Part II: Thailand

For the second portion of our trip, we left Cambodia for Thailand. Thailand is known for its uniquely beautiful beaches, ancient shrines and golden Buddhas, and ultra-modern big cities. We visited the northern mountain town Chiang Mai, the southern beaches of Railay, and the lively capital Bangkok. Trip highlights included: enjoying the food, of course, which is a recurring theme in our travels, but so true; an elephant ride through the mountains and rivers; rock climbing on the beach cliffs; visiting a "long-neck" tribe in their mountain village; seeing the Buddhist shrines and monks; shopping through the massive markets.

Thailand's fast facts:
population: 68 million
socioeconomics: "mid-level" country in the region and the world; somewhat wealthy from exports
religion: 95 percent Buddhism
language: Thai
food: Thai
climate: really hot
claims to fame: world-famous beaches, silk, elephants (national symbol)
cultural influences: India, Laos, Burma, Cambodia, China
noteworthy: Thailand is a monarchy with a king whom the citizens call "Dad" in English, so we got this on a t-shirt for Geoff.


Chiang Mai:

We stayed at a lovely, secluded resort in the mountains.

We had our own little house with a pool off the back deck.

If our backs we turned for a second, chances are Leo was messing with a shrine.

There was an elephant camp just down the road from our resort.

Leo and I were the audience participants at the elephant show and are getting a hug.

 

A traditional tribe of "long-neck women" live nearby. Starting as young girls,
 they begin to elongate their necks using metal necklaces that are basically a heavy collar.
After years of constant use, their neck muscles are stretched and
the collars actually support their heads.

 

Straight outta National Geographic!

 

Bangkok:

Not really sure of the story being depicted here, but it Eri enjoyed it.

 

Nothing is funnier than watching people pose for pictures.



City markets

Lots of fun shopping

Unfortunately, these turtles were not being sold as pets.

 

Street vendors throughout the city sell cooked bugs on sticks to tourists.
Leo was distraught until we bought him his own scorpion to eat.

Like father, like son. Ugh.

Railay Beach:

We stayed at Railay, which can only be accessed by boat.

The beach cliffs are popular rock climbing spots.

Eri was fearless; I was nervous.

 

 

 

This is the island's famous penis cave, where
 people leave tributes to fertility and light incense.

At a festival one night, we lit candles in flower arrangements
 and sent them floating in the ocean for good luck.

Kayaking through the cliffs was definitely a trip highlight.