Category Archives: Thailand
Life as an Islander
As we left the nice, cool mountainous area of Chiang Mai, we were ready for the heat and beach time in the southeast central part of Thailand. Koh Chang is the second largest island in Thailand and is part of the province of Trat. Again, we were lucky to have the chance to experience Thailand as a semi-local with our friend, Ben, who lives in Trat. We worked together in Vietnam and he lived in Thailand before he moved to Vietnam. He loved it so much that he decided to move back! We can definitely believe why. He’s gotten to know the locals on a different level because of how well he can speak Thai, which I am so jealous of (the ability to easily learn languages). Trat is a small coastal town with a fisherman’s feel. The people were so friendly and truly sincere.
On our second day, Ben took us to his favorite noodle soup place. Thai food uses so many herbs and spice that it bursts in your mouth. This particular soup was made from a pork broth and ramen-type noodles with vegetables and sensational spices. We also had another soup dish loaded with dumplings, shrimp, squid and those wonderful Thai herbs and spices. What made this experience even more special was when Ben noticed one of his Thai friends sitting a table with his huge family. It’s a small town, so everyone seems to know everyone and they’re actually sincerely welcoming. At the end of our meal, we found out that the gentleman had paid for our meal! It’s times like these where living in a small town has its perks; truthfully gracious, open and pleasant people who want to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Koh Chang’s people were not much different. Although much more tourists come here for the beach, the locals were still very nice and helpful. Koh Chang is not one of the most famous islands in Thailand, but it was still stunning, mountains surround every view and beautiful beaches line the edge of the mountains. It lays right off the southeast coast of the mainland right next to Cambodia. In fact, when we took the ferry from Trat, which is only an hour ride, we could see some land far away, which was Cambodia. As a matter of fact, some Cambodian people work on the island. These four days were spent as a true beach holiday (weekend for Ben) laying on the beach, playing in the water, some snorkeling and playing volleyball. What a great ending to an amazing 10 days in Thailand!
A Taste of Thailand
Thailand – a country full of extreme differences. On our last day in Thailand, we had to wake up at 5:30 to catch our flight out of Bangkok. Within five minutes we saw a couple walking home, two long-legged, well-dressed lady boys who were surprised to see us, one said “Oh my gosh, just you two together!?!” and lastly two monks with their brass bowls collecting their alms from faithful Buddhists.
I wasn’t sure of what to expect from traveling through Thailand because I’ve heard mixed reviews from friends. But, we had a really unique experience because we have friends who live there. We had the chance to see how foreigners experience Thailand as well as some locals. I was especially surprised at how clean the cities, large and small, were.
Thais are some of the nicest, most down-to-earth people I’ve met while out here in Asia. Everywhere we went, people smiled and cheerfully helped us out. They also had their own unique fashion style. I almost felt like it was leaning toward the Japanese style of guys with lots of spiked hair and girls with their colored orange/red hair, just without all of the gaudy make-up.
People here are definitely used to having foreigners around, whether they live in Thailand or are just visiting. They’ve definitely perfected the tourists’ route. Bangkok is a huge modern city that is the center for traveling throughout Southeast Asia. Their backpacker district is huge and blows Saigon’s backpacker area away. Expensive shopping areas are all over the city as well as great transportation – bus, subway, skytrain, taxi, tuk-tuk and canal ferries – but traffic is horrendous. Temples are beautifully decorated with crystals, jewels, gold, intricate details and elaborate statues. And the nightlife is a must experience, but can be contradicting in many ways. {Actually my friend from high school, Henry Trejo, and some of his friends are in Southeast Asia for six weeks trying to bring back beauty, Beauty Creates Beauty.}
Enjoy as narrate the highlights of our ten days in Thailand!
Thailand for New Year’s
The Land of Smiles
April 4, 2010 | Author: Randy Pulayya
As I prepared to make my trip to Thailand I was ready for the hot weather and relaxation. In recent weeks the country of Thailand has been overwhelmed with protests by the local people wanting to hold another election so they can have democracy. Click here to read more on ourkoreanteapot.com.
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