Anyone ever been Thailand?

[karldew]

Off Thailand in may and was wondering if anyone has any tops on things to do? Things to stay away from?
Cheers

[Muttley]

Stay away from girls with Adams apples!

Things to do depends on where you're going and/or what you want to do.

[BobG]

Just wander the country. It's fab. Don't, whatever you do, stay in Bangkok all the time. Massive, hot and sometimes nasty. And don't go down south - although a peace 'treaty' has just been signed a couple of weeks back a low grade war was still going on. Nice country though. I could happily live there.

BobG

[bigbadjack]

Had an amazing time there Bangkok is like Amsterdam on acid!!! Bought the best suit for the cheapest price and I only went out for an ice cream! Phuket and all the small islands are amazing so beautiful and it's a cliche but the folk are really friendly!! And the lady boys are ace!!

[South West Rover]

I was there about 3 months ago for about a month and had a great time. 

Bangkok is OK and worth a few days, but the heat, stink and hassle from Tuk-Tuk drivers looking for business may wear you down quickly.  If you head north you can check out Chaing Mai which is pretty lively but not as oppressive.

Lopburi  is well worth a visit for the temples and the monkeys that live in and around the town (mainly hanging off the electric pylons!).  Keep an eye on what you are carrying as they WILL try and make off with it.

Pak Chong is a little way east but if you want to see the jungle it's a good spot.

South of Bangkok, as Bob G said, can be dangerous but this is mainly the towns near the southern border.  No further south than Krabi and you will be fine.  People may tell you there is nothing to worry about but there is no harm in being cautious.

Lots of people head to Phuket.  It's quite over developed now, so if that's not your thing, head to Chumphon and get the boat to Koh Tao.  It's a small island and still feels reasonably unspoilt despite the hotels and bars.  This is a great place to get your PADI diving certificates as it's incredibly cheap and the coral is excellent. If you don't have time for courses, just go snorkeling.

Use the train to go everywhere and pay for good seats.  You get fed, watered and a comfy seat for next to nothing.  I went from Bangkok to Chaing Mai and back again for around 15 quid.  The trains are often late though so have a very relaxed schedule!

This will be useful http://www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm#.UT3HjtYqyWw

Don't know what your budget is.  Accommodation is not expensive so always whenever possible, get a room with AC.  That is my best bit of advice!  Have a great trip.

[The L J Monk]

Depends very much what you're looking for, but really Thailand excels in so many areas.

Bangkok is alright for a few days. Great food, lively nightlife, cheap transport etc. But in May air pollution can be an issue, particularly in May when it will be scorchingly hot.

Chiang Mai is nice for a more relaxed vibe. You can go trekking in the hills, visit the night safari, the night market etc.

You could go to Gulf islands for some beach action. Samui (very western, alright beaches), Phangan (traditionally backpacker territory for full-moon parties) or Tao (very pretty, quieter but getting busier)

Alternatively, head to the west for Phuket, where, from my experience, it can be very Western. Wasn't my cup of tea, but if you wanted late night bar action, familiar food, all near a Spanish type beach with watersports, then it's got it. A lot of Russians and Finnish there when I was last there.

Phi Phi definitely worth a visit as well. Even if you don't stay, just to see the islands from the approaching boat, they are incredible.

Agree about catching the train. I've taken it from Bangkok, down across the border to Malaysia a few times, and its cheap and of a good quality.

And, unless you're buying something official like a train ticket, it's worth noting that prices are very flexible. Be prepared to haggle.

[CusworthRovers]

I found my first wife out there. A sweet local girl and very attractive. We had a lovely wedding day on the beach and sealed our marriage in the Bangkok Hilton. It was a night of loving and passion that had everything, including anal. It was strange at first, but after a few minutes it stopped hurting me

[karldew]

Thankyou all for the information!

Just been checking visas, is it right that if your stay is less than 30 days a visa is not required? also the flight stop is in dubai, I think the same applies for this?

thanks

[afro goal machine]

Pretty sure you need a visa. Pattaya has a good night life, just don't believe all the pilock from the locals. They'd sell their grandma if they could.

[The L J Monk]

For Brits, Thailand is a 30 day visa on arrival. Basically a stamp in the passport when you land. No prior paperwork required.