Though much of Bangladesh has been developed, it is said that at last 15% of it is still a forest region. The three main areas are the tidal forest found in coastal area of Sundarban, the Chittagong Hills which is a tropical rain forest and the jungle of Madhupur.

If you travel to the jungle of Madhupur you will typically see tigers as well as other large game. In the Sundarbans you may encounter crocodiles and the hill areas are replete with leopards, elephants and rhinoceroses.

Bangladesh’s national bird is the Magpie Robin or the Doel. These are shy birds that can easily be spotted in the towns and villages. During their breeding season the male will sing loudly from his favorite tree top during the early morning hours and in the late afternoon.

The Shalik is another bird commonly found in Bangladesh. He is near in size to the robin of America. He is quite a noisy fellow and is part of the Myna family of birds. A comical sight is seeing one of them perched upon the back of cattle and they seem to enjoy the company of chickens as well. They are often kept as pets and can imitate human speech. They are excellent talkers and love to whistle and sing as well.

Bangladesh has a prince among them in the Royal Bengal Tiger. He is the national animal and is a species that is highly endangered. His sleek coat with its vivid patterns make him quite sought after in the region. They enjoy feasting upon the Sambar deer which is a common animal found throughout the continent of Asia.

Primates are in abundance in the Hill Tracts as well as the Sundarbans. There are a wide variety of monkeys along with the only ape that is found on the subcontinent, the Hoolock Gibbon. This ape mates for life and will defend their territory with echoing songs that seem to whistle throughout the early morning hours of the forest.  They are often referred to as the “singing ape.”

If wildlife and birding is what you crave, there is no better place to see it than in Bangladesh. Leave the world behind and bring along a camera and your binoculars and be prepared to see natural sights that can only be found in Bangladesh.

Thailand is one of the friendliest and visitor friendly places you will find in the region. History and authentic culture abound in this central city of Thailand. Nights are cool so that the visitor will enjoy the utmost in comfort and the food, goods and accommodations are such that they will fit even the stringiest budget.

If rock climbing is your passion, check out Crazy Horse Buttress, located behind Tham Meuang. You will be afforded the convenience of two expert guides along with drinking water, food and all the equipment you need to make a successful climb. Also included is a T-shirt to commerate your visit and insurance in case something untoward should happen.

Massages are available all around the city. The city of Chiang Mai is known for her relaxing massages and can guarantee you the perfect pampering solution to your troubles and cares. Visit one of the massage schools to get a first rate massage when you are in Chiang Mai.

Boxing is another entertainment opportunity for those that love a match between pugilists. You can find several venues that are happy to teach the tourist as well as the native the finer points of the sport. Chiang Mai is famous for her transvestite boxer named Parinya Kiatbusaba. Foreign competitors are much sought after and if you feel you can get into the ring with one of their champs, then that is exactly what you should do.

Chiang Mai is a landlocked area and can get extremely warm in the summer months. Fortunately there are many  swimming holes that natives and visitors alike can take advantage. There are more than a few pools open to the public and  you can enjoy a refreshing dip in any one of them.

Not only is Chiang Mai chock full of sites and sounds that are uniquely Thai, there are activities for which you can participate that will have you feeling as if you are a true native of this fascinating, multi-faceted land.