Any suggestions on "hot sightseeing spots" in bangkok and Chiang Mai? And should I purchase some Thai baht before I go or will they accept Cdn cash there.....thanks!

You have to pay in Thai baht, Canadian funds definitely not accepted. Get a small amount in Canada before you leave then just withdraw from an ATM when you arrive for a better exchange rate. Note that most transactions even for some accommodation must be done in cash.

Or you can get some Canadian funds exchanged there . Beware , some will shortchanged you . Make sure you count back in front of them .

Chinatown was my favorite in Bangkok, so many neat alleyways to explore and great street food. Wat Pho was beautiful, but there are endless temples and monuments to explore in Bangkok and they're all pretty epic. Bangkok has a couple of really cool malls, I explored Siam Paragon and Central World, both were awesome. Use the Skytrain (BTS) and the underground train (MRT) to get around, or the local bus is a pretty fun adventure!
Always just use ATMS to withdraw money. Only use the ones attached to banks if you can help it and always hide your pin.

This is definitely the best way to get money and you can change your account before you go to a travel account to avoid the extra fees the banks charge to take currency out of a foreign ATM.

Connie I am here now in bangkok. Expect to see everyone wearing black,or white and dark cloth in respect for the passing of the king. It is respectful not to wear anything flashy or bright colors. Money I changed $100 at exchange at airport incase. When here change large bills at banks bring passport to bank to exchange money. If you check rate on internet before you change money you will find they are fare here.Have been here for 30 days very hot 29 to 35 every day. Have fun and be aware of your surroundings, it's a busy place. Nice people here. Need any help message me. Going home tonight.

Thanks for the tips and safe trip home

Just go to an atm with the plus sign, you don't need to bring Canadian cash or order Baht. Be mindful that you will pay a fee at both ends, Canadian and Thai. Take out what you will need for a while. Don't flash it around.

Go shopping at BMK mall in Bangkok. Upper levels are barter stalls. Most will barter low so don't give up.
http://www.thebangkokshoppingguide.com/mbk_mahboonkrong...

I just posted some yesterday that my friend sent, I can repost it.

Hi Diane Katherine , this is what my friend said..
In Bangkok you should see the King's palace, the ruins and china town, oh yea the floating market. They also have a train that goes around the whole city and you. An get on and I found where ever. Getting money is not a problem anywhere. From there we went to Chang Mai and they have special places where they save elephants. We also went into Myanmar and Louse but they let us in only for a day. It is hard to get in. We saw amazing temples everywhere. We then flew to Pouket and did the beach and hang out thing, it was beautiful. We went to Vietnam and it was crazy busy but we went only to Saigon and then left. We then flew to Australia which was 800. For the both of us. My daughter stopped in Japan on her way to meet us and she loved it. Hong Kong was so beautiful and safe. I went for 5 months and I would go back. I have not been to South America yet so I don't know much about it. Taxi are cheep in Bangkok but not so much in Pouket. Hope you have a great time.

If you do the floating market make sure you have lots of mosquito replant on! I got eating alive on my ankles. Take lots of money they stop at every vender and stay until someone buys. It was one of the most costly things I did there.
I enjoyed the River Kuaie more.

Khao San Road is fun!

This is a must! wander around a bit too.

If you like elephants, this is a sanctuary that you can visit/volunteer at https://www.elephantnaturepark.org/enp/

My main suggestion is: Don't waste all of your time getting from point a to point b. If you try to see too many things the only thing you will end up seeing is the inside of a vehicle. Depending on your time constraints, pick a couple of things that you really want to see then choose what else from the immediate area

Chasing Mai golden temple is amazing

Wat Pho where they have the reclining Buddha.
Don't be afraid to wander around, cart food is fine, didn't get sick once, and cheap (~30bhat/plate).

just stay away from any sushi

Bring Baht. Pull more out at an airport ATM or some other ATM. As for tourist sights, check a lonely planet book!

carry lots of cash?

Yeah. Just don't flash it all around

Thank you all....you guys are amazing and so helpful!!

Following

Buy a Thailand lonely planet. They do not take Cdn but you can exchange there.

Connie - Chiang Mai is a great city, very easy to navigate and walk around. The night market is one of the highlights, just walking through it is an experience unto itself, but there are also some beautiful local and handmade items that one can purchase. Be prepared to barter, it comes part and parcel with the experience. If you are travelling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by train then I would recommend taking the night train - you get a sleeping compartment and don't waste a day sitting on a train. There is also a a city on the way that I would highly recommend - Sukothai. It is not that large relative to others, but just outside of it is 'Old Sukothai', formally known now as Sukothai National Park. It is the ruins of the ancient city (13th/14th century) - absolutely amazing. You can rent a bicycle at the gates and easily spend an entire day within it, stop for lunch, everything at your own pace. There are buildings, statues, and a multitude of Wats to explore. Enjoy your time there, beautiful country and wonderful people!

Thanks James! You have been very helpful! We're probably gonna to fly to save the time and ready to explore once when we get there. Do you have any suggestions on hotels close to the night bazaar? I was on the booking.com website, and very confused with their distance from the hotel to the night bazaar. For example, some hotels said only .6 miles from the market but it'll take a 30 mins walk? To me, a .6 miles probably about the distance of 8 full blocks and it shouldn't take more than 10 mins...any advice would greatly appreciated.

It's been a few years since I was there, so my memory escapes me as to where I stayed. I agree with you - the walking times are likely pretty exaggerated by most people's standards. I think if you find something nice that is within even a mile you are set pretty well. It's a great town to walk around in, so not the worst thing to be a little bit away, and there is always a tuktuk around to catch a cheap ride on too!

Thanks James! Just wondering if you had tried their massage while you were there?

Not in Chiang Mai, I did though in North Eastern Thailand at an actual school that taught different variations of Thai massage, and also did in Cambodia when I visited Angkor Wat/Siem Reap. There are lots of place to choose from in a city like Chiang Mai, and I know they have schools there that teach it too. Best to do a bit of homework and reviews checking and maybe ask around once you arrive - am sure you'll find something good!

Lol thanks again James! I really want to visit Angora Wat, Cambodia one of these days. We only have 10 full days so will be spending the first 4 days in Bangkok, 5 days in Chiang Mai then back to Bangkok for our last night before flying back. it's gonna be a bit rush but at least give me a taste of "Thailand" lol

Am sure you'll have a great time! I spent about 6 weeks between Thailand/Cambodia, I was living in South Korea at the time and so had some time to go travelling back pack style. If you make it back there again I recommend checking out the southern part and beach type destinations as well, definitely worth while. I spent a couple of weeks on the smallest island off the coast, Koh Tao, scuba diving by day (and some at night) and staying up to late at night
Have a great trip!

Lol my son and his girlfriend went to Koh Tao and Koh Samui last year to get their advanced scuba diving certificate there....and they just loved it. And he told me all the scuba instructors were from Canada and United States, very nice people. Lol....one day hopefully I'll get there. So nice chatting with you James and thanks again!

Some good tips
I'm heading back over for 5 weeks in December

Wow, 5 weeks? That's awesome David! We're flying out there on Dec 7, but will be home for Christmas. Have a great trip!

You too
Ya, Dec 8 to Jan 12 ... trying to see as much of the country as I can

I'm hoping to go around the same time but how are you able to stay for 5 weeks? Are you getting a tourist visa?