Thanks to the balmy tropical climate, the evening meal is best enjoyed outdoors. Major hotels will offer the choice of European or Thai menus and most have air conditioned restaurants for those who prefer to cool off at night. Prices in hotels will compare favorably to their US counterparts but the bargains are to be found at the local eateries. Where there's a beach there is certain to be a café or bar offering freshly caught seafood at very reasonable prices. Dining aboard a pleasure boat is an attractive alternative.
For those on a budget - or fearful of trying something from the street vendors - the major fast-food chains are well represented. The golden arches of McDonalds are everywhere, along with Burger King and KFC. For a quick snack, 7-Eleven stores, which abound in Thailand, offer a hot dog on a stick!
Fruit lovers are in for a special treat in Thailand. What Westerners consider exotic is commonplace here. And the art of fruit carving gives the luscious produce added appeal. Local bananas, small as a finger and creamy sweet, grow like weeds. Pineapples sell for pennies and papaya, mango, melons, guava and different citrus varieties are on show everywhere. Palms provide an abundance of coconuts and you'll find them with tops removed and straw inserted at roadside stalls, making a perfect mid-morning drink, or - with alcohol added - an out-of-the-ordinary cocktail.