[Geary]

Take the train north, rather than the bus. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are a nice change from hot & humid Bangkok.

The street vendors have decent food, but stay away from any hamburgers (cat burgers) ..
Chinese restaurants rule .. especially if ordering Beggar's Chicken or Peking Duck.

If he has interest in gold, he should visit the gold shops in downtown Bangkok (the major shops are all clumped together). Buy only "24k" .. it'll be 23k, but it's the only regulated purity (must be 23k). Hong Kong sells true 24k, but the Chinese chain designs aren't as popular as the Thai "baht link".