It was not a situation I walked into without trepidation, and though I’m no supporter of American politics, I did acknowledge that there were older people walking around me every day that had once suffered and lost loved ones as they fought tooth and nail with soldiers who walked and talked just like me.

Perhaps the most interesting stop I made in North Vietnam was my visit to the POW prison in Hanoi, once sarcastically referred to by prisoners as the “Hanoi Hilton.” The “Hilton” was a prison built by the French to initially hold Vietnamese Resistance fighters, but after the French were pushed back out of the country, the prison was taken over by the Vietnamese.

Much of the museum that exists there now highlights the oppression and torture instigated on the Vietnamese prisoners by the French. Those exhibits alone offered a very humbling experience.

But there were also two rooms set up to discuss the American POW experience. For me, this was a huge lesson in propaganda as I checked out the displays and videos illustrating what the North Vietnamese teach their people about what went on there – a picture of American war prisoners basically living in a summer camp, is what it seemed like, and the fact that they sarcastically called it the “Hanoi Hilton” was even used to support this claim.

The exhibit also portrayed a war where the North and South of Vietnam were fighting together at the front lines against America, which creates a stark contrast with what the rest of the world is told.

Knowing the history of what really went on in those dark claustrophobic rooms, I found it offensive that the people are still taught this to this day. And again, this comes from someone who is no big supporter of American politics.

This theme of propaganda and North Vietnam’s grip on its people played out through much of my trip. I met former refugees who had spent 20 day boat trips across the ocean, fleeing oppression in the beginning of the war, only to be sent back by the Chinese government years later and thrown in prison. Even today, one man told me, he couldn’t wait to have another chance to escape.

While the Vietnamese War was certainly a controversial subject at the time and mostly people just wanted the troops to come home, thinking we had no business there, it’s important to realize that there were real reasons for America to be weary of the communist government at that time. The reality of this is the citizens who even to this day whisper to foreigners about change, about blocked Facebook, corruption, about fears of jail and worse if they talk against the government.

By no means am I saying my own government is perfect, but I am saying that traveling to other places sometimes makes me realize just how easy I have it compared to others…

But what was most illuminating to me about travel in Vietnam was what I learned about humanity and the ability of humans to forgive. To sit in an orchard with an elder, a man still wearing his old military helmet and army fatigues, and eating fruit with him without a word of the wars our country once fought, to me that is a learning experience in itself.

Ditto the conversations with younger people, my age, who were not alive during the war. Who have lived their whole lives with false ideas still find the curiosity to ask me “why?” And the not having the ability to tell them not only because it would be dangerous for me to do so within Vietnamese borders (likely more so for them than myself) but also because I am not so sure of the answer myself.

If you are American as well and decide to visit Vietnam, especially in the North, don’t ask people questions about the war. Let them ask you. And even then, never be too opinionated or even supportive of their own criticisms of their government. I think you’ll find the best, and safest, skill you can have is that of a good listener.

Seek to understand rather than teach. Seek to experience rather than thoroughly discuss.

I for one was not overly-enthusiastic about everything I experienced in Vietnam, but I do plan to go back. Not because I want to collect stories about being scammed or collect stories about historical sites where people died, but because I too want to know why countries do the things they do – and that applies equally to what the government there does to the people today as to what America and Vietnam did to each other once upon a time.

And mostly, I seek knowledge of the human spirit not only to endure through war by creating fortresses beneath the Earth, entire hospitals and networks of tunnels, but also of the ability for humans to seek understanding and forgiveness through simple human conversation.

By far one of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth can be savored while sitting on the deck of a boat in “Descending Dragon Bay,” otherwise known as Halong Bay, off the coast of North Vietnam. A beautiful ocean landscape, Halong Bay is riddled with the kind of limestone karsts you find jutting out of the waters in Krabi, Thailand – only it is said to be even more dramatic and otherworldly.

You float along on boats designed to replicate ancient Chinese junks, gaping at the looming towers of jungle-covered rock, and I must admit it is one of the more humbling experiences of a lifetime.

But traveling in Halong Bay can be a jading travel experience due to the extreme commercialism going on there. It has become one of the major stops on the southeast Asian backpacking trail – couple that with the often “money-grubbing” attitude of many tourist-industry locals towards foreigners and you’ve got a situation where people are herded through like cattle with little thought to whether they are enjoying themselves or having a good time.

So is this monumental landscape still worth the trouble then? It can be if you follow these tips to maintain your sanity en-route.

