Ways to be a Thai

• Have fun - the general attitude of Thais is that if something is not sanuk (fun) it is not worth doing.
• Stay cool, as overt displays of public affection or, far worse, anger, are frowned upon; smile and keep your temper at all times.
• Show respect for the monarchy, especially King Bhumibol and his grandfather, King Chula-longkorn (Rama V).
• Show respect for religion, especially Buddhism and Buddha images. Do not climb on the latter to take photos.
• Try a traditional Thai massage - the contortions and manipulations involved are designed to reduce tension.
• Drink some Thai whisky, such as the popular brand, Mekong, taken with soda, ice and fresh lemon or sometimes Coca-Cola.
• Watch sepak takraw, a kind of volleyball with a rattan ball played with the feet and head. It is popular among Thais.
• Dress appropriately, especially in temples. Nudity and topless sunbathing on the beach are considered offensive.
• Learn some Thai - even a few words will win smiles.
• Try Thai food, which is delicious, sophisticated and sometimes spicy.

Good Places to Have Lunch

• Border View (Moderately priced) ADDRESS: 222 Golden Triangle, Sop Ruak PHONE: (053) 784001-5. Thai, Chinese and Western food presented on a beautiful terrace by the Mekong.
• Bussaracum (Expensive) ADDRESS: 139 Sethiwan Building, Thanon Pun, Bangkok PHONE: (02) 266 6312. Enjoy royal Thai cuisine in an elegant atmosphere.
• Captain's Choice (Expensive) ADDRESS: Choeng Mon Beach, Ko Samui PHONE: (07) 425041. One of Samui's top restaurants, renowned for its fresh seafood.
• Giorgio's (Moderately priced) ADDRESS: Beach Road, Patong Beach, Pattaya PHONE: (076) 341193. Italian food and good wines served in a beautiful tropical garden.
• Indochine (Moderately priced) ADDRESS: Wat Jaeng, Thanon Samphasit, Ubon Ratchathani PHONE: (045) 245584. One of Thailand's best Vietnamese restaurants, in an old teak house.
• Le Coq d'Or (Expensive) ADDRESS: 68/1 Thanon Ko Klang, Chiang Mai PHONE: (053) 282024. This top French restaurant was formerly the British consul's residence.
• Lemongrass (Moderately priced) ADDRESS: 5/1 Soi 24 Thanon Sukhumvit, Bangkok PHONE: (02) 258 8637. Fine Thai food served in an elegant, old, wooden house.
• Lobster Pot (Expensive) ADDRESS: 288 Beach Road, Pattaya PHONE: (038) 426083. Fine seafood in the heart of downtown Pattaya.
• Riverside (Moderately priced) ADDRESS: 9/11 Thanon Charoen Rat, Chiang Mai PHONE: (053) 243239. Good Thai and European food; excellent live music.
• Tum Nak Thai (Moderately priced) ADDRESS: 131 Thanon Ratchadapisek, Bangkok PHONE: (02) 274 6420. Perhaps the largest restaurant in the world - the staff use roller-skates. Good for kids.

Top Activities

• Bird-watching by the Mekong, in the mountainous north and by the south's lagoons.
• Dancing at world-class discos in Bangkok, Phuket, Ko Samui and Chiang Mai.
• Golfing on the country's many fine courses.
• Thai cooking lessons - there are plenty of schools, especially in Chiang Mai.
• Learn Thai massage and apply the skills back home!
• Go river fishing - try your luck with a Mekong catfish.
• Shopping - particularly in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
• Sunbathing on some of the world's best beaches, including Kata, Phra Nang, Chaweng and Maya Bay. One of the quietest is Mai Khao.
• Swimming in Thailand's warm, clear seas, especially in the south.
• Walking on signposted trails in national parks.

Top Adventure Activities

• Big-game fishing off Phuket, Krabi and Trang.
• Boating/sea canoeing - explore the sea caves and karst towers at Phang-nga.
• Caving around Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son.
• Diving or snorkelling in the pristine Andaman Sea.
• Elephant riding through the lush Mae Sa Valley.
• Mountain biking in and around Chiang Mai.
• Parasailing is always popular, especially at Pattaya and Phuket.
• Rock climbing at Phang-nga Bay and the peninsular south.
• Trekking to see the north's hill tribes, especially from November to February.
• White-water rafting is popular in Chiang Rai and the north.