Thailand
When asked what my favorite country to visit, my reflexive answer is Thailand and there are a number of factors that influence my choice.
However, before we get into the good stuff I want to caution you not to believe all the things you may have heard about Thailand. The tales of promiscuous men traveling to Bangkok to cheat on their wives, women inserting unusual items into their orifices for entertainment and of course getting lured away by lady-boys. Although these things may be true, It hardly is an accurate representation of Thailand. This blog is a PSA for the sage advice of, take everything with a grain of salt. In other words, don’t let the opinions of others, completely obscure the reality.
Firstly, Thailand welcomed me as a person of color. There were no odd stares, attempts to touch my hair, ridiculous questions or unwelcome photographs. This promoted my sense of safety while traveling. The people here seemed to have an unspoken rule about respect for others and it was captivating. The respect for others wasn’t only extended to tourists. I remember fondly, the exchange between 2 Thai men at the stop sign. We spent several minutes waiting for one person to go ahead because each man thought the other person deserved to go first. Each person extended kindness, with the premise that they would also one day like the same kindness to be extended to them.
The price is the next alluring factor: Although the flights to Thailand were expensive. Once you get there everything is affordable. I think I spent less than $500 while there and I was living the lavish life. I did not have a bad meal in Thailand and the flavor profile of the very cheap food makes me desperately want to move there.
Variety: I visited 3 different places in Thailand and each place was unique. Bangkok was much like New York: City filled with parties and high life. Chiang Mai was next and it was rustic yet chic. In Phuket I definitely understand why it is a honeymoon/baby-moon destination: relaxation and breathtaking beauty are the centerpiece.
The emphasis on wellness is perhaps the trait I would like to focus on in closing. When I arrived to Phuket I remember trying to enforce my very American mindset of Go! Go! Go! Schedule! Schedule! Schedule! The people of Thailand were not alarmed by this, but they gently encouraged me to go at a pace that is conducive to my happiness and you guess it… my wellness! I quickly dismissed the self-imposed sense of urgency in all areas of my life and instead adopted what I can only describe as zen.
For a detailed itinerary on my time in Thailand, click here.
