Thailand
The Land of Smiles, the original backpackers destination, Thailand has some absolute gems to offer, from the world class diving out of Phuket, to the fabulous temples and unbelievable floating market of Bangkok, there really is something for everyone.
Phuket
A liveaboard, sailing South from Phuket, out to Hin Daeng and Hin Muang was to be the highlight of our time in Phuket.
Unfortunately, after a near miss with DCI I have decided to give up diving. As the liveaboard was booked and paid for we went anyway. I spent a lot of time brushing up on my skills as captain, which was good fun. I have logged a lot of time on smaller boats, but at 23m, The Witch was a different beast altogether.
Patong has changed a huge amount in the 6 years since I was last there. A big effort has gone into cleaning up the image of the town. There are now huge shopping centres, and a lot more families.
I can't help but feel the place has lost a lot of the charm that made it so popular. It used to be an 'anything goes' type of place.
We were in Phuket from September 7-18
Bangkok
Tiger Temple, was the place we wanted to see above all else. It is a Buddhist temple that has raised a number of orphaned Tigers, and you are able to walk amongst the Tigers and have your picture taken while stroking them. All monies raised are meant to go towards building an island sanctuary for the Tigers.
Alas, all is not as it seems. We heard a rumour that the Tigers were being mistreated, and the money was being spent elsewhere, so investigated a little further. This, unfortunately, seems to be true. There is a new temple and library, but nothing for the Tigers. They are kept in tiny cages and the threat of being beaten makes them co-operate. It seems the monks are also encouraging the Tigers to breed, then taking the cubs from the mother and hand rearing them.
There is even an unfounded rumour that Tigers are being sold to China for use in herbal products. We decided to not go, and urge anyone thinking of going to avoid the place.
It seems that even Buddhist monks are tempted by the thought of lots of money, placing it above their own beliefs, and causing the Tigers to suffer.
Ayutthaya, Elephant Sanctuary
This was so good it has it's own page HERE