Thailand has been a popular backpacker and then luxury vacation destination for quite a while. I first went there ten years ago and since then it is unrecognisable.

A fast developing country with a knack for being able to appeal to both the budget and the super luxury market.

My favourite places are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Mak, Khao Yai and Koh Tao - these are covered individually.  People often ask for an Itinary for Thailand and I would recommend to do it justice you need two weeks minimum. Two to four nights in Bangkok work at the beginning and end of your trip. Chiang Mai is a one hour flight from Bangkok and I would recommend three nights here. Koh Mek or Ko Tao (Both if you have time) again three nights just to get the most out of them. Khao Yai - two nights suffice.  If you have time then Phi Phi Islands are amazing - totally touristy but also totally beautiful, Krabi is really nice and great for exploring, Koh Samui if you want something a little more developed. I’ve heard amazing things about Chiang Rai and Koh Chang. Konchanaburi is pretty special - basically - I needed more time! My advice is to pick two to three places and spend time exploring.

Thailand is as safe as you make it. Watch your personal goods, always use the safe, don’t flash your cash and most importantly don’t be rude or aggressive. Greet every situation with a big smile and you can’t really go wrong.

English is spoken in most places although I have found that less people working in tourism in Bangkok speak English than in other places that are probably more dependent on tourism. Google translate will be your best friend or download a Thai language app prior to travelling so you can at least learn some of the basics (Left and right, where is etc..)

There are ATM’s all over, usually at a Mini Mart or 7/11. SCB are probably one of the easiest to identify as they are bright purple. There are also plenty of money changers in touristy areas and larger hotels however the rates might not be great in the BTS stations in Bangkok there are SCB money changers too which probably have the best rates. Personally I use a credit card or withdraw cash.

Generally most streetfood and touristy items are cheep. Regular stores, restaurants and bars can be expensive, not everything can be haggled, and if you are haggling try to keep in mind the value you’re being offered.

Transport

In terms of transport GRAB is pretty big in Thailand and is good for knowing and agreeing on price before jumping in a car. Taxis on the islands (Phuket, Koh Tao etc can be VERY pricy). As always - if you’re arriving at an airport book an airport transfer for pick up rather than risk negotiating with a taxi driver after a long flight. Car Rentals are also fairly easy - Europcar is my favourite - mainly because they take a debit card and are just super efficient and easy to use. 

Domestic flights are cheap and pretty efficient with the exception of Bangkok air.  Nok air are my first choice and then Thai Lion and both do flights to all domestic destinations.  Note that in Bangkok there are two airports, Don Muang is the smaller but does do some international flights and is the main base for Air Asia, Savarnabhumi is the main International airport but also services some domestic flights.

There are loads of decent tour operators online which run busses and offer train tickets, usually you need to pick tickets up in person. 

Eight years ago I took the overnight sleeping train from Bangkok to the port for Koh Samui and it was a lot of fun, from Arm chairs that turned in to beds Harry Potter style to overnight discos and Thai whisky - if you’re up for that then it’s definitely an experience.