Thailand: Not Just a "Broken Palace"

A lot of travelers have become jaded toward Thailand. What was once an idyllic paradise has been run over by scruffy backpackers and con artists. The movie, "Brokedown Palace," isn't too far from the truth. It's easy to become disgusted when every middle aged white guy you see has a Thai girl on his arm who looks like she's 14. It is, however, possible to have a great time in Thailand. There are treks you can do up north (just book a good one!), and there are countless islands to visit. Bangkok is a stifling metropolis and a microcosm of why Thailand's booming economy went bust: tall, gleaming hotels tower over shacks and shanties that almost no one seems to notice. If you stay away from Kao San Road (unless you like that backpacker crowd), you can have a decent time there. You won't see Thailand, however, if you stay in Bangkok.

• Bangkok

• Chang Mai

• Koh Samui