20th Anniversary Dream Trip Contest

Great Travel Moment

My partner and I have traveled to many countries, but this was something totally unexpected: a Lions Club parade in Thailand! We had spent the afternoon sunning on Jomtien Beach near Pattaya, a couple hundred kilometers south of Bangkok. As we stepped up to the road we were greeted by an unbelievably colorful procession lasting nearly an hour. Group after group paraded before us: club members from various provinces in traditional costume, dancers and drummers, and a smattering of Thais in the sort of everyday wear you'd see in the states. And talk about inclusive: there were even a dozen transgendered“lady boys” in the parade! In a land where the people are known for their ever-present smiles, these girls epitomized the joy Thais seemed to hold in everyday life and that we felt throughout our trip to Thailand. Who knew a Lions Club parade could be such fun?!