Thailand ("The Land of Smiles") is located on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. Bordered to the north by Laos, Burma and Cambodia and Malaysia to the south, Thailand offers a central location with diverse geography. A stunning coastline lies to the west of the country where warm, clear waters lap onto the white sands beaches or crash onto the massive limestone formations. Shallower waters from the Gulf of Thailand support immense coral reefs, lining the east coast. Typically divided into five regions (South, Central, North, North East, and East) Thailand exhibits everything from blissful, secluded, serenity on a white-sand beach to intense, massive, buzzing cities and mountains covered with dense jungle foliage....
It is not often that we get the time to get out and "explore our own backyards". When was the last time you took a road trip within your own province/state to somewhere you have never been before, just to go? What about your entire country?! Relatively speaking this differs greatly (seeing as how Thailand can fit into Canada 19 times!) but overall, an opportunity to do some backyard exploring is a great way to appreciate the land where we wake everyday. Having recently celebrated a one year stay in Thailand combined with 39 days of travelling, I have been fortunate enough to do some exploring and get to know Thailand, my current backyard...
Generalizations about each region are often made and sometimes, are even true! South Thailand is generally considered a slow, laid back, beach-bum lifestyle. With hundreds of islands along both coastlines with white sands, paradise blue waters and lush green vegetation, this generalization is often accurate. The islands have adapted quickly to tourism and now offer anything from world-renowned SCUBA sites to serene, picturesque beaches to extreme rock climbing routes to full-moon parties. Famous islands like Koh Tao (for diving), Koh Phangan (full-moon party & yoga) are easily accessible and during high season are often crowded with faces from around the world. What I discovered instead was a primitive, fresh island, easily taking rank in my Top 3 Thailand Destinations!
Have you ever discovered a place that you want to share with the world, yet you are hesitant to tell anyone about? Well, writing about this island in Phang Nga province feels like giving away one of my biggest secrets... Instead, a nights experience through my eyes.
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In Northern Thailand, deep river valleys cut through densely forested mountains, eventually opening onto foothills and finally, flat plains. Single roads mold to the mountainsides, making for steep, twisting rides leading to waterfalls surrounded by smooth, warm rocks. Although the landscape is tremendously pleasing, it is the people of this region that hold something special. Generally considered rugged, intense people of the jungle, a certain hardship shows through their creativity. In the foothills traditional tribes such as the Karen or Hmong still remain nearly self-sustainable even with the daily "hill tribe visits" departing from the cities. Cities such as Mae Rim, Chang Mai and Pai are home to some incredibly talented artists. Maybe it's the air up there(!) but I found myself constantly surrounded by people who loved to create, share and who oozed inspiration. From some of the most heartfelt people met to this day, a great lesson was learnt:
Art is only the search, it is not the final form.
Chang Mai, the largest city in the north (2nd overall) is home to some of Thailand's biggest festival celebrations. One festival in particular, Songkhran, draws thousands of people from not only Thailand but around the world to the city. Songkhran (literally "astrological passage") is held in April every year and marks the beginning of the New Year. Traditionally, water was used to cleanse images of Buddha and was then poured over elderly or family members to pay respect and to bring good fortune. This tradition still occurs in most homes as well as a trip to the temple but a main activity now is a wet, action-packed, full power three day water fight!
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A canal about 6 m across surrounds the entire Chang Mai Old City and is the hub, the heartbeat of these celebrations. Pick-up trucks crammed with +13 beaming smiles, 6 water guns, 11 buckets and gallons of ice cold water move at a snail's pace along the canal, soaking any passersby. On foot, warriors set off hoping to surprise those who ride with a shot from behind. On massive stages competing companies show off with booming music, flying foam and continuous entertainment. Each day after 7 pm the water throwing commences allowing for a dry dinner and evening out. During the night many water waging warriors make it out onto common grounds where the music and dancing fade away into the morning light....
Often overlooked and highly underrated, Sukhothai Province also ranks on my Top 3 Thailand Destinations! Founded in the 13th century, Sukhothai ("Dawn of Happiness) is the first independent Thai Kingdom from the Khmer Reign. The overlap in styles is evident in the architecture of the wats (temples) and the written Thai script, still in use today. Loaded with history and ancient ruins with easy access by bicycle, this quiet province is fit for a trip back in time.
Old Sukhothai- Contained within this UNESCO World Heritage Site are a total of 193 ruins including the remains of a royal palace and 26 temples. A slow, two-wheeled roll paired with a blazing April sun make for a quaint afternoon exploring this park. During the 1960's maintenance and restorations began and are evident in the well-kept lawns, flourishing ponds and flower-filled trees. From 40 m tall to hardly a rubble remaining, the Buddha images reflect deep compassion and knowledge.
Si Satchanali National Park Away from the city of Sukhothai exists another, even more remarkable escape. Steep, flanking mountains surround the luscious green grass and weather-worn ruins, enclosing within the space a calm, ancient energy. The rich forest muffles the already quiet sounds and the seeming isolation is peaceful. Bare dirt paths lead the way to dominating ruins, each of which demands a certain respect.
"The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one's own country as a foreign lands."- G.K. Chesterton
Often the hardest part of a journey is to step outside one's door and take the first step. The world of traveling brings with it a rush of different foods, people, traditions and landscapes that flood onto the path you walk along. One of the greatest rewards is being able to experience these things as if it is the first time as to not take anything familiars for granted. With travels, the realization of how small of a place you occupy in the world generates modesty and respect. This short adventure in Thailand, my backyard, has reminded me that the world we live in is full of beauty, inspiration and adventure. These adventures are endless if saught upon with open hearts and seeing eyes. Life begins when you step off the trail and create a path....
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