I couldn’t decide where to begin with Thailand, but I guess the logical place to head first is the Khao San Road. It’s overflowing with backpackers, and stumbling into the chaos with severe jet-lag is many traveller’s first experience of one of the most warm and welcoming countries I’ve visited.
You can buy obligatory gap yah elephant pants from 100baht (which at the time of writing is about £2) and get a big plate of pad Thai from a street vendor from around 30baht- or if you’re looking for some home comforts, head to one of the many 7/11s for chocolate (soy) milk and self-service cheese toasties.
Personally, I’d recommend splashing out an extra pound or two to sit at one of Khao San’s many bar-cum-restaurants, and indulging in a generous portion of massuman curry and a bottle of Chang beer- all for less than a fiver.
While you’re here, check out “The Roof” bar which has a great balcony where you can look out over the whole crazy strip, and if you can, stay at a guesthouse down one of the many side streets rather than on Khao San road itself- where the parties go on way into tomorrow, and you may struggle to get some much-needed sleep.