phi phi islands from Philippine Airlines (personal photo)
Thailand is a great place to visit if you want fun, sun, and relaxation. There are a few places to visit in Thailand, with the most popular two being Bangkok and the island of Phuket. Depending on the type of vacation you are looking for, either of these will be a wonderful experience. Bangkok is a rich and vibrant city, full of culture and history. It’s not quite the same as relaxing on a beach, but it does have a definite appeal. For my money though, Phuket is the place to go. This island might not be all that big but it is extremely beautiful. There are lots of beautiful beaches to relax upon with so many hotels available it’s easy to find a good deal. If you just want to take it easy while here, this is easy to do. The hotels will offer pools to relax beside and it’s a great place to get a nice tan while reading a good book. The beaches are sandy and soft with water the temperature of bathwater. If you are looking for something a little more than lying beside a pool, there are small day/half day trips that you can take, such as a trek where you ride elephants, traditional Thai shows, and a tour of the Phi Phi island chain. This last is utterly amazing and is something I highly recommend to anyone who will listen. The waters here are crystal clear, warm, and a bright vibrant greenish-blue. You can snorkel with fish, ride a boat, swim tide pools, and all in all have an amazing, unforgettable adventure.
The people are friendly and eager to help. Most speak fairly good English so communication isn’t too difficult. The cuisine is varied and you can always find something to eat. If you want to try traditional Thai food, it’s pretty much everywhere. However, if you are wary of trying new things or you simply don’t care for Thai food, you can easily find restaurants that serve American style foods. You can also find some good deals on clothes, bags, jewelry, and so on, just be careful because it’s easy to spend more than you intended. One important thing to remember about Thailand: The sun is extremely strong here so ALWAYS wear sunscreen. A lot of sunscreen! You will be extremely sorry if you do not (Sunburns spoil the fun).