Thailand is a tropical country in southeast Asia, located southeast of Burma and bordering the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea. Thailand is known for its delicious food, culture, temples, and beaches, which makes it a desirable vacation spot. In addition, Thai people are incredibly friendly and accepting, which appeals to gay travel, and it’s not uncommon it be bombarded with smiles everywhere you go. Because of the monsoon season, the most desirable time to visit Thailand is between November and February when the weather is drier. The national currency is the baht (as of 2009 exchange rates, approximately 34 baht = $1).
Thai people are accepting of gay culture, largely due to the religion/philosophy that they practice, Buddhism, in which sexuality is considered a natural and enjoyable part of life. It is important to note that public displays of affection are considered inappropriate, and there are various other customs that should be kept in mind while visiting. For instance, the royal family and religion are revered and it is important to show respect and wear modest clothing when visiting palaces and temples and be careful photographing Buddha statues, as this is sometimes frowned upon. Other gestures such as touching another person’s head or pointing at things with one’s feet are unacceptable.
The main vacation destination of Bangkok offers an amazing energy that is unmatchable. Just as you would expect in any major metropolitan city, Bangkok has a plethora of gourmet dining opportunities, and entertainment venues. Be certain to visit some of the wonderful outdoor Thai cafes, and to experience some of their uniquely fabulous entertainment spectacles.
Phuket is an island province located in the Andaman Sea and is a famous tourist destination. This island is known for its beaches and natural beauty. Karon, Kamala, Kalim, and Patong beaches are top spots for leisure activities, including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and parasailing. A few places on Phuket contain hidden lagoons that can only be reached by canoe during certain tides. Phuket is also known for its gardens and seafood.
Chiangmai is the second largest city in Thailand, has a rich history, and contains more than 300 temples. The Buddhist monastery of Doi Suthep can be found looking down on the city, reached by a long mountain road. Outside of Chiangmai, there are numerous gardens (there are over 1000 varieties of orchids here), waterfalls, and hidden caves. Like Bangkok, Chiangmai has a thriving gay population, and nightlife is diverse, with go-go bars, clubs, and cabaret.
With its many exciting destinations and non-judgmental culture, Thailand is an ideal place to visit on gay tours. From beautiful panoramas, sandy beaches, and rich history and tradition, a visit to Thailand will be fulfilling and memorable. And experiencing a culture where the people actually put into practice their spiritual believes makes is even more memorable. While in Thailand make certain that you spend time with the Thai people; get to know a few of them at least a little bit. You will be greatly rewarded for your efforts.
An article writtten by Howie Holben about gay adventure travel to Thailand. For more information about gay holidays, go to www.SpiritJourneys.com. You can get a unique content version of this article from the Uber Article Directory.
