BANGKOK: "The Venice of the East"
Take a speedboat through the canals of the Chao Phraya River.
The people that live on the Klong (canal in Thai) are friendly to the tourists that pass by, leaving just enough time to wave and say hi.
An explanation of why this is like the Venice of the East can be found here:
http://www.hotelthailand.com/ezine/2004/issue2/zine2.html
To visualize the scene, here's a photoblog of pictures taken in 1984:
http://www.galenfrysinger.com/thailand_bangkok_canals.htm
Grand Palace: The King's White Elephant
"The present King of Thailand, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) possesses ten white elephants with another six, not yet appointed royal elephants. The first white elephant appointed during His Majesty's reign is "Phra Sawet Adulyadej Phanon."
"According to ancient royal Thai traditions, a white elephant is a noble beast of special importance, exemplifying a king's honor and glory. Known in Thai as Chang Samkhan, a white elephant is a gift fit for a king and to acquire one during his reign, will bring about prosperity and happiness throughout the kingdom."
"If any province in Thailand comes across a white elephant, the find has to be reported to the Ministry of Interior. They notify the Bureau of the Royal Household, which conducts a physical examination to decide if the elephant bears the complete characteristics of a special, noble beast"
"Determining whether or not an elephant possesses special features is a daunting task and requires a physical check of the animal's body. This means hair, tail, eyes, toenails, genitals, and the roof of the mouth and skin. These body parts must confirm to those defined as "special characteristics."
"When this has been satisfactorily established the Bureau informs His Majesty the King of their findings. Following His Majesty's consent, a ceremony takes place to bestow honor on the elephant and elevate it to the position of a royal white elephant, honored as a prince after the appointment ceremony ends."
"This ancient, royal tradition is most important and a way to show gratitude to elephants that have proved of great value to Thailand - in times of war and peace."
From:
http://www.circleofasia.com/Elephants-in-Thailand-Elephant-National-Symbol-of-Thailand.htm
AYUTTHAYA
Buddha Head in harmony with nature in Wat Phra Mahathat
More amazing pictures here:
http://www.dsphotographic.com/g2/thailand/ayutthaya/wat-phra-mahathat/
CHIANG MAI
Go to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
Check out the scenery here:
http://www.pbase.com/dougj/wat_phra_that_doi_suthep_thailand
Did you know elephants could paint?
Check out the article in National Geographic: "Painting Elephants get Online Gallery"
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/06/0626_020626_elephant_2.html
How about hugging a Tiger?
Go here: http://www.popgive.com/2008/05/hugging-with-tigers.html
