Travel Thailand: A Farang Fashion Faux Pas

I arrived in Bankok in April, knowing it would be hot, but was knocked out by the average 106° weather. After a chaotic trip to my guesthouse, through the most amazing traffic, I collapsed on the bed in nothing but my birthday suit. Prior to arriving in Thailand, I had researched what to pack. I wanted to bring comfortable clothing, but also pieces that would be appropriate for the various wats or temples I planned to visit.

To Thais, being sabai jai means having a contented heart, referring to a calm disposition. Foreigners or farang are thought to behave in a contradictory manner, being easily frustrated and exhibiting a quick temper or jai rawn.
I promised myself that I would blend in to my new surroundings and maintain an inward tranquility so prized in the Land of Smiles.

On my second day in Bankok I was headed to the former Thai capital Ayutthaya and the Royal summer palace, Bang Pa-In. Forgetting all of my carefully selected couture, I threw on the coolest pieces I had. Dressed in a sleeveless tank and black cotton skirt that hit above my knee, off I went. That was the end of my inner and outer tranquility.

As soon as I stepped on the bus, I became acutely aware that I had forgotten the dress code, but it was too late. My seatmate was an impeccably dressed British woman who looked appalled by my very presence. She avoided conversation and eye contact with me, and we rode to Ayutthaya in silence.

Unable to fully enjoy the Buddha statues and architecture that spanned centuries, I was consumed by the thought that I was offending past and present Thais. I was especially distracted when all my bare bits were in the company of monks. Overheated, sweaty and blotchy red, we headed to our next stop, Bang Pa-In the colonial-style summer digs for the Royal Family. We were told that clothing would be provided to cover knees and shoulders if we weren't dressed appropriately. I should have taken the offer. Instead I looked in my bag and grabbed a black sundress that I had stashed at the last minute. A frilly flamenco looking number, I looked ready for the stage than a stroll through a revered Thai attraction.

I was pleased with my find, and our Thai guide, always polite, said I looked fine. Off I went, and perhaps overly confident due to my modest attire, instead of opting for the covered golf carts, I joined the rest of the walking tour. I now understood how asphalt feels in the blistering sun. Trying to stay conscious, every so often I would sneak into a stream of water coming out of the sprinklers to keep the expertly manicure lawn looking green. How I envied that lawn.

Eventually I had to retreat from the walking tour and seek some shade. I looked up and saw two chic young Thai women in jeans and cardigans under a lovely umbrella. They were pointing and giggling. I must have looked a site, a large overheated, beet red woman in a formal black dress. I found out later that like Western culture, black is worn for funerals and can be considered bad luck. It was certainly bad luck for me.

I had become the traveler I vowed not to be, but now I knew better. The next day, wearing modest attire, I smugly hopped off the water taxi and headed for the gates of the Grand Palace complex. Unexpectedly, the clothing police directed me to a long line up of farang waiting to enter a small white building. On my turn a woman handed me a pair of socks. I put on the socks, slipped my sandals on and away I went. I walked toward the inner entrance of the Grand Palace but guards stopped me again, pointed at my feet, and gestured back the way I came. I wheeled around and was starting to get impatient, hot and frustrated. My jai rawn was showing up already, my second day in Thailand! As I trundled back in the hot sun, I watched smiling, perfectly poised Thai women dressed head to toe in warm looking clothing. I was so envious of their composure!

Back at the trailer, the attendants looked apologetic and handed me a pair of sport sandals. By the time I made it back to the entrance, I was sweating in the socks, long pants and modest shirt. After a few minutes I was again starting to overheat. I clicked a few photos and rushed towards the wrong exit. At first I thought I wouldn't be let out, but when I kept exclaiming "mai sabai" the guards knew I wasn't well and quickly let me pass. Embarrassed, I revived myself with ice cream and water.

Eventually, I began to adapt. Once I simply stopped to watch how Thais dealt with the heat, instead of trying to recall what I had read, I caught on to loose cotton clothing, and was much more savvy about sun exposure. In Thailand, the state of tranquility or sabai jai transcends physical appearances. It is intertwined with religion and philosophy, and to think I could attain something so intangible overnight was ridiculous. I needed to release the hold on what I thought I knew, in order to find my contented heart.

10 Ways to Beat the Heat in Thailand:

It's hot in Thailand all year round, but if you're affected by extreme heat here are some things to consider when visiting the Land of Smiles:

1. Although Songkran or Thai New Year is fun to experience, you may want to avoid Thailand in April. It's the warmest time of year, with little escape from the blistering sun. I had to miss certain attractions in Bangkok because I simply couldn't function in the extreme heat.

