Thailand is easily reached by bus from Malaysia (buses are cheaper and go to more destinations than trains). Local buses are almost half price of the popular minibuses and you get to see interesting places that you normally wouldn't and travel with the locals instead of backpackers (they're not as fast though).
Most restaurants in the hot spots have the inevitable videos running all day, so you end up choosing where to eat according to what movie is on rather than the menus (which are pretty much the same everywhere anyway).
Bangkok:
Bangkok is one of the big stops for backpackers and
Kao San Road is now legendary and quite an experience if you're interested in social studies.... In the middle of Bangkok one street really stands out by its unique atmosphere (good or bad according to taste). Kao San is not Thailand but something out of the ordinary - a backpacker's slum/heaven. Here you can shop all the "backpacker fashions", gather updates on destinations and trade books and experiences.
Bangkok is a big and busy city and you will probably not care to stay more than two-three days.
Where to stay:
On Kao San road there are so many options and your best bet is to ask around. Some places are infamous for thefts so take care!
What to do:
The Grand Palace is spectacular even from the outside and should be worth a visit. Apart from sightseeing, Bangkok is the place to shop for both things and info.
Getting there and away:
Most backpackers head north to Chang Mai or Chang Rai. This is hugely popular and probably quite a thrill but makes you wonder how anyone can believe the story about being the only westerns the tribes people up there have ever seen.... Still, visiting these tribes, riding elephants and rafting on the rivers should be fabulous.
Katchanabury is supposedly also worth a visit, not only to see the legendary Bridge over River Kwai , but for some beautiful waterfalls and scenery also.
There are buses to anywhere in the region from Bangkok, and also frequent but more expensive trains.
Bangkok is one of the big stops for backpackers and
Kao San Road is now legendary and quite an experience if you're interested in social studies.... In the middle of Bangkok one street really stands out by its unique atmosphere (good or bad according to taste). Kao San is not Thailand but something out of the ordinary - a backpacker's slum/heaven. Here you can shop all the "backpacker fashions", gather updates on destinations and trade books and experiences. Bangkok is a big and busy city and you will probably not care to stay more than two-three days.
Where to stay:
On Kao San road there are so many options and your best bet is to ask around. Some places are infamous for thefts so take care!
What to do:
The Grand Palace is spectacular even from the outside and should be worth a visit. Apart from sightseeing, Bangkok is the place to shop for both things and info.
Getting there and away:
Most backpackers head north to Chang Mai or Chang Rai. This is hugely popular and probably quite a thrill but makes you wonder how anyone can believe the story about being the only westerns the tribes people up there have ever seen.... Still, visiting these tribes, riding elephants and rafting on the rivers should be fabulous.
Katchanabury is supposedly also worth a visit, not only to see the legendary Bridge over River Kwai , but for some beautiful waterfalls and scenery also.
There are buses to anywhere in the region from Bangkok, and also frequent but more expensive trains.
I can really recommend the Krabi area. The limestone formations here are spectacular. Even though Koh Pee Pee is getting touristy now it is still unspoiled (NB! 1993) compared to Koh Samui and other hot spots. First of all there is not a single road on Koh Pee Pee and the snorkeling/scuba diving and fishing opportunities are really good. The scenery here makes it a true paradise island.The restaurants have today's catch on display - magnificent sailfish and marlin, and even sharks.
The island is shaped like an H with two beautiful long beaches - however one of them is for traffic with boats, the other is all yours for swimming and sunbathing. Don't miss out on the trek to the viewpoint.
Where to stay:
There are lots of cheap options for accommodation. Don't let the touts meeting you at the harbor fool you when they say everything is full (but they can find you a place of course). Just take your time and shop around.
Getting there and away:
There are boats to and from Krabi daily.
The island is shaped like an H with two beautiful long beaches - however one of them is for traffic with boats, the other is all yours for swimming and sunbathing. Don't miss out on the trek to the viewpoint.
Where to stay:
There are lots of cheap options for accommodation. Don't let the touts meeting you at the harbor fool you when they say everything is full (but they can find you a place of course). Just take your time and shop around.
Getting there and away:
There are boats to and from Krabi daily.
Koh Samui:
Phuket is supposedly now a tourist ghetto and I was advised to give it a miss. I ended up going to Koh Samui in stead. This is also quite touristy but has a fun and vibrant backpacker scene. The big beaches Chaweng and Lamai are the centres for all the fun.
Where to stay:
At Chaweng there are plenty of options. One of the cheaper is Cheap Charlie where I found huts for US$ 1,50. However I liked the atmosphere at Lamai more and would recommend it over Chaweng. It's easy to hitch hike between these two beaches, or you can take one of the frequent tuk-tuks. If you want more peace and quiet Mae Nam is just that but the beaches are not all that.
What to do:
Enjoy the beach life and the nightlife. Visit Koh Phangan (Hat Rin) for the full moon parties. Even if you're not a hippie devotee it's quite fun. There are boats from Big Buddha on the north-east side of Koh Samui
Getting there and away:
There are boats to/from Surat Thani and buses from there to wherever you are going.
Phuket is supposedly now a tourist ghetto and I was advised to give it a miss. I ended up going to Koh Samui in stead. This is also quite touristy but has a fun and vibrant backpacker scene. The big beaches Chaweng and Lamai are the centres for all the fun.
Where to stay:
At Chaweng there are plenty of options. One of the cheaper is Cheap Charlie where I found huts for US$ 1,50. However I liked the atmosphere at Lamai more and would recommend it over Chaweng. It's easy to hitch hike between these two beaches, or you can take one of the frequent tuk-tuks. If you want more peace and quiet Mae Nam is just that but the beaches are not all that.
What to do:
Enjoy the beach life and the nightlife. Visit Koh Phangan (Hat Rin) for the full moon parties. Even if you're not a hippie devotee it's quite fun. There are boats from Big Buddha on the north-east side of Koh Samui
Getting there and away:
There are boats to/from Surat Thani and buses from there to wherever you are going.
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