Bangkok was pretty good - Phuket, well, rural.

I get the feeling that Thailand is a much slower way of life.... you need perhaps more than 2 weeks in the country to really appreciate the place.

My simple view is as follows: take all the Thai people, move them west to the Caribbean and you're approaching nirvana. The people, the food the laid-back lifestyle seems to be the winning elements for me.

Mike

Having been to a few Caribbean islands I've got to say I much prefer going East myself. Can't agree with your assessement of a slower way of life (especially say in comparision to the W. Indies). Thailands always seems a bit frenetic to me, a little crazy - which I like.