THAILAND PACKING LISTS

All of us here in Thailand are looking forward to welcoming you to The Land of Smiles! The packing lists below are designed to help you prepare for your Thailand trip and to ensure you bring the stuff you need, and that you don't bring a bunch of stuff you don't need. Thailand is warm, tropical and sunny, so there is little need for heavy clothing. Assume that days will be in the 80s and sometimes even the low 90s, and that evenings generally cool off to between 55 degrees and 75 degrees depending where you are in the country. Experienced travelers have learned that over-packing is one of the worst things you can do on a trip, and this is particularly true in Thailand. You may want to bring one suitcase for the things you will wear and use yourself, and another for any gifts, recycled clothing, or donations to the service projects you are bringing and will be leaving behind. You can then use that extra bag to bring home lots of cool gifts, clothing, and crafts that you can buy in Thailand at very low cost.

Read the PACKING LIST FOR ALL THAILAND TRIPS FIRST. Everyone coming to Thailand (except the Come With Nothing students) should bring all of the items listed. The items marked "optional" are not required, but they are things you may like to consider bringing. After you have read through the PACKING LIST FOR ALL THAILAND TRIPS, then go down and find your specific trip where you will find any additional items and suggested packing pointers for the specific trip you are joining. If you are joining more than one trip in Thailand (and more than 90% of you are taking two or more trips), then read the packing lists for all of the trips you are joining.

*** Please note that Carry-On Luggage can not weigh more than 7 kilos and Check-In Luggage can not weigh more than 15 kilos. If your bags weigh more than this, the airlines in Thailand will charge you an excess baggage fee for every kilo over the allowed limit.***

All students coming to Thailand will also want to read the section on cultural information and customs in Thailand. Just click on the link. This will give you valuable information about how to act like a Thai while living in Thailand, and how to avoid causing offense while living in such a unique culture. The more this information sinks in, the less you look like a tourist and the easier it is to groove in with new Thai friends.

In addition, we have provided a link to a very short introduction on Thai language, along with a few words that you might like to learn prior to coming over. While this is not required for anyone, many students in the past that have taken the time to learn 20 or 30 words of Thai have found it's a lot of fun to use it! Enjoy the list - learn some of it if you want - and ask your staff once you are here if you want to polish your pronunciation.

About washing your clothing - students on every trip will have the chance to get their clothing washed at least once a week. You will be able to send your laundry out in Thailand, and it will be washed, dried, and in most cases ironed for you. The cost varies, but washing is usually about US $ 3 - 7 per full load. This can be taken out of your allowance account.

You will almost certainly be adding to your wardrobe while you are in Thailand! Shopping in Thailand is really economical, and almost every student visits a few Thai markets with their group while they are here. If you forget something on the list, you can always buy it in Thailand once you get here - for a lot less money than you would pay at home!

If you have questions about packing that are not covered on the packing list, please email thailand@rusticpathways.com with any specific questions you may have. We try to make these lists as clear as possible, so please don't email unless you really have a burning question that warrants an email to help you sleep at night!

GENERAL PACKING LIST
For All Thailand Trips

Pack the following items in your Carry-On Luggage

- PASSPORT - you can not get on the plane without this!
- AIRLINE TICKETS - you can not get on the plane without these either!
- WALLET - with a bit of US money for the trip over. Your allowance account will be available to you as soon as you arrive in Thailand. Most students bring something like $100 on the actual flight in case they need it along the way.
- 2 Photo Copies of your Passport - you will give these to our staff when you arrive in Thailand. You only need to copy the 2-page spread that has your picture, date of birth, passport number, and personal information.
- 1 Spare T-Shirt - you may want to change shirts somewhere during your flight
- Pajama bottoms or chill pants – something comfy to lounge around the plane in
- Sunglasses - Thailand is sunny and you'll definitely want these
- Toothpaste - keeps your smile gleaming
- Toothbrush - unless you rub the toothpaste with your fingers
- Journal and Pens - start the habit of writing in your journal before you leave
- Do not bring any bottles of water or other liquids in your carry on luggage. Due to new regulations, all liquid items must be checked. Very small bottles of things like eye drops are o.k.
- Snacks – comfort food that won’t melt, granola, etc. You don’t need much, but just in case you don’t like the airplane food. (However Singapore Air serves up some tasty meals)
- Deck of Cards - fun for the plane and with your friends in Thailand too
- Books – Something to pass the time. Suggested reading: Siddhartha by Herman Hesse & The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
- Cameras - digital or film, disposable waterproof cameras can be nice too (but bulky). Don't forget to bring your chargers, batteries and memory sticks!! You can also bring your USB cords for downloading pics for emails. (For all ipod photo / video users, try and practice putting pictures onto your ipod at home before coming out here)

(HINT: BRING ALL OF YOUR FILM IN YOUR CARRY-ON, AND ASK THE STAFF AT EVERY X-RAY STATION TO WALK THE FILM AND YOUR CAMERA AROUND THE MACHINE. DO NOT PACK YOUR FILM IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE!)

