Wow!!! - Chris. Date of travel: Mar 2008
What a fantastic place! I had the benefit of staying with a friend who has emigrated to Pattaya and his Thai boyfriend. The whole place is so DIFFERENT! I experienced genuine Thai food as cooked by Rung (enough chillies to blow your head off!) Rung even arranged for his friend to be my companion for the trip. Can't wait to go back although the air trip is a bastard. One word of warning........you will be pestered to death by the beach vendors, although my genuine fake Rolex is still (just) working.

Northern Thailand - Mike Henderson. Date of travel: Jan 2008
My wife and I have just returned from a great trip starting in Bangkok, and travelling to Sukhothai, Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai. We did this using a private driver/guide, and I could not recommend this form of travel highly enough, as we learned so much more having our own 24 hour guide. His name was Mr Pronchadin "Joy" Potiya. Joy speaks good English, is well informed and a safe driver.

Off the beaten tourist path - Jane Jones. Date of travel: Nov 2007
Thailand is an excellent holiday destination, that has huge variety to offer - from little rural getaways to the most fashionable of hip nightclubs in the metropolis. I would recommend making the effort to combine the two: spend some time in Bangkok and then chill out in the unvisited Northeast!

Sun, Food and Smiles - S.H.. Date of travel: Nov 2007
Thailand has genuinely friendly people - all the more away from the main tourist centres.

Fun Cycling Trip in Central Thailand - Keatlover. Date of travel: Jul 2007
Thailand has been long time known as a country in Southeast Asia with warm hospitality, friendly Thai people and cultural richness to experience such as excellent foods, charming and exquisite Thai cooking, exciting Thai boxing, traditional Thai massage, Thai fun and exotic festivals, places rich in cultural aspects that become Thailand’s cultural attractions like temples, palaces, museums, houses and much more. More than these things are the rewarding abundance of natural resources, beautiful scenery, excellent food and accommodation. These things make Thailand a fantastic destination to explore by bicycle. There is a variety of cycling tour programs available to travelers to Thailand, who love biking and want to touch closely Thai people living, Thai houses and surroundings. This experience can make them very astonished. There are choices of biking trips throughout Thailand, in each region of this country. Biking trips in Thailand can range from cycling in cities, along canals, throughout villages, around historical sites, on biking national parks’ tracks, to beaches. Central region of Thailand, including Bangkok is one to recommend travelers who visit this metropolitan city with family, friends, or even on individual. If you get interested in trying a cycling trip in Thailand, soft and difficult (adventure) levels, I recommend Exotissimo. They are quite professional and reliable. They can tailor make your trip upon your request and preferences, one day or more, with a combination of activities and destinations, with a provision of guides who accompany with you during trips. For cycling tour, their guides can perform as both cultural guide and bike mechanic, and vehicles to support you.

Thailand rocks! - Joreen Blackmore, Rob Blackmore. Date of travel: Mar 2007
My husband and I went to Phuket for 8 days in March 2007 for a holiday. It was a completely new experience to what we were used to, but we loved every minute of it. We went on a sea canoe trip the one day - taking us into the caves - a scary, but excellent experience. Another trip we did was the island hopper where we went snorkelling around Maya Bay, Phi Phi etc. I would love to go back there anyday!!! We walked up and down Bangla Road every night - staring at the thousands of people. The best experience was our "scary" trip in a tuk-tuk - how lovely!! Definitely a MUST SEE and must DO!! Thailand rocks.

Pattaya the place full of smiles - Sue Thomson. Date of travel: Aug 2006
If you've never been to Thailand why not? What a wonderful place, the people are great and they make you feel really welcome. I have just come back from my second visit to this wonderful place - Pattaya. It's a bit like marmite you love it or you hate it. I have never had any trouble with looking past the busy night life, that can be a bit of a shock for the first visit, after a few days the loud calls from all the bars and the loud music just blend into the back ground. There some wonderful places to visit - one of the most breath taking places I found this time is the Sanctuary of Truth. The whole place is made of wood and is still being built, I don't want to spoil anything but it is a place to go and see for yourself... I will mention that I took 2 teenagers with me and they have come back with a new look at life so well worth it in my eyes. I will be going back just as soon as I can....

