Some basic info here: I’m considering travelling the country for a month starting from the last week of January to the last week of February and have many questions.

38, 6’3”, 270lbs, English/poquito Español single/solo, enjoys nature and wildlife; land or snorkel. Lover of landfood, I’m not a late night partier but enjoy drinks and being social with locals, not looking for sex/prostitution but am open to meeting a local single girl to socially hang out while taking in the local scene.

Would like to stay in 4-7 different areas of the country while taking in day trips in each area. I am not looking to stay anywhere fancy, just safe/secure for me and my belongings. Not a fan of hostels. Air bnb fine

Chang Mai flower fest first week of February is one event I’d like to see. Have read about taking the night train from Bangkok so you arrive in the morning. Would like to do at least 10 days of snorkeling/beach time.
Elephant and other animal sanctuaries are a must see as well(no riding) Not a religious person, so temples are not anywhere high on my list, but not opposed to seeing something spectacular.

Food, I’m looking to enjoy local cuisine but not seafood due to the occasional(weird allergy which can sometimes cause anaphylaxis) reaction.

I will number each question, which will make replies easier/shorter

1. What gifts/tokens of appreciation would be appreciated by locals that I can bring from Canada?

2. Is 50000 baht enough for food/accommodations/travel/day excursions when avoiding tourist based “senior frogs” stuff

3. What are some important things to bring that some travellers overlook? (Cream for sandfleas, sun lotion, pepto bismal, antacid)

4. What’s the best company to get a sim/esim when arriving at Bangkok airport?

5. Are there any apps to use to make my life easier while in the country. Like language translators for text or transportation companies

6. What are some must see things to take in while in Bangkok?

7. Same question but Chang Mai?

8. As a solo traveller who’s going to stick out like a sore thumb in a crowd, am I more susceptible to pickpockets and scammers?

9. Is it better to wear thing to identify me more as Canadian? Like Blue Jays or Maple leaf clothes?

10. What other places like Phuket and Turtle Island should I avoid due to safety and tourism crowds/prices?

11. What areas would be recommended for snorkeling from the beach?

12. Would like to swim with the bioluminescence, recommendation’s?

13. Any scenic railway journeys or are they best done at night in the sleeper for longer stretches?

14. Should I bring a laptop for evening entertainment or a cell phone good enough for a month?

15. What are some of the best souvenirs to bring back that will survive a few flights? Food counts here as well

16. What is laundry situation there? Is it cheap to have someone wash it or just do in the sink at the hotel myself?

17. What excursions are not worth it?

18. What food should I avoid (illness, taste, mystery meat)

19. How much is the average cost to hire a driver for a day?

20. Is the moon fest worth going to if observing more from the outside?

21. What are some safety “NO-NO’s”

22. What are some culture “no-no’s” other then temple stuff.

23. Clothing recommendations for a XXL-XXXL guy who gets hot and easily perspires, what to pack and what can I buy there?

24. Foot ware recommendations (size 14 US)

25. Suitcase and travel case or 55L waterproof hiking bag and day pack?

26. Want to upgrade to a new/used cell phone, iPhone 13 pro/promax, should I buy there or here for 21,000 baht($800CDN)

27. Best app for finding local accommodations?

Thank you all, to any sound advice you can provide.