I will make suggestions only for backpackers b/c I don't have info on anything else! I spent five weeks in Thailand and got a good feel for the country but I feel I just touched the surface. Bangkok-BIG city with a lot of pollution. This is a good place to get situated but I would suggest no more than a day or two here. There is too much else to do elsewhere. 40% of police officers time is spent in the hospital due to the bad air (they work in traffic all day. But Bangkok does have its perks. People are nice BUT BE WARNED, I heard lots of rumors from female backpackers about near abductions when they are alone. I don't know if this is true and do not worry, just have your wits about you. Lonely Planet discusses this and they are by far a better authority than I. Just watch it.
This picture is of Wat phra kaew (Temple Emerald Buddha).
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(pictured here is Ko Phi Phi Lei in the south)
I will be a little broader than Bangkok because the city itself is vastly different than the rest of the country. Ko Phi Phi (Pee Pee) islands are among the most beautiful (The Beach is good to get an idea what it looks like...filmed there and on Ko Phan Ang) Ko Lantai is nice to get away and be secluded from everyone else (nice beaches, but make sure you get the right hostel). Phukett is a backpackers nightmare due to the development for cruise ships and the like. Ko Samui is a backpackers island but I would recommend using it only as a point to get to Ko Phan Ang. Coral Bay on Ko Phan Ang is beautiful and quiet as opposed to Hat Rin Beach which is know from extreme amount of booze to heroin. Careful here but check out the full moon parties if you are in the mood for a serious rager. NORTHERN THAILAND is completely different. Hiking in Chiang Mai (north of the city, go to the area of Pi (pronounced Pie) or just east of there.
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The food. To have Thai food IN Thailand. The people are very sweet especially if you get away from the tourist traps. Staying at smaller, family run hostels are great because you have a chance to play with the kids, get to know the family a little, and be more included in Thai culture as opposed to being some backpacker that just breezes through.
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Big Buddha, the Palace, check out China Town as well. All cab drivers will want to take you to the sex district AND THEN TO WHEREVER YOU WANT...no, they will only take you to the sex district, collect $$$ from the owner of the shop they drop you off in, then leave you...!
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Most definitely stay on Khao San Road. This is where all backpackers stay. It is nice because you don't have to deal with the problems one usually does when they are in a new, big foreign city. There are plenty of places just off from Khao San where it is quieter at night.
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Everywhere...Watch out for Singha's (Thai beer) competition (can't remember name). The beer has no regulations as to how much alcohol is in it. There were nights when I would have eight beers and didn't feel a thing, others when I was plowed after three. Just food for thought.
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Published on Wednesday September 18th, 2002
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9 votes
