The Best Cultural Experiences

Celebrate Songkran: April 13 marks the first day of Songkran, the Thai New Year. Traditionally, Thais wash the Buddha images in local temples with water and then sprinkle water on the hands of their elders as a show of filial piety. In recent years, however, Songkran has escalated into a nationwide water fight and Khao San Road, the backpacker street in Bangkok, is the epicenter of water spraying, talc throwing, and good times. It's a riot, but stay inside unless you don't mind being wet to the bone, caked with chunks of powder, and aching from laughter.

Get off the "Track": Whether just a day trip out of busy Bangkok or a ride inland from the beach resort of your choice, Thailand is a great place to explore the back of beyond and learn a little something about slow living and hospitality. Some of the most adventurous roads, like the Mae Hong Son Loop northwest of Chiang Mai, the Golden Triangle near Chiang Rai or more out of the way locations like Isan, the large northeastern territory near Laos, offer adventures around every corner. Narrow roads, hairpin turns, sweltering heat, unpredictable drivers and maybe a wandering armed rebel or two, makes for lots of excitement (too much for some). Jungle terrain supporting little-visited villages, paddy-carpeted valleys dotted with quaint wooden farmhouses, rolling hills green with lush foliage and jutting limestone cliffs are what attract so many. Adventure awaits.

Make merit: While many Thai people will "make merit" on a daily basis, it's possible for visitors to participate in this age-old tradition as well. This custom -- gestures that secure a better life here and hereafter -- can be performed in any number of ways: offer pails filled with necessary daily objects like soaps, foods, robes, and a small donation to the Abbott of a monastery; contribute to a monk's morning meal with offerings of food; or, purchase a caged bird at one of the temple complexes and set it free (a great photo op). It's best to consult a Thai person about formalities and customs beforehand in order to understand complex matters of etiquette. And remember, always thank the receiving monk -- he will never thank you. He never begs; only offers you the opportunity to better your life.

Pet an Elephant: Thailand's gentle giants never fail to amaze and it isn't uncommon to see elephants even padding along city streets. If these huge creatures are at first daunting, time spent around them proves their intelligence, grace and majesty -- the very symbols of the nation.

The many elephant camps in and around Chiang Mai are a good entree into the world of elephants, and there are tourist "pony-ride" style attractions and shows in many of the resort areas, but by far the best way to get to know an elephant is to visit or take a trek with the elephants from the Young Elephant Training Center in Lampang (tel. 05422-9042).

Officials claim that the practice is coming to an end, but elephants are often used in big cities as ploys to collect donations from diners and shoppers. You'll be asked to buy a 20B (50¢) bunch of sugar-cane and the mahout, often guys who just rent the animals for the night like a livery cab and pockets the difference. It is a pity to see these majestic creatures wandering in traffic, blinking lights hanging from their tails, and it is tempting to buy some sugar cane and get close to the animals, but the real charity would be to buy the animal itself and free it from abusive handlers.

Shop 'til you drop: It's a full-contact sport in Thailand and there are a variety of venues where you can pickup anything from fine local crafts, weaving, and jewelry to top brand-name items (or copies thereof). The busy markets are certainly the most atmospheric: Chatuchak, the weekend market, and Suan Lum, the night market in Bangkok, the busy Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai and the many small markets in every small town. Thai towns of any size all support large retail outlets of varying quality, from small discount department stores to luxury malls like the Emporium or Gaysorn Plaza in Bangkok. Shopping may not be creative (as Andy Warhol believed), but it is a good way to participate in Thai pop culture as well as learn about traditional crafts.

Discover Spirit Houses: Take the time to notice one of these elaborate creations. Like dollhouse-size dainty shrines, some of them quite elaborate, Spirit Houses are usually set atop an eye-level post and can be seen in nearly every yard or business entry. They are meant to house spirits -- family spirits or spirits of former dwellers -- and every morning or on auspicious days householders will place offerings of flowers, drinks, and food to care for the spirits and keep them happy. The Spirit House is erected shortly after a new occupant enters a home.

Each municipality also has a "city shrine," a larger Spirit House maintained for the entire town. These will always be well-tended, draped with colorful garlands and offerings. Thais rarely neglect the shrines, their ancestors, or the spirit world -- a tradition that is as alive today as it has been for centuries.

Surrender to Fate: In Thailand, fate works in strange ways -- a broken down bus, nobody who speaks English for miles, help in the form of a kind stranger on a motorbike and a friend for life. When faced with big changes on the road (and there are sure to be some), it can either ruin your day or actually make your whole experience. Repeat this phrase often, mai pen rai ("never mind"), and you will enjoy Thailand all the more.