Since 2003, Free and Easy has brought over 1000 people on our 40-day Thailand adventure (and now a 20-day adventure too!), and the responses are still the same as they were back in 2003 – “I love Thailand”, “This trip changed my life” and “I don’t want to go home!” Just like we never tire of hearing that, we never tire of traveling in Thailand. How could we? There is something special about Thailand that captures the heart and imagination of everyone who experiences it, and has kept us loving this country more and more each year we return.
It’s known as ‘the Land of Smiles’ for good reason – the wonderful Thai people know how to slow down and enjoy life, and it’s part of their culture to pass on their infectious smiles to everyone they meet. It is not hard to smile though when you’re enjoying the warm tropical climate in one of the most astonishingly beautiful places on earth - emerald green seas, pristine beaches, stunning sunsets, sheer limestone cliffs, jaw-dropping sea life and jungles bursting with flora and fauna.
Thailand is a country that provides that feeling that you’ve escaped to
an exotic land where language, religion, food and the way of life are
all completely new and totally exciting. Buddhism is the religion of
90% of Thais, and is intertwined with the Thai way of life. The
smells and tastes of delicious Thai food follows you from the street
stalls in Bangkok to the beach side restaurants overlooking the sea,
and you never grow tired of it.
Elephants, monkeys, massive palm
trees, boat taxis, pineapple fruit shakes, beach bbqs and Thai massage
are all elements of the experience in Thailand that make each moment so
enjoyable. In a world that is changing so fast, Thailand is a
beautiful reminder of a place where simple living can still be the key
to happiness.
Another great thing about traveling in Thailand is that a little bit
of money goes a long ways. A complete Thai (or Western) meal will
normally cost $2 - $3. A beer at a bar or restaurant will cost $2.
T-shirts are only $4 - $5! And every day in Thailand offers
opportunities for some sort of life affirming adventure - like world
class rock climbing, scuba diving, jungle trekking, swimming, boat
trips, caving, tubing, and more. There are also Thai cooking classes,
$8 massages, yoga classes, bamboo tattoos, temple visits, fire
spinning, costume parties, or just simply chilling out on a wonderful
beach with a group of friends. As the Thais like to say – “up 2 you!”
And of course let’s not forget the nightlife – the Thais know how to
throw a party. In many of the places you go there will be ample
opportunity to shake that booty on the beach all night long. Not to
mention one of the biggest parties in the world – The Full Moon Party - where 8000 people gather once a month to party with the full moon until it’s replaced by the sun.
Going on a Free and Easy trip means that you can be involved in as
many fun activities as you like…or as few as you like. If swaying in
your hammock with a good book and letting the day roll by is what
you’re in for, then so be it. Each day presents something new, and
having 40-days in this awesome country means that you can truly slow
down and soak up the moment in a way that most Western people rarely
get the chance to do.