Thailand is now best known for the devastation it experienced as a result of the tsunami of 2004, but has been a tourist hot-spot for many years. Its beaches rival those of the Caribbean and Mexico, and the bold colors of the temples are something you will never forget. 

The Thai People

Thais are very religious and predominantly Buddhist. Every male Thai is supposed to become a monk for at least two weeks. Thai people love Americans and consider us giants. They love our fat stomachs and compliment us because we look like Buddha. They are also very polite and sensitive to others' feelings. They've been trained to have a "cool heart," so they have difficulty with aggressiveness and conflict. 

Thai Food

You may have tried Thai food here in the states, and probably know that it can be extremely spicy. But, if you really want to experience the real thing, try the bugs. Yes, bugs. You can have a bowl of Ant Egg Soup. Thai ant eggs are about twice the size of a large piece of long grain white rice. (Yes, I ate one. It was sweet.)

On the Mekong River, you can take long speed boats to an island called the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos all intersect. There's a store on the island where you can try a drink of Snake (from a vat of sake with a very large, dead snake coiled in it). If you don't dare try it, I can tell you, it doesn't taste like chicken!

The Asian silk industry produces a large quantity of moth larva or silk worms. They dry and package silk worms like potato chips and offer them as snack foods. (They need salt.)  

In the countryside, you can find another snack food, semi-transparent dried fish the size of a quarter. This by-product of sea salt is left behind when the seawater evaporates.

For the less adventurous, have something with coconut. It's everywhere. There's even coconut sugar. Coconut ice-cream is a favorite. (Don't be surprised if you find corn kernels in it.)

Visiting Protocol - Here's a list of things to be aware of when you visit:

1.    The Monarchy - Thais will not tolerate any lack or respect toward any member of the royal family - past or present. It is against the law and you can be expelled from the country.

2.    Dress - Shorts, bikinis, tops that show your bare arms, skirts that show your legs, open-toed sandals and generally unkempt or dirty attire are considered inappropriate. If you are dressed inappropriately, guards will forbid you from entering some of the larger temples or you may have to rent sarongs to cover yourself before being permitted to enter. 

3.    Buddha Images - Buddha images are sacred in whatever size or condition. Never climb on a Buddha image and be careful about taking photos or you might be asked to leave. Also, if you can't cross your legs, don't sit on the floor in front of a temple's Buddha image - in doing so you will point your feet at the Buddha, which is an act of sacrilege.

4.    Monks - Buddhist monks are not allowed to touch or be touched by a woman or accept anything a woman might offer. It must first be given to a man to be presented or put on a piece of cloth where the monk will drag the cloth to him before picking the item up. Also, a monk will not shake a man's hand - that type of contact is forbidden. When traveling on a bus or train, do not hesitate to give your seat to a monk. Often special seats are allocated for monks only - do not sit in them!

5.   Shoes - Do not wear shoes inside a temple where Buddha images are kept and be sure to take off your shoes before entering someone's home.

6.   Personal Contact - Touching is very personal in Thailand. You should never touch anyone's head; it is considered sacred. Touching children not in your own family is completely taboo. Any gesture toward the head of a person will cause Thais to recoil and will be greeted with shock & possible annoyance. Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body - the temple of the body as it were. As such, touching someone's head is entirely unacceptable. Where the head is the highest point of the body, the feet are the lowest, so don't point at things with your feet & do not point the palms of your feet at anyone.

7.   Public Behavior - Shouting and shows of annoyance are entirely frowned upon whatever the situation. They show a lack of discipline. Simply do not get angry - things will work out much better if you can avoid it. Kissing, cuddling and similar behavior are frowned upon in public. This isn't just the viewpoint of the older population, but the young as well.

8.   Buyer Beware - Thais are generally shy, and few are likely to approach you to engage in conversation. If this happens, beware. Every year people get caught up in purchases of gems, gold, and jewelry at inflated prices that have little or no value.

9.   Laws - Smoking in the street is illegal and you can be fined. Littering in the street is punishable by the same law. Also, do not engage in the purchase of wild animals whether protected or not. Punishments are very harsh.

The Climate

Thailand is governed by three seasons: rainy - June through October, cool - November to February, and hot - March through May. The cool season is the most pleasant time of year to visit, with Christmas being peak season. However, Thailand is a big country with a diverse landscape, and there is somewhere to visit no matter what time of year you come.

