Thailand is very much geared towards tourism and there is (literally) a tour agent on every corner and in most hotels. I would not book onto a tour, but rather do a bit of research on the net and have an idea of the places you want to see, then arrange it when you get there - this will save you a packet. (BTW - I am talking non-mongering here as all the hot-spots have already been addressed).
Bangkok - great city with good mongering options and plenty of temples, good restaurants and shows:
Temples or Wats - see the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Pho are all stunning and close to one another. There are literally hundreds of others if this takes your fancy.
The River - it's fun to trek up and down the busy river during the day (you can combine this with the temples). Get a day pass from
http://www.chaophrayaboat.co.th/index.htm
The Floating Market - worth a visit early in the morning before the crowds arrive.
Kanchanaburi (?) - I took a great day tour a few years back to the 'Death Railway' where the japanese worked thousands of POW's to death in WW2. Includes the famous River Kwai. Very good tour and quite emotional for Aussies or Brits in particular. Tours to this area can include a trip to a Tiger Temple where you can pose for a photo with a sleepy tiger!
Pattaya - slightly cheaper mongering, an average beach, just 2 hrs from Bangkok:
There's a beach, so you can swim or relax there, Scuba diving (average), etc...
Phuket - great beach area:
Phi Phi Island - just paradise, beautiful beaches and perfect blue water.
Elephant tours through the 'jungle' nearby.
Some really good Scuba diving.
And, just for something completely different,
Chiang Mai - I think this is Thailand's 2nd biggest city, up north in the hills:
There are heaps of wats scattered throughout town.
Walk the moat and old city wall around the perimeter.
Elephant tours,
Zip-line canopy tour,
The 'Hill-tribe' tours - you may have seen pictures of the 'long-neck' people with the rings that elongate their necks - you can meet them!
Thai cooking class - okay, it sounds daggy, but you get to eat everything you cook!!
Beacuse it is up in the hills, CM is a bit cooler too.
Note - mongering options are limited in Chiang Mai.
Given that you are only considering a few days, I would recommend just going to Bangkok. There is lots to do during the day and the mongering here is the best in the country. If you can stay for a week, consider 2 or 3 nights in Pattaya. I would only include Phuket (or Chiang Mai) if you are considering a second week or more.
In terms of security, I have never had a problem. Just use common sense.
Also there is a pretty handy bus that runs from the airport into town. The AE3 bus takes you right into action central with a few stops near the top end of sukhumvit rd. just follow the signs in the airport.
http://www.bangkokairportonline.com/node/55
Hope this helps bro and have fun!!
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Last edited by lister01 at 18-12-2009 09:34 ]