I’m vegetarian, tending towards vegan and Thailand is probably one of the best countries for that. Everything will have a tofu, chicken or meat version. We have a full post on Thai food. Only thing to watch for is fish sauce if you’re vegan. Milk, I don’t use, ever, so don’t know, but there is a 7-11 every few paces and they sell loads of dairy products. Bangkok is hot and busy and rushed, if your older relative can cope with London in summer heat plus a bit extra, she’d probably be OK in Bangkok. I don’t like Phuket much and there is little to see there other than island and snorkelling trips. Take a look at our Phuket posts. The boats would probably be a problem getting on and off.

We are firstly heading to Phuket and hoping to island hop whilst enjoying some nearby sights. My first question I guess is: would my mother in law be ok in island hopping with us and if so, what would you suggest is the best method?

Bangkok – your tips above a great – but, again, would you suggest that they are suitable for the mother in law?

Also what are both places like food wise as we’re all vegetarians (no fish either)…Additionally, in some Asian countries, you’re advised to take your own long life milk – is this the case here?

Thanks !

The taxi drivers have meters, they’re cheap and fair. I have never been scammed by a taxi driver in Bangkok. If you jump into a taxi at the end of the Khao San Rd or outside the Palace, you deserve to be scammed. You just open the door, tell the driver your destination, ask if he is using his meter – good to go. If he refuses to use his meter – find another taxi. You may have to walk a few streets away from the main tourist areas. You can check taxi prices in advance by Googling ” taxi fare from a to b” to give you an idea. We walk a lot. We also use the water taxis where possible, they’re stupidly cheap and again fixed price. I don’t know wha these people are that are getting scammed. Tuk Tuk drivers are sharks though, a taxi is usually cheaper. Again , with tuk tuks, get one away from a main tourist hot spot and agree a price in advance, pay what it’s worth to you. Or you can use the BTS, it’s a train, monorail thing over towards Sukhumvit, where the malls are. We hardly ever use it because we prefer the older side of town, but it;s easy. I’ll be in Bangkok in a week 🙂 Best of luck. I may have spelled meter / metre wrong – I can never remember that one! By the way, airport taxis are fixed rate too, you go to the taxi rank in the airport and it’s all sorted for you. Yes you do have to pay the tolls on the highway in addition and yes there is an airport surcharge. It’s not a scam, that’s how it works. Or you can take the train. And always, when they ask, say it’s your 10th time in Bangkok and act like you know what you’re doing. And above all remember that ” Scams to Avoid in Bangkok” is a great click bait blog post title.

Hi Shaun,
You can visit anytime really. The city is always busy and full of life. The hottest months though where it can be stifling hot are April and May and the ‘cold’ months which aren’t really cold at all are between December and February. During this time it is busier at tourist destinations but Bangkok is rarely quiet so if you’re not worried about the heat pick a time that suits you.
Cheers