As millions of tourists have visited Thailand before than you, visiting the country is much easier than years ago. The public transport is quite good, the connections between the different cities have improved a lot, and it is fairly easy to find English speakers and information regarding tours and activities.
However, as a consequence of receiving that bunch of tourists yearly, some Thais have come up with new ideas of business: the way to get extra money from tourists; so watch out for SCAMS. They are everywhere.
Scams It is the most important advice before talking about beaches, food and cheap clothes.
Over all, if it is your first time in Asia and you start your trip in Bangkok, then keep reading.
The scammers know that tourists usually start their trip in Bangkok so they take advantage of their "ingenuity" as they have just arrived.
Be ready to be stopped by people who want to help you with the directions, take care when they write in your map with recommended places because there will be someone waiting for you when you visit those places.
Watch out for tuk-tuks which take you to places that you do not want to go and with people trying to make a conversation.
You can find people showing the "tourist protection" card to make you believe the story.
It takes a while to understand that people do not want to help you, they want to get money from you.
If you need help with a map, go into a restaurant and ask there, even though, use all your senses.
It does not mean that Thailand is a dangerous place. Thai people are quite calm, even the scammers are not aggressive. If you tell them to leave you alone, they will (or just mention the police).
TAXIS
They are the best way to move in the city as they are cheap and quick. Tuk-tuks are cheap for short distances, but sometimes you end in a different destination.
Ask always to put the meter on. If they do not want, get off the taxi and look for another one.
SUITS
There are a lot of tailors making suits. Take care, they usually overcharge the price and the quality of the cloth is not as good as they promise.
A rule of thumb, if you get a good price for the suit (much cheaper than your country), go ahead. If not, ignore them.
Tuk-tuks are paid a commission to bring the tourists to the shop, so they will try to carry you there, even if you do not want to.
GEMS
Ignore any citizen telling you it is the day without taxes or that Thailand is very famous for the low price of its sapphires and emeralds. There is no such thing as a free lunch.
There are scammers all over the country, but the main ones are in Bangkok.
Click here to read about the typical scams, they have not changed through the years.
Bargain
All the prices are negotiable... that´s the rule.
Don´t be shy! Usually the price is overcharged more than double. So start offering less than half of the price. You cannot bargain in a supermarket or in a shopping center, but you can do it in any market or street shop.
Here is the explanation of how to bargain.
Food
Food is a different story. It is very cheap and you do not have to bargain.
The street food is quite good, fresh fruit is awesome, smoothies are 100% natural and the famous ice coffee or Thai ice tea are delicious... The traditional ones are served in a plastic bag with ice. Don't forget to taste them!
Be aware that your system is not already immune to the Asian bacteria. When you come to Asia, the bacteria are different from what we are used to, therefore, get ready to have some diarrhea problems. It is usually not a serious issue, but you should bring some pills just in case it becomes worse.
First Aid Kit
It is very important to bring your own first aid kit, mainly because it is very difficult to find the equivalent medicines there.
Band aids, Elastoplast dressing strip, Steris trips, sterile gauze
Sunscreen
Band aids
Disinfectant wipes for cleaning articles
Disinfectant spray for wounds
Nail scissors, tweezers and a file
Urine infection pills
Antacids
Antibiotics (keywords: urine infection, virus)
Imodium or Lomotil for diarrhea
Ibuprofen for fever and pain
Stomach drops for nausea, pain, heartburn, etc.
Pills for colds and earaches -> Grippostad C (keyword: air-conditioning)
Mosquito repellent
Cream for the treatment of bites and skin irritation from plants or other life forms such as jellyfish
Cities to Visit
My first time in Thailand I visited Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Ko Samui and Ko Tao, but there are thousands of combinations that you can do.
This website is very useful. You just indicate the country to visit and the number of days. It gives you some different routes and the approximate price. Then, you can organize your own trip with those hints in a much cheaper way.
Contrary to other countries, you do not need to book in advance to make good deals, that´s why many travelers book their hotels, internal flights and tours once they are in in Thailand.
You can combine as you please: trekking, beach, snorkel, diving, temples, mountains... You choose your own adventure!
Last but no least
Be aware that you can find a rat or cockroaches in any market or street. It is better if you go with all these things clear in your mind, then you will be ready to enjoy the pure essence of the country and nothing will be under your expectations. There are tourists who fly directly to the islands, so probably they do not need to know all these hints.
Check here what you should bring in your backpack.
I really recommend this bike tour in Bangkok (ONLY if you are used to cycle).
I also recommend the hill tribe tour in Chiang Mai but ONLY for the adventurous, as you stay with a tribe, sleep on the floor, go trekking for 4-5 hours, there are no showers...
Last but no least, enjoy your trip!