1. Know What to Expect

First off, the treatment of tourists in Halong Bay comes served at its most sour when you don’t realize what you’re getting yourself into. Your tour guides back in the big city will likely pump you up by selling you a vision of a peaceful bay tour with people waiting on you hand and foot, but that’s not how things really go down.

So visit the place because the scenery is out of this world, but realize that there will be challenges involved. Prepare yourself mentally.

2. Do Your Research and Pay Extra

As in many places in Vietnam, I uncharacteristically urge you to pay a premium price and go with a more luxurious tour. In Vietnam, and indeed Halong Bay, the old adage that you get what you pay for rings truer than ever.

Think about it – is it really reasonable to expect to pay $15 – $30 for a combination bus trip and boat tour, sometimes even with an overnight stay, and expect to get much for your money? I don’t think so; not even in Vietnam.

Add in that it has become second nature for tour companies to scam you and lie to you in Hanoi, thinking they’ll never see you again, and doing your research ahead of time is crucial. One fantastic site for reading about trips based in Northern Vietnam is TheNewHanoian.com.

Talk to other tourists about their trips, post on forums like the one mentioned above to ask for referrals, and find a boat company that is setting themselves apart by offering world class tours to people who are willing to pay more.

I saw some Asian tourists on other boats who had done this and were riding lavish indeed, and best of all, you’ll get real customer service rather than the cheap Halong Bay variety.

3. Start at Cat Ba Island

Another way to get the most out of Halong Bay is to avoid the bus/boat combo tickets and shoot straight to Cat Ba. From there, you can get to know the people at your hotel and book day tickets off of the island, circumventing the scammers who often come from Hanoi. Cat Ba also offers great trips trekking across the island or kayaking through karsts in the smaller, more unspoiled Lan Ha Bay.

4. Pay Attention to the Season

Any trip to Halong Bay will be a little more sane if you go in the off season from around late September to June. Not to mention that if you decide to stay on Cat Ba Island, the hotel rooms will go for a fraction of the price during off season – I had an ocean-view room for a mere $10 a night with one of the most amazing sunsets I’ve seen in all my travels.

5. Avoid it completely

You don’t have to go to Halong Bay to see the scenery it has become famous for. As noted in The Lonely Planet, the limestone-studded waters continue all the way up to Southern China, and the view is just as breath-taking. Ask around about Bai Tu Long Bay to get a sense of what Halong Bay was like before the tourists arrived.

The waters there are largely untouched and don’t have the crowds or water pollution you find in Halong. It’s definitely off the beaten track, but with a little extra effort, you can make it happen. People are starting to get word about these other places but still largely avoid them because the lack of tourist infrastructure.

All Photos By Gregw66 on Flickr

But if you recognize the perceived problems in Vietnam and want to give it a go and form your own opinion, or just think it’s still worth the extra effort and energy, the question on your mind is likely: “So how do I minimize or otherwise deal with this issue?”

Great question, so let’s look at the situation from a practical traveler’s perspective.

It’s hard to say exactly how to avoid being scammed, cheated, and overcharged in Vietnam. Unfortunately, I’m strongly of the opinion that you will not avoid it – people who go the politically-correct route and insist they were treated with nothing but kindness and never overcharged are, in my opinion, not paying attention.

Here’s why.

One thing I noticed in Vietnam is that if you never argue a bill or bargain or pay attention to being overcharged, the locals are more than happy to scam you with a smile. So you can have a very good time as long as you’re willing to just plop down the money and go on with your day, not blinking an eyelid – hiding behind rose-tinted glasses, so to speak.

As an example of what I mean, I sat down to dinner with plenty of foreigners who were sporting their own rose-tinted glasses and rolled my eyes as they smiled through the scams, didn’t even look at the bill, and thought nothing at paying two times what they should have paid. All the while proclaiming how they couldn’t understand why people had a problem with traveling in Vietnam…

Well, of course they didn’t understand. Never mind the tips they eagerly threw down that were equal to 5 – 10 days a local’s salary (for very sub-standard service). Is it any wonder that people robbed them with a smile when there was money spilling out of their pockets and a dazed grin on their face?

To reiterate, I read a story online about a man who was approached even “off the beaten track” and hounded for 10 minutes as he walked down the street by a lady trying to sell him something. He finally gave her some money to stop bothering him and she demanded twice the amount!

