What seemed so far away is now only one week away. I am leaving with another single female from Los Angeles on Monday, July 3, heading to Bangkok for a 15 days adventure on JAL.

I have my hotels and flights around Thailand taken care of. We are using Sergeant Kai in Chaing Mai and Tong in Bangkok (both for two day). We are on our own on Phuket and Phi Phi.

I am armed with my Nancy Chandler maps....

Any last suggestions???

Money??? How much cash?? Are traveller's checks necessary? I will also have a visa card and an ATM card.

What else to I need?? a converter? An adapter?

Sounds like you're in good shape! From my experiences in BKK and northern Thailand, I'd say you don't need traveller's checks. But I would recommend taking more than one ATM card - or make sure you know your VISA pin number so you can use it to get cash in a pinch if your ATM card happens not to work.
If you're taking a hair dryer (most hotels have them, so probably not necessary) or a camera battery recharger you would need an adaptor if they're not dual voltage. Most rechargers are, so you don't need a voltage adaptor, but you will need a plug convertor so you can plug the appliance into the wall. The outlets in Thailand are like the ones in Europe - with two round prongs. You can get the adaptor plugs at most travel stores, luggage stores, and I think Target has them, too. They're about $3 or something like that. If you can't get one before you go, larger hotels often have ones that you can borrow.
I would take some cash along - maybe about $300 just as a safety net. It's really up to you.
Have a great time! Don't feel overwhelmed - this last week of anticipation, while stressful, is so exciting - you're REALLY GOING!

Karen

no converter is needed for anything...hairdryer?? do you have a 220 one?? if not leave your at home...many hotels have them anyways...you will need plug adapters in most places however...

atms are the best way and as karen says take more than one card...trav. cks are a bit of a pain but a good back up.;...

visa/m-c advances can be very expensive...

hand wipes

sun screen

camera stuff....batteries are avialable in thailand and so is film...

Bottled water for the flight. Sun screen. Sun Hat. Loose clothes for massages. Sense of humor. Have a great time.

And if you get a thai massage make sure that you don't let them do that thing where they dig their elbows into your neck/shoulder...or the thing where they put your arms out or behind your neck and twist you...

It can be bad...very bad...

Thank you all for your help. I am so excited and anxious!

I will leave my hairdryer at home and will avoid any Thai massages where they did into me! I don't want to be incapacitated from that on the trip.

I will find an adapter, but sunscreen, hat, and bottled water for the plane! I am dreading the plane trip!

Thanks again for everyone's help on this Board. It has been a true life saver!

JennPBD, where are you going with Tong and Sergeant Kai? I'm thinking about using them also. Have a great trip!

The plane trip is not as bad as you fear. get up every hour that you're awake and streth you legs and arms. The trip is well worth it. Another suggestion is to bring some trail mix or other small snack.

Fun book for the long plane ride.

I bought a couple of good books and I will be sure to get up and walk around. I have really long legs, so I am going to be a little cramped. But I know that it will all be worth in.

Walker, Tong is taking us to all the BKK sights and shopping on one day. The other day, we are going to the floating market, River Kwai, the tiger temple, Krasae Cave, the Royal Thai Handicraft and some local temples.

With Sergeant Kai, we are going to the elephant camp, hiking, to see some hill tribes and some other things I cannot remember right now.

I will write a trip report when I get back.

Thanks again for all of your suggestions.