My best tool now are the reviews and thoughts of people that have been there. Using web sites as this and making a decision against my own criteria.
I am not an intrepid traveller and I make no apology for that - I used to feel guilty because I wanted a nice hotel and did not want to stay in a chicken coop for 3 bhat a night.
A local market. I mean a real market, not one selling goods to tourists. Also now are supermarkets that stock items that are bought by locals.
Cafes and bars off the beaten track, local transport.
Shop around and look at places then if need be go back to the internet because that is where you sometimes get the better prices, better than walk in at times.
Trust your instincts.

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Kiss
God laughs at people who make plans.