Visiting countries in different regions of the world was something I experienced while serving in the U.S. Navy. I was given the opportunity to observe diverse cultures and religions as well as frolic with the natives during my port visits overseas. Furthermore, I would like to reflect on the most interesting and exciting port visit I experienced. From the fine cuisine and entertainment to the tropical forests and spiritual people I was fortunate enough to observe, lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand.
There is more visible historical evidence of past eras in Thailand than in any other Southeast Asian country, so if you're interested in ruins, temples and deserted cities, this is the place to go. For pure holiday-making magic, Thailand's islands and beaches are working definitions of heaven. As for urban delights, the huge metropolis of Bangkok, although it can alarm you with its chaos and size, tends to charm visitors with its energy and cultural treasures. Thailand is an easy country to travel in, with efficient transport, cheap accommodation, and a delicious national cuisine. The Thais are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality to strangers. Although they're often depicted as fun-loving, happy-go-lucky folk (which they often are), they are also very strong-minded and have struggled for centuries to preserve their spirit of independence.
Thailand's two coastlines and countless islands attract schools of water babies. Diving and snorkeling are-particularly popular in Phuket. The islands of Chumphon Province, just north of Surat Thani are less developed and the reefs here are practically undisturbed. Touring the islands and coastal limestone formations around Phuket and Ao Phang-Nga by inflatable canoe are always an ever-increasingly popular activity. The typical sea-canoe tour seeks out half-submerged caves, timing excursions so they can paddle into the caverns at low tide. Inland raft trips are available down the Mae Klong River in central Thailand in Kanchanaburi Province and on the Pai River in Mae Hong Son Province. Wilderness walking is northern Thailand's biggest draw. Chiang Mai is the main center for treks into mountains inhabited by hill tribes, but there are also trekking areas around Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai. There is also the flat terrain and lush-river scenery of the Mekong River area in the north and northeast part of Thailand. One particular interesting observation I noted while in Thailand was the practice of religion. Meditation study is a decidedly less sweaty 'activity,' popular with many visitors to Thailand. There are dozens of temples and meditation centers dotted throughout the country, which welcome sincere guests. Instruction and accommodation are free of charge, though donations are expected and well appreciated. Centers provide instruction in English in Bangkok and Phuket amongst others.
If you're a person who cherishes rain forests, and then you'll appreciate the Monsoon forest that covers one quarter of Thailand. I found the country to have an incredible array of fruit trees, bamboo, and tropical hardwoods. There are more than 850 resident and migratory species of birds and dwindling number of tigers, leopards, and snakes as well as elephants and Asiatic black bears.
Thai cuisine is pungent and spicy, seasoned with heaps of garlic, chilies, and a characteristic mix of limejuice and lemon grass. Galanga root, basil, ground peanuts, ginger, and coconut milk are other common additions. Fish sauce or shrimp pastes are mainstays of Thai dishes, and of course, rice is eaten with almost all meals. Main dishes include hot and sour fish ragout, green and red curries various soups and noodle dishes. Thai food is served with a variety of condiments and dipping sauces. There is an incredible variety of fruit available, either fresh or juiced. Sugar cane juice is available, and for something stronger, rice ...