From its pucture perfect islands in the South to the adventurous highlands of the North, the country has long been the epitome of a tropical parradice. It has been the backdrop for many books and the setting for numerous movies. I believe the main reason for its prominance as a romantic and otherworldly escape is the juxtaposition between tranquillity and trepidation.
My travels in Thailand began in a city who's name you may not at first recognize: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit.
Which translates as: City of Angels, Great City of Immortals, Magnificent City of the Nine Gems, Seat of the King, City of Royal Palaces, Home of Gods Incarnate, Erected by Visvakarman at Indra’s Behest.
For those who enjoy speaking in airport code...BKK. Or, if you prefer, Bangkok.
This city has it all and in abundance. I wrote about my experiences in another fb post/blog that can be found with some diligent scrolling. A proper, more easily navigable location may soon be available.
So, what's cool about Thailand? For starters, not the weather. It's hot and humid all year fluctuating between almost bearable and "are you frigin' kidding me?". Which makes a stay on a beach all the more desireable. I chose Koh Chang for over 80% of it being a National Park and, therefore less developed: hiking to waterfalls and swimming in the ocean are the order of every day. Koh Chang also offers some of the best scuba diving in the region owing to a more than 650sq mi of a protected marine park.
The largest fish in the world, the whale shark, can be found in these waters.
Kanchanaburi province borders Burma and can be reached as a day trip from Bankok. The more romantic traveler may want to ride the Death Train popularized by the book/movie "Bridge Over River Kwai". This is where more than 80,000 prisoners and slaves died constructing a railway for the occupying Japanese during WWII.
After that, you may need to lighten your spirits a bit. Spend time at the Elephants World rehabilitation park. Even after so many deaths and a constant barrage of research by animal rights organizations, Thailand still has a large elephant tourism business. Here you will see the crippled and broken bodies of one of the world's most majestic creatures. And they do seem to enjoy this level of human interaction. Please, visit here before going on an elephant treck.
The popular energy drink Red Bull was created in Thailand.
To the Northeast of BKK the mountains raise abruptly. The well-to-do of the city frequent this area to get a reprieve from the heat. I was told that owning an establishment with a Western name is more prestigious and aong my directionless bike ride I found Santa Fe, the OK Coral, Bonanza, Kinsington, and there were even a couple Italian Piazzas.
The wildlife of Khao Yai NP should not be missed either.
The smallest mammal in the world, the bumblebee bat lives in Thailand.
To the North along the border with Laos is the town of Loei. This area is far more laid back than the tourist hubs a few hours NW. You can hike in the mountains and sleep under the stars in Phu Kradueng National Park. There are caves and natural bridges. Take a bamboo raft on a lake to swim or while away the hours with a good book. Or ride a bike to the Mekong River and see how much greener the grass is on the other side.
The reticulated python is the world’s largest snake. The biggest one, found here, was over 33 feet long (10meters)!
Thailand is also home to the longest poisonous snake in the world, the king cobra.
Around the bend in Nan province you will find similar geography with a bit more individuality. The town sits in a secluded valley and for centuries, it was its own autonomous kingdom issolated from Laos to the East and Thailand to the West. Ride a bicycle or motorbike into the surrounding countryside for a day or two of breathtaking sceenery.
Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia never to have been a European colony.
My last stop, for this partial overview, was in Thailand's second largest city: Chiang Mai. Although, with only 150,000 people there is no comparison to BKK's 8-million.
In the old, mote-encircled town the streets are narrow and filled with restaurants and accommodations to fit any level of luxury. I could have stayed for $3/nt in a hostle, but splurged on $9/nt for a private room instead.
Though, you might prefer The Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai for only $900/nt. Breakfast is included!
Chiang Mai has a few busy streets, but for the most part it is quiet with great food; even if it is a bit more expensive than Bangkok. It's an easy cycle to Doi Inthanon (Thailand's highest peak) or take a tuk-tuk tour to wats and such. All maner of adventure are on offer to wisk you away for a day or ten.
If the street you are staying on seems desolate after sun down, the night market on Chang Klan Road is were you will find everyone. Eat till you can not take any more at the Ploen Ruedee International Food Court.
With so many different shops and bussinesses across the country its no wonder that occasionally the names, as they are translated into English, are...off.
"Boots" is a pharmacy. "Layers" sells sandals. "S'mores" is a salad place. And "Chesters" is a kid's store. "Moo Moo Pork" would seem at first glance to be equally wrong, but then I learned that Mooping is the Thai word for pig.
My favorite, though, is "Morose". They sell wedding dresses.
So, yes. Visit Thailand. See it all. Bask in the sun. Revel in the chaos. Wonder at the sights and sounds, or beter yet, find a small out of the way spot to ponder not returning home.
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