2. Keep hydrated. Buy lots of bottled water and be diligent about replenishing every hour.

3. Bring hydration packets with you. I met a woman from California who gave me this tip for my next trip to Thailand. You can pick up these packets at sports stores or drugstores and are usually used by athletes.

4. Make sure to bring loose, light colored clothing made from natural fibers like linen or cotton. Sport sandals are a must if you plan on visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok, as well as a few modest pieces to cover shoulders and knees.

5. As soon as you arrive, buy an umbrella to keep the sun off. They're cheap and work well to keep you shaded. They look pretty too!

6. Stay near or on the water. The Chao Praya River in Bangkok, or escape to an island. It's much cooler.

7. Avoid too much sun and wear sun block. If you do get a sunburn, try a first aid vitamin E ointment. It worked wonders on my burned shoulders.

8. Wear a hat if you don't plan on using an umbrella.

9. Get up with the monks and do most of your sightseeing early in the morning.

10. Enjoy the spicy and delicious Thai food! The spice tends to make to salivate and perspire which cools you off and quenches your thirst.

Jane Arnold is a freelance writer and travel buff. She has spent time in Europe and North America, and most recently traveled to South East Asia. You can read more of her travel stories at [http://www.girlyside.com/girlyside.html] The website is a girl's guide to health, beauty, love and leisure. Sign up for the free newsletter at [http://www.girlyside.com/newsletter.html]

By Jane Arnold

4 Reasons Why You Need to Go to Thailand

Thailand is known all around the world as the free country but this is not the only reason why tourists and travelers flock to it. Thailand is an interesting country to travel to, whether it's because of the unspoiled culture or its natural Asian beauty. It is definitely worth visiting and here are some of the reasons.

Sport You Should Try

With all the glorious mountain formation that Thailand is blessed with, it has been discovered that it is one of the most ideal places to go rock climbing. Although it is usually a sport for adventure tourists, rock-climbing is definitely something everyone should try. Rock-climbing is not an organized sport so there are no rules to learn and there are no points to earn. It's just you, some wires and some big old rocks to conquer. Not to mention, the view from the climbing points is said to be phenomenal.

Thailand has been such a popular place for rock-climbing that companies that oversee the rock-climbing sport. There would be no need to worry about lack of equipment or instruction because many specialty companies on rock-climbing are available in Thailand.

See The Elephants

Elephants are endemic in Thailand and are also a big part of its culture. It would be a waste to visit the country without seeing them once and experiencing why they are culturally significant. Elephants have attracted so many tourists that the country already has elephant parks to house them. The best thing about these elephant parks is that tourists are frequently permitted to interact with these magnificent animals.

Spots For Great Tours

Thailand is rich in several natural phenomena and formation that are worth looking at. A standout nature point for the country is its rainforests. The rainforests are usually viewed by amazing ziplines that cut across the canopy layers of the rainforests. It sounds like a dream tour and the rainforests that you are now imagining may pale in comparison. This is yet another reason why Thailand is a place worth visiting. The beaches and the rock formations are there, but the rainforests are really something to behold.

The Festival

Imagine Thailand, the beautiful country that it is, during summer. Being a true part of Asia, summers in Thailand are extremely hot. The country's culture itself, however, remedies this. The Songkran festival is celebrated during one of the hottest months of the year, April and in this festival, throwing water on as many people as possible is customary. However, the Songkran festival is not all about bathing even complete strangers in water. It also celebrates the starts of a new Solar Year.

Thailand is interesting country. It's filled with natural beauty and adventures that travelers seek. Remember these Thailand holiday ideas.

By J. Veluz

Amazing Thailand - Explore and Be Amazed

Amazing Thailand is a traveller's paradise. Not only is Thailand crawling with sandy white beaches and islands, it's heaven for people who love food and shopping. Thailand cuisine is famous worldwide for its fresh herbs and spices. For food lovers, Thailand tourism does not restrict itself to restaurants of fame. Whether an outdoor stall in downtown Pattaya, or a classy restaurant in Bangkok - the tastes of Thailand come out in full glory. And if food isn't exactly what you're looking for, then Thailand also offers a rich shopping experience. Bangkok houses some of the biggest shopping malls in the world with almost everything under the sun on offer - be it international or local brands of household articles, electronics or fabrics.

What makes tourism in Thailand all the more amazing is its culture and festivals. The legendary Thai massage gets its own flow of tourists - some come for the massage and some come to take courses in Thai massage. National festivals in amazing Thailand include the fun-for-all water splashing 'Songkran', and the almost fairytale like quality of 'Loy Krathong'.

