Nervous first time Thailand traveller!

I have just researched what 'loss of face' means to Thais. I hadn't heard of this til you mentioned it, so thank you :-)

Sorry, I forgot Rule #1 on my reply. Never get angry in public with Thais and SMILE.
You'll never win an argument anyway.

You're welcome, learning few simple Thai phrases can also make your trip more rewarding and help deflect unwanted attention, here are a few I find useful:

If a tuk tuk driver shouts "hello where are you going" you could reply "dern len" - Walking for pleasure.

If someone is asking you to go somewhere you're not interested in try "bye lao" - Been already

or tries to sell you something you don't want try "mee lao" - Have already.

Say "krap" and smile after every phrase to be polite.

Also learn thank you etc. which should all be in your guide book. If you speak a bit of Thai you won't appear to be new to the country and will seem less vulnerable and thus be less of a target and genuine people will appreciate that you have made the effort.

Sorry, say "Ka" at the end of every phrase "krap" is male.

If you speak a bit of Thai you won't appear to be new to the country and will seem less vulnerable
Sorry, have to disagree. I speak a bit of Thai and it makes no difference to the way they treat me. However, doesn't hurt to learn a few phrases.

Hi Natasha!

First off - don't be worried! I was too before I went and was pleasantly surprised with Southeast Asia. I have felt more unsafe living in Toronto, Canada then parts of Asia I visited. Saying that, it's always good to use your common sense. If something makes your feel uncomfortable, or unsafe, remove yourself from the situation. Read the Lonely Planet book tips on safety and things to avoid. Some things that we were told that helped us out:

• Avoid tuk tuks in Bangkok or major cities
• Ask your hotel to help you get a taxi if you are scared of getting scammed, or ask your hotel how much a taxi should cost to your destination and barder with the driver
• Ignore people telling you to not walk a certain way because the street is closed, or a tourist attraction is closed. They are just trying to convince you to go with them to a friends tailor, or gem shop.
• Keep your passport, and valuables in your locker or safety deposit in the hotel.

A tip that always helps me with travel anxiety or fear is to do a lot of research before, and also know where you're headed at the beginning of each day. Having a plan, and mapping it out before you leave the hotel makes it seem less overwhelming :)

It is a hell of a long way to Phuket by bus. Flights are cheap - Airasia usually less than 1000 baht for internal flights.
I realize you didn't mention going there but in case you have a change of mind, forget the gulf islands (Samui and co) coz often wet at that time of year.
Chiang Mai prob be cool in the evenings at that time - pack a jacket.
Easy to find accommodation - use your legs.

Avoid tuk tuks in Bangkok. Cabs are cheap and if you hail one from the street you should not have a problem about the meter. Do not get a taxi that is sitting around somewhere - he is looking for a sucker.

My wife and I will be staying for the 3rd year in a row at Britannia Guest House in Chiang Mai. It is a good location in the north east corner of the old city. Not sure of your budget but check it out if you like. Were staying there Feb12>18.
Here is the link. Happy Travels

http://www.thebritannia-chiangmai.com/

Thank you for your advice :-)

Thanks for your advice. I think we're going to get a flight to Phuket/Krabi, it's cheap and saves a lot of time :-)