to Thailand. I go to Bali every year, unfortunatley I haven't spent my time playing like a tourist for several years, most of my time is spent shopping for business. Being an American, it is very difficult for me to get around, I am scared to death to drive because we drive on the opposite side of the road....so I use public transport or I go with friends. I do rent a motorbike by the month and have a friend take me around....but it isn't like getting in the car and going where you want....

I would love to explore Thailand. I normally travel alone once I'm familar with a place, however I'd be going alone the first trip so as much as I would love to go explore the countryside, I'm not sure I want to do it alone. Therefore I would most likely want to stay in Bangkok, explore that area hopefully do some shopping, get familiar with that area, then perhaps next year I will feel comfortable venturing out further. I really want to go to Chang Mai, but I know you must travel to get there...so......based on this senerio, keeping in mind that I shop for a living where would you stay, I'm not looking for 5 star or any star as far as that goes, I just want clean, good area, and convenient. Also, if anyone can suggest places to shop, that would be great too..

I know this sounds really shallow for a first trip to Thailand, but............you need to start somewhere. If I had a travel companion I'd do it completely different, and of course once I'm there I may find it to be comfortable and will venture further.

I will be leaving for Bali the 28th of May, I've applied for my social visa, which gives me 2 months in Bali with the ability to extend but....I'm wondering what my options are in regards to a new visa on arrival when I return to Bali from Thailand, which would give me an additional 30 days...what my question is.........how long do you need to be out of Indonesia to be able to apply for another visa (on arrival). I know we use to be able to do visa hops to Singapore, but it is my understanding that you need to be out of the country for a minimun length of time in order to re-enter. How long is that period of time?

Any help or suggests would be greatly appreciated.....

Thanks