Popular tourist destinations in Thailand are:

Phuket, Ko Samui, and Hatyai in Southern Thailand; Bangkok, Pattaya, Kanchanaburi, and Ayutthaya in Central Thailand;Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, and Pai in Northern Thailand; and Khao Yai National Park and Phimai historical park in North-eastern Thailand.

Bangkok

Bangkok was originally a small trading centre is one of the most visited tourist places in the world today. The city has innumerable tourist spots and attractions like the Siam Ocean World, The Grand Palace, Thonburi Snake farm, Dusit Zoo, Chao Phya river and its canals, Wat Pra Kaeo - the temple the emerald Buddha, Pat Pong night bazaar, and the Calypso Cabaret.

Pattaya

Originally a fishing town, Pattaya also attracts as many tourists as Bangkok. The Sri Racha Tiger Zoo, the Vimantaitalay tourist submarine which offers trip underwater to see corals and deep sea life, The Million Years Stone Park, Pattaya Crocodile Farm, Pattaya Park Beach Resort Water Park, Funny Land Amusement Park, Siriporn Orchid Farm, Underwater World Pattaya, the Thai Alangkarn Theater Pattaya, Bottle Art Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum are amongst the hundreds of tourist attractions here.

What started off as Rest and Recuperation for American soldiers in Vietnam in the 1960s is today one of the most preferred tourist destinations. Amazing Thailand as it's popularly known has seen an exponential increase in tourism through five decades now, with predictions of even better future prospects.

Visit amazing Thailand for its beauty and explore Bangkok, Thailand along with nightlife in Pattaya, Thailand.

By Willium Taylor

The Splash of Songkran

The Songkran festival has been known to be one of the most important and grandest events of Thailand. It is a time of Buddhist rituals, of family gatherings to pay gratitude to elders and of course of water splashing. Deriving from the Sanskrit word, "Songkran" means to pass or to move into. In this case, the meaning implies the movement of the sun, the moon and other planets into one of the zodiacal orbits. And the Grand Songkran Festival which falls on the Aries indicates the novel era of the traditional Thai New Year. In order to welcome the New Year, the celebration will comprise the fun-filled local entertainments which combine the mutual relationship between members of the family, the society and the surrounding.

Having the influence from India, the Songkran festival mirrors the traditional mode of life of the Thais which involves the cultural and agricultural aspects. Free from their regular routine task, the Thai citizens will find time to perform their yearly rites of showing respect to their elder relatives and departed ancestors. Moreover, there is a deep spiritual aspect to this grand festival nationwide. Even though Thailand has adhered to the international calendar since 1941, celebrations of the Songkran festival, presently set on April 13 and extending over the following two days, remain a more auspicious chance than January.

Historically speaking, the Songkran festival has its origin during the Sukhothai period. It was practiced both in the royal court palace and among the ordinary citizens. However, the dimension of the celebration had not been as boisterous as of today. In the old days, civil servants and other government officials would pay homage to the king and would drink the oath of allegiance to the government, while the king would bestow annual salary to all officials. Later on in the Ayutthaya period, the festival had been expanded by including the bathing of the Buddha images. Also, the celebration would comprise the forming of sand pagodas and colorful activities. In the Rattanakosin period, the festival had been performed in the same way as those during the Ayutthaya period.

The Songkran festival extends three important ritual days, from April 13-15. These days are called respectively: Wan Sangkan Long, Wan Nao and Wan Taleung Sok. It is customary that during the Songkran festival there is an announcement of the name of Nang Songkran of the year, her vehicle, her food preference and much more. To forecast the affluence of that year, it is worth knowing the amount of rainfalls and the number of Naga or legendary serpent which is responsible for the provision of water. The prediction for the New Year will be done in relation to that particular day of the Nang Songkran. This year, the Songkran's Day falls on April 14. This means that Nang Songkran for 2007 is "Kimitatevee", dressed in white with topaz ornament, preferred banana, dagger in the right hand, Indian vina in the left hand and buffalo as her vehicle.

Songkran is a festival that serves a multitude of social and religious functions. It typically involves merit making, releasing birds and fish into rivers, presenting food and other offerings to monks, listening to sermons, building sand pagodas, paying respect to elders and splashing of water. Traditionally, houses have been meticulously cleaned the day before to ensure no bad luck is brought into the New Year. Later on the day in private ceremonies away from the temple, parents, grandparents, older relatives and teachers are honored by younger generations in a sacred ritual. Young people will pour fragrant water onto the palms of the older persons and also give them new clothes to show their respect and gratitude. It is believed that this watering ceremony would bring the young excellent health, longevity and prosperity.

