What To Order: Thailand - Thai Tea

A barista whips up Thai tea on a train
platform in just a few moments

Whether you are navigating the bedlam of downtown Bangkok or enjoying the silence atop Chiang Mai's Doi Inthanon or lounging on one of Thailand's many island beaches, one thing is almost guaranteed - a delicious, iced "Thai tea" is probably only a stone's throw away.

Thai tea is a ceylon tea (though often now made with cheaper black tea leaves and colored with food coloring) that is mixed with evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk before being poured over ice for a cool and refreshing liquid refreshment. Thai tea's burnt orange hue and creamy, slightly smokey, sweet flavor make this iced drink quite distinct, with many devotees and the occasional detractor.

For myself, I will admit that I was not completely sold on my first sip. However, my second sip led to a third and it quickly grew into endearment, such that now I look forward to any chance to grab a "cha-yan" (Thai, lit. "iced tea"). There is also a variation of Thai tea with an added lime flavor called "cha-manao," if you are looking to increase the "tropical quotient" of your drink.

Mixed Thai tea ready to
be poured over ice

Thailand, especially the Lanna region of northern Thailand, has a long history with tea, and Thais love their tea, especially a Thai tea on-the-go to contend with the pervasive heat and humidity of this much-desired Southeast Asian tropical travel destination. This ocher-colored beverage is so popular that Thai restaurants in other countries and continents include it on their menu, a distinctive element of many Thai menus around the world.

In Thailand, street stands and small beverage shops are everywhere, whipping up Thai tea in no time. In fact, there are even iced coffee and Thai tea stalls on the Bangkok BTS skytrain platforms. So, get a leg up on the heat and start your Thai travels with a Thai tea!

Do This, Not That: Movie Theaters in Thailand

If you happen to grab a matinée movie showing in Thailand (or any showing, for that matter) while traveling through Southeast Asia, there is a Thai custom that is a regular part of every Thai movie-viewing experience that you should certainly be aware of.

The king of Thailand
as a younger man

At some point before the movie starts, you will be expected to honor the king of Thailand by standing. The process is simple - during the previews, a song called the "Thai royal anthem" will start playing and everyone in the theater will rise.

While the song plays, a video usually plays on screen, showing pictures or video of the king over the course of his life and highlighting some of his accomplishments, as well as accomplishments of the Thai people. At the end of the anthem, everyone may return to their seats.

Revering the sovereign is important in every country with a monarchy, and Thailand is no exception. Penalties for slandering and insulting the royal family are stiff in Thailand and should not be taken lightly by visitors, as you can see from the following news account:

BBC News: Thai comedian and 'red-shirt' leader jailed for royal insult

However, if you follow the lead of those around you, everything should go smoothly. And then you can sit back and enjoy the show.

Hosteling Bangkok - The Best of Cheap AND Chic

Bangkok used to be well-known as Asia's home for cheap accommodations, affordable drinks, and budget thrills for backpackers and world travelers, but the Asian financial boom of the '90s and Bangkok's financial renaissance have cause prices to move in one direction - up.

CheQinn hostel brings bright color and modern style together

Now, finding cheap room and board can be a challenge for travelers on a shoestring budget, and often "cheap" comes at the expense of cleanliness and comfort (and sometimes even safety).

However, the BBC has set out to remedy that by scouting a handful of Bangkok hostels that are economical without sacrificing the standards of today's "flashpackers."

BBC Slideshow - Bangkok's hippest hostels

If you're looking for cheap digs while you tour Bangkok's ornate temples, instead of reserving a room in Thailand's tallest building, check out one of these modish hostels:

• @Hua Lamphong - No frills but right in the thick of it, @HL is just down the street from Silom Plaza
• CheQinn - Ideal location near world-renowned Bumrungrad Hospital, east of Siam Square
• HQ Hostel - Located halfway between the river and Lumphini park in the Patpong district
• Lub d Siam Square - Right at the flashy Siam Square shopping complex, this is the heart of Bangkok
• Lub d Silom - Another option near HQ Hostel in Patpong district
• Suneta Hostel Khaosan - We weren't able to find an official website for them, so your guess for contacting them is as good as ours
• Take A Nap - Great location near Lumphini Park and the Saladaeng BTS station

Baiyoke - Bangkok's Tallest Building

Baiyoke over Bangkok

Out of the heart of downtown Bangkok juts the Baiyoke Tower II, an axle hub that the city's daily commotion seemingly revolves around. At 997 ft., the 85-story Baiyoke (pronounced "buy-yo-kuh") is the tallest building in Thailand and the fourth tallest all-hotel structure in the world. The Baiyoke Tower II is home to the Baiyoke Sky Hotel, a number of eateries, and an observation deck with a commanding view of the city.

