Thailand is a country full of surprising beauty and contradiction for the western visitor. Its unique culture and ancient traditions will leave you with with many questions in your mind . The mysteries of the orient are curious indeed. Long after you are back home its many images and colors will remain with you.
Heavy
load
One
of my favorites images (that's why I have it first in the
slideshow here) because it truly represents life for the common
folk in Bangkok.
Docking
Many
of Thailand's everyday affairs are centered around water, whether
it be the sea as in this case or a river. Here is a departure
point near Surit Thani for Koh Samui.
Shop Assistants
One of the pleasures of walking around a Thai village is in observing all the various types of smiles that greet you.
Vendors
No matter where you go in Thailand you'll always find something to eat. Surprisingly, a quick bite on the street is often tastier than in a restaurant.
Motorbike
It is not uncommon to see three or four on a motorbike. An entire family will frequently move around this way.
Chatting
The pace of life is quite different in Thailand than in the west. If you don't have a park nearby then why not make use of a boat for a little chat!
Baptism
Although budism is the predominant religion in Thailand, I did a double-take as I passed by this scene in Wat Pho and just had to snap a picture.
Alley
Even in the big city you'll find little sidestreets full of life similar to the villages.
Pets
Elephants are used in the country for hauling logs and heavy loads, and in the tourist areas for hauling tourists.
Diamonds
A moment earlier it was just another splendid beach in Phuket, then suddenly the sun put diamonds on the sea. The fishing industry goes on day and night.
Muslim Village
A small boat yard in a quiet muslim village.
Taxi
Need a ride? You can charter a boat to just about anywhere.
Local Transport
Whether they're picking up school children or women coming back from market the local busses are nearly always full when in service.
Free Climb
Railay is an island in Phangha bay famous for beautiful beaches, scuba-diving and rock climbing. In the high season you need to book a year in advance to get a place to sleep.
Chalong
Chalong is just south of Phuket town in Phuket. With a motorbike I was able to really get around the island and discover all sorts of beauty which is normally hidden from the casual traveller.
Shipyard
Incredible as it might seem to anyone who's ever been to Phuket, this scene is only five minutes from Patong beach where all the action and night life is.
Bangkok
Getting around the city can be time consuming.
Rickshaws
One of the older modes of transport, quite relaxing and much more enjoyable than taking a taxi or a tuk tuk.
Bridge
Just what it looks like, connecting the street to Karon beach.
Village Life
This one says it all. A bicycle, a motorbike, a baby in the street...life in the village.