advisable to try other means because some of tuk tuk don't go to some Bangkok's destination.

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  48. Thank you for sharing these helpful tips! Ang cute ng mga tricycles! Hehe

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    1. Hahaha yeah that's true! And I haven't seen grumpy drivers :D

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  49. So many memories. I have a t-shirt that says TUK TUK Bangkok!

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  50. I have always wanted to visit Thailand. These are really helpful tips to have for anyone that visits there. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. You should visit it once Nicole! IT is a very different and sometimes mind-blowing experience.

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  51. I'll love to go to Thailand someday. Really informative post!

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  52. So many choices for transportation in Thailand! Sounds like a great place to visit.

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  53. I have been to Thailand like 8 times or more but I have never seen such cool Tuk Tuk like the one you have featured here in your post, the tuk-tuk hua kob found in Trang. I have never been to Trang, yet! Would want to go there and check this out. Thanks for always sharing wonderful blog posts.

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    1. You are welcome Sheena!
      What is your best memories of Bangkok?

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  54. The mode of transportation is quite similar to the Philippines it's amazing! Bangkok being in a gridlocked roads reminds me a lot also of the Philippines. lol

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    1. That is true, however you'll see the difference when your driver says "thank you" to you in Thai. Well, we don't see that here in the Philippines.

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  55. I traveled to Bangkok last week, I wish i had read this post before i went

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    1. You can always come back. How is your Bangkok trip?

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