There is no shortage of beautiful golden Buddhas in Thailand. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
Thailand’s culture is what draws most visitors, and there’s good reason for that. But beyond the beaches, I think a lot of people miss the beauty of nature in the country. The following images provide an overview of at least some of what Thailand has to offer the traveler.
An image of Bangkok. Photo by Melanie Votaw.Traffic in Bangkok. Photo by Melanie Votaw.The old and the new collide in Thailand. Photo by Melanie Votaw.The temples and palaces are stunning. Photo by Melanie Votaw.Photo by Melanie Votaw.Harmless monitor lizards are everywhere in Lumpini Park in Bangkok. But watch for rabid dogs. They are NOT harmless. Photo by Melanie Votaw.A woman works in one of the country’s floating markets. Photo by Melanie Votaw.A traditional Thai dancer. Photo by Melanie Votaw.A man works on a salt farm. Photo by Melanie Votaw.Thailand is a very colorful place. Photo by Melanie Votaw.Monks in the mist of Chiang Mai. Photo by Melanie Votaw.Eels for sale in a local market. Photo by Melanie Votaw.Ayutthaya is one of my favorite places in Thailand. It used to be the capital and contains a palace, as well as many beautiful ruins that are reminiscent of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Photo by Melanie Votaw.The beaches are famous in Thailand for good reason. Photo by Melanie Votaw.It’s worth it to venture into the national parks, where you might see elephants and you’ll definitely see tons of gorgeous birds, as well as the occasional waterfall. Photo by Melanie Votaw.Exotic butterflies are commonplace in the national parks. Photo by Melanie Votaw.You’re also likely to see macaques in the national forests. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
Melanie Votaw is the Publisher and Executive Travel Writer of LuxuryWeb Magazine. She has visited more than 50 countries on 6 continents and written for such magazines as Executive Travel, Just Luxe, Business Insider, South China Morning Post, Travel Mindset, and more. She is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association, New York Travel Writers Association, and International Travel Writers Alliance. Melanie's photography has won awards, and she has also written 43 nonfiction books as either the author or ghostwriter.
For an extended visit on the Nile with stops along the way at the ancient temples of Abydos, Dandara, Luxor and Karnak, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the High Dam at Aswan, there are dozens of luxury cruise ships to choose from. Or you could do what I did and enjoy the Nile from a dahabiya, which is a boutique sailboat much like a private yacht.
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There is nowhere in the world like the Galapagos Islands, and they are best experienced via a small yacht cruise. The Ecuadoran government monitors how many visitors can go to each island, which helps to protect what many call “a natural zoo.” This is because the animals on the islands have no predators, which makes them very trusting of humans. While you are advised to stay at least a few feet away from animals, you will see from my photos that they often come close to you. Below are some of my favorite photos from my experience in this amazing and remote place on our planet.
Leaving Las Vegas behind, I accelerated onto the straight desert highway. The two-hour drive to St. George flew by, framed by an endless vista of solitary cacti and sagebrush that felt plucked straight from a classic Western film.
The audience is hushed – all focus is on the stage. Then into the silent darkness, a brilliant scarlet back wall is illuminated with female figures appearing like shadow puppets hanging loose before the puppeteer animates them. The wailing music begins, and the lights go up, revealing dancers in electric-colored and stylized Indian costumes with exposed midriff, bare feet, and lots of arm movements.
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