I travelled around the country independantly. It's so much cheaper than a package holiday. The staff at the Thai Tourist Info bureau are so helpful that it is worth visiting them for advice. Thoroughly recommend a visit to Chang Mai - lots of jungle treking and adventures there. Bangkok is fab and I felt very safe in the city when alone. Visit the 'Long Buddah' his eyes appear to follow you around! The chinese market is fab - you could spend months in it and you can have made anything you want! The Jim Thompson house in Bangkok was very peaceful and is worth a visit too as well as the night bazaar at Lumpini Park. I also took the overnight train from Bangkok south the the Malasyan border. Avoid Pattaya (unless you are a sad male!!!!). The only reason for going is to visit the tiger zoo, where you can bottle feed baby tigers. The Burma railway can be very touristy but the museum is very poignant - the writings of the prisoners and how they survived is a must as they are often forgotten. If you travel independantly avoid the touts at the airport as they are overpriced. Go straight out to the taxi rank - the queue may be long but is very quick. Get a Rough Guide or lonely Planet to help you make your choices and enjoy yourself.