Thailand has a strong tourism infrastructure, yet is still exotic and has many cultural differences that are good to know before you go. Here are a tips that helped me along the way:
Always carry mini packs of tissues for toilet paper. Toilet paper is not commonly used in Thailand nor is it always readily available. Even in some of the top tourist destinations, it’s hard to come by.
Cash is king! Most commercialized spots will take cards however Thailand is known for its street food, night markets and quick taxis that don’t take card. In my experience, I found that paying by card also adds on service fee, card fee, and tax.
Tuk Tuks will be your best friend for getting around. Always bargain with the driver! Around 120-200 for a mile/2 mile ride is pretty standard. I highly recommend having your destination up on your phones maps, it helps with the language barrier and ensures they know exactly where you are going.
Pack extra bug spray and allergy pills. Just remember I warned you! Between new nature you’ve never been exposed to, different air quality or getting stung by giant bugs, its better to be prepared. Story time: Hiking in Chang Mai to see elephants, I was stung by an unknown bug in the middle of the jungle. My guide pulled out the stinger, sucked out the venom and applied tiger balm. As much as you'd hope tiger balm would make everything better, I completely lost feeling in my entire arm within minutes. Thankfully another traveler had allergy pills back at the camp, but I definitely wished I was carrying emergency pills on me!
Ladies, bring a shawl! Most temples have a dress code. I recommend either wearing a maxi dress / pants and carrying along a large scarf to use as a shawl to cover up. Note: The grand palace has the strictest dress code and they take it seriously.
My biggest regret is not getting a custom dress made. If you plan on doing a loop, starting and ending in Bangkok, I recommend going in the beginning to get your measurements to place your order! Your custom dress will be ready at the end of your trip. This goes the same for custom suits. The quality is incredible!!!
Rice, noodles, rice, noodles… and everything fried. Thai food is amazing, don’t get me wrong. But the majority has extremely high salt content, is heavy, and has some sort of fried or deep fried component, if not, the entire dish. Make sure you drink tons of water and balance with fresh fruit. Otherwise when the beaming sun and heat bakes you all day, you’ll feel it.
My guide and tour company advocated for us to eat the street food. I did and got horribly sick upon arrival home. I am definitely not saying “don’t eat it”, but do some research before or pick stands that are in a tourist area with lines of tourists and locals waiting.
Negotiate prices - never just say yes to the first number. Offer half of whatever they say and work your way from there. Comparing to other countries I’ve bargained in, Thailand was less respective and did not seem desperate to make a sale. I noticed if you buy a few things, you have more wiggle room in price. Remember, you’ll see the SAME things over and over again. The night markets in Chang Mai seemed to have the lowest prices in my perspective.
Dupes - Message me ;) the Reddit/YouTube stories are real and I’ll give you the tips to get there!
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