Place to stay/things to do in Thailand

Nb4ladyboys.

But really, im very jealous. Thailand is high on my list. Definitely find a place to play with baby elephants and tigers.

LINK

Most tourists want to go ride elephants in Thailand. Here's an article going into more detail about why it might not be a great idea.

I had to jump off my elephant in Thailand last fall. Will never do that shite again.

If I had 2 weeks in Thailand I would do 4 days in Chang Mai, 4-5 days in either Phuket area or Krabi and 3-4 days in either Koh Samui or Siem Riep Cambodia depending if you wanted to see temples or just relax on a different beach area of Thailand. I love Krabi personally but we just got back from an island called Naka Lai just off Phuket and the resort there is awesome.

Here's what I can offer from personal experience. I went for two weeks in Sept 14 and two in October 15.

Bangkok Air. Start your planning here. Convenient, inexpensive and reliable. Easy to book on the fly. Legit service and damn good thai food (for an airplane). Hell, on my first BA flight, they fed all 120 of us a shrimp pad thai on a 40 min flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui. Delicious. Time to get serious...

Bangkok: Take a bike tour with Co Van Kessel. Cruise around Bangkok on back streets and alleys. On the longer tours, you'll cover serious ground, see plenty of sights - both tourist highlights and some off the beaten path. Great culture and just plain fun. Bring a camera or strap on a gopro.

Bangkok is overwhelming, too much to see and do in too many varieties. I kept it simple and enjoyed some of the slower-paced areas of Bangkok along the Chao Phraya from King Taksin bridge north. Walking, eating, drinking, photography, markets (railroad market is ok). At night, great views from rooftop bars like upscale Skybar or the much more chill scene along Pra Arthit Road, e.g., Jhamjun Bar & Bistro.

Thailand Beach Experience: again, so many options, so little time. I recommend Krabi region (specifically Railay, Phra Nang), and much moreso over Phuket. Perhaps you can spend your last night or two in Phuket and fly out from there, as I did. From Ao Nang to Phra Nang, easy access to jaw dropping landscapes in Railay and Phra Nang specifically. And plenty of area to roam, hike and explore. It's a popular area, but not overrun. Very chill in the evening. Not much nightlife, but if it's your style, you will definitely make some new friends for beers and music along the beach. And then there's Ton Sai. If you want to head off the grid for a real Thailand backpacking experience, this is the place. I went in rainy season and it was a strange place. Interesting, in a good way. Primitive, and full of magic.

From there, head northwest beyond Ao Nang and Krabi town, there's a stretch of lodging area of hotels in/around Phulay Bay. We stayed at a place called Tubkaak, which offers a variety of modest/simple rooms and more upscale villas. What I liked about it was the blend of international travelers, from all walks of life. Felt like an upscale summer camp. I recommend the area, generally. Good hiking in your backyard, or you can chill on above average beaches, whistle for a longtail boat when you need one. Short ride out to Ko Hong, Phak Bia, etc. And instead of going all in for a single, multi-island excursion, if you find a reliable captain you can find your favorite, hop around as you please.

I spent 5 days in Koh Samui. It all boils down to due diligence, i.e., finding a beach (area) that fits your style. Access to Samui is simple. While it can be a fast and pushy place at times, there's plenty of chill and serenity (again, due diligence). There's the party scene on neighboring island Pha Ngan (Haad Rin) and while I didn't participate, there were some "lite" versions on Samui beaches offering a taste of the experience. If I recall, Pha Ngan has a new airport, making it easier to access, and there's an improved selection of accommodations for all budgets, and non partygoers. May be worth a look as you could see both Samui and Phangan for a few days plus an excursion to Ko Tao.

My final advice: if you plan to splurge on one meal while you're in Thailand, it's Gaggan in Bangkok. Indeed, a name drop the likes of Dorsia, perhaps, but make no mistake, this place beats the hype. Gaggan is the most creative and interesting food experience I have had, anywhere, ever. Prix fixe meals flow thematically and musically, like a psychedelic juggernaut. At $110 for a 15 course show, you can't beat it. Wine is where they'll get you.

Places I researched extensively but did not go (not enough time):
Ranong and nearby parks
Koh Kong, Ko Kut
Koh Lanta

Enjoy your trip