LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK INFORMATION
Getting Started
Most people find travel in Thailand to be relatively easy and economical. Of course a little preparation will go a long way towards making your trip even more hassle-free and fun.
DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT...
Pack light wash-and-wear clothes, plus a sweater/pullover or light jacket for chilly evenings and mornings in northern Thailand during the height of the cool season (December and January). Slip-on shoes or sandals are highly recommended - they are cool to wear and easy to remove before entering a Thai home or temple.
You can buy toothpaste, soap and most other toiletries cheaply almost anywhere in Thailand. Most Thai women don't use tampons, so they can be difficult to find outside of a few expat-oriented shops in Bangkok. If you're coming for a relatively short interval, it's best to bring your own. Sanitary napkins are widely available from minimarts and supermarkets throughout Thailand.
Don't forget to bring a small torch (flashlight) - power blackouts are not uncommon in rural Thailand, even in Chiang Mai.
Be sure to check to check government travel advisories for Thailand before you leave.
Lonely Planet recommends World Nomads Travel insurance
