I’ve been to Thailand many times (20+)…married to a Thai, dated many others.

For romantic and cool places to visit that are not the beach:
Ayutaya is very nice and hotels are immently cheaper than the beach areas. (Ever see Mortal Kombat – Ayuthaya is the place). Also the sex industry is toned down…really more for the locals and more discreet than any of the beach areas. Ayutaya is a short bus ride from Bangkok. If you go there make sure you take a boat ride around the city. You will see lots of floating restaurants and you can capture a phone number on your ride.

Chaing Mai is also very interesting. Mountainous region and the town is an asian version of a fortress city. Only ever went there for business but can’t wait to have an opportunity to be a tourist there.

Bangkok has a lot to do but it is a big city, not so clean at times. But you can spend days seeing stuff and shopping is great. On the street always offer half the asking price and negotiate from there – it’s fun.

Anyplace you go you should plan a formal, private tour early during your visit in the locale where you are going to spend the most time. Make arrangements at the hotel for a car & guide. Insist (politely) that the guide speaks good english. Tip the guide ($5-$10) driver too ($2-$5) and then talk up the guide with all your questions about all the fun things to do. No topic is off limits – except the King and Royal Family. They have a wealth of information and will feel lucky having you as a customer and will overflow with information. Keep a notebook handy. Make sure to ask about popular Thai entertainment – Thai music singers in particular. Your likely to get turned on to a very interesting show.

The private tour is very much worth the difference in price between bus tour. You will probably spend $20-$30 more total. The guide on the bus just can’t give you the individual attention.

Also make sure you get lots of massages…I get at least 1 per day…sometimes more…it’s not a sex thing if you don’t ask for sex…the girls are very discreet and will not insult your girlfriend by suggesting anything inappropriate. Trust me your feet will get tired and there is nothing quite like a spur of the moment foot massage to revitalize you and give you a 2nd wind. About $7.50 for an hour. Same price for a full body massage – maybe $2 more. If it hurts say "Jep Jep" and they will tone it down.

If you are up to splurge for around $80 you can get a half day spa treatment (2-4 hours, naked bath with your girl in flower scented water, steam bath treatment, spice body rub, cool music and soothing beverages – it would cost you $500-$800 to get the same thing in the states). Time span is up to you…if you are in a hurry then they will hurry but if you are calm and cool then it will last longer. They are happy to be busy. You will see lots of ads but ask the concierge or tour guide to recommend a nice place.

It is the land of smiles and you will want to smile a lot. Don’t be too direct to point out some short coming that is driving you crazy. Thai’s won’t confront you but if you treat them like you would an American doing the same thing then you won’t be respected and the service and price of everything won’t be as good.

You just need to gently indicate that the behavior (what ever it is) upsets you and it will change.

Have fun and next time plan a trip with your buddy…I would definately have different advice.
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But the Islands, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi have a beautiful view from the beaches. The Ocean is beautiful there I must admit.
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