This all goes back to the Vietnamese cultural idea that foreigners owe them something. They seem to believe we have an obligation to go there and pay, pay, pay. They seem to have the idea we are all rich and can afford it because they don’t understand our own cultural realities.

So if you just want to go through your travels with no problems and aren’t opposed to being cheated, then don’t study your bill, don’t argue obvious scams, and spend your heart out. Keep in mind, however, that this attitude does nothing but empty your pocketbook unfairly and make it more difficult for future travelers.

Or, perhaps an even more sensible option is to be a tourist in Vietnam instead of a traveler.

I never recommend this anywhere, but due to my personal observations of traveling in Vietnam, I’m of the opinion you are better off spending extra money to stay in more luxury hotels, go on more luxury tours, and have guides that get paid well to care about your better interest. On a similar vein, by sticking to nicer restaurants, you at least know the price you’re going to pay and don’t have to wonder if you will be extorted.

It’s right there on the menu, and they don’t usually have a different one just for foreigners.

In my opinion, if you want to experience Vietnam but don’t want to be cheated, paying higher prices is simply insurance on having a good time and enjoying the country.

Otherwise, just accept what is going to happen to you and take preventative measures by always agreeing on prices ahead of time, double checking every bill, and relying on the experiences of other travelers so you can stick with trustworthy venues. And be very, very patient.

You will get scammed and overcharged no matter what, but you can at least minimize the damage (and the begrudging attitude you may struggle with from time to time). And if you’re in a situation where you’ve been obviously cheated, you can often just hand them what you should owe them and walk away. Just be prepared to give in if a physical threat ensues.

It’s an ugly picture, I know, and I hate to fear monger, but my own opinion of Vietnam (a country I will visit again, by the way) suggests that you should either prepare for some practical measures or avoid it completely. And if you want a nice, peaceful vacation rather than immersion in a fascinating yet trying cultural experience, try Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, or the Philippines. You’ll still get scammed from time to time, but it’s not done with such a vengeance, and it’s easier to avoid.

After all, even most other Southeast Asians are quick to tell you that Vietnamese are the most aggressive people in the region in many different ways.

I went to Vietnam knowing their reputation as being more aggressive than other Southeast Asians. I knew they were going to sell to me more, scold me more, and that drinking around them was more likely to result in a physical altercation of some sort. As someone who has traveled extensively in other countries and spent a good deal of time living specifically in Southeast Asia, I still did my best to arrive with an open mind and a determination to get off the beaten track.

I realized quickly that it wasn’t enough.

While these are certainly my own experiences, I found that I was constantly overcharged – far more so than ever happens in Thailand, for instance – cheated, lied to, yelled at, and aggressively cornered by touts. In one instance, a tour guide threatened to throw me (and others) off of his boat, and in other multiple cases, I agreed on a price for a meal only to be charged much more when the bill came and received an aggressive, threatening response when I objected.

In Hanoi, it’s not even enough to demand taxis use meters because they often are rigged to run twice as fast! Not to mention all the doubling back and circling your actual destination. I almost got caught with this scam, but luckily a fellow passenger had a map and was watching the streets closely. Instead of giving us our change, this same driver jumped back in the car and sped off before we could even stutter.

Add in the cold attitude, and my own experience was that Vietnam was the least welcoming country I’d ever traveled in.

So why is it this way? While a lot of people are quick to throw around racial prejudices about the Vietnamese people, I don’t think that’s going to help the problem. Certainly something needs to change, but the very fact that there are many Vietnamese who welcome you with a warm smile, invite you into their homes, and turn down your money rather than gobble it up suggests to me it is a cultural issue but by no means an ethnic issue.

I’m no scholar on the matter, but one explanation is that the North Vietnamese (my travels were confined to this region) have been taught by their government their entire lives that all of their problems are to be blamed on foreigners, especially French and Americans. While the French and the Americans have certainly played their part in Vietnam’s misery, it is by no means the complete answer to the problems they’ve faced and why they are where they are today.

And the fact that so many other countries live in such dire poverty and don’t act in this manner suggests there is more going on.

It’s no secret that the Vietnamese government strictly controls the paradigms of the Vietnamese public. While Americans certainly weren’t innocent of the horrors of the Vietnam War, for instance, our citizens today at least are given in the luxury of living in a nation where we can access both sides of the story if we want to learn more.

Vietnamese citizens, many argue, have been taught their whole lives that foreigners are responsible for their misery. And this may have a large part to do with the way they treat travelers who come to their home.

