Your first stop will be in the capital, Bangkok and you should plan to stay there for a few days, especially if this is your first visit to Thailand. There are river boat dinners, short ½ day trips to beautiful temples, and longer jaunts to the old capital, Ayudhaya, or visit the site of the Bridge on the River Kwae in Kanchanaburi for some WWII history.

For a very laid back vacation (my favorite), head to the northeast to an area referred to as Isaan (or Isan, or Esarn). This is a an area that includes Udorn Thani, Korat, Khon Kaen, Surin and some more smaller towns and villages. The pace is slower, the people friendlier and the cost of living about 50% less than in the touristy areas.
I have been to Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui, Bangkok and many other cities in the Land of Smiles. My favorite is Khon Kaen. Located about a 55 minute flight from the old Don Muang Airport, Khon Kaen is an excellent mix of old and new.

Phuket, is the largest island in Thailand. Its old name was Ta-lanf the word is derived from the old Malay Telong which means Cape. Phuket Island runs 48 kilometers north to south and 21 kilometers east to west. It is broken by a chain of mountains and valleys. The tallest peak, Mai Tao Sip Song is 529 meters. And 30 percent of the island is flat land located mainly in the central and eastern. Phuket’s beaches have the powdery sand, blue-green water, casuarinas trees, palm trees and strutting mynah birds, yet each is unique and each satisfies a different kind of traveller. Most of the beaches are located on the west coast of the island. The greatest concentration of shops, hotels, and restaurants are located around Patong.

Patong is the centre of the island’s night life scene. Bars in Patong can be divided into go-go, beer bars, bars and regular bars. The road around Bangla road is only about half a kilometre and is pedestrianised in the evening making it easy to walk around and bar hop. Pool and Sports Bars will show live sports matches from around the world. Go-go Bars are where girls dance on stage wearing nothing more than a bikini, or even less. The girls can spend time with the customers when they are not on stage and, the girls can have lady drinks bought for them and are available for take-out. Prices for bar fines and drinks are higher than in beer bars. Beer Bars are usually a small bar with a few stools. You can have a beer and play games or chat with the ladies working in the bar. If you like the girl and enjoy her company you can buy her a drink for which she earns some commission.