hi again, i have my list of things to bring from earlier posts (lightweight clothes, skirt for temples, wet wipes)--but am wondering what generic pharmacy items I should bring. I'm assuming mosquito repellant, Immodium (just in case..) and dramamine for motion sickness (for long boat/speedboat ride in phuket). Are there other brands/types of meds I should consider? And in dressing appropriately for temples (skirt and cover my upper arms), is it true I shouldn't wear flip flops? thx again..and again.

I think flip flips are fine. You remove your shoes before entering the temple, anyway.

Some people have had problems with flip-flops at the grand palace and some haven't. Just in case, I would not risk it.

When we were there, I remember seeing a sign that said thai locals from the country were the only ones allowed to wear flip flops at the palace...

Things like mozzie repellant, Immodium etc are very easy to get in Thailand - lots of good pharmacies all over and such things are very cheap - don't need a prescription. If you find dramamine works for you great - I was told once by my chemist here in Australia to just try polaramine (as antihistamine) as they had found it worked as well as any of the motion sickness ones. I tried and it works very well for me and doesn't make me tired either although it does for some people. Pretty much everything else (med wise) is available in Thailand and quite cheaply - they are also good quality - just go to one of the main chemists (Boots, Watsons etc). My husband gets migraines for which he uses Cafegot - it's so so cheap in Bangkok compared to Australia so we get a little stock each time. I also stock my first aid kit each time too.

1. Are AA bateries available and cheap? (we could leave our heavy recharger for digital camera at home that way!)
2. Are skirts in Wats required for women? Pant's not acceptable? What about no sleeve shirts on women? Need a jacket?

AA batteries are easily available - a bit cheaper than Australia (don't know about US). Temples - long pants - not shorts- are perfectly acceptable for women too - it doesn't have to be a skirt. The shoulders should also be covered so tank tops are not appropriate but short sleeves are okay. Basically its modest dressing.

Would capri pants be okay for temple sightseeing? (long pants are so hot!)

Thai public restroom facilities, like the French, use water rather than tissues for hygienic purposes.

This can be a squirter and flexible hose as seen in many American kitchen sinks. Or, a bucket with a small pan. We were instructed as follows: use the pan to pour water into a hand, use that hand to cleanse.

So, dry tissues may also be handy.

The most restrictive dress code is at the Grand Palace/Emerald Buddha complex. For women, a skirt or long pants (no capris) and no sleeveless tops (short sleeved, not cap sleeves) and a shoe or sandal that is not a flip-flop (even a fancy one). For men, long pants and a short-sleeved shirt.

Choose long pants that are of a light fabric and loose and you'll find them quite comfortable.

If I do wear a sleeveless type shirt to the Grand Palace, can I use a shawl to cover, instead of having to wear a t-shirt?

I guess a shawl would work, but you have to understand that the Grand Palace is a series of temples and other buildings set over several acres and you will be walking quite a bit and spending most of your time outdoors. The heat is quite amazing, and if it is sunny an be almost overwhelming. I can't imagine walking around in any kind of shawl, even just a silk scarf, for the 2-3 hours you will be there, you will be dripping in it. If you are thinking of a pashmina or something like it, I am sweating just thinking of it. You might be better off just in a t shirt. I also don't really know if the guards at the entrance gates would allow it, and it would really be a shame to get there and be turned back. If it is an evening wrap that is sheer, I doubt they would allow it.

The reason for not wearing flip flops is that you have to walk all around the sidewalks in the Grand Palace and would not want to do so in bare feet, it's just too hot and dirty. Going into temples themselves you will need to be bare foot.

I have been with people turned away from the Grand Palace for wearing Tevas, so I would suggest closed shoes just to prevent any issues. It's only a few hours. The other temples in Thailand are more relaxed with regard to footwear (but also about as strict with regard to clothing, but hey its they culture so you have to respect that).

Some other things to consider if you don't have them packed already:

1. Hat
2. Umbrella (is an excellent sunshade as well).
3. Small travel binoculars
4. Flashlight

i'm having a hard time figuring out what kind of shoes are summer closed shoes? pumps..sneakers?

Purrell. Happy Travels!

Just wondering, what is likely the use for the binoculars in BKK?

If by chance you show up at the Grand Palace without approprite attire, they do have an on site place where they "loan" you ugly short sleved shirts and long skirts and even pants for the men. There is a small rental fee and you have to wait in line for quite a bit to get the loaner clothes but you dont have to turn back. The big downside is that you are wearing very odd garments in all your Grand Palace Photos!!!
Sue

If you have long pants and an appropriate shirt, is it ok to wear tennis shoes for the temples?

Sure, it's fine. You will have to take off your shoes to go into the wat.

Well jacqui72 is going to Phuket as well where binocs are great, but bionoculars are also useful in cities for seeing detials on temples roofs like carvings and bells, as well as inside temples where there are often ornate and quite high altars, and for river trips in Bangkok. You can get quite upclose and personal.

I agree with Cicerone - I always carry a small pair of binoculars. Great for looking at the river traffic too. Also the umbrella. I always carry a small folding one and its used more often as a sunshade than for rain. Works really well - better than a hat.

Thanks - I will pack both.