SAWASDEE

...A Thai Greeting...

....Bit Of Advice You Must Not Shake Hands When You Meet A Thai...
...It's Said That Thailand looks like the Trunk and Head of An Elephant...

Thailand is a predominantly Buddist kingdom. It is said that Thailand resembles the head and trunk of the animal that has long been the symbol of Thailand, the elephant. For centuries known by outsiders as Siam, Thailand has been something of a Southeast Asian cultural and religious crossroads.

Geographically Thailand is about the same size as France. and has a population of about 55 million people. Thailand Borders Burma to the West and North, Laos to the Northeast, Kampuchea to the west, and Malaysia to the south.

Wat Arun The Temple of dawn..

Temple of the Dawn, perhaps so named because the first light of morning is reflected off the surface of the temple with a pearly iridescence) is a buddhist temple (wat) in Bangkok, Thailand. The temple is located in the Bangkok Yai district, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The full name of the temple is Wat Arunratchawararam..The temple was built in the days of Thailand's ancient capital of Ayutthaya and originally known as Wat Makok (The Olive Temple). In the ensuing era when Thonburi was capital, King Taksin changed the name to Wat Chaeng. The Wat had a brief period as host of the Emerald Buddha, which was moved to Wat Phra Kaew in 1784. The later King Rama II. changed the name to Wat Arunratchatharam. He restored the temple and enlarged the central prang. The work was finished by King Rama III. King Rama IV gave the temple the present name Wat Arunratchawararam.

We started our day in Bankok boarding a longtail boat on the Chao Phraya, which is called the River of the Kings.. to visit Noi and The Royal Barge Museum. The beautiful boats that are displayed here where used by the Kings of the Chakri dynasty for more than 200 years. Than on to the wonderful Wat Arun, the temple of dawn. We cross the river to the Grand Palace, which needs a page of it's own. Among other sites we would visit are the Temple of the Emerald Buddha,the holiest Buddha of all. We will return to Bankok to end our trip.

With little time to spare we must make our flight to the north to Chaing Mai, the rose of the north!! It is here we meet up with our trusty guide and driver Chak who I will never forget.

Adorable Chinese Baby..WHOOPS I DROPPED IT~..

Chiang Mai is a wonderful contrast to Bankok. It is Thailand's second city, although it is only one seventh the size of the capitol and very unlike Bankok in most all other respects. Of great antiquity, Chaing Mai is a beautiful destination with many charms and sights. Located north of Bankok, Chaing Mai was less than an hour by plane.

Cave Explorering..Taking A Break..

To show the contrast Bankok is a mere 200 years old, whereas Chaingmai was founded in the late 13th. century and it is one of the oldest settlements in Thailand.

A Lazy Day In Chaing Mai..

Chaing Mai was once the capital og Lanna, an independent Thai kingdom, and has preserved it's cultural heritage, with its treasures of architecture and art.

Within the city's perimeter, marked by a moat and fortified gates are many wonderful ancient Buddhist temples and other monuments. Very close by we visit the very beautiful Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, a temple which sits on a mountain peak, and Phuping Palace the summer residence of the Royal family.

Wat Pratat Doi Suthep..

Doi Suthep is a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. The temple is often referred to as Doi Suthep although this is actually the name of the mountain it is located on. The temple is located prox 30 miles from the city of Chiang Mai and is a sacred site to many Thai people. From the temple impressive views of Chiang Mai can be seen and it remains a popular destination ...

This morning we climb up this very long winding path to wat prat that is high on the top of Doi Suthep. The temple is completely surrounded by very large bells. We are told, If you ring everyone of them you are guaranteed Great Luck!

This evening we go, to the Famous Night Bazaar where you can really shop till you drop. You can buy wonderful hillside tribe jewerly, clothing, antiques, cd's,furniture, ect.! You name it's there. Not to be missed!! This is definitely the very best place to buy. And let us not forget the wonderful resturants, Indian, Thai, anything you can imagine.

...Pretty House Along the River.....
In Bankok Board a Long Tail Boad for a lovely boat ride on the Chao Phrya ..Which is the River of the Kings..The people anc children will wave hello..Maybe See the Royal Barge Museum Some of the Boats are well over 200 years old.From The Chakri Dynasty..

...Ha! We Are Taking Photos of Each Other!...

...Wat Arun From the River...

...Kids Along The Chao Phrya River Every Day Life...

... We Are On the River to See the Beautiful Wat Arun and the Temple of Dawn... Thailand is just magical!

...Wat Arun Another View...

...More Life on the River..Nice!...

You Can board these boats at the Oriental Hotel Dock Which Famous all Over the World Very Expensive..But Wonderful Have Lunch...!! Or Just Peek Around...

And now! Over to the Grand Palace...Remember to wear socks As you mush leave your shoes ..Ha! And hope you get yours back!

...Cute Little Girl From The Padung Tribe N. Thailand...
..IF YOUR PLANNING A TRIP TO THAILAND..

You Must! Eat Thai food...It's Hot and Wonderful! And is Made By Using the WOk! Be prepared to Gain Weight! ha... However, There are Many places you can order not hot! They will know what you Mean... Never, Drink Anything But Bottled Water...( Thai Folks use a Fork in the Left Hand And push the food onto the spoon in your right hand ..It is easy to get use to...

...Wonderful Reclining Budda...

In any country for that matter! I just just try to at least learn a tiny bit of the language..such as..

"Sawatdee Khrab!" That is how you say hello in Thai. If you are a girl you will say "Sawatdee Kaa". When you are on holiday in Thailand, you will find many young people who speak English. Most places you go to you won't have a problem. However, they so like it a lot when thai folks meet us foreigners who have tried to learn some of the Thai phrases.

Most web sites and phrase books just write down the Thai words using Roman letters for you to try and read. That is a waste of time because Thai is a tonal language. You need to listen to native speakers.

.. From my experience this is so much appreciated !the lovely Thai folks will giggle and be so surprized!.. Food And Humanity is Everywhere..And Impossible to take it all in...! Just not enought time..in a day

If you wish to have clothing made which is wonderful quality..Sukhumvit Road In Bankok is a super place to look.. (Ask Thai words..Thao Rai...Which means How much is this item...

Forgive Me I am jumping around a bit..As I am writing from notes and memory I Tend To Get a Bit Mixed up...Sorta ..Please Be Patient with me As I go.. Much To Tell And Show..
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