My heart goes out to all those who have lost loved ones in the recent tsunami events, and the turmoil and hardships to come as the affected countries recover from this disaster. Namaste.
Current archaeological discoveries indicate that early inhabitants of Thailand were the first true agriculturalists, and the first metal workers (working bronze 1,000 years earlier than even China). The Mekong River valley and Khorat Plateau were inhabited as far back as 10,000 years ago, with established rice cultivation feeding the populace (whereas other cultures at this time were still consuming millet primarily).
Thailand, known as "The Land of Smiles", has a wide and deep cultural and artistic history. Even though I create primarily Celtic art, I am a very big fan of pretty much all old cultural artwork. Asian cultures in particular have a great use of rich and vibrant colors, and of course lots and lots of sparkling gold, which appeals to the magpie in me! I'll be mainly in Bangkok while in Thailand for this trip, but I'm looking forward to its museums, monumental Wats, and of course... the shopping! I think a new silk wardrobe may be order.. yes indeedy... ;-)
Some very good information about Thailand can be found on the Lonely Planet website, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand website. I also found some wonderful photos on the Travel Pictures Gallery website.
A large portion of modern day Cambodia was until recently (6,000 years ago) underwater, however evidence of cave dwellers exists in the higher inland regions, and evidence shows that the use of housing on stilts was already commonplace by 3,000 years ago, which is still a common housing style in Cambodia today. Although in fairly recent years Cambodia was a land of turmoil under the rule of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, today it is a safe tourist location, still mostly unaffected by heavy tourism. The areas most commonly visited is the capital, Phnom Penh, and the historic site of Angkor Wat.
The main focus of my visit with be in Cambodia, with a great deal of time spent in Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh. Angkor Wat is commonly called the "Eighth Wonder of the World", and apparently a site that just has to be seen and experienced to grasp its full glory. With my love of archaeology, I know this will be a big highlight for my trip. I will also be spending a good amount of time in Phnom Penh, which has the National Museum and the Royal Palace.
Cambodia information can be found on the Lonely Planet website, the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism website, and also on the Angkor Wat website. Travel Pictures Gallery also has great photos on their site as well.
I won't be spending much time in Laos unfortunately, except for a brief jaunt through the southern-most region on my way back to Bangkok. However there is a very old Wat near Champasak, called Wat Phu, that I think may be really interesting to see if I have time. I wanted to mention it though in my notes here as from what I've read its a very beautiful country. I hope to return one day to travel more widely there.
Laos information can be found on the Loney Planet website, the Greater Mekong Subregion of Laos website. The Travel Pictures Gallery again has some of the best photos of this country.
