I am going with my wife for 2 weeks in late November-December. 3 nights Bangkok then the rest in Phuket. 2 nights doing a jungle safari and then Patong to do some diving and drinking!
Any suggestions of things to do in Bangkok other than the obvious gratefully received!
In three years in Bangkok, I have had one Thai massage, and I will not be getting another - it was the worst pain of my life. They manage to get the skin of your back and scrape it against the bone of your back, so that any structural relief it might offer is offset by fucking ... I don't know what to call it, but like excruciating epidermal misery. Just a second opinion on the famous "Thai massage"
I think you'll find that your money goes a long, long way here, unless you really live it up at Westernized restaurants and hotels and the like. The street food is great in a lot of places. One thing you might want to check out is Chatuchuk Market in Bangkok, if you are looking for souvenirs - it might kind of eat up a lot of your day because there is so much to see, but if you are looking for trinkets that would be a good place to start. There are some nice places to go out for a drink and a dance in Thong Lor, which is right around the corner from me - it's not seedy like Soi Cowboy and the other girlie bars (which I've never been to, but can imagine), but it is still in central downtown. There is a place called Kao Sarn Road which you might read about, but unless you really, really enjoy the company of backpacking white c*nts on their worst behaviour, it is possibly the last place I'd go here (bar the jungle, which is teeming with snakes, obviously). (Two days ago I saw a crocodile-looking massive lizard about the size of a rack of lamb, so it's not like the reptiles don't make their way into the city as well.)
No matter when you come here, it is going to be as hot as all fuck, so pack accordingly. Also, be careful when crossing the street, or around drivers in general - it's not crazy dangerous, or anything, but they are flaky when it comes to safety. Someone above mentioned to make sure the taxi driver turns on the meter - this is crucial. Don't agree to a price beforehand - just go according to the meter. The motorcycle taxis are very convenient, and even when they cheat you, it is still very cheap. It won't be the safest thing you will ever do, but you will probably not die. You don't really have to worry about learning the customs - they are not so serious about these things, and are accustomed to tourists and foreigners, and they are going to smile at you regardless. Be prepared for a lot of the people you encounter to be severely lacking in English competence (bar the hotels, where they are usually quite decent) - at 7-11, for example, you'll be lucky if they understand you. It's not a big problem, though. It's only 7-11 after all
Also, whilst in Bangkok, assume that the traffic will be horrible no matter what time of day or what day of the week it is - allow some wiggle room in your schedule for this.