Hellfire Pass? - Be Careful who you book with - John. Date of travel: Apr 2006
I wanted to see the infamous Death Railway and attend an Anzac Day service there. I looked up the net to see who runs tours and found Hellfire Pass Tours. I booked through my travel agent and was charged AUD$590 for a three day tour. This price included the agent commission. I was in email contact with someone called 'Bruce'. When I was in my room waiting to be collected for the tour I received a phone call from 'Tony' that he was in the foyer. I went down and met Tony and asked him who Bruce was. His reply was 'Oh, that's me also!' I should have been a bit aware by then! There were 7 other people on my tour and we had a wonderful guide. However, very few arrangements had been made for accommodation. I was told I was sharing with a fellow male on the first night, this being someone I had never met before the tour. Inspection of the room showed it to be a double bed!!! We both declined and insisted on our own rooms. Our guide told us that the original bookings had been made by Bruce or Tony or whatever his name really is. The man himself actually arrived at this destination and immediately blamed everyone else for the error! He didn't sound very convincing! There were many other items which could be mentioned but maybe it is summed up by a comment 'Bruce' made to another traveller; "I'm just here to rip Aussies off!" Bruce is a New Zealander. At some stage I discovered that all the other members of my tour group had paid AUD$270, half of what I had paid. When I returned to Australia I emailed Hellfire Pass Tours and requested a refund of $270. Bruce aknowledged that i was due for a refund but over the following months every excuse was made as to why it couldn't be paid straight away. Eventually he stopped replying to my emails and even wrote an email to my travel agent telling her that he was amazed i was asking for a refund. He was very uncomplimentary to me in this email as well. On at least three occasions he has promised a refund and nothing has been forthcoming. I write this as a warning to any traveller wanting to see Hellfire Pass and the surrounding areas. It is a wonderful and inspirational area but DO NOT use Hellfire Pass Tours as Bruce or Tony has already stated his case, "I'm just here to rip off Aussies!" I am $270 down to prove it.

Wonderful Phuket - Mike Krogh. Date of travel: Apr 2006
We had a 10 night stay in Phuket at the Novotel and enjoyed every minute of it. The Thai people are extremely friendly and adapted to making tourists enjoy their stay. Be adventutous in your eating but also be careful - don't eat at places you would normally not eat at if at home. Prices are also very reasonable. We enjoyed a day trip out to Phi Phi including snorkelling and lunch on a beach - well worth the cost. We also hired a Jeep and did some touring of the island ourselves. One of the locals took us on a island tour as well. Phuket is safe and has recovered remarkably from the 2004 Tsunami. although some damage can be seen in the more remote parts of the island. We were in Phuket during the Songkran Festival (Thai New Year) which was a great fun experience. The weather was generally superb with very good weather and some quick thundershowers. Intention is to visit again this coming year.

Railay - Krabi - Lesley Thomas. Date of travel: Feb 2006
Railay was fantastic. We had never been rock climbing before but thought we'd give it ago after seeing others on the rock from our hotel balcony and we had so much fun. We climbed with Thai'd Up Climbing. A very small company but they were professional, knowledgable and were above all really nice people! Highly recommend Railay, Krabi, Thailand!

The ultimate travel experience - Jose Kokkad. Date of travel: Jan 2006
Thailand presents the ultimate travel experience. The country has innumerable Buddhist temples, beautiful beaches, diving and water sports, hills and trekking opportunities, historical sites and everything that a traveler could possibly want. The country certainly could do without sex tourism, though the industry is pretty well-entrenched. We stayed at Khaosan Road, an all-night scintillating place. The airport bus takes you straight there. Room tariffs start from 200 Baht onwards. People from all over the world come here to let their hair down. This place is not for the shy or the fearful. Budget travelers and adventure-seekers would love this place. Delicious Thai food is sold in roadside stalls and one can even get a generous serving of fried insects! The Wat Phra Keao, the shrine of the emerald Buddha is a must-see. Wat Po and Wat Arun are also worth a visit. The floating market is a delightful place. Bargain hunters make a beeline for the weekend market. Haggling is commonplace and buyers must beware. Rubies and sapphires are available aplenty but it is important to obtain a Certificate of Guarantee. Unwary shoppers are often hoodwinked and left with worthless baubles. The beach resort of Pattaya on the Gulf of Thailand is a fun-filled place. You can take a speedboat to Coral island off the Pattaya coast. You can go up in a parachute and down in a submarine. Or you can even go diving. This is a great place for water sports. Kanchanaburi on the Myanmar border is a historical site, where the Allied War Cemetery houses the mortal remains of thousands of young Allied prisoners of war who died under Japanese occupation during World War II. The scenic train ride on the Death Railway is a subduing experience. One is reminded that thousands of undernourished prisoners had died in the process of building the railway line and the Bridge on the River Kwai. A short drive takes you to the refreshing Sa Nok Yoi waterfall. The Tiger Monastery, where the monks co-exist with tigers is another interesting place. One evening my wife and I were returning to our hotel in Bangkok in a tuk-tuk (a three-wheeled car). The driver was a very friendly middle-aged Thai who asked us which places we had visited. When I named some of the temples and shopping centers, he enquired whether I had been to a live sex show. I replied in the negative. He took out some postcards with pictures and showed them to me. “Live shows very good in Thailand, “ he said with a laugh and a twinkle in his eye. Then he added cheerily, “Madam going room and sleeping. Sir and I go see live show.� I politely turned down the generous offer. Tour Operator: None

