In June 2016 I took my long-awaited journey to Thailand and stayed for nearly a month. The tropical South Asian country was the first destination on my list of places I care to visit in life, partly because one of my closest friends from high school lives in the capital, Bangkok, and partly because I was eager to experience Asian culture. I backpacked through many locations of interest in Thailand, from the beach city of Pattaya in the South to the mountain city of Chiang Mai in the North. Here is a non-exhaustive list of what you should expect during your travels in Thailand:

1. Modernized cities. The big cities in Thailand, like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, aren't unlike cities in the U.S. Bangkok is a metropolis with high-rise skyscrapers, bustling streets, contemporary luxury condos and an efficient subway system. The abundance of mega-malls in Bangkok is overwhelming, and they are always swarming with people; it reminded me of the chaos that is Christmas shopping in the U.S., but every day.

2. An abundance of street food. On practically every street corner in every city and village, and on the roadsides in rural areas, you are likely to run into a street vendor selling anything from meat on a stick and Thai snacks to freshly squeezed fruit juice and vegetables. Be cautious with what you eat, however, because some street food can give you an upset stomach and leave you feeling nauseous.

3. Buddhist temples everywhere. Thai people are deeply religious, and at least 90 percent of the population of Thailand are followers of Buddhism. Buddhist traditions in Thailand extend back over a thousand years, and ruins of ancient Buddhist temples from the distant past are scattered throughout the country. Buddhist temples, both ancient and modern, are a must-see when visiting Thailand.

4. U.S dollars go a long way. If you're visiting Thailand from the U.S., expect your dollar to triple in value. A filling meal in Thailand will cost you $2 or $3 on average, and a pair of pants or shirt will cost you about the same. A night's stay in a decent hotel room costs anywhere from $15 to $20 a night. Of course, there are ways to spend a lot more, but budgeting in Thailand is much easier than elsewhere.

5. An inviting culture. From most places in Thailand, I was greeted with a friendly smile. The people were amiable, and I rarely felt uncomfortable or unwelcome. Perhaps others will experience things differently, but I was pleased with the cordiality I received.

6. Day markets and night markets. You can't visit Thailand without perusing through the marketplace, either during the day or at night. Foreign goods, inexpensive wears and savory treats are what you can expect from these outdoor attractions. There might even be an exotic pets section, but avoid it if the sight of small, frightened animals barred in cages would leave you feeling sad or upset.

7. Drivers are terrifying. Driving in Bangkok, especially during rush hour, is comparable to a Hobbesian state of war--it's everyone for him or herself. Traffic rules are regularly neglected, blinker signals are virtually non-existent, large trucks force small cars off the road, street bikers constantly swerve in and out of traffic and people run red lights all the time. The driver's seat is on the right side of the car, so if you're not used to driving on the left side of the road, it's probably not the best idea to get behind the wheel in Thailand.

8. Totalitarian monarchy. Wikipedia claims that Thailand has a constitutional monarchy, but it didn't seem that way. The country is ruled by the king who owns all land in Thailand. Portraits of the king are displayed throughout cities and towns, mostly in front of large buildings and places of business. Speaking badly about the king in public, if overheard and reported, can land you in jail. Movie theaters are required to play a short video clip dedicated to the king before the movie begins; everyone present is expected to stand in honor of his majesty.

9. High humidity. It's hard to prepare for Thailand's sultry climate, especially if you live in the arid desert of Las Vegas like I do. It doesn't require much more than a brisk walk outside to start sweating bullets, and the inside of an un-airconditioned condo feels like stepping into a sauna. Luckily, most indoor locations are kept cool, and the mall is often where people gather after school or work to take advantage of the refreshing A/C.

10. Attack of the mosquitos. Thailand is a breeding ground for mosquitos, and they will seize the opportunity for a fresh, foreign meal (i.e. you and me) any day. Bring several different kinds of bug spray with you on your travels, because the mosquitos have developed a resistance to Thai repellants.

This concludes my list, and I hope it helps you prepare for your adventures in Thailand. Safe travels!