Thailand, the land of oriental adventure

With the music from the movie “The Beach” inside my mind, Thailand is my destination for oriental adventure, myth and folklore and exotic meals.

With its lush history and provocative sights, the trip to this enchanting kingdom was truly beyond compare and description, delighting in every experience for the globetrotter in you.

Breath-taking sights, shopping galore and spicy foods are all found here in Thailand.  But try not to get lost in the busy cities and tourist destinations and cause hassle to yourself or companions.  First up, I consulted my trusted guide, a copy of the Lonely Planet Thailand, to lead the way. 

Bangkok, like any other metropolitan city, has its fair share of noise and traffic.  But still, it retains its quality and distinction as a city of the golden east, where tradition and modernity fuses into a plethora of colorful sights and activities. 

The city is located on the east side of the Chao Phraya River and is said to be sinking at least 2 inches every year.  But nevertheless, the fun and revelry never stops in this wondrous city.

For the shoppaholic in you, the streets of Bangkok are full of shops and stores which cater to your whims and desires, especially clothes and jewelries.  Haggle or bargain all you want, but make sure that the items are truly worth it, especially when buying jewels.  Check always if they are endorsed by the government.

Also, a visit at the Jim Thompson house is widely suggested, as it houses the best silk in Thailand!  And if you truly are a good shopper, a trip down Pat Phong is the best way to test your bargaining skills. Go haggle the night away for your psychedelic oriental finds.

Another stop in Bangkok is the Grand Palace. The Grand Palace (Wat Phra Kaew) is a magnificent site which has colourful and beautiful murals inside, reminiscent of the Indian Ramayana, the Ramakian.  But observe proper decorum and dress code so as not to be disrespectful of their site and customs.

But a trip to Thailand will not be complete if you will not visit Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, where the beaches are pristine and the food is truly superb.  Try getting along the Tuk-Tuk, and you will find everything else in Phuket.

As it is an exotic island where enchantments and festivals are truly bound to happen, be on the look out always for festivals and traditional celebrations as these things are always happening in this side of the globe.  Particularly this month of June, witness the Bun Phra Wet (Phi Ta Khon) Festival. 

It is a celebration held in Amphoe Dan Sai, Loei’s, the festivity includes people who dress up in strange or loud “spirit” costumes and masks.  It supposed to convey the legend of the return of the Buddha-to-be during his second to the last birth. Another example of festivities would be the Rocket Festival.  Villagers in the north create large bamboo skyrockets that they fire into the sky to summon rain for the rice fields.

Truly, Thailand is a mysterious, stunning and exotic place where a traveler is summoned to witness its majestic beauty.  It may be a short trip, but it is priceless as it is blessed by the gods.