Do not be fooled by how simple Ko Samui"s longtail boats look from a distance; decades of local ingenuity have shaped their slender frames. These vessels, known in Thailand as "ruea hang yao," emerged in the early 20th century, when fishermen repurposed vehicle engines to navigate shallow waters that larger boats couldn"t reach. Handcrafted plank by plank, each boat reflects generations of skill. Their hulls burst with bold, striking colors, while decorative cloth and flowers often crown the bows—Buddhist blessings meant to safeguard both the boat and its crew.
Harbor and longtail boats at Ko Samui, Thailand
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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National Park Service Founders Day
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Dunquin Pier, County Kerry, Ireland
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Midnight sun
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A fortress in the sky
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Balloons and camels are two ways to catch a ride here
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Make your way up a picturesque passageway of Chefchaouen
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An island oasis in the Indian Ocean
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It s Teacher Appreciation Week
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Albion Falls, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Blue-throated toucanet, Los Quetzales National Park, Costa Rica
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A winter wonderland in Northeast China
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Pearl Harbor Day
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Golden Bridge, Bà Nà Hills, Da Nang, Vietnam
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A day to take a moment
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Not your average sandcastle
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International Day for Biosphere Reserves
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Making it work—in Norway
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This reef is nowhere near the sea…
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Regional Park of Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli, Italy
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Aerial view of a heart-shaped field in Trittau, Germany
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What, no escalator?
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Kelimutu, Flores, Indonesia
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Methoni Castle, Messenia, Greece
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Guild houses of Grand-Place, Brussels, Belgium
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An aviation celebration
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A peak in the clouds
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Celebrating Pi Day
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Black bear cub emerging into spring
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Is that a buzzing sound?
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Happy winter solstice!
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

