I’ve compiled a list of things that I think people should know about Thailand in general (because it’s different and new), or before anyone decides to travel here.
The King’s Birthday Parade
- The King is everything; respect him and the royal family. This includes the baht (currency). His face is on it. You step on it, shove it down your pants, or crumple it up… there’s a problem. Trust me, I’ve seen it.
- Feet on the ground at all times. They’re the dirtiest part of your body, and it’s deemed disrespectful if you prop your feet up, point them at people, or use them to push around or pick things up.
- Shoes off. A lot of places want you to take your shoes off before you step inside. This includes many restaurants, houses, and public places. Always check the door for a no shoes sign.
- Carry toilet paper. I always forget, and I always wish I hadn’t.
- Carry hand sanitizer. There may not be soap for awhile.
- Eat the street food. It’s bomb. It may sketch you out at first, but you’ll conquer your fears because it’s the best and cheapest food around.
- Don’t let cab drivers screw you. if you’re in Bangkok; make them run the meter. Always.
- Have bug spray with you at all times. When the sun goes down, the buggers come out, and they’re vicious.
- Expect to be stared at.
- Expect for people to want to talk to you. Even if they speak broken English and only ask “where you from?” They’re curious, and you look funny. Be nice.
- Clothes are cheap and trendy. Pack light and leave room in your suitcase. Bring some money to blow; you’ll thank me later.
- 7-eleven is your life support. You can do everything from topping up your phone credit to buying delicious warm panini sandwiches. And, there’s more than likely one on every corner of whatever city you’re in.
- Traveling is cheap. I did a 10 day island hop and spent less than $200 in total transportation- including my flight back to Bangkok from Phuket.
- Bring a travel bag; not a suitcase. I can’t begin tell you how much of a pain in the ass it is to lug around a rolly suitcase on the streets of Thailand.
- Make new friends. There are awesome people all over the world, especially when you’re traveling. Meet people and try new things. Some of my best times in Thailand have been venturing off with a group of awesome people that I just met. But, please, be safe.
- Ask for help if you need it. Whether people speak your language or not, most are willing to help you. I’ve been lost in rural Thailand where nobody spoke a lick of English, but somehow this angel of a woman got all of my friends and me back to where we needed to be.
- You can’t buy alcohol from a major store between 2pm and 5pm or after midnight, but you can always purchase booze at a mom and pop place.
- Learn to haggle. It’ll help you a hell of a lot. The foreigner in front of you may have paid 40 baht for their chicken, but you can talk her down to 20 baht. I’ve seen it done.
- At any time, it’s likely that you will see four people on a motorbike… babies included. Don’t be alarmed.
- Stay hydrated. drink.water.always. You need it; it’s hot out here, and you’re probably doing a lot more walking around than you did back home. Do yourself a favor, and always have H2O on you.
- Public transportation is your best friend. Take the BTS, vans, and trucks. figure out their routes and utilize them. It’ll save you a hell of a lot of time and money during rush hour (which if you’re in bangkok, is pretty much all the time)
- There are stray dogs and cats everywhere. Don’t touch them. Unless they’re ridiculously cute and cuddly and have collars. Then you name him Jeb and he’ll follow you for 5 blocks like a man’s best friend is suppose to do.
- Ladyboys are a real thing, and they work average jobs. No, your eyes are not fooling you. Yes, that is probably a man.
- Expect the unexpected. Make copies of all your documents and double check that you have everything on you at all times.
- DO NOT forget your debit card in the ATM machine. It gets all of us. Don’t let the machine beat you.
- Mai pen rai (the Thai phrase for no worries) because everything works itself out in the end. 🙂
Mai Pen Rai