A Crypto Dev’s Guide to Bangkok for DevCon 2024
DevCon in Bangkok: Travel Tips to Keep Your Trip Chill and Hassle-Free!
Hey there, normie seasoned meme coin investor!
Planning to head to Bangkok for the highly anticipated Ethereum Developer Conference, DevCon? If so, you're not alone! Plenty of my crypto friends and fellow devs are making their way to Thailand, especially now that Bitcoin is floating around $68,000 and many are feeling a bit, well, wealthier.
But even if you're rolling in crypto gains, this might be your first time traveling to Thailand, and while it's a tourist hotspot, a few insider tips could make your trip a whole lot smoother. Let’s dive into some practical advice for navigating Bangkok, avoiding common travel hiccups, and making sure you’re ready to enjoy DevCon to the fullest!
1. TukTuk & Taxi Scams: Navigate Like a Local
Bangkok’s iconic TukTuks are fun, fast, and kind of a must-do for anyone visiting the city. But beware — not all rides are created equal! Some drivers will try to charge extra, take you to “special” shops where they earn commissions, or steer you towards tourist traps rather than where you actually want to go.
Pro tip: Use metered taxis where possible, or if you want to try a TukTuk, negotiate the price upfront. Apps like Grab (the local Uber alternative) are also super handy and reliable for getting around.
2. Watch Out for Pickpockets
Let’s be real: this isn’t a Bangkok-specific issue. No matter where you travel, large crowds and touristy areas are prime spots for pickpockets. Keep your belongings secure, especially at busy markets, nightlife areas, or while navigating DevCon’s bustling crowd. A small backpack with zippers or a crossbody bag with secure pockets can be your best friends here. Stay vigilant and you’ll be fine.
3. Stay Connected with Ease: Get an eSIM
Nothing’s worse than landing after a long-haul flight and realizing you’re cut off from the internet. No Google Maps, no messaging, nada. Do yourself a favor and grab an eSIM before you go. You’ll skip the hassle of dealing with physical SIM cards and get straight to what matters: staying online.
Holafly’s a great option if you want an unlimited data package (because let’s be honest, who doesn’t live online these days?). Most users will burn through a gigabyte a day, especially when constantly checking crypto charts, so having reliable, unlimited data can be a game changer.
4. Choose the Right Area to Stay: Sukhumvit & Silom
Bangkok is huge, but Sukhumvit and Silom are prime spots if you want easy access to everything — public transport, restaurants, nightlife, and of course, DevCon itself. Sukhumvit’s buzzing with energy and has everything from budget hostels to fancy boutique hotels. Silom is similar, with more of a business vibe during the day and some of the city’s best nightlife after dark. Both areas are well connected to the BTS Skytrain, making it easy to zip around the city.
5. Make Friends & Network
If there’s one thing crypto events are great for (besides the tech), it’s the people. At DevCon, you’ll be surrounded by some of the brightest minds in the blockchain space, so take the chance to network. Whether you’re striking up a conversation over coffee or at an afterparty, these connections can lead to new collaborations, projects, and maybe even your next big idea.
And don’t worry — the crypto community is known for its friendly, open vibe (iykyk). You’re sure to have a blast while getting your fill of networking and nerding out over the latest Ethereum developments.
Whether it’s your first time at DevCon or you’ve been to a few, Bangkok’s got you covered. Just keep it simple — dodge the usual scams, stay online, find a cool place to crash, and soak in all the networking fun. You’re in for an unforgettable experience, both at the conference and around the city.
Have a great time, and who knows, maybe we’ll bump into each other at the next big crypto event!