Joy Is Up in Bangkok

Easily identified from many places in downtown Bangkok, Baiyoke can also be recognized by the multi-story advertisements that often grace the sides of the building.

At ground level, you would hardly know you standing below Thailand's tallest building - the streets and alleys around the hotel and even the lobby area itself feel much more like a bazaar or Thai street market than a luxury hotel.

However, once you push past the congestion and into the elevator, you begin to feel the elegance that is the heart of the Baiyoke.

Restaurants and cafes abound in the Baiyoke, including the Roof Top Bar (83rd floor), Stella Place Chinese Restaurant (79), Crystal Grill International Buffet (82), Bangkok Sky (76/78), Tee Off Cafe (next to the open-air golf range - 18), and the Bangkok Balcony (81). Sitting on top of it all is Baiyoke's Observation Point - an observation deck on the 77th floor and the open-air revolving view point on floor 84. Open daily from 10:30 to 23:30, the view is spectacular, especially after dark.

Bangkok's nightlife from Baiyoke's observation point

Bangkok's tallest building is a unique contrast to the traditional sites and numerous temples that draw many to the city. Cool off after a hot day of Bangkok travel at Baiyoke with a drink and a view!

Visiting Bangkok's Gilded Temples - Proper Attire and Customs

Bangkok's "Marble Temple"

One of the highlights of Southeast Asia are the numerous Buddhist temples, ranging from the rugged and earthy Angkor Wat (in Cambodia) to the polished architectural wonder of Wat Benchamabophit (in Thailand).

Thailand's population is roughly 95% Buddhist, and as a result, Thailand is dotted with Buddhist temples - Bangkok alone is home to hundreds of temples, or "wats," throughout the city. According to CNN Travel, the 7 Best Bangkok Temples are:

1. Wat Arun - the iconic temple on Thai currency
2. Wat Phra Kaew - located on the grounds of in Bangkok's Grand Palace
3. Wat Pho - adjacent to the Grand Palace and home to Thailand's largest reclining Buddha
4. Wat Benchamabophit - the magnificent "Marble Temple" from Thailand's 5-baht coin
5. Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit - one of Thailand's most religiously significant temples
6. Wat Saket - located on a prominence offering great views of the city
7. Wat Traimit - home to one of the world's largest gold Buddha statues

Wat Phra Kaew in Thailand's Grand Palace

As a world traveler, cultural sensitivity is always paramount, no more so than when visiting revered religious sites. Here are a few important items to keep in mind when visiting Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia:

• Keep your legs and shoulders covered (cover below the knees and past the elbows) - despite the heat, beach attire is inappropriate
• Take off your shoes in and around the temple complex
• Refrain from any public displays of affection
• Do not point/show the bottom of your feet toward monks/nuns
• Do not touch the head of any of the statues or monks/nuns

Add Thailand to your list of world travel destinations - jungle treks in Chiang Mai, scuba diving the islands, and of course, the impressive temple structures in bustling Bangkok.

The Duke's - Chiang Mai

If your travels take you through the mountains of northern Thailand, make sure to stop into any one of The Duke's three Chiang Mai locations (as of this posting). Touting itself as home to "American steak, ribs, seafood, and pizza," The Duke's always delivers.

A casual sit-down atmosphere, the Duke's is a great place to unwind after a jungle trek or Flight of the Gibbon zipline excursion, or as a preliminary to the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. The ribs are certainly worth mentioning, but all of the entrees are done well and worth a try.

Originally opened in 2005, The Duke's first location overlooks the river from the east side, just south of Tha Pae Rd., while the second location is in the heart of the Night Bazaar, only a few blocks away on Loi Kroh Rd, east of the Chiang Mai old town wall.

Recently, a third location has opened just across the canal from the Tha Pae (East) Gate, pursuing more of a "grill and diner" feel. The menu is complete with onion rings, malt shakes, fries, hot dogs, and delicious lemonade - a nice respite from the Thailand heat.

In case you can't find The Duke's, give them a call: +66 5324 9231