Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
First Time Thailand
For more information, see
Survival Guide
Top Tips for Your Trip
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If you rent a vehicle, take pictures of it before you
drive it. This may help shield you from the rife rental
scam of accusing tourists of scratching or damaging
already beat-up vehicles.
Checklist
»
Make sure your passport is valid for at
least six months.
»
Inform your debit/credit card company
of your travels.
»
Visit the Thai consulate for a tourist
visa for stays of more than 30 days.
»
Organise travel insurance and diver's
insurance.
»
Check baggage restrictions. Get plane
seat assignments online if possible.
»
Visit the doctor for a check-up and
medical clearance if you intend to go
scuba diving.
»
If booking online make sure you know exactly
where your hotel is located. Many 'great deals' end
up being out in the middle of nowhere. Pay upfront
for as few nights as possible so you can leave
without having to haggle your money back.
»
Don't lose your cool even in the most difficult situ-
ations. Thais greatly respect a 'cool heart', and
shouting or anger will only escalate a situation, usu-
ally not to your benefit.
What to Pack
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Thai phrasebook
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Relax and smile! If you go with the flow it's un-
likely you'll have any of the above problems.
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Power converter
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Waterproof sunscreen
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Mosquito repellent with DEET
What to Wear
Light, loose-fitting clothes will prove the most com-
fortable in the tropical heat throughout the year.
Bring one reasonably warm sweater for the odd cool
evening (or the blasting air-con on the plane). To vis-
it temples, you will need shirts with long sleeves and
full-length pants. While sandals are definitely the
way to go, you should bring one pair of good shoes
for the occasional night out in Bangkok or Phuket.
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Anti-itch cream (for sandfly bites)
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Light, long-sleeve shirt
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Breathable pants
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Hat
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Sunglasses
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Comfortable sandals
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Torch/headlamp
Sleeping
