EASTORIES - Thailand

	Bangkok is an amazing combination of a western city with tall buildings, modern vehicles, and huge shopping centers - together with golden Buddhist temples and old-fashioned way of life.
Doi-Sutep is a famous Buddhist temple on a mountain over looking Chiang-mai on the north.
	Doi-Inthanon is a National Park situated 60 Kms south of Chiang-Mai. A beautiful road takes you up to the Doi Inthanon peak, and on the way you pass through some nice villages, where you can meet the kids going back from school.
In the northern areas you can meet local communities that still preserve traditional way of life. One of them is the Lisu tribe, near the town of Tha-thon. Some villages have guest houses where tourists can stay and eat local food, like this dinner in the village.
	On the rivers and streams of the north you can do bamboo rafting. Usually the rafting are part of a 2-3 days trip that includes elephant riding, some hiking, and accomodation in local villages.
One of the most positive features of Thailand are the islands in the south. This is a typical sunrise at Ha'adrin beach, Koh-Phangan.
	Fishing villages are worth visiting. You can see the little fishing boats and eat great fresh sea food.
Renting a motor-bike is a great way to travel in Thailand, especially in the north. The roads are in a very good condition, and good maps are available. Pay attention - in Thailand you drive on the LEFT side !
	Thailand is known also for its great tropical fruits. Pineapple, water melon, lichi, and many many more. This is Rambuthan, and this pile was sold in the big food market of Chiang-mai.