So, I've been to Thailand before, and of course as a seasoned budget traveler in such a touristy country, I had no trouble getting around at all. If anything, it was a bit too easy, and I spent some time trying to get away from Bangkok and Phuket and off into the mountains.

Point is, for most of us there is no reason for any sort of help. But then my mom really wanted to go. She doesn't travel much, and is always afraid of 5 billion different things, and to be fair, things are a little different when you're older. There are lots of western, reputable (read more expensive) tours that take you to the main sites in Thailand, and although they're obviously more than the local fare BY FAR, they're still really, really reasonable, especially for an older woman who is used to "flying to Europe every now and then."

She ended up loving it.

So remember, it isn't just for the young folks, there are lots of large tours of the country as well. And if you're really adventurous you can even fly into Cambodia, get on the Mekong, and cruise into Vietnam.

Here's a decent list of the offerings:
www.ruba.com/Thailand/Tours

Thailand: not just for backpackers anymore!

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I was recently in Chiang Mai for a friend's wedding and we, as a private group, organised a day tour and elephant ride. We decided not to visit the normal elephant camps but a more remote camp that is south of Chiang Mai. It was just the wedding party along for a day of fun. We experienced an elephant ride through the real jungle trails - not the fixed circuit like at other places I have heard of while in Chiang Mai.

Then we arrived at the river where we had a blast poling down the river on pieces of bamboo strapped together. Some of the party ended up in the river while having water fights but the water is warm.

We then did the mandatory tourist thing and visited the hill tribes that were a fair hike to get to and the local people seemed happy to see us - not just the small vendors selling their handicrafts! We wondered around the village and surrounding rice paddies and saw the real tribal life. I am sure they seem hundreds of westerners a week but somehow they where still friendly and seemed to enjoy watching and trying to communicate with us as much as we did them.

I am so glad I did it - to think I thought it was too touristy to do, and almost didn't!

All I know is the area was called "Jomtong" and is about 50km from Chiang mai

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