[Near Phuket Thailand] 5-Star The Haven Khao Lak 7-Nights For 2 People EXPIRED

I'll just say that after going to Thailand a few times, I disagree with most of this.

Bangkok is not just full of dogs. There are areas that have some dogs and plenty of areas that dont. It's a giant city. If you choose to stay in the backpacker areas, it will be crazier. If you stay in the financial district, it just looks like any other urban sprawl. It looks like Houston with crazier phone lines. Most people who visit Thailand like to get out of Bangkok as it is an urban center and not a zen vacation experience. So, see the temples and floating market if you want and then move along.

Pattaya has a bad reputation because it where simpletons go for prostitutes. There are taxis with prostitutes that are happy to pick you up and take you there. Its actually a pretty town, but I want little to do with it as the beaten path people go there and the beach isn't as nice as further south.

Travel light? Sure, that's always easier.

Don't wear jewelry? I guess if you are in Pattaya surrounded by lady boys that is probably good advice, but if you want to wear a watch or some earrings, you'll be fine in most of the country. You'd sooner be robbed in Chicago. Same goes with cell phones. You'll be fine to use it, but use the same discretion you would in NYC.

I highly recommend a sleeper train to Chiang Mai in the North and Railay and the islands in the South. If you don't have kids, don't hole up in a resort for 7 days. The catamaran rides to hop between islands are cheap. If you go in low season, there's no reason to book anything. you just show up. There's usually travel agent ladies at the tourist docks that will tell you what they have available. You can also just start walking into town. A current Lonely Planet guide will help you know what things should cost.

I have been to Thailand three times, Bangkok is not the place I would go back to. It's full of dogs (like the animals) that literally bark and howl all night long. If you want to have fun, go to Pattaya Beach. Travel light, only carry what you will spend in one day, and write down your hotel address on a piece of paper and put it in your pocket. If you get lost or something, never pull out your phone to ask for directions because you will lose it. Don't wear jewelry. Thailand is an awesome place as long as you understand some simple aspects. Vax is not required for entry into Thailand, but you must test negative within 72hrs before entry... that is acceptable to me.

Phuket, in for one!