What do I need to know before traveling to Thailand for the first time?

Question

I'm from California and have only been out of the country to Mexico (and that was just recently- my first time on a plane!) but my boyfriend is a big traveler and loves taking trips to Thailand. What do I need to know about Thailand and traveling to Thailand before I go? Thanks!

Answer 1

1. Bring bug spray for the islands
2. Bring a dose of antibiotics and stomach meds for diarhea, bloating, upset stomach, etc.
3. Be careful to eye before you eat. Use common sense---if it looks like a dodgy place, then most likely you will get sick
4. The street vendors will always try to get you to pay about four times more than you should--talk them down
5. Loose fitting clothing is a necessity. It's much hotter and humid then you expect.
6. Temples, religious places, etc. you will need to cover your knees and shoulders. So bring appropriate clothing for these destinations.
7. When making traveling arrangements via trains or buses, make sure you ask specifically about aircon, toilets and seating arrangements, because things that we consider a given here in the U.S. (like a toilet on an 8hr. bus ride) may not be the case there.
8. Koh Tao, Thailand is an amazing low-key island to visit. It is also the cheapest spot for scuba diving in the world. Bans Diving Resort is the best. There is also a nightlife there if that's your thing.
9. Bring toilet paper everywhere with you. If you are not planning on staying in an upscale resort, chances are no place will have any in the bathrooms (restaurants, hotels, etc.) They use a hose, instead of T.P.
10. The water is contaminated, obviously, so anything that comes in contact with this (i.e. fruits and veges washed in tap water, ice in your cocktail) can make you sick. The first 3weeks I was there I had an upset stomach because I was eating little more than fruits and veges, until I realized.
11. Flipflops or slip-on shoes are essential. Most places you'll need to take off your shoes and leave them at the door, before entering (this is especially true for the islands.)
12. I believe that's all I can think of at the moment. Feel free to email me with anymore Q's. [e-mail]

Answer 2

If you're going to Bankok for the first time, be mindful of the fact that only hardcore shopping and massage fanatics would love this place. The traffic jams there are horrendous. The food is either too sweet or sour or spicy. Can't take a cab or tuk-tuk in peace either. The cabbies there are always touting. They want to take you some place you don't want to go so they can get free petrol vouchers. The people there are friendly though. Thailand is not called a land of smiles for nothing. But be wary of crooks who are always on the lookout for new, lost tourists to target. But i guess with your experienced boyfriend by your side, you should be safe. Enjoy your trip.

Answer 3

Watch brokedown palace and the beach, this a hollywood version of Thailand. Same basic travel rules apply, watch all belongings, keep your passport close, make copies of everything, give someone else your full itinerary, have basic idea where the us embassy is. The area of course has had some large earthquakes recently, so be aware to avoid the ocean and all low lying areas if something occurs. Check the State Department webpage, it will advise you of legalities, customs, and any other necessary information. Must of all have fun!

Answer 4

WOW, you got some really good advice so far. I'll add two points.
1. Though it could be a little touchy, you might ask your boyfriend for his advice too. I know that he is widely traveled and you are not. But, that is nothing to be embarrassed or sensitive about. It is in his best interest for you to go there fully prepared.
2. Someone else mentioned travel medical insurance. That is an important point and you need it no matter how long you plan on being there. The unexpected can happen anytime. TravelGuard is the industry leader in such insurance. Go to http://www.wavehelp.com/travel-medical/index.htm and click on the little red phone booth to read about "Worldwide Health" insurance.
Best wishes.

Answer 5

I disagree with everybody so far. If you get in the taxi lineup from the airport you shouldn't have any problems, but avoid the touts. But since your boyfriend has been before, you need to be careful, because the girls there are out of sight and your boyfriend will have lots of temptation which could stress your relationship.

If you could steer him towards Koh Samui, Chang Mai or Chang Rai, where there are not many bars, you might be safe. Avoid Pattaya, Phuket and Bangkok for sure, since there are girls everywhere there.

Sawadikap!

