| and is teeming with tourists, perhaps it is because | | | | Museum of Thai art, musical instruments, |
| of blend of mystery and excitement, the mix of | | | | weapons, woodcarving, ceramics, clothing and |
| ancient lore and modern nightlife. Thailand, has | | | | sacred Buddha images. While you're here, don't |
| been known as Siam for centuries, Thailand has | | | | miss the Vinmanmek Teak Mansion, the largest |
| been a crossroads of culture and religion and the | | | | teak structure standing. And of course you'll want |
| 21st century has not changed that fact. | | | | to visit The Royal Elephant Museum and Dusuit |
| If you are a Buddhist, it is the destination of a | | | | Zoom. |
| lifetime, if you are simply one who enjoys | | | | ROYAL ELEPHANT MUSEUM: The Royal Elephant |
| witnessing a culture far different than your own; | | | | Museum (this was first a stable for elephants |
| again it is the destination of life time. For the | | | | commissioned by King Chulalongkorn) was an area |
| devotee of Buddha; Thailand is home to some of | | | | or enclosure in the Palace and would eventually lay |
| the most unique and unusual Buddhist temples in | | | | claim to containing the famous white elephant. |
| the world. | | | | This elephant was purported to have spiritual |
| And even if you are not a Buddhist, to stare at | | | | powers and was later elevated royal status in |
| the emerald Buddha, crafted entirely of jasper | | | | 1906. |
| quartz or jade is staggering to the imagination; the | | | | While there are many ways to travel, I feel that |
| jade is dated to the 15th century, with the murals | | | | coming to Thailand with a tour is not the best |
| not being quite as old. | | | | way to see the country. Certainly you will hit the |
| Add to that the fact that travelling in Thailand (not | | | | high spots, but you will be surrounded by many |
| counting the airfare to get there) is one of the | | | | other tourists, many love to discover Thailand |
| most inexpensive destinations worldwide. Hotels, | | | | more intimately. Thailand is a country that loves |
| food, shopping all are priced to make even a | | | | visitors, has kind and caring people and getting |
| tourist with a modest budget, travel in style and | | | | from one place to the other is easy, with the |
| eat like a King (a bowl of noodles cost less than | | | | skytrain, taxi or tuk-tuk. |
| one Dollar US) | | | | TUK-TUK: The tuk-tuk is like a small taxi and is |
| If you are either the type of traveller who goes | | | | widely used for transporting people in Southeast |
| with a group, or strikes out on your own; either is | | | | Asia. The name itself is derived from the sound |
| find in Thailand with hotels to accommodate any | | | | of the engine. Tourist seem to like them since in |
| budget. Backpackers can choose Kaosan road and | | | | times of increased traffic, they are often faster |
| if your tastes are more refined, you can choose | | | | than a taxi. Be certain of the price you are paying |
| packages from $40 to $100 or even $200 a night. | | | | for your ride and bargain for your fare, it is not |
| The service is outstanding and staff will cater to | | | | expected to pay the first price you are quoted in |
| your every whim. | | | | Thailand. |
| Bangkok is full of activity, home to The National | | | | |