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:
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| We stayed at a lovely, secluded resort in the mountains. |
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| We had our own little house with a pool off the back deck. |
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| If our backs we turned for a second, chances are Leo was messing with a shrine. |
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| There was an elephant camp just down the road from our resort. |
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| Leo and I were the audience participants at the elephant show and are getting a hug. |
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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. |
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| Straight outta National Geographic! |
Bangkok:
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| Not really sure of the story being depicted here, but it Eri enjoyed it. |
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| Nothing is funnier than watching people pose for pictures. |
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| City markets |
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| Lots of fun shopping |
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| Unfortunately, these turtles were not being sold as pets. |
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Street vendors throughout the city sell cooked bugs on sticks to tourists.
Leo was distraught until we bought him his own scorpion to eat. |
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| Like father, like son. Ugh. |
Railay Beach:
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| We stayed at Railay, which can only be accessed by boat. |
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| The beach cliffs are popular rock climbing spots. |
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| Eri was fearless; I was nervous. |
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This is the island's famous penis cave, where
people leave tributes to fertility and light incense. |
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At a festival one night, we lit candles in flower arrangements
and sent them floating in the ocean for good luck. |
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| Kayaking through the cliffs was definitely a trip highlight. |
