Thailand is a fascinating, exotic country. When I lived in the United States, I was never a big fan of Thai cuisine because it was never Thai food. However, authentic Thai food is excellent. I cannot seem to get enough. Then every restaurant prepares Thai food differently. After two weeks, I never had the same Thai dish twice. Although many Thai dishes contain rice, noodles, eggs, and crushed nuts, the chefs added different meats, vegetables, and seasonings. Every dish had a distinctive flavour and taste.

Bangkok has many street vendors who sell freshly squeezed juices. I drank fresh orange juice for 20 bahts (approx. $0.67). The vendors also sell coconut, pomegranate, carrot, and other juices. Many street vendors also sell a variety of foods, but I stayed away from them. I worried about food poisoning because the food may have been stored outside in the heat all day.

Although Bangkok is a large city, I never felt threatened. It is fairly safe, even at night.

Bangkok and Thailand had some major annoyances, which were:

You always negotiate the price. You can only buy something if you ask the price. The Thai people always start with high prices that can be negotiated lower.

Some of the taxi and tuk-tuk drivers would not do what I asked. Tuk-tuks are motorized carts used to drive tourists and cargo around the city. The drivers, especially the tuk-tuks, try to throw in tour packages. One taxi driver said he had to go to the bathroom, and he wanted me to come into the Gem Store with him to look around as he went to the bathroom. Taxi and tuk-tuk drivers earn commissions for bringing customers to them.

Street peddlers would follow me down the street, determined to sell me their wares and trinkets. They would not take no for an answer.

Bangkok is just too large. People were everywhere, and the city seemed chaotic. Then those damn motorcycle drivers would drive their motorcycles all over, even on the sidewalks. I was always walking around or avoiding motorcycles. (This chaotic driving, especially with motorcycles, was a much bigger problem in the much smaller city of Patong City, Phuket).

Thailand

• The country's area spans 198,115 square miles, making Thailand the 51 largest country in the world.
• The currency is the Baht. Images of the king are displayed in all the denominations.
• The capital is Bangkok, and it is the largest city.
• In 2011, the population was estimated at 66.7 million, making Thailand the 19th most populous nation.
• Thailand is a major exporter of rice, textiles, footwear, and electronics..
• Thailand is a major tourist destination, especially for single or divorced males from the United States, Europe, and Australia..
• Approximately 95% of the population practice Buddhism..

Dan Nok is a sleazy little town next to the Thailand-Malaysian border. Sexually repressed male tourists from Malaysia visit this tiny town with one main street and ten cross streets. Restaurants, hotels, massage parlours, karaoke bars, and nightclubs fill this little town as scantily dressed women patrol the streets, searching for tourists with cash. Dan Nok attracts fair-skinned ladies from Chiang Mai who would do almost anything for a bit of money.

As I studied the town's skyline from my hotel balcony, I was surprised to see developers building more hotels and adding to this tiny town.

Hat Yai is the third largest city in Thailand and is about an hour's drive from the Malaysian border. Although Western tourists rarely visit this city, most arrive from Singapore and Malaysia. They ride night buses from the large cities of Malaysia. They come to Hat Yai for shopping and the night market, where vendors sell clothes, food, and nickknacks along the city streets and alleys. 

The downtown area around Lee Gardens Hotel is nice, with several Western restaurants and a Starbucks. However, some neighbourhoods can be run down once a tourist walks away from the downtown area. Nevertheless, Southern Thailand is experiencing a construction boom, and I saw new construction and renovation throughout the city.

When it comes to nightlife, Hat Yai offers a more laid-back experience compared to the bustling scenes of Patong City and Bangkok. The city's mayor has made efforts to maintain a certain level of decorum, leading to a more relaxed atmosphere. For those seeking a livelier scene, Dan Nok, closer to the Malaysian border, is where the action is. 

Phuket Province is an island located in southwest Thailand. The island also has a city named Phuket. However, when tourists think of Phuket, they think of only one thing: Patong City. Patong City is a major tourist destination located on the island's western side.

Patong City has several attractions, including Patong Beach, which is rated among the top five in the world. The inviting greenish-blue waters beckon swimmers, and the fine white beach sand feels like walking across silk. 

Ganga Street is the main entrance to Patong Beach. During the day, the street is rated PG. Many shops, cafes, and restaurants entice tourists to try Thai cuisine or buy Thai trinkets. At night, "Oh my!" There is no shortage of scantily dressed Thai women or Western men chasing after them. Bangkok's nightlife is relatively tame compared to Patong City.

Phuket Province is not just a paradise for solo travelers and partygoers, but also a haven for families with children. With a plethora of places to see and visit, as some of these photographs will attest, Phuket promises a memorable and enjoyable family vacation.

Phuket Province is an island located in southwest Thailand. The island also has a city named Phuket. However, when tourists think of Phuket, they think of only one thing: Patong City. Patong City is a major tourist destination located on the island's western side.

Patong City has several attractions, including Patong Beach, which is rated among the top five in the world. The inviting greenish-blue waters beckon swimmers, and the fine white beach sand feels like walking across silk. 

Ganga Street is the main entrance to Patong Beach. During the day, the street is rated PG. Many shops, cafes, and restaurants entice tourists to try Thai cuisine or buy Thai trinkets. At night, "Oh my!" There is no shortage of scantily dressed Thai women or Western men chasing after them. Bangkok's nightlife is relatively tame compared to Patong City.

Phuket Province is not just a paradise for solo travelers and partygoers, but also a haven for families with children. With a plethora of places to see and visit, as some of these photographs will attest, Phuket promises a memorable and enjoyable family vacation.