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

March 3rd, 2010 | by admin |

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!

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. Annalies0726@yahoo.com

  1. 6 Responses to “What do I need to know before traveling to Thailand for the first time?”

  2. By Sean@CTU on Mar 3, 2010 | Reply

    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!
    References :

  3. By jazy_k on Mar 3, 2010 | Reply

    A GUN
    References :

  4. By annalies0726 on Mar 3, 2010 | Reply

    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. Annalies0726@yahoo.com
    References :

  5. By chuamike on Mar 3, 2010 | Reply

    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.
    References :

  6. By tigercub on Mar 3, 2010 | Reply

    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…
    References :

  7. By hellbent on Mar 3, 2010 | Reply

    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!
    References :

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