Preparation

These are some tips I shared with somebody preparing to go on their first trip to Thailand.

*Even if you feel like getting upset with somebody, especially a Thai, stay cool and nice.  Shouting and fisticuffs will be your downfall.  Very rare to ever be in a situation like that anyway, but if you can't control your temper, big trouble.  Asians are very community-minded, and fight in packs if it comes to that.  Police situation won't be good either.  But the main thing they emphasize is keeping a cool head.  Be zen-like and you will be fine.

*Read up on scams.  Common ones might be a taxi driver not wanting to use the meter.  Ask them to, and find another car if they refuse.  Another is a tuk-tuk driver or middle-aged man trying to tell you a museum is closed, then offering to take you somewhere better.  Never fall for that.  Go check with your own eyes, and never ride away with an overly-friendly, charming Thai male.  They won't hurt you, but might take you to a friend's shop in the hopes of getting a commission.  Best thing is to read up on scams, so that you are just aware going in. Gem scams happen, but usually to only stupid folks.  And if you are bargaining for goods at a street market, always be mindful of what you're doing.  Bangkok has many distractions.  

*Money: Try to keep an adequate amount of bills on you all the time, and don't always expect a taxi or tuk-tuk driver to have change for big notes.  That could even be their trick.  Keep plenty of 20, 50 and 100 baht bills on you.  You can use credit cards in restaurants and malls, and with ease.  Atms are everywhere, however.  I usually end up using cash most of the time.  In crowds, watch your wallet.  I never ever have had my pocket picked, but I am pretty savvy.  My wallet stays in my front pocket.  And even when I get showers before and after massages, I take my wallet and phone to the bathroom.  That's why a small shoulder bag to hold everything is helpful.   There are hooks to hang it.  But my wallet and phone are never left somewhere, not even for two minutes.  Who wants to be on trip and suddenly get their things stolen?!

*Massage dos and don'ts I'll share in person.  But for basics, I will say, if you are getting a Thai massage or certainly an oil massage, ask if they have a shower.  If they don't have one, it's a place I'd avoid.  Asians are very clean, in general, so a shower before a massage is nice you and them.  Plus, it cools you down.  After an oil massage, you will also want another shower before leaving.  A traditional thai massage, which is worth trying, won't require a second shower, unless you're dying for one.  Mute phone.  Enjoy.

*The BTS (skytrain) and MRT (underground) can take you to all the best places.  Easy to figure out.  You can buy a ticket per trip or get a multiple-use card.  Bangkok is just so busy and crowded, you can feel overwhelmed.  Never be in a hurry.  Ticket window folks speak enough English to assist.  If you need to ask a Thai, try a student or younger person.  They will be shy at first, but will help.

*People in places where you will be will know enough English, but good to learn to say Thank you, Hello and anything else you pick up.  No need to worry, though.  Oh, other tourists and expats could possibly help if there's a need.

*Travel, medevac insurance is good to have.  Make sure your health insurance here covers you there.  Also, if you're on an island and desire to rent a scooter, have a proper driver's license - international.  Worth reading up on this.