I thought it might be fun/helpful to start a thread of "insider tips" for first time travellers to Thailand (Bangkok,etc). For example, one I've picked up on this board is to not listen to tuk tuks/locals who claim tourist sites are "closed." Anything else? Just general little tips and pitfalls to avoid! thank u!

Unless someone is actually on the hotel property and with ID don't believe a stranger that they are the concierge of a particularly good hotel and can offer you good advice on where to buy gems (i never asked ). These people can often be found loitering near 5 star hotels

Never use private unauthorised taxis - they will always be more expensive than tuk tuks or official taxis and often more expensive than a hotel limo - you will also be probably completely uninsured

And, oddly enough, tuk-tuks are usually more expensive than taxis.

Do not under any circumstances buy gems from an unknown gem dealer - someone a tuk-tuk driver steers you to, or especially any gem store that is having a "several day government authorized sale."

Don't take group tours unless you want to spend all your time shopping in places where you won't want to shop.

take everything you read on fodors as gospel....just kidding....realize that we all have our pets and make a judgement for yourself....

don't eat street food...

only bottled water for everything except a shower...

use atm's to get your cash

spend some time on the river while in bangkok

wear only natural fiber clothing which is loose fitting....

don't plan to do too much on any one day....the heat and humidity will do a number on you....its not like touring in europe...

Don't lose your temper. If things get heated or frusterating, just keep a smile on your face. Always be curteous, even if someone is trying to scam you!

Causing a scene will make you lose credibility with the thai people.

Relax. Make sure you spend some unscheduled time each day, pool, massage, wandering etc.

When you barter, don't be overly aggressive. Begin the process by inquiring as to whether a discount is possible. Think of it as a stylized dance rather than a competition. Be firm, but not rigid. You can always say, no thank you. Remember, there's no special prize for getting the lowest price humanly possible.

Most restaurants close at 10 so ask for last order time when making bookings and plan accordingly. Lunch is generally 11:30 onwards so make a reservation or eat late to avoid crowds.

Tell the taxi driver to turn the meter on.

Hang onto 500 baht to pay your airport departure tax.
Remember that Bangkok is a place where you can have just ONE thing to get done in a day, and NOT get it done.
Hail only metered taxis.
Try a foot massage. It's great after being on your poor tired feet walking around BKK and up and down the stairs to and from the skytrain.

Carol

Learn at least a few words and phrases in the Thai language. Everytime and I mean everytime we attemtpted to speak Thai, we were greeted with wide eyes and even wider smiles. People seemed so excited that we at least tried to speak with them in their language rather than expecting them to be fluent in ours. We have found this to open doors in many countries were others have spoken about their problems with unfriendly people. Listen to the people that you meet along the way - they are quite willing to talk about their city and their lives.

Choose a Night Market rather than Chatachuk on the weekend. They are less crowded, less hot and exhausting and you can get a lot of the same stuff.

I love Suan Luam Night Bazaar (see link below)

http://www.mcdougalladventures.com/a...n-night-market

Take along a box of wet'n dry packets.
Put a few in your pocket/purse while out and about. Then you can refresh (well at least the men can) as these are great for wiping away the sweat!

haha--great tip! and you're right, the women who opt for that approach would be wiping away all their make up which could lead to a whole other host of problems

Sometimes its good to be a man!

..do not underestimate jet lag from North America. It is an order of magnitude worse than jet lag to Europe. Plan to do literally nothing the first day.

Get a roll or two of travelsize toilet paper. It is possible that you will have to use a toilet that is not stocked with tissue.

Bring your ipod or MP3 player for the plane. It helps to drown out screaming kids and the music will help you sleep (along with a good sleeping pill ;-) )

Talk to the people! Strike up a conversation with whomever you can, the maid, a shopkeeper, anyone. Ask questions (not too nosey) and show an interest in them. You will be surprised at how much you can learn about Thai people and their culture and you will come away with more insights into these most gentle people and will be much richer for it.