Q1: Shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, Listerine and so forth are all far cheaper in Thailand. You come across these items everywhere, in the supermarkets, 7/11 stores on every street corner, and even little corner shops. So it doesn't make any sense in bringing these items with you, other than small quantities just for travel. You can also buy the sunblock & mozzie sprays in Thailand, however, I'm not sure if they're cheaper or more expensive here.

Q2: Unless you are a very large size you'll have no trouble finding plenty of clothes to buy, once again most clothes will be far cheaper than back home. I suggest bringing the bare minimum in clothing and buy lots of new things on your trip to wear and take home with you.

Q3: The weather patterns in Thailand tend to be a bit unpredictable. You can have sunny days in the wet season and vice versa. Yes, fly into Phuket, if you're not into the party scene try Karon or Kata beaches. Talk to people, check out the tour agents, there are cheap boats from Phuket to Lanta & Krabi.

Q4: Usually the rain will bucket down for an hour or two then the sun will come out. It can rain for days nonstop right at the peak of the rainy seasons, especially in the South. I can't recall ever being wet for too long.

Q5: Don't book accomm' & transport in advance. It'll cost you more and you'll probably regret doing so because you'll change your mind and want to divert somewhere else. You can get all your bus/boat/train tickets easily once you are in the country. Certainly you can rent motorcycles everywhere, also bicycles at many places. Having an IDP is a good idea. Just be careful, the traffic tends to be full on in thailand, even in the rural areas.

Q6: To the best of my knowledge it's only on the very remote islands that things close down during the low season. At Phuket, Krabi, even Lanta there are still plenty of places open.

Q7: Forget all about this idea. Even volunteers need to have a work permit or they run the risk of being arrested and deported. An absolute NO-NO don't go anywhere near this. Your visa is for tourism only, so be a tourist, and leave English teaching to the professionals.

Q8: You've had all the necessary shots, no need for anything else. Most Thais don't use anything, that's why you'll see Thais, especially the kids, with all sorts of scars and marks on their arms & legs from insect bites. Many tourists recommend using Deet. I live here and don't use anything unless I'm in a dangerous area like Koh Chang.

Q9: Massages all over the place, from top to bottom and left to right of the country, you'll have no troubles finding massages. In fact you'll get bloody sick & tired of being asked if you want a massage.