Pack the following items in your Checked Luggage:

» To avoid delays and expensive fees on internal flights within Thailand, you will want to keep your checked luggage under 15 kilograms (33 lbs.) in weight. Stick to the necessities and remember that the lighter your bags, the easier the trip.(The initials "PIAPB" indicate that you might want to pack these items in a plastic, zip-lock bag for easier, safer carrying.)
» Sleeping Bag, lightweight - Elephant Conservation, Amazing Thailand Adventure and Elephants & Amazing Thailand only.
» Travel Pillow (optional) - hard core travelers roll up their clothing - but small travel pillows are more comfortable
» Long Pants (1 or 2 pairs - I suggest something lightweight)
» Underwear (between 7 - 10 pair)
» Socks (7 pairs)
» Swimsuit
» T-Shirts with sleeves (7 - 10 t-shirts)
» Tank Tops (2 or 3)
» Long Sleeve T-shirt - one or two - they help keep off the sun and the mosquitoes too
» Rainproof, Lightweight Jacket or Umbrella - a small travel one is best
» Shorts (3 or 4 pairs ) - not too short or tight, as this is offensive in Thai culture.
» Tennis Shoes - 1 pair
» Sandals that are strapped (Chacos or Tevas are recommended) - the Thais live in sandals
» Flip-Flops - 1 pair - really cheap, lightweight ones you can slip on and off easily
» Shoes (optional) – if you are a runner or otherwise active, if not, you’ll live in flip-flops
» Soap in a Plastic Dish - 1 bar - PIAPB
» Biodegradable Shampoo - 1 bottle- PIAPB
» Personal First Aid Kit - optional but recommended - a small kit with basic first aid supplies
» Small day bag – for side trips or hikes.
» Sunscreen (lots of strong Sunscreen) - we suggest that you bring two completely different types. Alternate between them to avoid having any allergic reactions. – PIAPB
» Chapstick
» Sunburn cream or Aloe Lotion - if you are someone who is prone to sunburn, we suggest that you bring a small tube or bottle of sunburn relief cream just in case you get too much sun. - PIAPB
» Insect Repellant - bring one that is heavy in DEET and one that is natural Citronella - 2 cans or bottles minimum. Remember that the mosquito is your enemy wherever you travel in the world. - PIAPB
» Hand Sanitizer (2 or 3 small bottles per week you are traveling in Thailand) - always use this before you eat as many germs are passed from your hands to your mouth and keeping your paws clean helps keep you healthy wherever you are traveling! Carry some with you and pack the rest in a plastic bag in your suitcase.- PIAPB
» Handiwipes or Towlettes - also good for cleaning the hands when there is no water readily available
» Small packs of Kleenex Tissues - public toilets in most of Asia do not supply toilet paper - you are meant to bring your own. It's always handy to have a few packs of Kleenex tissues with you when you travel in Asia.
» Hat for Sun - you may want to bring two hats or visors to keep off the sun, and to trade
» Flashlight/Headlamp - bring one good one, and a lot of spare batteries.
» Spare Batteries - just in case you missed this above!
» Towel (1 towel - NOT white color) - white towels get really gross looking after a while
» Laundry Bag for dirty laundry, or an old pillow case - keeps the clean stuff away from the dirty stuff so you don't have to sniff to find out.
» Medications (must alert staff about these) - bring with you any medications that you will need while you are away. You will need to tell staff what medications you have brought during your orientation period. This is done privately, but it is essential that you disclose to your staff all medications you are carrying.
» Contact lenses and accompanying paraphernalia - if you use contacts, bring all of your chemicals with you- PIAPB
» PICTURES! Make up a small album! Pictures of mom, dad, boyfriend/girlfriend, dog, strange neighbors, school buddies, etc. - The Thai people are really interested in where you live, what your house looks like, what your parents and grandparents look like, what your school looks like, etc. This is a great way to break the ice, break the language barrier, and have some fun with your new Thai friends. If you arrive without some pictures of home, you will be bugged by the Thais for your whole stay!
» Dominos or another game that is easy to explain with words
» Musical Instrument (Guitars and Harmonicas, other portable instruments) - if you play an instrument at home and it fits in your suitcase easily, bring it along. The Thais are totally into music and you will get an audience no matter how strong or weak your skills.
» Frisbee or Aerobee or Hackysack - or other things that are fun to do and easy to carry.

1. How long is the flight to this country?
From the east coast of America, it’s about 19 hours to Bangkok with some additional layover time.  From the west coast of America, it’s about 17 hours plus layovers.  Crossing the International Date Line adds about twelve hours to your trip on the way to Asia, and shortens your trip by the same amount on the way home.  The layovers are easy and offer you chance to stretch your legs.  Luckily you’ll be on a world-class airline with great food and in-flight entertainment with dozens of movies, TV shows, and games.  Use the time to relax, write some letters, read a book, and prepare yourself for your adventure!

