More tips!
Didn't realize that Malaysia Airlines is no longer any good. We flew them over 10 years ago (actually on our very first trip to Thailand!) and it was great service and even their meal service on the flight was good. All of our other trips have been on mostly United, Delta, ANA, Korean Air, and Thai Air. We've taken the low cost carriers like Air Asia (and Tiger Air) for the short flights from BKK, HKT, SIN and they've been fine, but watch their restrictions on carry on or checked luggage weight, size and check in time. Also most of the low cost carries fly out of DMK, not BKK.
Also good info regarding the airline lounges and agree that it's nice to be able to take a shower there!
We used to use the ATM machines to get Thai baht, but with the added ATM transaction fee it adds up. We usually bring $50 or $100 bills (make sure they are crisp and brand new - NO writing, creases/folds and no rips to exchange for Thai Baht. If you have time, compare the rates from the various exchange companies/booths; some people say the rates are the same but we've found that the same companies have a slightly better rate on the lower/basement level of BKK. You don't need to exchange all your money at the airport, just enough to get some baht for the cab ride, tolls, snacks. You can exchange more at the many exchange booths when you get to the city and the rates will be slightly better than the airport.
And the thing about the tuk tuk, would have to agree with the other poster on that too. If they don't take you to their brother or sister's store, they'll take you to other stores because they get a commission from the store owners for each person they can bring in, so this may waste some of your vacation time if this happens.
I also recall that in addition to covering the legs up at some of the temples, sometimes they want the arms or shoulders covered up too so be prepared if you're wearing a tank style top.
If you take a taxi cab, make sure the driver turns the meter on as they sometimes seem to forget and need you to remind them. On our last trip, we stayed at several hotels in Bangkok and had to move; so from the Royal Orchid Sheraton on the river to the Westin Sukhumvit, we took a cab because we thought it would be a hassle to have to pull the suitcases up some BTS stairs. But most of the cab drivers do not want to take local fares and only wanted airport fares. The hotel finally got a cab for us and told him where we were going and to use the meter. This driver conveniently "forgot" as we pulled out of the hotel driveway, so we reminded him to turn on the meter.
Then this driver kept whining and complaining and muttering about "no go airport, no good!," that we got so annoyed with him that we were almost tempted to tell him to stop and let us off. Finally reached the other hotel and when we got there and the hotel staff opened the door and started to unload the luggage, I started snapping pictures of his cab ID, driver photo, the meter and I think he got worried that we were going to report him and he became very friendly and asked us if we had a nice ride! We paid him and rounded it up slightly as a tip, but told him that he shouldn't have complained and would have received a better tip! So after that experience, we decided to lug our luggage up the BTS stairs (not all BTS stations have escalators or elevators) and took the BTS to our next hotel.
It's pretty easy to get around Bangkok on the BTS and usually much faster than a cab or tuktuk on the streets during traffic jams or if it rains. In hindsight, it would have been faster for us to take the BTS from the Royal Orchid to the Westin, since we had to sit in heavy rush hour traffic for that taxi ride. Plus listening to his whining! But most other cab rides have been fine and no problems with the drivers using the meters.
Some tips for Marriott Phuket Beach Club, if I can remember...
1. If you are willing to listen to the Marriott Phuket Beach Club timeshare presentation, one of the "gift" choices is two tickets for the John Gray's Sea Canoe. Depends if you're willing to spend some time listening to the sales guy try to persuade you to buy their expensive, overpriced points. I think the other gift choices were some Marriott points, dining or spa (expensive) certificate, round of golf, FantaSea show. If you do decide to attend a presentation, check around to see what the "gifts" are because I recall that there were several different flyers/offers and if you wanted Marriott points, some gave slightly more than others.
2. MPB shares the same amenities with the JW Marriott. Check their gym/health club and see if they still have the free one hour bicycle rental for villa guests. If you ride south, there's some locals with some food stand, souvenirs, fruits, etc booth set ups. I think the small road ends at the Renaissance hotel. You can ride around the lake too. Other than that, we weren't willing to go on the main (too fast & scary with all the cars!) highway.
3. There's a small shopping center on the north east side of the resort, closer to the Anantara or Marriott Mai Khao Beach Resort. Some restaurants, shops and a small grocery store with small selection and a bit pricey, but not as pricey or limited selected as the one at the JW/MPB!
4. Owners reception - if you're a Marriott owner they have a small reception with some complimentary appetizers, beer and wine or soft drinks one day during the week. I can't recall if it was Monday or Tuesday, but it's one hour from 5 to 6.
5. Thai Beach massage - The Marriott spa is very nice, but very expensive. There are some open air beach huts on the sand behind the Marriott, where the Thai ladies (and they wear a light green or yellow polo style shirt) will give Thai massage or foot massages for much less than the Marriott spa. Not as inexpensive as Bangkok (or Patong Beach or Phuket Town), but still less than the Marriott spa. On the last trip, we also saw some huts/chairs just outside the Marriott beach boundaries, offering manicure or pedicures but they didn't seem to be affiliated with the huts on the Marriott boundaries.
Again, MPB is a nice resort so hope you guys enjoy your time in Thailand!
And thanks to the other Tugg members for posting lots of great tips and useful information for us too!