Thailand is often called the land of smiles, and rightly so. The place is a traveler’s haven and offers an outlet for every niche and craving in existence; whether you are seeking a release in its world renowned night life or a quite secluded getaway in one of its exotic islands to something spiritual, Thailand has it all. So what exactly can you expect when you get there? Read on!
Getting to Thailand is a breeze, with so many low cost airlines doing rounds daily from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Madras. Most people when coming here prefer to land in Bangkok’s Swarnabhoom airport, although the Don Muang Airport in Old Bangkok has also started catering to the international airways as well. Finding a hotel or a place to stay in Bangkok is almost too easy. Most of the tourists prefer to use a travel agent to get some tour packages for a more organized affair, while others book their reservations online and arrange for pickup at the airport.
The First Time Experience
First timers are often blown away by the sheer variety of experiences that can be had here! From its lively streets to its pristine beaches and its friendly people, Thailand can be a hard pill to swallow for some people. I will try and segregate some content based on what you might be looking for:
You Want Some Nightlife Action: Now I doubt there is anyone reading this article who has not heard of Thailand’s nightlife scene, the girls, the streets filled with vibrant energies and the many different people you can meet can be downright overwhelming at first. So if you have an appetite for partying and are looking to let off a little steam then check out the famous Nana plaza, Soi Cowboy and Pat Pong in Bangkok, which have regular bars, go-go bars and discotheques lined up on streets well over 1 KM each! Another famous destination for people looking for nightlife is Pattaya with its walking street which is a 3 hour trip from Bangkok as well as the island of Phuket which is one overnight train or bus ride south of Bangkok.
By far the greatest piece of nightlife action that you can get here are the full moon parties. These parties are held on the crescent moon shaped beach of Haad Rin on the island of Koh Phangan and are attended by 10,000 to 30,000 persons every month from all over the world. The party kicks off at dusk as the full moon makes a dramatic appearance over the horizon and continues into the night when it explodes into frenzied dancing as different dj’s take over the stage. Do be careful if you plan on going there though, all that energy can get to some people’s head sometimes and many end up getting injured.
You Are Looking For A Nice, Quiet Vacation With Your Family
Away from the maddening rush of the young and the restless, there is the peaceful 
and tranquil Thailand that few ever talk about. With tons of cultural and scenic vistas to indulge in, you can have an affordable vacation with your family which will still give you a lot to remember. Some of the more frequented spots in Bangkok are Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Phrakaew. While there, check out the statue of the reclining Buddha as well as the emerald Buddha which are worshipped by the local people. These temples also have elaborate depictions of the Ramayana carved into their walls and aspects of Hindu architecture can still be seen in the buildings. For a taste of history check out the River Kwai bridge in Kanchanaburi where the famous battle between the English and the Japanese took place.
If you want the best shopping deals then MBK and the Chatuchaak market in Bangkok can offer you great prices on anything ranging from (branded) clothes to electronic appliances. In fact it’s hard not to see Indians at the airport returning home with boatloads of Sony Bravias.
Next you have the beautiful and exotic beaches of Thailand; Pattaya is by far the most frequented town and its beaches are riddled with tourists and beach goers. You can also check out Koh Chang, Koh Samui, Krabi and Phuket which are further south. These beaches are way cleaner and less frequented than say Pattaya or Phuket so they are excellent for those looking for some unwinding.
Finally, maybe you don’t like the heat and the sun and maybe you are looking for some hiking action or a cool relaxing atmosphere up in the hills of Northern Thailand to relax and throw your feet back. If that is you then pay Chiang Mai and/or Chiang Rai a visit. These towns offer hiking trails which are pretty much unrivalled and have a host of low cost, yet high quality resorts for you to pamper yourself in.
You Are A Wanderer, A Backpacker Or A Spiritual Seeker
Have an undying thirst for exploration? Being a place which draws people from every corner of the world, Thailand can give you an experiential shot in the arm. A simple night out into the bars will bring you in touch with so many different types of people with so many different stories to tell that you are left with a deeper appreciation for the world we live in. The country’s rich Buddhist heritage is also steeped in tradition and mythology; people coming here often describe their experience as one of peacefulness and settling of all longings, maybe that’s what you are looking for too?
Some Things To Be (Very) Careful About
Look out for tuk tuk drivers offering incredibly cheap deals, those are almost certainly scams designed 
to take you way of course to every restaurant and shop the drivers have a tie up with so that they can receive kickbacks, while you waste your time. Next DO NOT start an argument with taxi drivers if there is a dispute over fare. Try your best to stay respectful and polite, many tourists end up getting into a tussle with taxi and tuk tuk drivers when they don’t agree on a price, remember this is their country not yours so it is best to avoid confrontations.
In recent times jet skis and tuk tuk mafias have plagued the island of Phuket so read up on that before you go there; in fact its best to avoid them entirely. Also know that the Thais hate haggling over prices (in fact they have a special dislike for Indians on this matter) so try not to be a cheap Charlie, not saying you can’t ask for discounts, but don’t say stuff like “I will give you 200 Bahts” when the cost is a 1000.
In the end, be sure to keep your wits about you and travel with an open mind and you will find your travelling experience rewarding and fulfilling. While a few days are not enough to get a full scoop on a place and its culture, Thailand with its incredibly wide variety of experiences to offer will still leave you enthralled!