So the big question is, with all the scamming and the unwelcoming attitude of Vietnamese people (not all of them but enough to make it a headache), is it even worth a visit? I would say that based on my experiences in North Vietnam, if you’re looking for a vacation, lounging on the beach and enjoying the tropics while learning about a new culture, go somewhere else.

Or, if you do plan to visit, be the ultimate tourist and stick to luxury resorts, separating yourself completely from the locals.

I know it sounds harsh, but that’s how I feel based on my own experiences in the North of Vietnam.

That said, do I plan to go back, and if so, will I take the above advice? I will go back, and I don’t plan to stick in luxury resorts, or if I do, I plan to get out interacting with the locals as much as possible.

The reason is that I personally feel like Vietnam, despite its drawbacks, is a fascinating place to experience. I feel like, especially as an American, there is a lot to learn in Vietnam about the nature of war, the healing of wounds, the overcoming of differences, and resilience of the human spirit.

I’ll go there to fulfill this fascination, to grow as a person. But if you’re not looking for that in your travel experience at the moment, go somewhere else…at least until Vietnam changes it’s tune.

If you do want to go to Vietnam, regardless of the challenges, and experience all it has to offer, check out our next article about how to best avoid these problems in-country.

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I can’t walk that journey for you, but I can at least point you in the right direction. When looking for a place to settle down in Thailand’s cultural center, foreigners usually want a handful of the similar things.

And so there are four areas I recommend you focus your attentions.

1. Chiang Mai Center

The first and most obvious is Chiang Mai Center, where all the tourist venues are located.

Now, this wouldn’t’ be the first choice for me, but some travelers thrive on the non-stop party and constant influx of travelers. You will make friends and make them fast, and rather than going through the occasional alienation of living among a totally foreign culture, you’ll likely feel like you belong with the people you meet almost immediately.

Not to mention that when living in a place like the center of Chiang Mai, you’re never going to have to go far to find merchants that understand your “farang” ways and speak decent English—which eliminates a lot of the headache of living completely embedded in Thai culture, which is, of course, never too far away when you want it.

To add to this, Chiang Mai Center is full of great bars and restaurants to suit any foreigner’s taste (no matter how more or less distasteful those tastes are). You’ve got a quick walk to the Night Market. Tuk tuks can shoot you over to either mall quickly, and there are even a couple gyms in the area.

Just realize you are going to spend more on just about anything when you live in the Center—not just apartments but food and transportation as well. This is true in any downtown-type area but even truer when you live in a place full of people trying to trick naïve foreigners all the time.

Learning some Thai will go a long ways to deter people from cheating you.

2. Near Airport Plaza

Around the area where the freeways connect and Airport Plaza Mall rises to the sky you’ll find plenty of fine places to live as well. While a bit off the general tourist track, many condos in the area cater to expats and delicious, reasonably-priced restaurants target the middle-class Thai crowd, providing great venues to eat and listen to music.

Airport Plaza Mall offers extreme convenience and a nice escape from the dirty, rugged streets of Thailand, which does wear on your nerves when you experience it every day. They’ve got the absolute best food plaza I’ve encountered in all of Thailand, the best movie theater in town, and great shops for buying nice clothes (though at higher prices).

Around the holidays, Airport Plaza always throws big parties, with music and beer stalls for days at a time. And to top it all off, California Fitness is right upstairs. The area is also well-positioned to shoot out of town and do some roaming in the countryside via motorbike as well.

3. Downtown Nimanheimen

Nimanheimen area is my top pick but probably also the most expensive. Directly adjacent to Chiang Mai University, the area boasts the widest array of nightlife in town—if you like middle class Thai nightlife rather than foreigner nightlife, that is.

You’ll find live music everywhere, the best fine dining establishments in town, quiet coffee shops with wireless internet, and chic wine bars with extensive international lists. Quick motorbike rides can be had out past Mae Rim or up the mountain to Doi Suthep, and CMU and the 700 year Stadium both boast large pools for getting a good swim.

The mood here is relaxed, yet alive, and while it’s not an area packed to the gills with travelers, many of the educated residents speak English quite well. I’d say the only real drawback is being so far away from Airport Plaza Mall, as the other one standing on Huay Kaew Road is not all that great.

And while I did say Niman was expensive, go just a few blocks away from the downtown area and you can find great rates yet still be within walking distance. Look near the university, on either side, for some of the cheapest markets, housing, and eats in town.