Sights Bangkok

Bangkok is a blend of modernity and tradition that has something to offer everyone: history, culture, world-class accommodations, legendary nightlife which offers an unparalleled range of entertainment.

One of its most curious attributes is its architecture. When the economy collapsed in the early nineties, construction projects just stopped. Skyscrapers still stand partially built with no activity. And drivers beware! There's even an entrance ramp leading to an expressway that's not there!

 

Wat Phra Kaew - The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the adjoining Grand Palace

Together, these are the greatest attractions in Bangkok. Although crowded at times, it is a must! The complex consists of over 100 brightly colored buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics that date back to 1782, when Bangkok was founded. Wat Phra Kaew is Thailand's most important and sacred temple. It houses the most revered Buddha image in the country, which is a tiny emerald Buddha located high above the heads of the tourists and worshippers. It isn't actually made of emerald, but a green jade of jasper.

The Grand Palace is now used only for occasional ceremonial purposes and is no longer the royal residence. The present King Bhumibol (Rama IX) lives in Chitralada Palace, which is closed to tourists. 

 

Bangkok's Canal Areas 

It's an Asian Venice for working folks. The water houses are fascinating. Floating river cottages are wrapped by docks on which you'll find all types of activity: laundry drying, dogs barking, children playing and food cooking. There is also a floating market where you will find vendors selling fruits, foods, crafts and all kinds of Thai delights for you to try.

National Museum of Bangkok

The national museum displays artifacts collected by King Rama IV in 1874, when he established the Royal Institute of Art, Literature and Archaeology, including palanquins used for transporting royalty, armaments, clothing, etc. The museum is currently in the midst of an extensive renovation. Inside you will see the Gallery of Thai History, the palace's private chapel called Phra Thinung Phutthaisawan, The Throne Hall used for special exhibitions, The Tamnak Daeng or red house which is an airy teak house stained red and was the residence of the late sister of King Rama I, and several elaborate ceremonial chariots used for royal cremations. Be sure to get a brochure near the entrance for a description of everything to see.

Muang Boran

This "ancient city" is described as the world's largest outdoor museum, but is a vast architecture park south of Bangkok. The park sits on 360 acres of land and, is comparably shaped like the country. In this open museum you will find reproductions of palace halls, temples, stupas, stone sanctuaries and traditional houses, reconstructed historical buildings and authentic villages

Chiang Mai

Often referred to as the "Rose of the North." Chiang Mai manages to maintain the feel of an overgrown village.  It is noted for its history, culture and ancient temples. The old quarter, set within a two-kilometer-square moat, has retained many of its traditional wooden houses, markets and restaurants. You will find unique handicrafts created in the surrounding villages as they have been for generations. 

Night Market

The night market offers a variety of shopping everyone will want to visit at least once. You will find silk, wood carvings, gold and jewelry. You may want to pick up some saffron here. It's very reasonable despite its exorbitant price in the U.S. The market sets up at sunset and is open until about 2am. Don't be afraid to negotiate (vendors negotiate with a calculator so others don't know what you pay).

You can find small open trucks called tut tuts to take you there for a modest price.

Paper Umbrella Factory

Villagers in Bor Sang have been manufacturing umbrellas and parasols for at least 200 years. All materials (silks, cottons, sa paper-made from the bark of the mulberry tree and bamboo) are produced locally. You?ll see hundreds of designs and sizes ranging from the miniature to the gigantic. Artists not only paint designs on paper fans and umbrellas, but will even paint a scene on the back of your shirt while you're in it (for an additional fee).  

Taeng Dao Elephant Camp

Here you can make your childhood dream come true. This riverside attraction features elephant rides, and daily shows of elephants at work from 9:00am until 11:00am. You can also relax and enjoy the scenery on a bamboo raft ride down a stream or trek through the jungle to neighboring hill tribe settlements.

Chiang Mai Zoo
This zoo is situated at the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain. It houses hundreds of different animal species in a forested and natural environment. Within the grounds are two waterfalls, a penguin exhibit, reservoirs, a fresh water aquarium, an open park, camping spots, animal breeding areas and little roads winding around the mountainside, affording spectacular views of Chiang Mai City.

Phuket Island

Phuket Island is known mostly for its pristine and un-crowded beaches, each with a character and charm of its own. You will find everything from water activities to secluded coves of fine white sand backed by verdant hillsides. There is bound to be at least one to suit the mood of every visitor. This is the area that was damaged by the Tsunami and there is a lot of destruction. But work is in progress to rebuild their tourist facilities.

