What advice would you give to a first timer coming to Thailand?

without the word condom, lady boy, etc.. in other words - no sex comments - and only people who have been here...What advice would you give to a first timer coming to Thailand?
Go eat at Cabbage and Condom. OOPS! I said the word. But that restaurant is awesome.What advice would you give to a first timer coming to Thailand?
Buy the cab driver a beer. Once you get to know someone local they'll take care of you.





Learn a few words of Thai


Sawadee Kup


Kup khun kop


Thao Rai


Kho Thot


Hong num yu (thi) nai





I learned my way around by going around by myself. Took the bus, train etc... I have been let out of a cab in places I had no idea where I was and just hoofed around or got another cab. Its not that hard of a city to get around but until you get out and do it you'll worry but anything can be undone by asking around.
Leave the hashish at home.
dont let the street venders and the sales people rip you off....always try to haggle the prices
i wouldnt eat off the street vendors...





no quality control, so it could make u very sick and miserable for the rest of ur trip.





dont risk it.


but other than that. have a good time!
Always get a fixed price in a tuk tuk and make sure the meter of the cab is on unless you want to spend a fortune. Beware of people feed the birds in the street they will shove a handful of bird food at you and then make you pay for it. (there are lots of other scams you need to watch out for)Always negotiate in a market other wise the word will spread that you are an easy mark.





Have Fun!
I go 2 thailand every summer, so i can tell you...





1.bring lots of mosquito spray and stuff


2.be prepared for hot weather


3.sleep with mosquito stuff on


4.don't eat at places that look dirty


5.don't insult thai ppl


6.don't make fun of our customs


7.be polite when meeting ppl


8.be careful with money, ppl tend to get carried away cuz lots of the stuff is low priced


9.when going into temples, b quiet, and don't speak while the monks are chanting
I would advise someone to either go with another Thai person, or learn a good amount of the language. I was fortunate when I went 2 years ago, because I went with my 80 year old Aunt who is from Thailand, and I have alot of family there as my mother is from Thailand.





Since I knew many people there who could take me around, I spent very little money, and I was treated to an authentic experience and was guided to the best attractions, avoiding the tourist locations.





I've been lucky enough to do a good amount of traveling in my life, and I don't know how I would have gotten by in Thailand without native speaking relatives. Thailand presents unique challenges to even seasoned travelers.





So bottom line is learn a good amount of the Thai language or go with someone who is fluent, and do alot of research learning the nuances of the culture. Westerners can easily offend Thai people without even knowing it if you don't understand the culture. Especially with regard to dressing, visiting temples, and how to treat women. My impression of Thailand is that it tends to be a matriarchal society, and they put a premium on respecting women and the elderly . . . and especially elderly women. Something Western culture seems to be void of today.