Aidan Dunbar. Date of travel: Jul 2005
As far as National Parks go, actually getting into Sai Yok Yai isn’t too easy. First of all there is a high probability that you will end up at the Thai-orientated Sai Yok Noi, which is about 33 kilometres up the road. Then, you have to make it to the park entrance. As a team of eleven 16 year olds in a foreign country with no real overpowering adult supervision (think ‘guidance’) we ended grabbing a bus to the National Park sign and a sky blue Isuzu ELF truck the rest of the way. Once inside the park it is noticeable how little there is to do – everything is centred on the waterfall - which turns out to be a bit disappointing in real life. The ‘nature trail’ is a path cut into the forest which is nice, it could do with being a bit longer though; the 2 kilometre walk doesn’t quite cut it. The multitude of caves around the area good to look in and climb through, one of them extending 80 metres into the rock face and dropping at least 30 and being home to the world smallest bat… Overall the park is a great place to be for a few days, just don't bank on being able to spend too long there. It gets quite cold between 3am and 5am and if you are in the river valley you may even see some mist. Relaxing and unwinding by just reading a book in a hammock strung between some trees is a great way to spend some time here. Tour Operator: World Challenge Expeditions (Team Challenge)

Aidan Dunbar. Date of travel: Jul 2005
Temperatures in the western provincial town of Kanchanaburi and surrounding areas can often reach well into the upper 30s. However, during the monsoon times there is still the obligatory 3:30-4:30 downpour that soaks everything in a matter of seconds. The history surrounding the province focuses mainly on the Japanese forcing the construction of the Railway link to Myanmar (Burma) the loss of life running into the thousands. The River Kwai runs through Kanchanaburi, and of course there is the tourist attraction of the Bridge over the River Kwai, featuring in the film of the same name. WWII history is a major selling point for the town, several war museums such as the Death Railway museum and the JEATH War Museums. One is just up from the Bridge, another a little further away somewhere near the cemetery I think. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that you need to visit them all. The Death Railway Museum was fairly new when we visited and the exhibits (while very wordy) are extremely moving. The roads are not too busy in the areas around the Bridge and the War Cemetery, and the town is overall relatively flat resulting in an excellent to escape the usual taxis and samlaws and to get out more on bikes. There is a bridge on the left about halfway between Apple Guest House and The River Kwai Bridge that takes you out into the surrounding countryside. If you get a chance to go cycling, definitely take it up. There are several guest houses along the river that offer “floating� accommodation. Apparently there are floating discos and stuff that disturb your sleep, though I suspect Lonely Planet may be wrong on this one (or our entire group sleeps extremely soundly). Near the bus station there is a café with a large coca-cola sign outside it which sells amazing coffee and ice cream. It is also air conditioned. Overall, Kanchanaburi is a really great place just to wind down a bit in without going the whole hog of the beaches. Tour Operator: World Challenge Expeditions (Team Challenge)

