Steemit Enagement Challenge ||💚||Season2, Week #1 ||💚|| 🛫🌏 Your travel manager ✈by @patjewell

@patjewell, Your travel manager to Thailand

I am very privilege that my brother has been staying in Thailand for the last twelve years. Through him I have learned such a lot not only of the country but also of the people.

Hopefully through my guidelines I will be able to give you a deeper insight of Thailand, the “Country of big smiles” . This in order to ensure you of an efficient travel plan next time you decided to this beautiful country.

THE HISTORY

Thailand, situated in South East Asia, was founded way back in the 13th century. Until 1939 it was known as Siam. Siamese cats originated from Thailand.

Thailand is run by a monarchy system. The king is then also the head of state. To date Thailand had 9 kings. The most beloved king was King Bhumibol Adulyadej who passed away in 2016 after a reign of 66 years.

^{The people of Thailand mourning the death of their King}

The capital of Thailand is Bangkok – the City of Angels. Thai’s refer to Bangkok as “Krung Thep”. This is the short version for the longest city name in the world “Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom”

You might think that Bangkok is a busy city during the day but at night the city truly comes to life. So many people visit Bangkok just for the nightlife. You can go for a city cruise on the river, have dinner on the top of buildings, visit the famous night clubs or shop at the markets way after midnight.

Bangkok during the day and night is an unforgettable experience.

^{The city of Bangkok}

THE PEOPLE

Poor, humble and dedicated that is how I refer to the Thai’s, the small people of Thailand. In all my visits I have not seen one unfriendly or rude person.

Although Thailand is a poor country and they might lack on wealth, they do not lack on smiles and they are one happy family.

The current population of Thailand is just under just under 70 million.

Thai people love to snack hence the reason that you will find street vendors everywhere you go. You can literally by anything from these vendors, from sliced fruit, noodles, barbecued meat and their famous sticky rice sweet snack.

Food from these vendors are also very reasonable and you can buy a meal for +/- 7 STEEM.

Thai people are entrepreneurs. It is not funny to see them pulling their trolleys at night just to open “pop-up” restaurants an hour later.

The Thai has a special greeting, the wai. This done with hands clasp in front of your chest. Of importance is there are different ways to do the wai. It all depends on age and rank.

“Chut Thai” is the traditional Thai clothing which is extremely colourful and can be worn by everyone. The men who doesn’t like wearing Chut Thai wear a uniform called “Suea Phraratchathan”.

ARCHITECTURE

Modern and old… The ancient architecture of Thailand stole my heart.

The architecture of the temples and palace are recognized from a distance and is a combinations of Chines, Burmese, Indian and Khmer. The building are colorful and most of them have multi-tiered red roofs.

These building are also well decorated.

One of the best places to visit to experience the ancient architecture is the Grand Palace situated in the heart of Bangkok. The Grand Palace is a whole complex of buildings and beautiful gardens.

It opens daily for visitors from 8.30am to 3.30pm.

It will take you the whole day to visit the palace and the cost is +/- 60 STEEM.

TEMPLES

Most of the Thai population, 95%, is Buddhist therefor you will find the most beautiful Buddhist temples and shrines (spirit houses) all over Thailand. Most of these temples are not just a building but a piece of art.

Some of these temples date back for centuries. What make them so unique is that some is built from bricks, some from stone and others from wood. You will even find temples built from broken pieces of crockery and even recycled beer bottles.

There are +/- 300,000 monks in Thailand. Monks in their orange and yellow robes are to be seen all over Thailand.

You especially see them early in the morning walking in the street receiving offerings from the Thai people.

What I found most interesting is that the monks are not allowed to speak loudly nor to laugh. Well, not in front of the public.
It is your duty to give your seat to a monk when you make use of the public transport.

Monks are very friendly towards tourist especially at the temples and will easily handout their blessings.

BEACHES

Thailand has a tropical climate with the result that is always warm. Temperatures range from the coldest of 27 ° C to the warmest of 35 ° C.

What makes Thailand extremely “hot” is the high humility.

The best time to visit Thailand is between the months of November and February.

^{Pattaya, Thailand}

Thailand has the most beautiful safe beaches. It is for sure a holiday destination for the family.
Puket is not only the largest island of Thailand but it is the most well-known holiday destination for honeymooners and families.

A 7-day holiday in Puket for a family, all expenses paid, will cost +/- 10,000 STEEM.

What I found amazing is that your rent your beach chair for the day. With it you get a “servant” which will be at your disposal for the day. This person will get you whatever you want from prawns to a massage.

When you pack for Thailand make sure that you pack clothes that's light and airy as it can get very hot. Linen clothes are the best. It is not a must but it is appropriate to cover the shoulders and knees.

TRANSPORT

To my knowledge Bangkok is the only city in the world where in one day you can make use of NINE different types of transport in one day.

• Sky train
• Subways
• Taxi
• Bus
• Motorbike
• Car
• Tuk-tuks
• Express and khlong boats
• Songthaew (passenger truck)

Public transport is easy extremely efficient, safe, clean and not expensive at all.

My advice when travelling in Thailand is to choose a form of transport which has an air conditioner and not to be in a haste.

In Bangkok alone there are over 40,000 taxis and traffic can get hectic at times.

^{Transport in the country side}

FOOD

I can still remember my first visit to Thailand when I took my daughter for her 18th birthday to this beautiful country. We were told that we were not allowed to eat any Westernize food. For the full twee weeks we had to adopt to Thai food.

I have found that the best food to eat is from the street vendors. It is what I call soul food. Here you can buy some of the traditional cuisine like;

🍲 Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
🍲 Som Tam (Spicy Green Papaya Salad)
🍲 Pad Thai (Thai Style Fried Noodles)

A must have when you visit Thailand is their famous “watermelon shake” . I don’t think there is one restaurant who does not sell it.

You will also find vendors which are “different”. Here you can buy crickets, cockroaches and even scorpions to eat.

For those who are used to fine dining, Thailand also caters for you.

ENTERTAINMENT

There is no shortage of entertainment in Thailand.

The top three must visit place for entertainment:

Chiang Mai Cabaret show – And amazing show staring Thailand’s “ladyboys”.
These are transgender performers. The costumes and vibes of these shows are just unbelievable. If you cannot get to watch this show my next pick will be Galypso.

Rajadamnern Stadium - Home of the famous Thai boxing or “moo-ay tai” as known by the Thai people.

Mandarin Oriental Bamboo Bar - Not only is one of Thailand’s oldest bar but is it also famous for live music.
A must visit for tourists.

Thailand your next holiday destination!

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