Insect repellent
Although diseases like Malaria and Dengue fever aren’t as common as they were ten years ago in Thailand, the mosquitoes and insects here will still eat you live if given half the chance. Be prepared for a mosquito invasion and pack plenty of insect repellent, especially if you plan on visiting northern parts of Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai).
Camera/video recorder
Don’t miss out on capturing some of the most amazing images/video footage you will ever get the chance to capture.
Emergency money
You really don’t want to loose your debit card and find yourself in the situation I found myself in a few years ago… it’s pretty scary being thousands of miles from home, alone, with only enough money in your pocket to feed yourself for the next day or two. I recommend getting a travel money card from the Post Office to use in emergencies (like getting drunk and loosing your wallet), you can deposit cash directly from your bank account and use it at most ATM’s in Thailand. I would also recommend keeping all your forms of payment seperate so if you lose one you dont lose them all!
Travel insurance
Medical treatment isn’t free in Thailand, and you will most likely be refused treatment or turfed out onto the street if you don’t have the means to pay for yourself. I advise arranging travel insurance before you leave to save a lot of hassle and expense if you are unfortunate enough to have to make a trip to the hospital whilst in Thailand.
Plug converters
You will definitely need a plug converter. You can pick them up for as little as 99p in some shops or online.
Hiking boots/trainers
You will most likely find yourself venturing off the beaten track at some point, and whilst being very practical, flip flops aren’t the best form of footwear to wear whilst trekking through dense jungle. I recommend packing a pair of hiking boots or trainers, but if you forget you can always pick up a cheap pair when you get to Thailand.
Sun cream
This one is pretty obvious. You can buy sun protection in Thailand but I have found it can be a lot more expensive than what you would pay at home, and lets be honest, buying sun cream is going to be the last of your priorities when you get here.
An open mind
During your time in Thailand you will meet all kinds of people from all different background and walks of life, the culture is completely different here to the way we live in the west, having an open mind and being open to new ideas will ensure that you make the most out of your adventure. Try not to be too judgemental if you see something you don’t like. Thailand is still a pretty poor country, children selling roses to tourists on the street at 3am is quite normal and prostitution isn’t exactly frowned upon, so experience it for what it is and have fun, but don’t get involved where you shouldn’t.
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