Thorn Tree travel forum

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You said you would like to see some of northern Thailand. Chang Mai would be a good place to do some day trips from. If you put Chang Mai in the search box on this thread you will get lots of info on accomodation, restaurants, stuff to do, etc.
Meeting fellow travelers staying at these places is easy. As far as travelling alone is concerned, that's not a problem. There are many many people travelling alone out there. Sharing info and ideas at a cafe is a good way to find out what's happening locally.
Your wheelie suitcase----- If you plan to do any backpack-type on foot overnight trekking that would be a problem. If your luggage is used just to get your stuff from the bus - train station or airport to your hotel it will serve the need. On day trips you don't want to haul all your stuff with you. A small day-bag is all you need.
Your "suitcase image"----If someone were to consider you somehow less than worthy because of your luggage, please allow that person to have their problem. Don't waste any of your energy on them.
Enjoy your trip. Bob

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Hey there

I went to Thailand by myself for the first time when I was 27 too. Was scared out of my mind, but it is such an easy place to travel.

I was recently there for 5 months this year and have some good info on a few of my favorite spots.

Don't worry about the rolling suitcase, there are many kinds of travellers there and I think the next time I go, I'll leave the pack at home because you will buy so much and your pack would weigh a ton.

Chiang Mai has amazing shopping too. Night Bazaar and Walking Street on the weekend.

We stayed at the Prince Hotel, it had a pool and it rocked. Highly recommmend it.

Anyway, here's a link to my blog with more info.

Have a great time

http://blog.thenakedelephant.com/

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I was wondering if anyone can give me advice about the North Thailand thing and just general advice really

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Start in Chiang Mai, read Travelfish.org on some ideas for accommodation, stay in or near the old city area, travel to Pai and/or Mae Hong Son to do a tour or trek, visit waterfalls, hang out, and stuff.

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Also- will I look a fool with a holdall/ wheelie suitcase instead of a backpack?

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When trekking nobody brings all their stuff no matter what their main type of luggage. So you don't bring all your junk, just some clean underwear and a sweater and some other stuff that would nicely fit into a day-pack.

Personally I think a wheeled suit-case (carry-on size, no need to go big) is best. Though there's a limited but definite set of circustances for which they're less convenient such as jumping out of boats and wading to the beach, and beaches themselves.

For such occasions my wheeled suitcase ALSO has backpack straps. It's like the Transformers movie, but better.

Check out pics and reviews of all kinds of food at chanchao.fotopages.com. Get the Thai Travel Menu, a printable bilingual menu to help you order great food off the beaten path.

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I see quite a few travellers with the rolly bags. As Chan said, only a problem if you have to walk rough areas.

Beaches and Islands Info
Wet Season Info
Some Tips on Not Drowning

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Me 2 with the 27 year old woman...first time traveling solo...headed northward to Chang Mai then Mae Hong Son area around mid august....I can't wait...definitely in need of a vacation but also equal trepidation ....although I'm sure I'm in for a trip of a lifetime :)....maybe we can meet up for a drink :)..........ps first thing I'm headed to Elephant Nature Park north of Chang Mai....from what I've read (initially through thorn tree) it is an amazing experience...i cannot wait!

Teresa

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The wheels are for whimps and girls ;) so I got my wife this wheeled backpack because she is both. It has zip away straps as did her old no-wheeled pack.

tezza:

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as Chan said, only a problem if you have to walk rough areas.

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That is why you want one with both straps and wheels.

If you wonder why some (me) choose no wheels, it is because the wheeled pack is heavier than the exact same volume pack without wheels. So it would depend on how strong you are and how much you carry it.
Many folks go from the taxi to the hotel. Some go off road so to speak. So it depends on you. I choose not because I am not a whimp but the wife loves the wheels.

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This is all really helpful advice thanks guys! Might stick to the half empty wheelie suitcase as I do love to shop- especially if it's cheap!

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Might stick to the half empty...

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Good idea because you can get things you need as you go. I like the detatchable daypack on the wheeled pack because I start out by putting it on the inside forcing me to pack light, then later attatch it on the outside.
As for shopping, I always mail a bunch of stuff home instead of carrying it along. What I gain on the way is stuff I get to use, like a sarong, towel etc.

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Oh definitely the rolling bag with straps especially if you're going to Railay Beach and you have to walk your luggage off the long boat in knee length water! Thankfully my superman boyfriend was there for me when we were there recently! Other idea maybe take a small bag and then buy a rolling bag when you get there???