"Thailand:" Thailand by Homanded

Thailand Travel Guide: 31,047 reviews and 78,207 photos

More than just beaches and shopping!

Most people that come to Thailand do so to bask in it's beautiful beaches or, for the wonderful shopping in Bangkok. There is so much more to see and do in Thailand. Our most memorable experiences will be of the "last minute decisions" and places we were not originally intending to visit.
The true beauty of Thailand lies with it's people, it's colorful behind the scenes way of everyday life as well as the openess of locals wanting to share their own insider tips on the best restaurant, nightspot or personal place of worship.
Once you have established what your personal "must see" thing about Thailand is, don't be afraid to jump on a train and explore outside of Bangkok or, to walk into a restaurant outside of your hotel.
Go to the floating market and stay awake during the 1 hour bus ride so you can get a feel of what people continue to live like to this day outside of the city.
Make friends with your Taxi driver/Tuk Tuk driver and engage them in conversation. Learn about their culture and, more importantly, from the moment you step off the plane, learn to say Hello, Thank you and Please in their language!
Always become a goodwill ambassador to your own country when visiting another.

Chiang Mai / Chiang Rai

Karem Girl

Thailand's people, from the locals at the markets to the Hilltribes are amongst the friendliest we've encountered. Even those bent on making a sale, were always willing to take a moment to direct us the right way when we were looking for a point of reference or had lost our way back to our hotel..
It amazed us that even some of the Karem (Long necked women) in the Hilltribe knew a little bit of English and some spanish. We were able to openly ask about their culture and they seemed to welcome the interest rather than just posing for pictures as many tourists seem to do. Engage them in conversation, it will make them feel as they are more than just a photographic trophy to your vacation album!
Carry candy, gum or other small tokens for their little ones. Children would flock around us when we'd produce candy and Wai at us thankfully. Parents seemed genuinely surprised (as were we) that "Westerners" had taken the time to remember the little ones and smiled warmly in return. In Ayutthaya, we had a little girl give us a Lotus blossom present in return for our kindness...one she managed to retrieve after scurrying down the steep temple steps and back up,merely to thank us for having remembered her! It is these experiences that will be etched in our minds, much more so than scenic beauty of it all. It is the moments we shared with new friends, both Thais and Westerners over drinks/dinner or day of exploration.
Sawasdee

Beaches and Sun

Lost in Paradise

Finally, the food and atmosphere of "Most" of Thailand lends itself to good fun, relaxing times and a wonderful opportunity to sample new things.
From fancier restaurants to true and tried familiar places that you probably have back home.
Drinks by your poolside, or, long days of sunning on the beach.
The waters are excellent for snorkeling and the service, in all places we frequented was not only fantastic but very affordable by Western standards. Come with an open mind, don't be bogged down by strict itineraries and make the most of your "Last minute decisions"...turn them into opportunities!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Affordable, great service, good food, catering to all interest levels
Cons:Bargaining is a way of life...alot of Scams and Cons from unriliable sources. Do your Homework!!!
In a nutshell:Thailand has more than meets the eye...get out and explore entire Country

Intro Written Jul 24, 2005
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Reviews (34)

Our poolside Superior Room - $47/night in '05 - Thailand

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BEST RESORT ON PHUKET - ON THE BEACH!!! - Thailand

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Nightlife (2)
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Travelogues (5)

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Comments (34)

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mavl Jun 22, 2009 at 12:38 PM

i know, i know, the pitfalls of being popular- it's a tough life, isn't it? seriously, thanks for the invite, really hope to make it to miami one day soon. timing it with therese would be even better. meantime, you guys enjoy!
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Tina-Perth Jun 20, 2009 at 6:35 PM

Hey Homer, it sounds like you picked up a pretty ordinary trip to James Bond Island, but I don't think JBI is worth going to due to the crazy sellers. Next time come with us! T xx
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Mikebb Nov 7, 2008 at 2:45 PM

Hi Your homepage sums up Thailand nicely. Visited Puket in 1982, only 2 large hotels then, scared to go back and see how they destroyed it. Regularly visit Thailand, land of smiles.
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Gillybob Aug 16, 2008 at 10:09 AM

I hear ya! Australia team mates in clingy shorts - mmmmm!!! LOL!! Gillybob greetings
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BillNJ Apr 2, 2008 at 3:09 AM

Sorry to hear that the monkeys took your glasses, Homer! This page has some of the best tips that I've seen yet on VT - especially about scams, packing and local customs. Keep up the great posts! Best from NJ, Bill
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adelaidean Dec 12, 2007 at 1:45 PM

I love Thailand Homer. Agree with you that the people are what makes Thailand..xxx
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thedouglas Oct 22, 2007 at 4:39 PM

Happy to talk to you in Thailand! Glad you had a great meet - and got to meet some of your now departed friends.
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jelw Sep 19, 2007 at 7:20 PM

Wild sunsets ;-)
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Camping_Girl Sep 17, 2007 at 4:06 PM

Great page on a place I would really love to visit one day. Your photos are great!
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makiro Aug 12, 2007 at 8:00 PM

Great comments on Thailand. Hope to visit there soon, on my next south east asia trip. Take care, Rob