For many people, Bangkok, Thailand is a city of mystery, seemingly far removed from the West in culture and language. In recent years, however, as South East Asia experienced an economic boom brought on by many Japanese and American companies moving their electronic manufacturing to the region, Bangkok has become more accessible. A public transportation system now relieves some of the notorious traffic. English is widely spoken, and the Thai people, always known for their friendly and easy going style, will go out of their way to make you feel at home in their country.

For all the beauty of Thailand, both natural and man made, the main attraction of Thailand to us is the people. Thai people are the most genuine people you are likely to meet in Asia. Their culture is based on sanuk, or fun, and can best be seen in their Water Festival in April, where total strangers can drench each other with buckets of ice cold water all in the name of fun.

We were in Bangkok the week after the Water Festival, but a good drenching with a bucket of water would have been welcomed relief from the stifling 95 degree F heat that is typical for that time of the year. The heat kept us from doing as much as we wanted to, but please enjoy the pictures we have of Bangkok.