 

Beaches 

Patong Beach is the most famous beach and well known for windsurfing, snorkeling, sailing, swimming and sunbathing as well as a vibrant nightlife situated among many seafood restaurants.

Karon Beach - The second largest of Phuket's tourist beaches is in a large resort area. The sand is very white and squeaks loudly when walked upon. The southern point has a fine coral reef stretching toward Kata and Bu islands.

Phuket Aquarium - Found on the extreme southeastern part of the island, this aquarium features wonderful displays of both salt and freshwater fish. This is Thailand's major marine biological research station, undertaking work on tropical reef ecosystems and commercial fisheries. Here, the local experts also hatch endangered young sea turtles for release into the sea.

Wat Chalong - This Buddhist temple, located on the southern outskirts of Phuket Town, is greatly respected by the local Buddhist community. It is considered the most beautiful and impressive temple on the island of Phuket with its show of brilliant colors and magnificent architecture. It contains a gilt statue of Luang Por Cham who resided here. He was a monk who helped quell the Chinese rebellion of 1876 and was thought to have magical powers.

Krabi  

Here you will find dazzling beaches, magnificent marine gardens, several national parks, a wildlife sanctuary, wondrous karsts (huge limestone rock formations, characterized by caves, fissures and underground streams) rising up to the sky, beautiful jungles, caves to explore. Krabi offers a wide range of activities and points of interest including snorkeling and diving. It is here, in the Andaman Sea, that you will find some of the world's best dive sites rock climbing, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking. The best time of year to visit is after the end of the monsoon season which lasts December through April. As Krabit is an action and adventure province, nightlife is not its specialty, but you will find open-air pubs and sidewalk cafés to enjoy.

Events & Festivals - In May, there is the "Setting Adrift of the Chao Le Boats" on Kho Lanta. A traditional ceremony performed by Sea Gypsies, or Chao Le, who gather on the beach near Ban Saladan. Here, they dance their famous ram rong ngen around the boats to be set adrift in the belief that they will bring prosperity and happiness as well as cast away all evils with the launching of the boats.

The Andaman Sea Festival is a tourist festival that takes place in November celebrating the opening of the tourist season in Krabi. During the festival you will find water sport competitions, cultural shows and plenty of good food and music to brighten your day.

Beaches

Hat Noppharat Thara - This beach is praised for its breathtaking scenery. In the old days, this area was used by pirates due to its dozens of caves and cliffs covering the beach. It is a favorite among Thais. They're planning a new royal residence building to be built here.

Tham Pranang Beach - This is one of the most popular destinations for travelers who like a secluded atmosphere. The beach has white fine sand and transparent aquamarine waters, as well as stunning jagged karsts (limestone rock formations).

Trang - This coastal province on the Indian Ocean consists of 46 different islands. December through May is the best time to come visit.

Tourism is slowly extending into the 50 or so small Andaman Islands off the western coastline of Trang, but they still retain their superb sands, pristine coral reefs and rich bird and mammal wildlife. There are four main islands of interest: Koh Hai, Koh Muk (Pearl Island), Koh Kradan (Board Island) and Koh Ligong.

Koh Muk is popular for its Tham Morakot (Emerald Cave) on the western side. The long limestone tunnel leads from the sea to an inland beach surrounded by towering cliffs and accessible by boats only at low tide. A true paradise! Koh Kradan, one of the most beautiful and most remote islands in this group, hosts the annual Trang Underwater Wedding Fair on February 14th, which brought it to the world?s attention. Koh Libong is famed for bird-watching during March and April.

Other Attractions and Entertainment

Visit the northern hill country to get a feel for the Thai countryside. Here, the people live in huts on bamboo stilts with banana and palm leaves for roofs. Be prepared - when it rains, the ground becomes quite muddy.

 

If you get the chance, go to a Thai restaurant with entertainment to see some traditional dances. 

Thai dances focus a lot on the expressiveness of the hands. Dancers? movements are accentuated by five-inch long fingernails. The hands are extremely important to the dance, and often young girls will actually place their hands in hot water pressing their fingers back to make their hands curve backwards.

A tip for photo enthusiasts: Unlike many other foreign countries, it?s very inexpensive to get your photos developed in Chiang Mai.