The Songkran festival is essentially related to water as Thai people believe that water splashing will bring abundant rainfalls in the incoming year. Water is also a symbol of fertility and is employed to clean up bad things. It is thus used widely in different ceremonies and rites of passage. Not surprisingly, one of the most vital parts of Songkran is the bathing of Buddha images. People will sprinkle water onto the images as a gesture of respect. A procession of Buddha images will be made prior to the bathing. After that people will also bathe the senior Buddhist monks by pouring water over them. The chief monk or abbot will then give a sermon and bless people who participate in these bathing rituals. And finally, people will enjoy splashing water at one another.

Like many other festivals in Thailand, Songkran is celebrated with a zest and passion for having a great time that is uniquely Thai. In Bangkok, some famous venues for the Songkran festival include Khao Sarn Road, Bang Lamphoo District, Sanarm Luang and Phra Arthit Road in the Rattanakosin Island. Other sites of interest and events are Krung Kao Ayutthaya Songkran Festival (Old Capital of Songkran), well-known Thai-Mon Songkran Festival in Samut Prakan, Nong Khai, Chiang Mai and Phuket. In addition, the neighboring countries such as Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos have organized this type of festival with high-spirited celebrations.

Highlights of the Songkran festival in these major cities include making merit to the monks, Buddha image procession, bathing Buddha images, setting free of birds and fish, erecting sand pagodas, blessing and being blessed by elders and senior government officers as well as enjoying water splashing. Additionally, tourists can watch traditional Thai performances as well as modern films and music, competition in the topic of the history of Songkran. There are also parades, carnivals, beauty contests (Miss Songkran and Miss Ladyboy Songkran) as well as the light and sound presentation relating to the legend of Songkran. The consumption of much local food, Thai dessert cooking, local sports and art exhibitions complete the festival.

Across the country, most young Thai people celebrate the New Year by gently throwing water over one and all with a word of blessing. Scoops from a silver bowl are traditional, but these days more effective soakings come from plastic buckets, pump-action water guns and even oil drums with stirrup pumps mounted on trucks. It is, however, all good-natured with the Thai's communicable sense of fun. While the more traditional rites are best observed today in the villages and although Bangkok, Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai are known for the most exuberant celebrations, you will get wet and encounter Songkran wherever you are. It is the festival to give a lot of fun for all of us and welcome the traditional Thai New Year with a cool soaking of water in the most sweltering time of the year.

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By Nattapol Bumsuntiea

Excellent Thailand Travel Info For Your First Step in Thailand

If you want to travel to Southeast Asia, consider the journey to Thailand. Thailand is one of the best in Asia, and millions of tourists visit Thailand every year. This article contains information about travel to Thailand to anyone interested in this beautiful country.

The first time you visit. Favorite visit Thailand in November to March. It is not only the country is pleasantly warm, but this season festivals in Thailand. You have fun participating in the Loi Krathong celebrations and New Year

However, if it is expired, this period, or longer, until April 13 to 15 can be a bit more fun, a special water festival Songkran try in every country. Little trick that if you expect to enjoy Songkran Festival in Pattaya, it feels a bit "more Pattaya Songkran is only 17 to 19 April of each year.

This time is also a major tourist season in Thailand. Therefore, if you want crowds Rooms and Rates page, choose to avoid the month, at least for many people from April to June or September-October .

Although the rainy season is not a very pleasant time to visit the country, you should not dismiss this season entirely. The temperature is much cooler and tourists are fewer and the landscape is green and lush. The most important thing, there are great deals of accommodation and other services during this time.

Once in Thailand, many people go to Bangkok at the first exit, which is the main international airport on Suvanabhumi when people are in this country. Bangkok is a city should not be forgotten during the trip. You'll be amazed at the endless glory of the city. There are many shopping centers to meet business needs.

On the other hand, Bangkok is a place where tradition and modernity are mixed together. You can find a typical Siamese village, if you leave the hotel, is world class. You can buy famous brand shopping centers in the clouds, and the outdoor market. You can eat the popularity of Thai food, the elegant restaurant or a flea market.

Tension in the town alive. There are many centers that are open all night, when the foot if you can not sleep. You'll never be bored during your stay in Bangkok. I hope that the information about travel to Thailand to assist you in planning the first step in that country, and wish you a happy successful journey to Thailand .

For more information about Thailand, you can visit http://www.thailandguideblog.com.