One of the things I loved the most about Thailand were its very very hospitable and friendly people. It was rare that we weren’t met with a smile, and not just because we were spending money there. It’s probably one of the safer countries I’ve been to in all my travels, and people were always willing to give you information or help in some way.
Also, as much as I really love all the sights, smells, and sounds of India (and I can’t wait to go back), in the bigger cities it’s rare that you can stand on a street (lost/thinking/observing) without sticking out like a sore thumb and someone coming up to sell you something, offer services you don’t need, or beg for money.
This woman didn’t get the chance to give me a smile or not as our boat sped by just outside the crush of the Damnoen Saduak floating market outside of Bangkok. We took a private boat up some of the back-alley khlongs (canals) and got to see less touristy areas of the klongs and where people actually lived instead of the boat-clogged main waterways of the market. I definitely recommend it.
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I’ve never been to Thailand, and it’s definitely one place I want to visit. Thanks for the “off-the-tourist-map” tip, I’ll be sure to keep it in mind when I’ll finally go.
Ciao!
the great asia….
The Tha Kha floating a market ( between Amphawa and Damnoen Saduak ) is interesting too. Less tourists but i like Damnoen too ;)