Korean Job Discussion Forums

SeoulShakin · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

I'm going to Thailand for three weeks on Saturday, and I've never been there before. I have a 45L backpack, and that's all I'd like to bring with me. Does anyone who has been to Thailand in August before have any ideas on what to bring/what not to bring? I'm a chick if that helps.

So far I'm obviously bringing some swimsuits, tanks, sandals, etc. I'm assuming I won't need a sweater since it's August. I'm also assuming I can get things like sunscreen and bug repellant when I am there.

Any tips? Thanks!

billyg · Joined: 16 Feb 2005

sleeping bag liner... so you don't have to sleep on the slime that is on every guesthouse bed.

drybag... extra dry protection for any valuable electronics you might bring along...

waterproof cover for your backpack... in the event your bag is exposed to the elements, either while on your back or on the top of some bus.

hope that helps... enjoy.

SeoulShakin · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

It does help. I hadn't thought of any of those things. Where can I get a sleeping bag liner, or a protective cover for my bag?

xtchr · Joined: 23 Nov 2004

SeoulShakin · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

Thanks xtchr.

I am planning to bring a sarong along with me, so that may do the trick. I'd hate to take up space in my pack for a sweater and jeans. I'm hoping that since it's August, it will be bloody hot, and still warm enough in the evenings to get away with shorts, bermuda's or a skirt.

Kim Jong Jordan · Joined: 13 Mar 2004 Location: The Internet

I'm there for 2 weeks on Friday, never been before, but I'm not bringing that much. I don't want to have to check my backpack (it's not huge but its not small), so I'm only bringing some swinsuits, shorts, t-shirts, bathroom bag, a towel (maybe 2), and that's about it. I plan on buying some clothes there, maybe some other things, so I'm taking a minimalist approach to my packing in order to leave room.....

*edit - it is possible to get some laundry done there, non?

dogshed · Joined: 28 Apr 2006

dogshed · Joined: 28 Apr 2006

You must get a quick dry camping towel with the little hook. The largest
size was around 12000 won but well worth it.

indytrucks · Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Location: The Shelf

I think the same idea applies wherever you go in terms of clothes ... pack as light as possible. You can get stuff on the cheap if you need it. You can get rucksack covers at many hiking stores. Just go and ask. I would also invest in a small padlock for your ruck to keep sticky fingers out if travelling by minibus or train.

One thing I like to do when traveling out of a rucksack is pack tops, bottoms, socks and undies and miscellaneous bits in separate plastic carrier bags. That way you don't have to rummage around for each individual item trapped at the bottom of your bag, and it keeps stuff dry in a pinch if you have a leaky cover. Also helps for sorting laundry. A piece of thin rope or cord can also double as a clothesline for drying stuff like wet towels and swimsuits, or sweat soaked hiking clothes and socks.

Depending on where you're going in Thailand, a hammock is a good investment for general lounging or sleeping in desperate times if money runs out. I always have one. A small torch comes in useful for unexpected powercuts or dark paths at night ... something like a mini-maglite has proven its worth for me endless times. Another few vital items: a good first aid kit with plasters, antiseptics and Tylenol, extra batteries for the torch/camera and mozzie repellant. Invaluable, especially if you're on the islands.

Have fun and be safe.

SeoulShakin · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

I'm glad I made this post. I hadn't thought of plastic bags either. I think I would have just shoved some clothes in the bag and took off.

Ok, so basic first aid stuff, flashlight, plastic bags, bag cover.

Can I buy mosquito repellant and sunscreen once I arrive on the islands?

Can I buy a towel once there? All I have here in Korea are HUGE bath towels that will take up almost all my space.

Damn. I now know just how inexperienced at backpacking I really am!

Kim Jong Jordan · Joined: 13 Mar 2004 Location: The Internet

it's an adventure, go with the flow, that's my philosophy.....

sojourner1 · Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 6:58 am Post subject:

A thick skin and an open mind...

desultude · Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 9:15 am Post subject:

You can, and will probably want to, buy anything you need there. Bangkok has everything- and at a better price than Korea.

When I went to Thailand and India for 2 months earlier this year, I took a small carry on bag with me. When I returned (to the States) I had over my limit of checked bags.

I took only a small backpack the last time I went to Vietnam, and mailed back everything I bought while I was there. I traveled quite light both ways. Cool

kat2 · Joined: 25 Oct 2005 Location: Busan, South Korea

You can get the bug repellant there and the sunscreen. I would suggest bringing a small bottle of both at first just to get you through until you have a chance to get to the store. You don't want to be without mosquito repellant for one sec in Thailand!

Whoever asked, yes most places will do laundry. ALthough you need to give them a couple of days notice if you are somewhere slightly remote. Like Korea, dryers are sort of a novelty so you need togive your clothes time to dry.

I was there last June and it was bloody HOT! Take as many cotton dresses as possible. You will be sweating like a pig so you might as well have something that will breathe. Just beware that at temples, you have to have something covering your knees and elbows (they usually rent clothing though).

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

Thailand has Boots the Chemist, so yes, you can buy a lot of stuff there.