Southeast Asia Information

Southeast Asia has long been a popular vacation destination, and for good reason!

The region's rich cultures, gorgeous landscapes, great food, and relative affordability appeal to all types of vacationers.

Consisting of the area east of India and south of China, Southeast Asia boasts incredible diversity. In a metropolis like Bangkok you find monks earnestly practicing ancient arts like meditation; living adjacent to high-flying businessmen who strike late night million dollar deals in rooftop bars. From ancient ruins to amazing beaches to dense jungles, Southeast Asia is a terrific place to vacation.

As culinary tour specialists, Global Taste's mission is to seek out Southeast Asia's best culinary and cultural attractions, offer them to you.

For more about travel advice and customs visit our FAQ.

The 5 Regions of Thailand

Thailand borders Burma (Myanmar), Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Its narrow isthmus has coasts along the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, both of which have scenic islands.

Thailand is often broken down into five main geographic regions:

1) The North is a colorful region with gorgeous mountains, rivers, and traditional tribal communities. The cities of the north are bustling places with a surplus of talented artisans. Chiang Mai is the cultural heart of the North.
2) The Central Plains are one of the world's most productive agricultural zones and is Bangkok's home. The Chao Phraya River system winds from the north through the Central Plains and into the Gulf of Thailand. The Central Plains are considered the traditional heart of Thai kingdoms of 'fish and rice.'
3) The northeast of Thailand is known as Isaan. Isaan is mostly agricultural and has experienced cultural cross-pollination with Laotian and Cambodian culinary traditions.
4) East of Bangkok and west of Cambodia you can find great beaches and fantastic seafood. Eastern Thailand is also home to Pattaya, which is sometimes referred to as Sin City.
5) Southern Thailand has miles of coasts and some of the best beaches on the planet. Phuket is a slice of paradise, and its fresh seafood tastes like manna from the gods!

Thai People and their History

At risk of sounding cliché, Thai people are renowned for their congenial attitudes and charming smiles. Thai cultural arts range from vicious Muay Thai (boxing) to delicate Khon style dancing. Thailand's inventive, impressive, and delicious culinary traditions are apparent all over the country, but nowhere are they more on display than its capital, Bangkok and the Rose of the North, Chiang Mai.

68 million people live in Thailand; the 95% of which are Theravada Buddhists. Ethnically, most people are Thai, but there are a significant number of Chinese, Laotian, Khmer, Malay, Shan, Mon, and native tribal groups. A variety of languages are spoken in Thailand, but the vast majority of Thai citizens understand Central Bangkok Thai.

Thai people trace their ancestry to southern China's Yunnan Province. Ethnic Thais began their migration to the general area of Thailand about 3,000 years ago.

The Sukhothai period is generally acknowledged to be Thailand's first city-state. From 1238 AD until about 1350, Sukhothai was the capital of Thai civilization. A visit to the ruins at Sukhothai are a true highlight for all fascinated by ancient civilizations.

In about 1350 AD Ayutthaya emerged as Thailand's most powerful city. Friendly attitudes toward international traders helped Ayutthaya become one of the most glamorous cities in the world. Though the city was completely sacked by the Burmese in 1767, one can still visit its eerie remains today.

Since the fall of Ayutthaya's golden era, Thais reestablished their kingdom in Bangkok. Unlike all its neighbors, Thailand has never been colonized. Thailand is currently a constitutional monarchy, with a freely elected government.

For more about customs and travel advice, visit our FAQ.

Highlights of Cambodia

Cambodia has only a handful of terrific destinations for visitors, but it is a very strong hand.

Cambodia's premier destination is the remarkable ruined Khmer city-temple complex at Angkor Wat. Accessed via Siem Reap the Angkor Archaeological Park is a true world wonder.

The current capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, also receives its fair share of visitors. Phnom Penh has some excellent sites and terrific cuisine, but you should also know that Cambodia's tragic modern history is quite apparent here. A visit to Phnom Penh is an experience you'll never forget.

Other destinations include the beaches of Sihanoukville and Kep, relaxing towns such as Banlung and Kratie, and other big cities such as Battambang.

People and History of Cambodia

90% of Cambodians consider themselves to be direct descendents of the Khmer Empire, the builders of Angkor Wat. The rest of the population is largely a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, and Laotian.

The civilization that left us the Angkor Wat complex rose in the 9th century and flourished until the 13th century. After a long and slow decline, Angkor was sacked and abandoned in 1432. Until the mid-20 century, Khmers lived as a vassal state for various Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, and French empires.

After gaining independence from the French in 1953, Cambodia became a constitutional monarchy. Yet, there was no escape from Cold War politics or American involvement in Vietnam. Through a series of unfortunate happenstance, the Khmer Rouge came to power in the mid 1970s. Led by the tyrant Pol Pot, the Khmer Rouge 'flipped society upside down' and were directly responsible for mass killings, widespread starvation, disease, and torture. Between 1-3 million Cambodians died, out of a population of only 8 million.

The tortuous years of the seventies didn't end easily. Vietnam invaded Cambodia in 1978, but the Khmer Rouge remained active in some areas until 1999.

Cambodia enjoys a relatively stable government today. However, the scars of the past can't be easily forgotten.

For more about customs and travel advice, visit our FAQ.

Laotian Landscapes

Laos has become something of a traveler's favorite in recent years, as its peaceful denizens and sleepy landscape invite tranquility.

Laos is a culturally rich landlocked country that shares borders with Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Burma (Myanmar), and China.

Despite problems with illegal logging and poaching, Laos remains mostly forested. Visitors to Laos can explore its hills, plains, mountains, caves, and the notable '4000 islands.'

Vientiane is the capital and is the closest Laos comes to having a modern city. Aside from the gorgeous UNESCO city of Luang Prabang, Laotian towns and villages are rather ruggedly bucolic.

Laotians and Their History

Laotian food is centered on sticky rice, which can be eaten without utensils. On both a cultural and culinary level, Laos is similar to Thailand's Northeast Isaan region.

The population of Laos is approximately 6.6 million. Most Laotians are Buddhists, but nearly 30 % of the population maintains traditional animist and tribal religious beliefs.

Modern Laos traces its roots to the warrior-king Fa Ngum and his ancient kingdom of Lan Xang (Which translates to 'Land of a Million Elephants'). Fa Ngum was crowned king in 1354 at Vientiane and his kingdom maintained independence for over 300 years.

Lan Xang empire declined and came to be a vassal state of Thailand, and later France. The 20th Century was a turbulent one for Laos. The country briefly fell under Japanese occupation, and was soon thereafter dragged into the Vietnam War. During the Vietnamese-American War, more bombs rained down on Laos then any other country in the 20th century.

In 1975 the communist Prathet Lao government took control and has maintained power since.

For more about customs and travel advice, visit our FAQ.