The Magic of Thai Hospitality

Any visit to Thailand is not complete without the compulsory tour to Ayutthaya. The monastery of Wat Yai Chai Mongkol in the southeast of the ancient city of Ayutthaya is the home to one of the most famous stupas in Thailand.

The giant reclining Buddha is the main attraction as well as the beautifully maintained monastery erected in honor of Buddhist monks who visited Ceylon. But, it is perhaps the friendly and warm attitude of the Thai people which lends such a touch of charm to everything that is Thailand.

As tourism has grown by leaps and bounds, the Thai people are well aware that tourists are vital for their economy and doubtless this is the reason why the country has deliberately cultivated such a tourist friendly atmosphere.

Thailand is also the place of origin of a number of horror stories of elaborate scams and cons to which the unwary western traveler fall prey. But the genuine warmth, friendliness and hospitality of the common Thai people shines forth like a beacon even amidst all the commercialism and double dealing. This candid picture of a humble caretaker in the shrine of Ayutthaya perhaps demonstrates this point best.

On first meeting, some Thai people may strike you as rude or simply taciturn and uncommunicative. You should remember that they are working impossible hours at quite a low wage rate. They are also wary of the western travelers who may treat their friendly gesture in a wrong way.

However, once you shed your constant fear of being scammed, you will learn to appreciate the real smile and helpfulness of the Thai people. Assistance is offered with a smile even before you ask for it, and yes, some of them are motivated by thoughts of monetary gains.

But, this is not always the case. Go out from Bangkok and the other obvious places of tourist infestation and come into the heart of the real Thailand. You will find genuine smiles such as the one that graces the face of this old caretaker at Wat Yai Chai Mongkol greeting you with the old world hospitality that is the landmark of Asia.

You can rent a car and driver to take you there.

Note: This amazing picture was no. 7 winner of our WOWtastic Thailand photo contest. The picture is taken by April Katrina.