Here's the thing about Thailand: every twenty-something who wants to show off and try to be a traveller goes there. When they come back it's all one big success story of a wonderful time with a little bit too much alcohol and a whole lot of awesome people.
Here's another thing about Thailand: every traveller over thirty is also completely obsessed with the place. Nothing but great reviews from them: 'Thailand has the most amazing nature/culture/cities!'
Now don't get me wrong, I like Thailand too. I can see where all those people are coming from. Thailand is pretty great. But to be honest, all I can do is laugh when I hear others talk about their trip to Thailand as they went to heaven on earth. Where are all the practical, funny and somewhat gross things about travelling in Thailand? Well, in case you're wondering the same thing, here they are! Because travelling in Thailand is pretty awesome, but there are some thing you should know before you go!
While we're on the topic: I like toilets with toilet paper. I know that's a weird thing to say, but think about it: you appreciate toilet paper too and you probably don't realize it until there is none. Which could totally happen in Thailand. Sometimes there's toilet paper, sometimes there isn't. Sometimes when there is toilet paper you can't flush it because it'll clog that toilet and you'll have to throw it in a bin next to the toilet instead (wonderfully hygienic, I know). Sometimes there's no bin and you have to flush it anyway. But wait, there's more! Sometimes your toilet is just a hole in the ground, like in France! In that case you have to scoop water out of a bucket to 'flush' the toilet. So you see, going to the toilet can become quite a complicated situation. Do check what kind of toilet situation you're dealing with before you find yourself needing a bathroom and not having all the... let's say 'necessary equipment'.

Now what happened to me was this: for one night we stayed with locals in a mountain village near Chiang Mai. As usual I'd left my flip flops outside. When I had to go to the bathroom, they were gone. Then my hostess walked past me - on my flip flops! After a while, when she didn't need them anymore, she put them back and I quickly put them on. When I returned to the room, she was wearing my mom's flip flops. Moral of the story: keep an eye on your freaking flip flops!

There are 7Elevens at the corner of just about every street. You can apply for a visa upon arrival. Most of the stray dogs are adorable, some, just a few, are pure evil. Boats are safe, even though they might look like floating death traps. The humidity will try to kill you. Women can't come close to monks (no idea why). There are loads of small travel agencies where you can easily by tickets to other places in Thailand. Stepping on money with the king's face on it is a big NO. Wear a shirt with sleeves and long pants when you want to visit a temple. And did I mention the humidity will try to kill you?

As you can see travelling in Thailand isn't all rainbows and unicorns. Rain and elephants would be more appropriate in this case. But with a bit of preparation you'll have the time of your life in the kingdom of Thailand!