What to Bring
    There tends to be a pattern - the more experience you have at travelling, the better you are at leaving things at home. One of the most frustrating things about travelling can be carrying a heavy suitcase or backpack under the hot sun or in a crowded station. After you have done that once or twice, you quickly realize that in most situations, less is better. Therefore, concentrate on a few essentials and leave the rest at home. Chiang Rai is never really cold like Europe or North America so forget the heavy clothes and big jacket. The only time you would welcome even a medium weight fleece jacket or windbreaker is on a motorcycle or scooter tour in the winter where it would be nice to break the morning chill. In the winter, a light windbreaker can be handy if it is small and for bike rides, a light fleece makes mornings comfortable.
Bike - To bring or to borrow, that is the question. On all our bike tours, a bike is included BUT if you really enjoy YOUR bike and want to have the experience of riding it in Thailand we recommend getting a bike bag to pack it in. A bike bag is much easier than a box and you do not have to worry about disposing of the box or getting a new one at the airport. Also, with a bike bag you do not have to break the bike down nearly as far as with a box. The only negative thing is that you expose your bike to more scratches and dings during transit but we have found that for the amount of aggravation you save, it is well worth it.
     When making your decision to bring or borrow, remember, Bangkok is the last place you would want to ride a bike. Traffic and pollution are TERRIBLE. We recommend basing your decision on how much time you will be able to enjoy your bike as a percent of your whole trip. If less than 50%, leave it at home. More than 50%, it is up to you.
Sleeping gear - A down sleeping bag will result in a restless sweaty night. For our overnight tours, bedding is provided but you may want to consider an extra sheet or a light cotton sleeping bag if you tend to worry about who last used the blanket.
Sun protection - For someone coming from snowy, cloudy, winter gray skies, the sunshine of Thailand is one of the major attractions. However, don't get careless and spend the majority of your trip in pain because of too much sun. A baseball hat or wide brimmed hat is the only practical way to keep the sun off your nose and sunglasses are almost a necessity during the day because of the bright sun and reflection off the road. For scooter scrambling, motorcycle tours and biking tours, a light-weight, light colored LONG SLEEVE shirt with a collar is a plus to protect your arms and neck. Most people need sunblock if they have not seen the sun in a few months but if forget yours, don't worry. It is now available at many places in Chiang Rai including a great selection at Boots Drug Store and the prices are about the same as home.
Clothes - If you do not mind washing regularly, you can get away with 2 pairs of shorts, 3 pairs of underwear, 2 T-shirts, one pair of long pants and one or two shirts with a collar. Socks are not encouraged as your feet sweat a lot and you will do much better with open sandals. (see footwear). It is possible to buy clothes in Chiang Rai but they tend not to be very stylish (except for the handmade stuff) and the sizes are too small for a large foreigner. Bring your own swimsuit and swim goggles too. Rain gear is hot when you are active so if you can deal with getting wet, you will not need it except for the motorcycle or scooter tours in the rainy season. There is cheap plastic raingear available at the market that you can use and then throw away.
Footwear - Hiking boots are probably overkill as they weigh a lot and tend to dry slowly. A good pair of sandals or athletic shoes not made of leather is all you need. For scooter scrambling or motorcycle tours at all times of the year, we recommend some type of ankle supporting shoes or boots as the roads can be slippery from mud or dust.
    For relaxing at the end of the day and going to the shower, we highly recommend getting a pair of cheap flip-flops. You can pick them up for 20 baht.
Medicine and Dental- Almost all medicine you can buy at home you can buy here WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION! You just need to find a drugstore ("laan kai ya") and try to explain to the pharmacist what you want. Saline for contacts, dental stuff, feminine goods, etc. can all be bought here inexpensively. Dental care is cheap and good quality. If you have been waiting to get a cavity filled, now is the time.
Camera - Certainly bring a camera or your friends will never believe your stories. Digital cameras are great as you can see a picture right after you take it and decide to keep it or delete it. The Fuji Store near the Night Bazaar develops film and can turn digital pictures into prints. Film is readily available as well as video cassettes, however the cassettes are imported and are outrageously expensive so bring a supply from home.
Other things - Mosquitoes are fairly common but not overwhelming. If you want repellent, you can pick some up at Boots. A small towel goes a long way. Chiang Rai is a good place to get glasses or lenses as they are are cheap and good quality. Thai Chareon Optical at 236-7 Thanalai Rd will give you a discount of 30% off the price for eyeglasses and 20% for watches if you mention you saw this in adventurechiangrai. Ask for Manoot or call 053-711-348.