4. Payap University Area

If you really want to get out of the way but still maintain access to all the big city amenities, find a nice condo in the Payap University area. For being so urbanized, the area is dead quiet much of the time, and aside from a few expats shopping at Big C with their families or strolling around the only German brewery in town, you won’t see many Westerners.

Good places to eat seem scarce at first and the same is true for nightclubs, but once familiar you will see there are university dives and fancier places scattered around. There are plenty of the typical 10 baht an hour internet shops you find in Thai university areas—these places also have the best equipment to keep the gamers happy.

There’s no shopping mall near Payap, but they do have a Big C with a huge food court, live music, beer tables, fast food restaurants, and the like.

Realize that the Payap area can get boring and frustrating if you don’t have a motorbike—there are not many tuk tuks in this area and things are more spread out. You’ll also need to head into town to get your fix of farang food and culture from time to time, no matter how hard core you are.

So a motorbike is a must.

Those are the areas in Chiang Mai that will most likely appeal to the foreigner, but don’t be afraid to get out there and find some for yourself. What I usually do is hop on a motorbike and tour around the backstreets of the areas I want to live and find something worth finding.

There’s nothing like stumbling across a cool little nook or cranny you didn’t know what was there and finding it bustling full of life and all the amenities you need.

Don’t worry about this too much as it is more owed to the new spices your stomach is getting used to rather than any third or second world parasites.

What you should worry about, however, are the toilets….here are some things you might want to think about.

The Squat Toilet

Let’s jump to the worst of it right off the bat…the squat toilet.  If you’ve never seen a squat toilet, prepare for one of the greatest treats of the road.  You can basically expect to encounter these just about anywhere the poorer classes hang out (with the income dynamics here, that means most places), and you’ll often find them in public restrooms.

A squat toilet is nothing more than a small porcelain bowl, usually down close to the floor.  There are two foot pads you are meant to stand on, and then you pull your pants down and let er’ rip, which as you can imagine is an amazing feat of balance and coordination.

Rumor has it the body of a person from Southeast Asia is built in such a way that squatting is actually easier for them (if you believe the rumors, that is), but for a farang fresh off the boat, it is trying to say the least. To imagine, think of doing yoga while trying to relieve yourself without getting anything on the back of the pants bundled up around your ankles.

My suggestion: just take your pants off.  Most of these types of toilets have a hook hanging on the wall or door, and that’s exactly what it is for.

But it gets even better.  Not only are you forced to do gymnastics just to go to the toilet, you’re then expected to wipe your butt without toilet paper.  Most of these squat toilets have nothing more than a bucket of water and a little bowl, and they expect you to use that to splash and wipe yourself (using your left hand only, of course).

This is not for the light-hearted foreigner and should be reserved for that three in the morning emergency in the back of a bar down some jungle path—you know what I mean, those nights when you will actually forget what you resorted to.

The best thing to do is never, ever, ever getting caught without a small emergency stash of toilet paper or tissues.

Or, even better, I always travel with small travel packs of baby wipes stuffed in my backpack.  Nothing feels better on the road than knowing the cleanest part of your dust-covered body is the holiest of holes.

In all types of toilets in Asia (except for the most “civilized” places where it might be posted on the wall that it’s okay) do not put the toilet paper in the toilet bowl!  Look for a small trashcan next to the toilet.  This is where the used toilet paper goes—in many places, the sewer system just cannot handle it.

When you are done with the squat toilet, use the bowl to scoop water into the toilet—this is how to flush. About 3 bowls ought to get her done.

The Butt Hose

Another interesting development in the Southeast Asian toilet world is what we sophisticated expats refer to as “the butt hose.”  The butt hose is just what it sounds like, a hose attached to the back of the toilet with a nozzle that is meant to spray down your butt after you finish.

While this is great in theory (and actually quite refreshing in this heat once you get the hang of it), the reality of the situation can be quite dismal.  Butt hoses seem to come in two types—when you pull the little trigger, you either get a weak stream that wouldn’t knock a mosquito out of the air or the water comes out with enough pressure to tear plaster off the walls.

The trick is to always check the butt hose pressure before sitting down to do your business.  Just point it down into the toilet bowl and pull the trigger.  Also, you should always check this before renting a place if you are keen on learning the intricacies of butt hose cleaning.

Regular Toilets

In areas that have a steady influx of foreigners, you will typically find some regular toilets in both hotels and some restaurants/bars—you will also find them in shopping malls and other places frequented by middle and upper class Thais.  Some of these will have butt hoses, and some will have toilet paper.

