Bangkok

What interesting towns or cities within Thailand are often overlooked, but should not be missed in your opinion? and why?
People stay in Bangkok a short time, but can do a lot of interesting side trips. We offer a floating resort on the River Kwai with soft adventure (ie. walking, short distance biking, etc.) There is a tiger rehabilitation center with forest monks that one can stay over at. Experience Thai way of life with Thai massage, Thai cooking, etc.
Stay with local villagers near to the floating market.
Cha Am and/or Hua Hin are great beach areas very close to Bangkok. The King has a place on the beach in this area.
Koh Tao: A very small island accessible by ferry only. This is for those who like to really lay back, and has nice snorkeling. I know of a nice boutique hotel with bungalows here.
Phi Phi island: close to Phuket... nice beach, quiet island.
Krabi: Becoming a climbing Mecca.
Chaing Mai: the area north of this town is full of eco/soft adventure like hill tribe villages, farm visits, river rafting, trekking, kings garden project, etc. Then there is the town itself with its night market, a great shopping experience. There are also very good lodging values in this town.
Mae Sai a border town with local markets.
Mae Hong Son a starting place for the long neck people.
We have an award winning(Conde Nast) hill tribe village. It gives one a sense of village life in a truly unique lodging environment.

There is so much to do in Bangkok, but if you only had one day what would You do? And why?
Rose garden/floating market a very different experience of handicraft, and a experience of the old culture of this land.
Alternatively: The standing, sitting Buddha, royal palace and Wat Po go to the heart of Thai culture. Get a great Thai massage at a world famous Thai massage school, and Jim Thompson's house.

If a client wanted to tour ancient ruins in Thailand what advice might you give to ensure a positive and successful trip?
There are tours to ancient capitals, and the stone embroideries that can be done in short tours from Bangkok. There are also tours to the North, ie. to Chiang Mai via the ancient capitals. It's always easier, and you get more out of this type of touring, when you choose smaller groups rather than large tour groups.

What kinds of things would you bring or remember to do before heading on a trip to Thailand?
Since the climate is one that is hot and can be humid, take cotton blends, light clothing, if you go up north and a light sweater for the evenings.
Lots of sunscreen, and the normal accessories that you pack for a beach/warm country.
Shots/vaccinations: I have taken shots in more than 12 trips to Asia...I defer that to the individual.

Any other useful information that you think potential travelers to Thailand would really like to know.
Drink lots of water when you get there, and while you are there. Do not abuse your body by eating too much soon after arrival, jet lag and foreign spicy food in a warm environment are not a good combination. The Thai people are a meek and generally humble people.
Thailand offers very unique spa experiences. Thailand has wonderful quiet beaches, and unique experiences up north. These two areas combined with Bangkok, offer a unique experience.
-Stephen Abelsohn, Rogue Travel