For all the diversity in this 199,630-square-mile kingdom, one
feature unites it all: the smile on everyone's face. For shear
bustle, Bangkok is world-class. Some 7 million of the nation's 62
million people live in capitol city that pulses 24 hours a day. The
National Palace and Buddhist temples are the draws by day, while
the night market teems with bargain hunters late into the evening.
Escape from the choking city crowds with trips into the verdant
country that ranges from the Laos / Myanmar border south to
the Malaysian peninsula. Watch as wood is carved by artisans
and rubber and coconut sugar are made by hand. Getting around
on the rugged terrain may entail unusual modes of travel, such as
elephants. Orchids grow wild as does the national flower, and
even the most humble kitchens serve five-star Thai cuisine. The
220-volt, 50-cycle current confuses most western appliances.
Cool lightweight clothes and lots of sunscreen are needed year
round in this tropical land. Visitors will certainly want to cool
down in the Andaman Sea.
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