Please be aware that some will have neither and may or may not have someone outside charging a few baht for some tissues, leaving you to wonder just what the hell they expect you to do about wiping your arse.

Logical or not, you’ve been warned, so again, be prepared.

So as you can see, navigating the toilet scene in Southeast Asia is not without it’s obstacles, but with a little bit of an open mind, some patience, and some backup T.P., you can get through.  Good luck, and don’t forget to flush!

Oh, and always shake hands with your right….

Of course the main focus of a vacation is to kick back and relax, but a week long over indulgence of food and fun often has people returning home with a slightly guilty conscience. There is a way to balance exercise and relaxation on your next trip away from home.

1.Cardio

Of course you can’t shove an elliptical trainer into your carry on, but there is a wonderful piece of equipment that seems to shy away from the spotlight. You may have heard of it before. It’s called a skipping rope:)

Most of us jumped rope as kids, so I don’t think I need to explain how it’s done. It is by far one of the best cardio workouts you can do, and it’s fun! Jumping rope is a full body workout and can burn up to 200 calories in only 15 minutes. Pretty amazing for a piece of equipment that you could fit into a purse or carry on.

Not only is it ultra portable and an amazing workout tool, you can buy a skipping rope for under $10 so this purchase would most certainly not be breaking the bank.

2.Bodyweight Exercise

With these exercises you use your own body weight as resistance. Bodyweight exercises are a great way of keeping you’re body in top shape. Even if you haven’t heard the term before there’s no doubt that you know what some of these exercises are and have done at least a couple of them in your life.

Popular bodyweight exercises include, crunches, sit-ups, leg raises, chin ups, lunges, push-ups…etc. Some of them you will need objects like a chair or bench, even a parallel bar but don’t worry, you can still get a great workout if all you have is yourself and a ground beneath you.

If you want to learn more about bodyweight exercises and what you can do to workout without gym equipment there are lots of resources out there for you. One really great book that can teach you all the moves you need to know is Mark Lauren’s “You Are Your Own Gym: The Bible of Bodyweight Exercises for Men and Women”

3.Travel Workout Circuit

-Jump rope for 1-3 minutes
-10 Push-Ups
-30 Crunches
-10 Leg Raises
-10 Squats

Repeat circuit

Mixing the cardio and bodyweight exercises together will give you the better results than doing just one or the other. Doing the 1-3 minute reps of jumping rope will keep your heart rate up so you will burn more calories in a shorter amount of time. This is a very efficient way to work out and can be incorporated into your regular workouts when you’re at home. Also keep in mind that there are numerous bodyweight exercises, so feel free to design your own circuit, or just switch it up everyday to keep things interesting.

4.Enjoy vs. Indulge

A huge part of most people’s holidays is food. It is important to experience the local cuisine where ever you may be but watch how much of it you’re putting in your mouth! Take the time to taste your food instead of piling it in then covering it up with Pepto-Bismol.

If you are somewhere new and exotic, chances are you are going to be sampling many different dishes. It isn’t rude in most cultures to leave food on your plate, so don’t feel like you have to polish everything off every single meal. Ask if you may have a smaller portion that way if you come across some other goodies that you want to try you can go for it without feeling like you’re stuffing yourself.

Another good way to add variety to your meals is getting together with other travelers and vacationers. Instead of going out by yourself or with one other person and trying to stuff down a feast just so you can try multiple dishes add a few more people to the mix. The more people you dine with the more dishes you will be able to try out. It also helps you to socialize with people and maybe even make some new friends.

So you’re thinking of going to Thailand and want the low down?  You are in for a rare treat to be able to experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of this exotic culture first hand.  Whether for business or pleasure, long stay or short visit, you will not want to leave Thailand when the time comes.  You will have memories for a lifetime and will always have a longing to return.

The most prevalent language spoken in Thailand is Thai.  This is another of the tonal languages from which many other languages of adjoining areas have been derived.  Just as the English language has many variations (dialects), so has the Thai language.

Written Thai is based on an alphabet adopted from the Cambodian Khmers and is thought to have been standardized during the Sukhothai period.  The Thai alphabet consists of 44 consonants, 18 vowels, and 4 diphthong (tonal) notations.

The differences often are word usages, pronunciation, intonation and/or enunciation.  The Lao, Isan, Cambodian and Khmer languages have much in common so when you learn Thai, you will be able to easily adapt to other dialects and many other Asiatic languages. Because of the differences in the alphabet, Thai will be a different learning experience, but definitely worth the time and effort.

