Do’s & Don'ts: Traveling in Thailand and Cambodia
Intro
It's one thing to travel to a country that has similarities to your own, but traveling to Thailand and Cambodia was a very unique cultural experience for us. This trip took a lot of planning, research, and learning along the way. Read some of what we learned on this trip so you don’t make some of our same mistakes.
Do’s & Don’ts
Do check the government website before you go
The State Department’s website offers updated information about everything you will need to know before you visit Thailand and Cambodia: country safety, visa requirements, and recommended vaccinations. All of this is important information that will help you plan your trip.
Don’t bring restricted medications
Thailand and Cambodia have strict laws on what prescription drugs you can bring into the country – especially narcotic and psychotropics. If you have a prescription from the doctor, I would make sure that drug is allowed in the country and to bring the original prescription with you. I would bring any medicine in its original container, even simple things like ibuprofen. We didn’t have any problems with the simple things we brought like Advil and Pepto Bismol.
Do bring your own sunscreen and mosquito repellant
If you’re going to Thailand, you can bet on sun and mosquitoes. Bring your own sunscreen and mosquito repellant or be prepared to pay higher prices than you would have at home.
Don’t bring immodest clothes
Thailand and Cambodia is not the trip show a lot of skin. Respect the culture by dressing modestly, especially when you are visiting temples. Beaches are obviously less modest because people are wearing bathing suits, but please keep your bathing suit on (no skinny dipping.)
Do haggle for your tuk-tuk rides
Tuk-tuk rides, depending on where you are, can be more or less expensive than taxis. Talk to your hotel staff about what a reasonable price is to pay for a tuk-tuk ride. If you look like a tourist, they will most likely automatically charge you more.
Don’t give money to children living on the street
No matter how cute the children are, don’t give them any money or presents. You could be doing more harm than good. These children could be being exploited by adults and they don’t even get to keep the money. It could also be an incentive from them to stay on the street and not finish school. If you’re interesting in giving money, donate to a charity who is already helping.
Do be cautious about what you eat
I am always cautious when going to a developing country about what I eat and drink. As far as drinking, I only drink bottled water and try not to drink anything with ice. Rebecca had 20 iced coffees as well as a very sketchy Pad Thai meal at the Floating Markets on this trip without any problems. I had a smoothie with blended ice on our last day and had a little bit of tummy problems when I got home. I also brush my teeth with bottled water (overly cautious, I know.) For eating, I don’t eat already peeled fruit or raw vegetables. Everything I eat I know has been cooked. I can’t tell you being cautious will always work out (my stomach can attest to that), but all you can do is try your best.
Don’t show off your expensive brands
Thailand and Cambodia are not the places to show off your Chanel purse or Louis Vuitton suitcase. You don’t want to make yourself even a bigger target for pickpocketing or having your bag stolen. Rebecca even bought this plain camera strap to make her camera look less obvious.
Do get a massage every day
The massages are good and cheap and you are on vacation! Live it up!
Don’t go where they don’t treat animals ethically
I remember seeing pictures of people laying beside tigers and holding baby tigers. They all looked so cute! When I read the reviews, I saw that the company drugs the tigers to make them docile. (Did I honestly think you could naturally lay by a full grown tiger?) Not all elephants reservations are treated equally as well. Elephants should never have a seat strapped on their back and be ridden over and over throughout the day. At Patara Elephant Farm, elephants only get ridden once a day and they never have the chairs strapped to them. After doing some research when I got back, I read some reviews that said you should never ride elephants under any circumstances. All that to say, do your research and if it looks shady, don’t support it.
That’s It!
Questions? Comments? Post Below!
Disclosure: Some of the links in our posts are affiliate links. If you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a small commission. We link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission we receive from your purchases. (Many of the links do not have a commission, but we just love the product!) The decision to buy something we have recommended is completely up to you. Feel free to ask us specific questions about products or let us know if you need any suggestions.