2. Do we need to get visas for this program?
You will get a “visa on arrival” when you enter Thailand, so you don’t need to make any arrangements in advance.  That was easy!

3. What immunizations do we need to get for this trip?

You should make an appointment with your doctor to check that you are healthy and that all of your routine immunizations are up to date. You can tell the doctor where you are traveling and ask about what precautions you should take. You'll need to let us know about any medical conditions, allergies, and medications that you have by completely and accurately filling out the medical form provided to you by our office, so that we can help to ensure that you stay safe and healthy.

4. What provinces or regions of the country does this program pass through?
You can plan on seeing the best of Thailand from north to south and east to west, from high mountain villages to pristine beaches to vast golden rice fields.  Basically, you will be exploring the whole country!

5. What kind of food will we be eating?
You will enjoy amazing Thai food from the different regions of Thailand.  Thai food is always served with rice and consists of stir fried meats and vegetables with delicious sauces and herbs.  You’ll love trying all the curries, barbeque, noodle soups and fried noodles, and of course, spicy papaya salad.  When you need something more familiar, some American foods will be available, particularly at breakfast.

6. Where will we be eating most of our meals?
We eat plenty of home-cooked feasts prepared at our Basehouses by our Thai staff.  We also enjoy meals in bamboo homes in the mountains, try out top-notch restaurants for gourmet Asian cuisine, and maybe even a down home fresh noodle stand. 

7. Will we be drinking bottled water?
Yes, we drink only bottled or purified water while in Thailand.

8. What will the accommodation on this trip be like? 
Accommodation is one of the coolest things about traveling in Thailand.  It ranges from luxurious to elegantly simple. We’ll stay in hotels, guesthouses, Rustic Pathways Basehouses, and bamboo huts.  You’ll really love staying at the Ricefields Service Base where you can swim in the pool, play soccer and ‘takraw’, and relax in air-conditioned rooms with hot showers.  Elsewhere, you’ll get to take some Thai style bucket showers.  A really amazing mix of accommodations is awaiting you!

9. How often will we be able to do laundry on this program and what will it cost?
You’ll be able to have your laundry done every few days at reasonable rates.  Plan on a budget of about $20 per week if you tend to do your laundry often

10. Can Rustic Pathways cater to specific diets on this program?
There are excellent options for every type of diet.  With the amazing mix of Thai cuisines, this is not a problem.  However, it is very important that you inform our USA offices of any specific dietary preferences or requirements at the time of your application, so that we have time to put everything in order.

11. What will the climate be like on this trip?
Thailand in January is sunny and warm in the daytime and cool enough for jackets and long pants at night.  It is the dry season, the sky is deep blue, and rain is rare.  You won’t find better weather anywhere on earth!

12. Will mosquitoes be a problem on this trip?
Mosquitoes are a nuisance almost everywhere in the world.  In Thailand, they generally come out late at night, so we sleep under mosquito nets when necessary, cover up, and use insect repellant at night and when we’re in the forest.

13. Are there any extremely physical or strenuous activities on this trip?
No.  This is an active and high-energy trip, but none of the activities are particularly difficult or overly challenging.

14. Are there any language immersion possibilities on this trip?
Thai and hill tribe languages will be spoken all around you, all the time, so you’ll definitely pick up some Thai.  How much you learn is up to you.

15. How often will I have access to email and phones? 
You’ll have high-speed Internet access every day while at the Ricefields Base.  Elsewhere in Thailand, we’ll have Internet access about every three or four days.  We’ll have phones available all the time, although service can be somewhat limited in the mountains. 

16. What costs are not included on this trip?
Spending money.
Half of your lunches & dinners.
Scuba Diving (optional):
$75 for Uncertified Discovery Dives
$50 per Fun Dive for Certified Divers
$415 for Open Water Scuba Certification
$400 for Advanced Open Water Certification
$500 for Rescue Diver Certification
**These prices serve as an approximation, and are subject to change by the Scuba operators.

17. How much spending money should I bring?
This really depends on how much you like to shop and whether you want to scuba dive (see question 16 above).  You’ll be able to buy many different crafts and souvenirs, clothing, and try all kinds of new food.  Consider $150-$300 per week plus diving money.  You may also want to make some charitable donations while on your gap year program. 

18. What sort of electrical voltage adapters do I need to bring?
Bringing tons of electronics to Thailand is not advised.  If you need an adapter, look for a universal adapter that will accept almost any plug and plug into almost any style of outlet.  They cost around twenty dollars and are available at office and travel supply stores.

19. Is there a language barrier, and will this be a problem for me?
Learning to communicate is one of the most fun parts about traveling in foreign countries.  You’ll be amazed how far a friendly smile and some funny gestures can get you. If you are willing to make the effort, communication is easily achieved.  People will be as interested in hearing about your culture as you are in theirs.  In addition, our talented local staff can speak excellent English and will serve as your gateway to Thai culture, translating and explaining what people are saying.