Though many Thai natives speak English and many visitors manage well without speaking Thai, it is so much more enjoyable if you learn (at a minimum) some basic Thai before going.  For one thing, you can understand what the natives are saying (about you?) and that can be very helpful sometimes, especially in an uncomfortable situation.  You will be able to explore and shop on your own without the cost and bother of a guide.  And besides, you will be the visitor – it is only reasonable that you try to speak their language as a courtesy to them.  Even if you don’t do it well, they will appreciate your efforts and show you respect in return.

You might be apprehensive about trying to learn a new language, or think it is too expensive, or too time consuming.  But surprisingly enough, learning a language has become much easier over the past few years. This is due mainly to the internet and interactive learning. As speed learning has increased, cost has decreased so now you can go online an hour or so a night (at minimal cost) and before you know it you will be speaking like a native. If you’re unsure if this is the right way for you to learn a new language, not to worry. Transparent language offers free language software for you to download! Give it a whirl, and see if it’s right for you.

There are other reasons for learning a new language as well.  Think about the following points:

Brain Stimulation and Life Skills Improvement:

The brain is stimulated by learning a new language and cognitive/life skills are increased as well.  The old phrase “Use It or Lose It” is actually true when it comes to brain power.  As we age we must constantly challenge our brain with new thoughts and activities.  And this challenge has to begin early in life and continue as we age.

Simplify Your Life:

Learning the language of your host country makes your day to day life much easier.  You will not need a guide everywhere you go, you will be able to avoid the hassles of shopping for the best buys, you will be able to merge into the ebb and flow of native life without feeling like a stand-out, and you will become a part of the local landscape.  Imagine yourself in the crowd at an impromptu performance of native theater or dancing – you won’t have to wonder what the narrator is saying or when to applaud/cry/cheer, etc.  You will have an enhanced appreciation of everything Thai.

Communicate Directly With The Locals:

You will be able to learn first hand the Thai culture, habits, values and religion if you speak with them in their own language.  You will be able to better appreciate their attitudes and attributes.  You will be able to explain your own position on issues; remember what the people think of you is what they will think of all people of your country.

Improve Business Possibilities:

If you can speak the language, business can be transacted faster and without all the bother of translators. Business will increase and be more profitable when you are able to negotiate on your own, face to face.

Be Appreciated By The Locals:

Native people will appreciate the fact that you have made the effort to learn their language.  Whether you have mastered it or not, the effort you made to try will be noticed as it means you have a respect for the Thai people. Respect is very important to the Thai, both in public and in private life. If you respect them, they will respect you.

In conclusion, you are going to have a wonderful visit to Thailand.  Their relatively conservative values, their love of family, their exotic music and colors, their tolerance of religions, their industrious nature and their partiality to the tourism industry will all impress you. You will want to return again and again.  Your knowledge of their language will indeed serve you well and will have been worth the time it took to learn it.

With the amount of activities that are available in Thailand, sorting through the choices would take weeks at best just to come up with a short list of things to do during this bonding experience. This is where the all inclusive honeymoon packages come in.

Looking through the Internet, one can see different package options that have been placed together, each one made with a different value in mind. Values such as length of stay, number of flights and, what most people look at, budget. With the number of packages available, there is definitely one package that would fit any person’s taste and frame of mind.

A lot of mystery and history is wrapped around the country of Thailand. Although it was recognized as a Newly Industrialized Country (NIC) fairly recently, it is also known that it just dropped changed its form of governance. Absolute monarchy was its previous government, and everyone knows that the land of kings and queens always holds a romantic appeal, perfect for those going on all inclusive honeymoon vacation packages.

Most people are unable to resist the charm of animals, and Thailand is rich with these. One animal to be seen in Thailand is the elephant, and the country has done what it can to preserve these great beasts. A visit to one of the elephant farms, and a ride on one of the tamer animals would surely complete a vacation that just started.

Known for its religion, Thailand is also home to numerous churches and temples. Among these is the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which is one of the important temples located in the northern portion of the country. The temple has a breathtaking view of the city, standing over 1500 meters above the sea.  Newlyweds are also encouraged to visit the resident Buddhist monks, who would be more than willing to bless the union of the couple.

