Thailand
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Buddha, Beaches, and smiling people

Thailand, or Muang Thai, its an constitutional monarchy in south east Asia. And has a size of about 515  000 sq km (201 000 sq miles) .

Capital is Bangkok, it has 73 Provinces, and you will pay with Baht = 100 Stang. And the red, white and blue bands of its national flag symbolize the Nation (red), Buddhism (white) and the monarchy respectively.

In big Cities like Bangkok, English is widespread. But in the Countryside, well.... . You will find a lot people who don't speak English.

There you have to show what u want. If you go to such an small shop, fold you hands make a slight bow and say "sawati kap"  - good day. And if you need a bottle of cold water (and you will - believe me) order an "nam yen"  - water cold. And Wat means Temple.

Other rules you have to follow:

  • don't take pictures inside museums and religious ground - you may ask before!

  • put your shoes off before entering private or religious buildings.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha GolfofThailand.JPG (73987 bytes) Buddha01.JPG (62710 bytes) TempleBangkok.JPG (96766 bytes) Buddha02.JPG (45401 bytes)

Welcome to the land of smile. And to Bangkok (Krungthep) witch means the City of Angels. If you didn't got here for all this cheap sex - I HOPE SO - you will find a culture of centuries. The city was founded in 1782 by King Rama I as capital of Siam (Thailand's old name). The Start for a sightseeing tour could be the famous Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha). This "Wat" is the most beautiful and important Buddhist Temple in Thailand. It houses Phra Kaeo Morakot, the most highly revered Buddha image carved from a single block of fine jade. The Vimanmek Mansion is the biggest golden teak-wood building in the world. It is located behind the old National Assembly Building. It shows priceless treasures and a collection of the King's  memorabilia. Other Temples to visit are Wat Pho with its 95 pagodas, the largest number of pagodas in the city, and its huge Reclining Buddha (45 m long and 15 m high), Wat Traimit (this Buddha is about 700 to 800 years old). And so on. You can find 100+ shrines and temples throughout the City.

Or you visit the worlds second largest Snake Farm, the world famous Floating Market.

The most important address for fun and party are Pat Pong Road  I and II.

And to get away from tourists and to see the natural beauty, I got south. Bang Sapan is just over 30 minutes away from the dreamlike Palm covered Beaches on the Gulf of Thailand. And its MUCH cheaper then tourist centers such as Phuket. 

The Queensland And Northern Territory Air Service (or QUANTAS) flew me then Down under.