Backpacking Thailand .. Any info hugely appreciated

jaqui59

Hi everyone

My 20 year old daughter and her boyfriend are travelling to Thailand at the end of this month.

Any information that would help their holiday go well would be hugely appreciated, such as things like essential items to pack in their rucksacks, areas that are not recommended to travel to, public transport, eating out, keeping healthy etc etc

Also I want to buy her a really good, easy to understand, detailed map of the whole of Thailand and would appreciate any help on this too.

Many thanks )

olias

Your request is a bit too all encompassing. Personally, I would not bother with a map, instead get a Lonely Planet guide book (make sure it is the latest version). That will have maps, as well as details of places to see, places to stay, info on visas, currency, law etc etc etc. You will find most travellers are never without their copy! I have travelled several times and can honestly say there was never a single day on my trips when I didn't consult mine.

As far as safe areas go (or rather areas to avoid!), I think the latest up to date info is usually on the Foreign Office website.

Olias

[Deleted User]

Lonely Planet's travellers's forum is probably a better place to get info.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/index.jspa

lisaloo1977

Second the lonelyplanetthorum, it is a great way to keep upto date with what is going on now and also find out info that suits your travels.

I have used it since being a single traveller and now use the travel with kids section, its been fantastic and is omething that is available to your daughter on her travels.

What to take is a personal thing. When i left on my first trip in 1999 i took shoes to match most outfits, needless to say they were the first things to go. Travel light, make sure you have some long sleeved light tops for dusk to avoid the mozzies, cover ankles legs and arms, they seem to love the bone parts.

I second the Lonely Planet Guide, but you can get The Rough guide or Frommers.

Travel, i found that trains were an amazing way to see places and i have spent 6 years travelling SEA. Flights are good, cheap if you plan in advance and use the budget airlines such as Air Asia. The food is in general amazing in Thailand, but maybe warn your daughter about the alcoholic bucket drinks. I prefer to call them sand eaters, as most people end up face down.
If they are spending time in Bangkok, the MRT is a good way to get around and prices are cheap for one day passes, its also aircon so gives a welcome relief from the heat.

As a mum, try not to worry too much, they are going to a place that despite some of the covergae recently is full of lovely people who are pleased to have them visit. If they do not have much time they should also be aware of the weather patterns, Samui which is popular with some people can still suffer rains due to the monsoon in the month they are going and weather should be better in the south of Thailand.