1

That's a pretty general request:)!

I would spend 3-4 days in Bangkok, below are some of the highlights for me:

I would check out the Baiyoke hotel, tallest building in Thailand, and go up to lookout on the 83rd floor. Only costs 400 baht, and you get a free cocktail at the bar at the top (I had blue hawaii:)).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baiyoke_Tower_II

The grand palace is bangkok's biggest tourist attraction, and good to see if you want to do the temple thing. 400 baht, and you need to wear trousers though. Theres also an amulet market right next door, which is worth a look if your near:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Palace

Another temple is Wat Pho, and is just next door to the grand palace. Only 100 baht and shorts are ok:). I actually enjoyed it more than the grand palace:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Pho

Wat Arun is just over the river from Wat Pho (3 baht for the ferry). Only 50 baht to get in, and has a nice view from the top:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Arun

Khaosan Road is worth going to at the night, and getting a meal and drink. Literally heaps of backpackers here, and is quite a happening vibe. Has been called a 'backpackers ghetto', and sums it up quite well:):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khaosan_Road

If you want to do shopping, the Chatuchak weekend markets are good. Hundreds and hundreds of stalls selling anything and everything. The lonely planet said to spend a whole day there, but I got bored after an hour though:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaiuchak_Weekend_Market

Chinatown is a great place to go, especially to see the night markets (most of my thailand pics are from this area. I had a guide take me through the through all the alleys and streets, but is pretty simple if you want to go by yourself:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samphanthawong_District

2

OP - Have you read this branch's FAQs yet? It will answer these generic questions you have.

You don't say what nationality you are but I'm guessing UK. As UK (or USA) passport holder you will get 30 days visa exemption when you land in BKK so unless you are strapped for cash, why not make full use of the 30 days you get? Thailand is relatively cheap compared to Australia.

At AUD$1 to ~ THB30 you get a lot for your money e.g. a decent plate of food from street vendor is 25-45baht, or 50-80 baht in food courts in shopping malls or about 80-150 baht in a local Thai restaurant. If you stick to these and not fast food places then you can live quite well on not a lot of money.

BKK has only 2 seasons - hot and hotter. June is OK but will be a shock as you leave the cold climes of Australia,

Do your self a favour and read the FAQs then come back and ask specific questions. You will get better answers.

Happy travels.

3

Any Google check will give you some of the specifics for "what to see and do" type questions. And "how to get from Bangkok to somewhere else" type questions. I would tell you read some of the older posts under the search option but many are gone.

You can't go too wrong with a visit to Bangkok. A visit to Northern Thailand where Chiang Mai is popular and a visit to a beach area.

Thailand has excellent transportation. It will not be like you are doing a Stanley and Livingston type expedition. Good taxi service from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, good rail service too up to midnight. Excellent cheap bus service in the city. Subway and overhead rail service in Bangkok too. Meter taxis cheaper than where you come from providing you pay the meter fare.

Exchange rate changes every working day. Most major currencies get a better exchange rate in Thailand than outside Thailand. No problem changing money at the airport and in many locations in major cities.

How long you stay is up to your budget and visa permission. Basic hotels with air conditioning, private toilet, cable TV are cheaper than Australia! (Unless you only go for luxury hotels then Bangkok's luxury hotels can be the expensive too!) Just about any travel guide you buy on Thailand will give you practical information.

Research your visa requirements before you leave home. Keep in mind that Thailand is larger than UK but for most things cheaper!

4

The weather will be what it is when you show up. Tourists visit Thailand every month of the year. In the off season hotels are cheaper. Close to Christmas - New Years holidays hotels at highest prices and better weather. Many tourists prefer to visit only during the off season to save money on hotels and have fewer tourists around.
http://www.guidetothailand.com/thailand-travel-information/weather.php

If you show up during the rainy season most of the time the rain stops in an hour or two. Plant life looks more alive during the rainy season!

5

Thanks guys :)

Yes I tried the FAQ's but i didn't find what I was looking for unless I just wasn't looking properly. And I find the forum search bar never works and its annoying how it only displays a few posts/threads on each page.

Anyway, I think I'll get myself a book and google some things too. It's hard when we don't know how much money we'll have left after we've finished our travelling in Oz. we set off in a Campervan in a few weeks! Maybe 2/3 weeks in Thailand should do us.

Many thanks!