How to spend a week in Thailand

Ko Samui

Definitely a good base for exploring the Gulf of Thailand. Crowded and touristy but the beaches are still pretty and you can eat spicy curries on mats right next to the water. While I was there someone was shot at the Green Mango bar so watch out! and like the rest of the country, there is a lot for sale that you probably shouldn’t buy…

Ko Phangan

Say what you want about the Full Moon Party, but it’s worth experiencing at least once. It occurs once a month and I actually found the day or two beforehand more fun that the actual party, which was insane. For a couple hundred Bhat you can purchase a plastic bucket into which you can dump red bull, alcohol, and whatever else you want to drink/consume. Just be careful that 1) you monitor what OTHERS put in your bucket and 2) you do not consume more than a couple buckets. And dance a lot!!

Rai Leh

A very pretty set of beaches on the West Coast of Thailand, but if you want a little more action, you’re probably better off going to Phuket. Whatever you do, DO NOT stay at Dream Valley (aka “Nightmare Crevice”), a horrible little place with damp, mosquito filled rooms. Plus you have to hike over a mountain to get there! There is one gorgeous and expensive resort in the area called Rayavadee that has possibly the best beach I’ve ever seen right next to it. Stay there if you have the money!

Bangkok

A crazy, crowded city that is certainly worth a couple days of your time. Sail up the river, see temples (I recommend one with a standing Buddha, followed by one with a sitting Buddha, and then cap it off with the elusive reclining Buddha), go see a zoo (especially snakes!), see muay thai boxing, the ping pong ball show in Patpong, and spend a little time with the foreigners on Khao Sahn Road. But then get out of there and go see something real!