"Thailand:" a Thailand Travel Page by Homanded

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.

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

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!