Thailand Dos and Don'ts

I found rail travel in Thailand to be easy, comfortable, safe, economical, and green. A rail pass was inexpensive and afforded me unlimited travel for 21 days. I also saved time and money by taking night trains, thus traveling while sleeping and saving money for lodging. The sleeping trains were clean and surprisingly easy to sleep in. I slept well and often arrived at my destination fresh and early to start a new day. When compared with flying, taking a bus, or renting a car, this was by far the most green solution to my travel needs. In addition to being green, it allowed me to interact with the locals.

When approached by a gentleman with a nice camera asking to take photos of you at some of the tourist sites, politely and firmly refuse. He is most likely a "tout" sent to take you to specific tourist sites where you'll be asked to spend a lot of your money on souvenirs and trinkets. Smile and walk away!

Advise is to bargain for everything from the moment you get off the plane never take the price that is first offered to you. A thai friend told me to take 70 percent off what they tell you and and after working out a price you will find you you have paid 50% less then the price you where quoted. Its all part of the fun of being on holiday a fantstic country cant wait to go back.

Experienced shoppers will notice a sometimes discrete rubbing of money across merchandise by vendors just after a sale. This is money from their first sale of the day and it means good luck for the rest of their day. Be aware during opening hours that these merchants are eager for their first sale and may quickly reduce their price before you even counter offer. Don't exploit this and make tourists look greedy for a few cents. Just be aware of it and try not to engage the seller unless you really are interested in buying the item. It may look like superstition to you, but it's religion to them. You can tell if you're their first shopper by how attentive they are.

You can survive on very little money in Bangkok but be wary of the locals trying to rip you off. Always take a radio taxi from the airport, not just someone touting for business, as you may end up paying double. The floating markets and the bridge over the river kwai are must do's as is the grand palace! Khao San road is also the place to be at night.