Food is an essential part of every vacation, and it is no less important during a honeymoon. Thai food is well known for its spices, but the taste experience doesn’t end there. The country has four major regions, and each region has a different taste preference. Though all four are taken as a single cuisine, the mixture of the regional preferences are sure to come up with a totally new taste that would appeal to every single person. Add to that the Manohra, a barge converted into a floating restaurant, and dining would be transformed into such an experience that the word “enjoyable” would not be sufficient enough to describe it.

Towards the end of your honeymoon adventure, you would surely want to get a relaxing massage, and Thailand would definitely be the best place to find that. Thai massage is one of the oldest medical traditions in the world, and it is now becoming recognized worldwide. A cross between a massage and an exercise, Thai massage does not use oils, although the option will always be available.

At Pimalai Resort and Spa, the couple would be asked to lie on the floor, then their bodies will be put through their paces as the masseuses would push, rub, stretch and pull on your bodies in order to bring the muscles back to life.  It would definitely be a tiring event.  In the end though, you would leave feeling invigorated and ready to go through another few days of adventure.

After a week spent on activities, there is no better way to cool off than to get some memorabilia and maybe some souvenirs for friends. A day spent at Bangkok would definitely solve this, allowing you to stroll through malls and marketplaces and just take in the lifestyle and scenery. A perfect way to end a honeymoon and begin a new life.

Thailand may be a lot of things, but it definitely is a spot to visit when starting out on a new phase in one’s life. The new experiences would surely excite, and the memories would be something to bring home and hold on to. When the life starts in Thailand, after 50 years, both would want to come back, retrace their steps while holding the hand of the person they walked with half a century before.  This is the magic of Thailand.

Here are 5 reasons for you to chew on while en route.

1. Let’s Face It—It Really Can Be a Blast

I’ll admit it—hanging out in the expat spots and tourist bars can be a blast. These places are naturally party meccas, and even the locals who congregate there tend to be the fun-loving, open-minded types. You’ll never be short of people to carouse with when you travel the world’s big travel destinations, that’s for sure—your biggest danger is usually that you’ll have too much fun. And you probably will.

2. Meet Travelers from the World Over

I come to Thailand to meet Thais. I go to France to meet French people. When I went to Hawaii, I wanted to meet some native Hawaiians. I don’t come to meet Asia to meet Europeans, for instance.

But having said that, every time I do go to these places, I meet amazing people from all over the world. They are often well-traveled, intelligent, and tons of fun. Most have great stories to tell, and if you make it a point to collect Facebook handles and emails, you might end up with free places to stay all over the planet. Not a bad deal.

3. It’s No Less a Part of That Country

One thing a lot of people forget, even me at times, is that a tourist destination is no less a part of the country. A country and culture is in constant flux, evolving as it adapts to changing media, technologies, and, yes, tourism. So the people who are in constant contact with tourists and living that action-packed lifestyle are no less a part of the country than anyone else.

They are living a different lifestyle, and it’s important not to forget your experiences with them are not necessarily the kind you’d have with people from other parts of the country, but they are still a sub-culture there. I’m going to have a different experience visiting a punk bar in San Francisco than if I spend the night in Salsa Club there, for instance, but that doesn’t make either of them less San Francisco, does it now?

4. It is Convenient

I’ve been very fortunate to get to live here in this country for two amazing years. I try to spend a month at least everywhere I go. But that doesn’t mean everyone is so fortunate, and sometimes people don’t get to stay long.

In these cases, you might be better off just accepting the fact you’re only going to get the chance to spend a week trudging beaches and lying in lawn chairs at the resort spas. Poor you. Try to get out to a few locals-only spots if you can, but if not, don’t beat yourself up about it.

And keep in mind that the less exposure you have to a new culture, the more dangerous your cultural misunderstandings can be, especially if alcohol is involved. So be on your best behavior.

5. Snobs Are Annoying

No one likes a stuck up snob, whatever their reason. As adamant as I often am about my own travel inclinations, I try my best not to act like one. Sometimes I’ll find myself in the middle of nowhere and I’ll notice another foreigner and will say hi or try to talk to them, just because it seems odd not to as we have something obvious in common and are both strangers. More often than not, in these far off places, you’ll find yourself being ignored or blown off, as if your presence is somehow a threat to their experience.

I can’t help but laugh.

The world is full of interesting and amazing people to meet, and I stand by my choice to get as deep into a new culture as I can, but don’t overdo it. You might miss out on some chances for great travel experiences, and you might miss the chance to meet some of the most unique people on Earth—world travelers.