Travel to Thailand -- Land of Wonders
If there's only one thing to know about Thailand, it is that the people here are as friendly as anywhere on earth. They are peaceful, happy, outgoing people that are a pleasure to be with. Thailand, of course, is also world reknowned for great food.
I've visited Thailand twice. The first time was in 1999, when I spent a few days in Bangkok on my way to Nepal. I enjoyed that experience enough to return in November of 2001. During my latest visit, I enjoyed trekking in northern Thailand - west of Chiang Mai, where I stayed between outings to various other villages in that part of Thailand. Then, I travelled to Phuket, where I spent a day scuba diving in the Similan Islands - considered by many to be some of the best diving in the world. I also spent a day in Phang Na, a national park consisting of beautifully scenic islands that jut dramatically out of the Andaman Sea. Here it is possible to canoe around these interesting islands, many of which have caves that open in the interior of the islands to intesting lagoons.
About 95% of Thais are Buddhist. At age 20, all Thai Buddhist men are required to become monks for at least six months. Many remain monks for many years. I believe this has a deep influence on Thai culture, helping to make this a serene society.
There are many different cultural groups within Thailand, most having migrated into Thailand from surrounding areas such as Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and even China. In northern Thailand, there are Lisu, Karen, Akha, Lahu, and Hmong to name a few. Each of these groups have their own customs, religious beliefs, and language. I hope you enjoy my vacation photos of Thailand and will leave a message in my guestbook. These beautiful islands are east of the Thai peninsula in the Andaman Sea.
This scenic little backward village is in the rolling hills near Mae Hong Son.
If you're interested, you can also see my photos of Bolivia, Peru, Nepal,
North America, and Europe, or read my travel journals at Travelogues
Enjoy!
