Guatemala is loaded with incredible natural, historical and cultural appeal.

As the
birthplace and heartland of the ancient Maya, the country is in many ways defined by the legacy of this early
civilization. Guatemala today is very much a synthesis of Maya and colonial traditions, fused with the
influences of twenty-first century Latin and North American culture.

Guatemala offers a startling range of landscapes.

Things not to miss:

Antigua: The graceful former capital, with an incredible legavy of colonial architecture, is one of
the most elegant cities.

The ixil regin: the guatemalan highlands at their most bewitching: the costume and scenery of
this deeply traditional mayaregion are astonishing.

Todos santos cuchumatan: a fascinating Highland maya town, home to one og the finest textile
traditions in latin america, which hosts a legendary fiesta, with a rrip-roaring horse race

Maximon: visit the pagan temple of this iquor-swilling, cigar-smoking evil saint

Tikal: This unmatched Maya site has it all: monumental temples and palaces set in a tropical
forest alive with spider monkeys and chattering parakeets

Copan ruins: Theres a plethora of exquisitely carved stelae and altars, a towering hieroglyphic
stairway and an outstanding museum at the magnificent ruins of Copn.

Naional archeological museum: A wonderful collection of Maya artistry and breathtakingly carved
monuments from many remote Petn sites.

Volcan de pacaya: Trek up this volcano for an unforgettable encounter with the lava-oozing cone
of Pacaya, one of Central Americas most active

Lago de atitlan: Encircled by three volcanoes, the awesome crater lake of Lago de Atitln was
famously described by Aldous Huxley as the most beautiful lake in the world.

Chicken buses: Garishly painted and outrageously uncomfortable, theres never a dull journey
aboard Guatemalas iconic fume-belching camionetas

Semuc champey: Explore the exquisite turquoise pools and river system around Semuc
Champey, a natural limestone bridge

Transportation Las camionetas, or chicken buses, are old school buses from North America, which offer
the most inexpensive way to get round Guatemala at 8 GTQ for a 1-2 hour journey. Shuttle buses between
Antigua and Guatemala City start at 115 GTQ.

Accommodation Most hostels have dorm beds starting around 40 GTQ. Splurge for a private single or
double hostel room and pay about 190-230 GTQ, or between 230-575 GTQ for a double hotel room.

Food Dining out is relatively inexpensive in Guatemala. In cheap eateries called comedores, you can get a
two course meal for around 27 GTQ, with a meal in a tourist restaurant costing about 77 GTQ. Pre-made
plates of food (usually chicken or beef, rice, and tortillas) are often sold on the buses during stops for about 15
GTQ. National brand beers cost about 8 GTQ a bottle and 23 GTQ a liter from the store. Overall, if you stay
away from burgers, you can eat really cheap here.
Thailand
Accommodation Thailand is very cheap, though the north is far cheaper
than Bangkok and the southern islands. You can find cheap guesthouses for as
little 300 THB per night in cities and 200 THB per night in the countryside,
though in the big cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok, rooms start at about 400
per night. On the islands or for a nicer room with air-conditioner, expect to pay
600 THB and up per night. Basic bungalows cost the same. Hotels start at
around 1,350 THB per night and go up from there. Big resorts on the islands
start at 1,700 THB per night for a bungalow on the beach. Dorm rooms, which
are increasingly widespread throughout the country, range from 100-150 THB
per night. Suk 11 Guesthouse (Bangkok), Chada Guesthouse (Bangkok), Julies
(Chiang Mai), Kodchasri B&B (Chiang Mai), Poohs (Ko Lipe), Greenhouse (Khao
Yai) are my favorite places to sleep in the country.

Food is really cheap in Thailand. Street food costs as little as 20 THB, though
on average youll spent about 35-50 THB per meal if you want something really
filling. If you stick to the local street food, you can eat for around 120-170 THB
a day. Most western dishes (burgers, pizza, pasta, etc) cost between 170-340
THB, though they can be higher in the fancier western establishments. Since
food is so cheap, theres no point in grocery shopping unless youre looking to
get some pre-made salads or fruits. Visit each city guide for specific food
recommendations in each place!

Transportation transportation is also cheap. Local buses cost as little as 8

THB per trip, the Metro and Skytrain in Bangkok cost 15-50 THB per trip, and
metered taxi rides are usually 60-100 THB each. Tuk-tuks are un-metered and
generally more expensive, costing 100-235 THB per ride. Motorbike taxis (in
orange vests) are available all over the country with short trips costing about
35 THB. Train service around the country is cheap day trains cost as little as
50 THB. Boats to/from the islands cost between 250-475 THB. (Note: Its often
better to get a bus/boat package then pay for them separately.)

Top Things to See and Do in Thailand

Explore Bangkok The heart of Thailand, this crazy city is a must-see.

Explore temples, palaces, amazing markets, shops, one of the craziest nightlife

scenes in the world.

Find adventure around Chiang Mai Chiang Mai is an old city ringed with

temples and surrounded by jungles. Its a good launching pad for jungle treks
into the area; there is a nearby elephant sanctuary, and the Chiang Mai night

market is a place for some of the best handicrafts and deals in the country.

Hike in Khao Yai National Park Located three hours north of Bangkok, this

park is an excellent place to hike, swim, and find wild elephants. Its not very
crowded so youll have the jungle to yourself. Stay at the Greenleaf Guesthouse

for the best tour/accommodation deals in the area.

Visit Khao Sok National Park Located down south, this is considered one

of the best parks in the world and the best in Thailand. Youll find caves,
jungles, rivers, lakes, and tall limestone kyrsts here. Its not a common stop but

if you are in Thailand for a while, you should make the effort to go.

Relax on tropical islands Thailand has a million and one beautiful tropical

islands. Some are overdeveloped, while others only have a single bungalow on
them. Youll find everything here. Some of the best islands here are Ko Samet,

Ko Taruato, Ko Lanta, Ko Chang, Ko Tao, Ko Jum, the Similian Islands, and Ko

Samui.

Partake in the Full Moon Party If you like partying, theres no better party
in the world than the famousFull Moon Party. Its 20,000 people partying until

sunrise on a beach on Haat Rin, Koh Phangan. Sure, it is super touristy but
that doesnt mean its not a lot of fun and its as much a part of Thailand as

anything else.

Go jungle trekking There is some great jungle trekking opportunities in

northern Thailand. Be sure to go on a multi-day hike. The shorter hikes arent

as good and the hill tribes you visit are like visiting a rural impoverished Disney

World. The biggest departure points are Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

Go scuba diving in the Similian Islands a popular activity because of the

crystal clear waters and majestic sea life. The cheapest place to learn is on
the island of Ko Tao, which caters specifically for dive trips. the Similian

Islands offer the best diving. If you dive the Similan Islands, be sure to see
Elephant Head Rock

Get off the beaten path If you really want to see what Thai life is like
outside the big cities, visit Isaan. Isaan is the name for the northeastern part of

Thailand and is extremely rural and the people are very friendly. This area
contains small farming villages that hardly see any tourists.

Take the day train a much better way to see the countryside than the night
train. Sure, you waste a day but you see the countryside, you experience how

Thais take the train, and youre treated to vendors coming off and on every
stop selling meals for 15 THB.!