Currently on an extended summer trip—now spanning over two months—I’m writing from Koh Samui, Thailand, en route to Koh Tao for my PADI scuba diving certification. This follows a two-week intensive Muay Thai training course completed in Chiang Mai.
My journey began with a birthday wish: to hike the Great Wall of China and visit Guangzhou and Shenzhen’s electronics markets to source a device for business purposes.
Originally, I planned to fly from Dubai to Almaty, Kazakhstan, then travel into Xinjiang, a vast region in northwestern China, before continuing to Tibet, and heading east through Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong, before returning to Dubai.
However, flight cancellations—triggered by missile attacks during the Israel-Iran conflict—disrupted this itinerary. Afterward, I rerouted through Mumbai and Colombo, Sri Lanka, and took a direct flight to Guangzhou.
My revised route through China began in Guangzhou, where I arranged meetings with electronic device vendors. From there, I traveled to Shenzhen, then Beijing, before flying to Hong Kong for an overnight layover. I decided to save Xinjiang and Tibet for another trip, as the fast pace and density of China’s urban centers were becoming overwhelming. After doing a birthday hike along the Great Wall, I craved a change of rhythm—a shift in scenery, pace, and energy.
On impulse, I made an unplanned detour to the Philippines, a country long on my radar, especially Palawan, a bucket-list destination. Taking advantage of the 14-day visa-on-arrival, I extended my journey southward, trading city chaos for island serenity and pristine beaches.
I typically travel with a one-way ticket, booking onward flights at the last minute through platforms like onwardticket.com—a service that automatically cancels reservations within 48 hours for a nominal service fee—satisfying immigration requirements without locking me into fixed plans. I pair this with a single-night hotel booking, chosen based on location and reviews, extending my stay only if the place meets my expectations.
For financial flexibility, I carry a few hundred USD in cash for emergencies—as it’s one of the most liquid currencies, replenished as needed—and rely on international debit and credit cards for daily expenses.
After a few days in Manila and Palawan, I continued west to Vietnam. Having visited nearly all Southeast Asian countries except Brunei, returning to Vietnam after a 10-year gap felt familiar—Vietnam is, without a doubt, one of my favorite countries.
After soaking in Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant energy, I took a train to the coastal city of Nha Trang, where I spent a few days before flying to Da Nang—often called the “Miami of Vietnam” for its stunning beaches and lively seaside atmosphere. Nearby, I explored the ancient town of Hoi An, with its lantern-lit streets and timeless charm.
On a previous trip, I had ventured into Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, home to some of the world’s largest and most spectacular caves. I also had visited Hanoi, the capital, and Halong Bay—a breathtaking archipelago of limestone karsts rising from emerald waters. Looking ahead, I’m eager to explore Vietnam’s northern highlands on a future trip, including Sapa and Ha Giang, famous for their dramatic terraced mountains, vibrant ethnic minority cultures, and deeply rooted traditions.
Vietnam’s resilient spirit, forged through centuries of resistance—from French colonization to the Vietnam War (1954–1975), during which an estimated 2 million Vietnamese and 58,279 U.S. military personnel lost their lives—embodies Ho Chi Minh’s enduring mantra: “Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom.”
After nearly two weeks in Vietnam, it was time to check off another bucket-list item: Muay Thai training and PADI scuba diving certification. I didn’t hesitate—booked a flight to Bangkok and headed straight to Chiang Mai, where I had secured a spot at one of Thailand’s most renowned Muay Thai schools, founded by a celebrated female fighter.
What sets Vietnam and Thailand apart is their remarkable blend of natural beauty, exquisite cuisine, deep spirituality, and genuine hospitality. Having traveled to over 40 countries, I’ve rarely encountered such a profound sense of community, freedom, and cultural depth. In both nations, humility and warmth aren’t just values—they’re lived experiences. Travelers aren’t just welcomed; they’re embraced with a sincerity that feels increasingly rare.
Thailand, often celebrated as the “Land of Smiles,” is unfairly reduced to a “sex paradise”—a stereotype tracing back to the Vietnam War, when U.S. troops frequented the country for R&R. Global media’s obsession with Bangkok’s and Pattaya’s red-light districts has cemented this narrow image, overshadowing Thailand’s true richness: its deep Buddhist heritage, world-renowned cuisine, Muay Thai traditions, healing Thai massages, pristine beaches, and thriving digital nomad scene.
I’ve received many messages from friends saying people go to Thailand for other purposes. I was genuinely amused—because it’s an open secret that cities like Dubai are epicenters of global sex tourism. At the same time, I’ve received numerous messages asking about Muay Thai training institutes, which truly surprised me. It’s inspiring to see how many people are passionate about exploring their potential through discipline and sport.
As of 2025, Thailand’s population is estimated at 71.4 million, with approximately 215,000 people (0.3%) identifying as transgender. Known locally as “kathoey,” they are often referred to in Western contexts as “ladyboys,” though this term is considered reductive by some. The sex industry, employing between 43,000 and 300,000 workers, generates approximately $6.4 billion annually (1.6% of GDP)—a trade driven by poverty, economic disparity, and weak enforcement of anti-prostitution laws. However, framing Thailand solely as a “sex destination,” despite its relatively small sex worker population, which is concentrated in urban areas compared to its 71.4 million total population, dehumanizes Thai women, men, and kathoey, reinforcing harmful Orientalist stereotypes and attracting a subset of exploitative tourists—often described as “creepy Westerners” seeking privilege under the guise of tourism.
But Thailand’s 77 provinces offer far more than urban vice. The country boasts 40,000 temples, dazzling festivals like Loy Krathong, and breathtaking landscapes from Phuket’s shores to Krabi’s cliffs. These contrasts highlight Thailand’s complex social fabric amid persistent global misperceptions.
It is true that Thailand presents a double-edged sword for many visitors. The country’s permissive environment—where freedoms restricted back home are readily available—tests self-discipline, with temptations, including drugs, lurking in plain sight.
To shift its global image, Thailand must amplify its cultural and natural appeal—promoting family-friendly tourism, wellness retreats, and digital nomad hubs. By doing so, it can reclaim its narrative as a safe, inclusive, and culturally profound destination, restoring national pride while ensuring sustainable, dignified growth.
Family tourism aligns with Thailand’s Buddhist values and “Land of Smiles” identity. Unlike the sex industry—which exploits vulnerable populations, including women, kathoey, and migrants from rural provinces or neighboring countries—family tourism creates dignified jobs in hospitality, cultural tours, and eco-tourism. It appeals to diverse travelers from China, India, Europe, and beyond, who spend on activities, dining, and accommodations, supporting Thailand’s 2025 tourism revenue goal of 3.5 trillion baht.
Digital nomads—remote workers seeking affordable, high-quality living—represent a growing, respectful demographic. Thailand’s low cost of living ($1000–$1,500/month for a high standard), reliable internet, and vibrant co-working hubs in cities like Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Ko Pha Ngan etc make it a top destination. The 2022 Digital Nomad Visa further enhances its appeal for professionals seeking freedom and wellness.
As I journey toward Koh Tao, I’m reminded that travel unveils the realities behind stereotypes, broadens the mind, and dismantles prejudices. Visiting countries like China, the Philippines, and Thailand allows us to see their true depth—beyond media-driven misconceptions—and fosters a deeper appreciation for their people, traditions, and resilience.
faznotes.com 
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