Karen, David Stevens. Date of travel: May 2005
My husband, I and 11 family members went to Pattaya for 2 weeks and stayed in the Dusit. The whole holiday from start to finish was excellent: hotel was first class, staff were first class, food was first class, something for everyone. Pattaya has lots for everyone: lots of bars and restaurants for night time and very very cheap. It was a very friendly place. Also in our group was my 75 year old mother-in-law and grandmother who also loved Pattaya. We would definitely go back again in a minute. There is a seedy side to Pattaya but it's just their way of life. There are women standing on the streets and girlie shows every where. It never affected our holiday one bit. We found it a facinating place. HIGHLY RECCOMMENDED. Tour Operator: Kuoni

The Land Of Smiles - Timothy P. Gregor. Date of travel: Apr 2005
Thailand is called The Land Of Smiles, and when you visit there you'll understand why. It is a country rich in Asian tradition, though accomodating to the western traveler. Five things to put on your "to do" list while in Thailand: 1) Take a gondola ride at the floating market 2) Visit the ancient city 3) Visit one of the many beautiful Wats (temples). 4) Spend a few days in one of the countries beach resort towns and take a day trip to the islands off the mainland. 5) Spend a day shopping and taking in the sights, sounds and delicious smells coming from the food vendors on Sukhumvit Road and Patpong Road. Buy! Buy! Buy!, and spend almost nothing. You'll feel like royalty for a day. Tour Operator: None

Anne Collins. Date of travel: Feb 2005
We travelled to Thailand in February 2005 where we stayed for 2 days. We found the city bustling as expected but it gave us a chance to see the temples etc., I would not recommend Phat Phong area it is very seedy. We then went to Koh Samui which we loved for 11 days. The island is lovely, beaches gorgeous, we stayed at Bophut Beach which in itself is very quiet but only 10 minutes away by car from Chaweng town if you want night life and noise. Tour Operator: Dialaflight

Lovely holiday - Louise Wilkins. Date of travel: Oct 2004
We stopped for one week in Bangkok at the Royal River hotel which was a great hotel it had its own water taxi we visited the grand palaces and temples which were fab. The Thai people were so friendly and made us feel like we were royalty after one week we moved to the Sofitel central hotel in Hua Hin which was a beautiful colonial hotel with its own baby elephant named Yogi. The beach at Hua Hin is not the best beach I have ever been to but the town is lively and the choice of restaurants were good. A lovely holiday overall. Tour Operator: Intasun

Bryon Pearce,Janet Pearce. Date of travel: Sep 2004
We stayed at The Regent Hotel Cha-am for the second time and we found the staff wonderful. They can not be more helpful and so honest.The food is excellent, you have choice of local and to the British taste, and so clean. We are going back again!! Tour Operator: sky travel

Robert Fournier. Date of travel: Aug 2004
The Therapat Lodge stay was very enjoyable and would recommend. Operated by a family, it is very clean and quite affordable. Located in the downtown Krabi, it is convenient if you have to stay overnight to catch the ferry boat to Phi Phi or Phuket. Tour Operator: Sawadee.com

Thailand perfect on a shoestring - Claire. Date of travel: Jan 2004
Thailand is a beautiful destination for anyone, whether you can afford the luxurious hotels or you are a simple backpacker on a shoestring budget. It is one of the most affordable places to travel with plenty of 'touristy' things to do such as snorkelling, diving, elephant rides, temple tours, Thai curry lessons and plenty of shopping, not to mention lying on the beach, soaking up the sun, marvelling at the breathtaking sights. I was there less than a year before the Tsunami and loved every second of it. The smells on the streets do take a bit of getting used to, as well as the sauna-like humidty in the air. But the beauty of this country and its people make up for the few negatives. I will definitely be going back in the near future and hope to experience a new, different kind of Thailand to when I was there three years ago, as I'm sure much has changed.

Emma Harewood. Date of travel: Mar 2001
Koh Samui is such a friendly island, extremely relaxed and good value for money. Everything is SO cheap. We stayed in the Amari Atrium in Chewang Beach, a traditional hotel with fantastic service, food and rooms. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff there. Chewang Beach itself runs along one road where restaurants and shops mingle with street stalls offering all sorts of wonderful gifts to purchase. We hired a jeep and toured the island (which only took one day)and saw the fantastic Buddah monuments and waterfalls that Koh Samui is famous for. Food there is varied, nightlife fairly lively in Chewang itself and beaches gorgeous. But most of all, that left the biggest impression on me.......The people are SOOO friendly! Tour Operator: Tradewinds