Discussions

Hey. So I'm wife and I have settled on going to Thailand next July for approximately 5 weeks. We are going to start in Bangkok, slide over to Siem Reap, Cambodia for a few days. After that we are looking to head north towards Chiangmai for a week or so. Our last 3 weeks of the trip we are going to do some island hopping between Koh Tao, Koh Sumai, and Ko Phi Phi.  
 
A few questions for those that have been there before or other locations in SE Asia...  
 
Does our list of locations lend itself to a nice vacation?  
Do you recommend booking everything in advance and sticking to that itinerary or would it be better to book the first couple flights and then play it by ear once we are there?  
Are there any other locations in Thailand that are a MUST see?  
What are the do's and dont's while in country?  
Tips and suggestions while in country?  
What are things we should do before we leave? Besides the obvious like vaccinations and visas.  
What are things you wish you packed but didn't?  
What are things you packed but didn't really need?  
 
This will be our first time travelling internationally for this stretch of time. I am just looking for tips and suggestions to make the process as easy as possible!  
 
Thanks in advance for any replies.

I went 25 years ago so don't remember all the details of the sites we visited, but the Bridge over the River Kwai tour was amazing, however it is a long bus ride from Bangkok. We spent a week in Bangkok and a week in Pataya, which was about an hour and a half taxi ride south to the ocean. Went scuba diving there for five mornings. it was awesome. Imodium was something we needed I remember! I also remember it being really hot and humid, yet there were rain showers daily for short periods of time, so keep that in mind when picking out clothes.When we were in Bangkok we went on several tours that required boat ride up the river to get to them. It's worth doing at least one trip just to see the amount of activity on that river through the city.

We spent 2 weeks there a few years ago. Bangkok is very busy and messy so don't be surprised. Always barter with the street merchants ( it how they do it). If you eat anywhere but a restaurant that fries food, make sure you eat items that you do not eat the outsides of...apples etc since the water quality isn't always that great. Always drink water and water mixed drinks from a sealed water bottle and unless you have an iron core gut don't buy or eat anything from a street vendor ( I got a parasite because of it). Learn to say hello, please and thank you in Thai as it goes along way. You will find most Thai people have really good English but knowing it is very polite. We enjoyed Koh Chang as well as the main city. Very beautiful!! Enjoy!!

I was in Thailand in Feb 2013. Its a beautiful country and a very proud country. Familiarize yourself with the customs. Thai's are a very proud people and there are things that we do which are considered very disrespectful in Thailand (Don't pat the top of another head: never turn the soles of your feet toward a monk, as a woman, do not make contact with a monk)  
 
I agree with the previous post and if you are into history, you have to see the Bridge over the River Kwai but more importantly, Hell Fire's Pass. This is where New Zealand, Austrailia, British and Thai's were forced to build a train route through solid rock in WWII. The cemetary at Kancheberri (spelled wrong) is quite unique in Thailand and worth a visit. There are 6 graves of Canadians buried at this site.  
 
Make sure you go to the floating market at Bangkok and the night market at Chang-Mi. At the floating markets, bartering is expected so be prepared. We took the train ride to Chaing-Mi. Quite an experience and a great place to meet many others from different countries.  
 
If you get a chance, make sure you see the Grand Palace. If you go, make sure you dress appropriately. And as weird as it sounds, be very respectful when it comes to the Royal Family (especially the King and Queen). It is a crime to say anything considered insulting. (even stepping on the money is considered an insult)  
 
Be prepared for rain as I understand that the southern part of the country can get lots of rain in the summer months. Have bug repellent as the mosquitoes can be a problem, but hey, you're from Manitoba. Nothing new there. You are going to have a great time. Enjoy it.

Items to have in your day pack/backpack:  
Hand sanitizer and TP/Kleenex, along with some Thai Baht (money).  
You will likely come across some washrooms that do not provide any TP or a way to clean your hands, so this will come in handy. Also, occasionally you will find that you are required to PAY to use the washroom, so keep some coins on hand.  
 
Exchange money before you go so that you have it on you when you arrive - I found that very very few places took credit cards. You can always exchange more once you get there, but it is better to have some on hand for your arrival just in case!  
 
Be prepared to dress appropriately for Temples/Wats. You must cover your knees and shoulders, despite how warm out it may be.  
 
Learn the basic customs, as mentioned above, so as not to get yourself into a bad situation.  
 
Have a great time!

Oooo! Thanks for the TP tip. I haven't come across that one in my searches yet. That could be valuable.  
Thanks to everyone else for your suggestions as well!