The Mid-Lifers

Thailand is generally not a tipping culture. That said, the service we received — in hotels, restaurants, on tours, and with transportation — was so exceptional that we couldn’t help but show our appreciation. Most tips were accepted graciously. In a few instances, however, we sensed it wasn’t customary, and in Railay a server at the Sunset Restaurant politely refused our tip. As always, use your discretion.

 Bring plenty of cash. I preordered a significant amount of Thai Baht 2 weeks before our departure. We paid cash for both accommodations in Khao Sok National Park, the private long-tail boat, several meals, and tips. 

GRAB functions much like Uber and includes a cash payment option. We had frequent issues with the app and often ended up paying cash instead.

ATM fees are high, so withdraw sparingly. ATMs at 7-Eleven locations, banks, or inside malls seemed the most reliable.

 We packed far too much. Thailand is very casual. Bangkok is more of a mix—people who dress up, really dress up—but only one dressy outfit was needed for special dinners. Otherwise, bathing suits and casual clothing were sufficient.

In Bangkok, wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off, as footwear must be removed frequently. Even though I had read this ahead of our trip, I didn’t do wear slip ons, and regretted it.

 Do not use tap water—even for brushing teeth. Use bottled water only. All accommodations provided bottled water (some daily, some once), but I always made sure we had extras on hand.

We were careful with drinks containing ice and only accepted poured water at trusted locations. Otherwise, we ordered bottled water exclusively.

In many places, toilet paper should not be flushed. Instead, used tissue is typically disposed of in bins beside the toilet. It’s also wise to carry your own tissues, as many restrooms do not provide paper. Running water isn’t always guaranteed depending on the location, so keeping hand sanitizer or wipes with you is a good idea.

There’s no way around it — dealing with a 12-hour time change in our 50s was not easy. We found that the best approach was to jump right back into your normal routine once home. You’ll likely find yourself wide awake at 3 a.m. for a few days. But the experience Thailand gave us — all the firsts, the cultural immersion, and the memories of a lifetime — made every second of lost sleep completely worth it! Have a great trip!!!