Answer 6

you ought to could plan your stay. you will get 30 days on arrival stamp for people who fly in even with the undeniable fact that once you circulate away the country that gets canceled. in case you stayed in Thailand sixteen days and stayed out of Thailand for 7 days. you would be friendly thinking the reality which you will get a fifteen day stamp on a similar time as you reenter. for on a daily basis longer you reside in Thailand (sixteen, 17, 18 and various others...) it is going to shrink the quantity of days you would be able to could shop out of Thailand. in case you stayed in Thailand 23 days assuming you initially fly in and then crossed the border you probably could properly be advantageous. in case you intend to go away the country extra effective than as quickly as be careful on account that I evaluate they only enable 2 land visa runs (go away and then come back) as a customer.

Answer 7

Hi, here are some similar pointers that I've also given in other Yahoo! Answers as well:

1. Do not mention anything negative or comment on their King or the royal family. It is a very sensitive issue as the Thais love their royal family a lot and would be willing to imprison or kill those who insult their King (even by stepping on the Thai coin / Baht notes - because the face of the King is imprinted on it). In the local cineplex, remember to show your respect (by standing up silently) to the King, just like others would do before the movie starts playing.

2. Understand the local culture first. Learn the dos and don'ts of the local Thai culture. Eg: Try as much as you can to accept whatever that is offered to you by the Thais out of a friendly gesture, avoid pointing or exposing the soles of your feet to people around you (even in a sitting position), avoid touching children on their heads, avoid wearing your shoes indoors, learn the basics of Thai language (even saying "Sawasdee" will be good enough). During introduction, please do not be offended (especially if you're a Westerner) if the Thais were to ask you about some personal things such as your age, your family members, your marriage status, etc. It is very normal for them to ask about such things to get to know you better eventhough those questions may appear as personal to you.

3. Avoid going to the Southern parts of Thailand, especially Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani. The unrest among the Muslims there has not been resolved yet. It may not be a very pleasant vacation for you if you end up there, especially if you are a Western foreigner (called "farang" in the Thai language).

4. Dress modestly. This depends on which part of Thailand you're in. If you're in Bangkok, then it's probably ok to be out with shorts / singlets / tube top / spaghetti strap top, etc. But you'll certainly need to dress modestly especially in the (rural) Northern and Southern parts of Thailand.

5. Do try some of their local delicacies - tom yam (the national dish - hot, sour, sweet), mango rice (not spicy), green curry, etc.. You'll miss out on a lot of things if you do not try their local food. If you can't take hot and spicy food, avoid them to the best you can. You can also request for the cook / chef to go easy on the peppers / chilli. However, in cases when you've actually eaten these food, you can rub off that spicy feeling by drinking lots of water (preferably hot water). Don't worry too much on this, the Thais generally love a lot of sweet food also, so you can find a lot of variations in their local food.

6. Stay free of drugs. Stay free of night clubs and brothels. Stay free of some massage parlours that do not provide actual massage actually.

7. Shop, shop and shop. You can get cheaper goods here in Thailand (eg: Bangkok) - from clothing items to food items. You can also get a lot of nice Thai souvenirs here. And yes, don't forget to bargain too.

8. Get the proper immunization or vaccination before going to Thailand. Eg: Malaria or denghue. Bring your medications along with you as well - diarrhea, flu and cough medicine.

9. The weather is generally hot and humid there. So do remember to drink plenty of water when you're in Thailand. DO NOT drink water directly from the taps. You can't even boil the water from the tap to drink it. Bottled water can be easily bought in Thailand at almost every shop. Also, please wear loose clothings and sweat-absorbent materials if you cannot stand the heat there.

10. Get a travel insurance and a medical insurance if you'll be in Thailand for more than a month or so. Just in case things don't run as smoothly as they are supposed to when you're travelling far from your home.

Finally, sit back, relax and enjoy Thailand - the friendly Thai people, the seas, beaches, the serene hills, the unforgettable shopping experience and the tasty Thai cuisine.. =)

Answer 8

Go to Ko San Road and you will find anything you could want right there. It is the foreigners street. Cheap places to stay and tour sign ups are there. Watch your back and they will try to ripe you off!

Answer 9

- Do try a took took ride.

- Don’t even think of eating at the guesthouse, the food on the street is twice as cheap and twice as good.

:]

Answer 10

Be careful when take cab in Thailand...

Never take a cab from airport....

Ask your travel agent to book a transportation to fetch U from the airport to your hotel...

There are some illegal cab (taxi) who fetch tourist from airport... And drive them to remote place then robbed them of all their belonging and leave them there... Sometime these do happen...