ok, first off, i am new to Travel Punk, and secondly i am new to traveling. my friends and i are planning a trip to Thailand for this spring. so i just had some questions about thailand that i haven't been able to find the answers to in my own seaches.

1. i was told that the water there has a certain bacteria that i as an american am not used to, so therefore will get sick from it. i'm just wondering if this is in ALL the water? i mean, if even we stay at a NICE ass hotel will i still have to prepare the water or something just to take shower?

2. is it fairly easy to travel around Thailand? not just in the cities, but say, from northern Thailand to southern, then maybe to an island?

thank you!

welcome to the boards, BIG TIME!

*disclaimer: i haven't been thailland YET, but i have done months of intensive research... yes, i'm a total freak.

1) yes, all of their water is filled with bacteria that could totally make us sick, but it's no problem to shower with it, maybe just don't douch - that's all. of course use bottled water for brushing your teeth too.

2) again, this is only based on my research - BUT apparently it's super easy to travel around thailand. you can try these websites for some idea of the situation over there: train travel - bangkok skytrain

Thailand's great and easy to get around in! So many backpackers have made it their haunt that you should run into no problems. My suggestions on my limited travel to there:

* Use the Chao Phraya River Express when you are sightseeing in Bangkok, at least the temples like Wat Arun and so on. Quiet, easy to figure out, and avoids the Hellish traffic.

* That said, don't be afraid of hiring a tuk-tuk driver for an inter-city sightseeing program...they'll bargain and it will be an experience.

* I took the train up to Ayyuthaya and had no problems. It is s-l-o-w, but the views of village life in rural Thailand make up for it. Water buffaloes rock!

Keep a weather eye out for scams, though. If somebody is talking too fast, and pushing you too fast, stop. Talk it amongst yourselves and don't be afraid to back out. If your Spidey Sense is tingling, there's probably a reason...

worldwidemike

thank you both so much! joanofarc, i've been reading about your trip to thailand (so i could get more info for when i go) i hope you have a great time and you'll have to tell me all about it when you get back.

oops, i almost forgot to ask. i need info on the weather and seasons in Thailand. i've found info on the subject but with varying answers. i've been told that March - May (when we think we'll be going) is the rainy season, but also that it is the summer season. we want to pick a time when there's not as much tourism. but we don't want to get caught in a downpore of rain for a month either.

one more thing i gotta ask. i know i'll need innoculations for this trip. but i don't have insurance or any kind of doctor. is it possible to get innoculations without any insurance and what-not?

Man remeber, dont be afraid to haggle/bargan/whatever you call it. Asia is great for that it makes everything so much cheaper. Its and art to learn and a skill every traveller should try too hone
Will

Can't really help on when to miss out on "high season." I honestly think Thailand's turned into a year-round destination...so many backpackers head there. It's an awesome place, so I say go there when it is most convenient for you...

For the weather: Expect ugly hot and sticky. Within an hour of showering and leaving your room you'll feel like you need another.

Have fun!

worldwidemike

The tap water is generally ok - in any half reasonable hotel you an drink it, shower in it whatever, but in a real dumpy spot, or anywhere that isn't on the mains, bottled water is a good idea. As for showering, just keepyour mouth shut ;-)

As other's said, transport is great - comprehensive, cheap and reasonably user-friendly. You can get around in tourist minibuses if you want, but the local bus system is fine and cheap.

March is hot, April is hotter and May is wet. That is pretty much across the country. But that said, even in the middle of wet season, you may just get an hour or two of rain a day.

Seasonwise, Thailand is usy pretty much year-round though less so at the time you're considering (due to heat and rain)

April in Songkhran - Thai New Year - absolutely mental...

Enjoy your trip!

thank you everyone for all the info! it's so helpful and i really do appreciate it! i can't wait to go, but it's still months away...