Bangkok is probably the easiest city to live in Southeast Asia. I should know; I have been back in Thailand for the last 17 odd years. I was in the US before that.

First and foremost, Bangkok likes visitors from out-of-town. Here, the government truly promotes tourism in a big way; here, you have The Tourism Authority of Thailand. This means big budget for tourism activities.

You can start with the new airport, Suvarnabhumi; it can take on any other airport in the world. Some touch-ups are required, but for the most part, it’s fine.

Next, you can check out some of Bangkok’s finest accommodations, starting from the Oriental Hotel, one of the best in the world. They claim that the hotel staffs will recognize you by your first name after staying there for a few days. Then you have the Four Seasons, a super luxury hotel on Rachadamri Road; it’ss not far from Lumpini Park. The room decor here is very comfortable; you need to book early.

For a few weeks or a few months stay, you want to park yourself with the top serviced apartments here, like the Centre Point group, Chin House and the Emporiums. These places could make you feel like home away from home.

For a stay longer than that, you would want to check out some apartments and condos. There are tons of them to choose from in Bangkok, from less than 20,000 baht to over 100,000 baht a month.

Next, we want to hit the Loft at Central Chidlom Department Store, my favorite eatery. There you have Italian food, Thai, Singaporean, Vietnamese, Chinese and some Mexicans. It is set up like a high class cafeteria; you are given a food credit card, you pick up what you like, set yourself down at a table, and a waiter will bring you your freshly cooked order. Once you’re done, you can check out the bill registered on the credit card. I just love their Caesar salad.

Some tourist attractions that you might be interested are Bhuddhist temples. There are many Bhuddhist temples in Bangkok; over 95% of the city dwellers are Bhuddhists. These temples have old Thai style architecture; they are very colorful. The temples are also places of worship, so you must have proper attire and manner while you are there.

Rock concert. That’s right, we have rock concert here from time to time. Over 10 years ago I got a chance to see Michael Jackson performs; just before the unfortunate scandal got serious. Michael and his troupe were great. I would never get to see him if I was in the US at the time.

Then last year, I went to see Eric Clapton performance at the Impact Muangtong Tani (something like Madison Square Garden in Manhattan). It was terrific too. At other times, we have the Bolshoi troupe performs at the Cultural Center at Rachadapisek Road. I have not attended that one, but heard rave reviews about it.

Getting around town is pretty easy when you use the SkyTrain or the subway. Using taxi is a little more difficult because of the language barrier, but doable. A hotel’s car service would be a good alternative. A tuk tuk (a tricycle novelty) is something unique when you feel adventurous; you can really feel the wind blowing through you hair when it really takes off.

What is considered good manners in one culture may be considered rude in another. For example, in English speaking Western countries it is usually considered good manner to bring a bottle of wine when coming to someone’s house for dinner. In France, however this is considered insulting as it suggests the hosts are unable to provide their own good wine.

In Arab countries it’s rude to display the soles of your feet or touching somebody with your shoes, Also eating with left hand is extremely offensive; for the left hand is reserved for bodily hygiene.

In the United States, it is rude not leaving a proper tip for a server at a restaurant. While in other countries some establishment may add a gratuity to the bill, in the United States this is not usually done and is up to the patron to leave an adequate tip, usually 15 percent.

Here are a few points that you should observe while staying in Pattaya, Thailand.

1. Always take your shoes off when you enter somebody’s home, unless the owner insists you not to take it.

2. Always take your shoes off when you enter a temple hall.

3. No tank-tops, shorts, sleeveless-shirts, allowed in a temple ground and palace ground. Do not climb on stupas (chedis) and Buddha statues.

4. Doorway thresholds are considered a sanctuary for spirits, it’s important not to step on a raised threshold, but rather to step over it. Keep this in mind especially when visiting temples.

5. Thais revere their King greatly, so treat portraits of the King and Queen with respect. Do not step over or standing in bills or coins (they all have the face of the king).

6. Do not point at something with your foot.

7. Do not touch somebody in the head (in Buddhism the head is the most pure region of the body).

8. Tipping is not necessary then eating at mom-and-pop food shops. For high-end restaurants and hotel restaurants, 10-15 percent gratuity is usually included in the bill.

9. Never passionately smooch and kiss in public.

10. Do not feel offended when someone asks you, “When do you want” they don’t’ mean to be rude , they just don’t know it’s a bad connotation.

11. Other than that, use your common sense. Do what the Romans do.

This is special Advice for new comer in Pattaya Thailand

1. Beware of unauthorized people who offer their services as Pattaya guides. For all tourist information, ONLY contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tel : 1672. For information about Pattaya, contact the Pattaya Tourist Information.

2. Observe all normal precautions, as well as the safety for your assets. Walking alone in night on streets or deserted areas is not recommended. Be sure that all your money, jewelry, and important information are properly protected from stolen. Visitors needing assistance relating to safety, or other matters, please call the Tourist Police (1155).

3. Do not get yourself involved with drugs. Penalties for drug offences are very severe in Thailand.

4. Do not support any manner of wild animal abuse. Never purchase any products or souvenirs made from wild animals like snakes, monitor lizards, and also turtle shell and ivory.