THAILAND

Who are the people of Siam?  Thailand is Buddhist country and Bangkok thrives in heat, traffic and crowds.  A mind-numbing chaos of temples, museums and street markets, the city’s fast-paced commerce combines both ancient and modern. Gargantuan shopping galacticas, packed karoke bars and $7 foot massages are top attractions .  The scene sharply contrasts escaping to the ancient walled city of Chiang Mai where misty mountains, endless rice paddies and elephant jungles bring a deeper peace of mind.