If there is one thing I can tell you about budget travel in Thailand, it's to avoid eating your meals at hotels. They are never as authentic as what you will find outside, and they are far more expensive. In some Thailand restaurants, a meal for two can be had for under ten dollars. The great thing about food in Thailand is that it will vary distinctly at each location. For example, no two restaurants will have the same Pad Thai recipe. Fresh fruit drinks are both delicious and inexpensive. For a special treat, try the coconut juices that are actually served in the coconut itself.

Thai food makes use of a variety of interesting spices, which often turn up where you least expect them. You might find a subtle hint of cinnamon in grilled fish, or a vegetable dish that is flavored with cloves. Another thing to realize is that a great restaurant might be located on a less than lovely street. Such is the case with The Natural Restaurant in Phuket. Located on a nondescript street, the interior of this restaurant is decorated with vines, rafters, antiques and waterfalls. The tables are actually antique sewing tables, which provide the weary traveler with a wonderful way to stretch the tired calves.

In Khao Lak, the best spring rolls can be found at Bussba Restaurant. An absolute "must do" in Khao Lak is the Rim Lay Restaurant on Khao Lak Beach. After the Tsunami, it was a popular gathering place for survivors. In fact, it was once called the Tsunami Survivor's Cafe. Order a fish dish at Rim Lay, and you will probably be eating something that was caught within the last few hours. While you are in Khao Lak, be sure to visit the Khao Lak Police Boat. During the Tsunami, this boat was swept 5km inland.