Ten Essentials for Your Trip to Thailand - Part II

Definitely bring some sort of bug repellent such as Deet or Repel. The mosquitoes in Thailand are gigantic, and they have no problems munching on visitors. While the number of mosquitoes has drastically decreased in the modern era, mosquitoes still have a very prominent place in the woodsy or more rural areas. Bring a bottle of non-aerosol bug repellent and put it on before you go out for the day. This is essential because the repellents that are available abroad are usually better than the ones found in Thailand. Thai people usually simply light mosquito coils to repel the pests in a general area. Bug repellent will keep them off your person.

Bring your swimsuit if this is your first or only time traveling to Thailand. The beaches of Thailand are many, varied, and beautiful. You can pick from the east coast and see the Pacific, or you can go to the west coast of the country and appreciate the Indian Ocean. You have the options of heading to Hua Hin, Pattaya, Phuket (pronounced Poo-ket), Ko Samui, or Ko Sahmet. Some beaches are only two hours outside of Bangkok and deserve a visit. Going nude or topless is considered extremely rude by Thai people, though there are a few topless beaches on the islands. Going completely nude is illegal in the country, so if you feel you must go nude, find a secluded beach where you will not be seen. A swimsuit is a definite necessity for people who would like to travel politely through the country.

Bring a map of Thailand that you have pre-purchased on your trip. Though the country is only the size of Texas, parts of it are hard to access even with the improvements in the roads. Make sure that you spend a little time looking over the map and have a general idea of where you want to go. Travel in Thailand is not difficult, especially if you know people in Thailand. You can get a private, air-conditioned van for 800 baht a day plus gas and tip. You will get your own driver, but you may pay more for someone who speaks English. Regardless of how you chose to travel in Thailand, you still need to know where you are and where you want to go. Bring a map and take some time to study it!

 If you are coming from a Western nation, you need to bring enough Immodium or anti-diarrhea medication to last your entire trip. While I would strongly recommend staying away from street vendors when traveling through Thailand, most Westerners cannot resist the simple charm and the delicious smells from most of these places. Foods found in hotels, restaurants, and malls are safe to consume, but most of the food sold on the street should really be avoided. If symptoms persist after taking the medication or vomiting ensues, make sure to contact a health care professional immediately.

Brush up on a bit of Thai before you go, and do not pull out a guidebook while you are interacting with Thai people. You will be pegged for a tourist in a heartbeat, and all your prices just went right up. Your goal is to look and sound like an ex-pat, so you want to know basics before you go. If you are OK with paying a bit more than the locals, then go ahead and pull out the dictionary or guide. (You will still get a pretty cheap price on all sorts of hand-made items.) Thai people do appreciate the attempts, and do not be offended if they laugh. Lots of Thai people will laugh at situations that would be offensive in Western cultures, and they do not consider it rude.

This is my most important recommendation for anyone who is seriously touring Thailand, and it is often the item most overlooked by other travel guides. Since Thailand is an incredibly hot country, most Westerners and even tourists from other Asian cultures often come dressed in shorts and a tank top. Shorts and tank tops, especially on women, are unacceptable in many historic or religious places in Thailand. If you are planning on visiting the Grand Palace or any of the temples in Bangkok, pack a sarong or a skirt you can easily slip on and a cover-up should you chose to wear a tank top. Men should wear long pants and a regular shirt. While loaner sarongs are available (usually without a cost) at these places, the lines are usually long, and you can circumvent the process by bringing your own.

For additional information on necessary items for a trip to Thailand, read part one of this article on Essentials for your Trip to Thailand.

Resources for learning Thai