Thailand

Thailand is a Southeast Asian country. It’s known for tropical beaches, opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins and ornate temples displaying figures of Buddha.

Capital City:

Bangkok

Currency:

Thai Baht

Total population:

69.8 million (2020)

Language(s) spoken:

Thai

Cultural dos:

Negotiate the price of a ride with a tuk-tuk driver before the ride commences. Make sure to assert that there will be no stops allowed on the trip. Otherwise, you might find yourself tagging along on the driver’s errand stops

Cultural don’ts

Don’t take photos of the police or the military as it might land you in hot soup

Continent:

Asia

Three foods you need to try in this country:

  • Tom yum goong (spicy shrimp soup)
  • Khao pad (fried rice)
  • Khao soi (rice noodles in coconut curry soup topped crunchy dried noodles and fresh herbs) 

Bonus

  • Tom Kha Kai (chicken in coconut soup),
  • Fresh fruit smoothies 
  • Coconut ice-cream
  • Mango with coconut sticky rice

What the country is known for :

  • Temples such as Wat Arun and Wat Sila Ngu (the Red Temple)
  • The Grand Palace in Bangkok
  • The islands and beaches
  • Sukhothai Old City
  • Friendly people 
  • Muay Thai
  • Digital Nomad hotspot

More About Thailand

Thailand holds a special place in my heart. For a country that is so far away from home, I keep returning to it because it was my initial introduction to solo travel and the backpacking/explorer lifestyle. I visited for a 3.5week solo trip around the country in 2015 and I have never looked back. Since then I have been back again once in 2017 and am due to return later this year.

 

This country is on the top of many lists that have been written on ‘easiest countries to ease one into backpacking or for solo trips’, with due cause. Thailand is known as the land of smiles – the locals are very friendly, welcoming and helpful which makes navigating around the country much easier. Thai culture is so rich and vibrant. It can be experienced or learned through visiting the multiple museums around the country, visiting temples or pagodas, or just interacting with the friendly locals who are happy to share their experiences. The infrastructure for travel has been so well thought out.

 

For my fellow nature lovers, the highlands in the north of Thailand is where you find lush green forests, hills and mountains for regular, interesting hikes. The views and the landscapes one can witness after a hike are incredible. There are also various places where hot geysers naturally appear and one can either make boiled egg or soak in for a hot bath – be careful not to burn yourself by first checking the temperature before you jump in. This was absolutely phenomenal for me to witness. Waterfalls are plenty and one can go swimming at the bottom or use the top as a point from which to jump or slide. The south of the country it is a bit warmer and there are many islands one can visit. The islands seem to have developed to meet different visitor needs. Some are visited for peace and serenity, while others have been popularised by the great parties they have. Either way, the waters are beautiful and there are lots of opportunities to swim and even take hikes. The country also has a variety of animals that one can experience in the bush. Thailand also has a wide array of wildlife. I highly recommend doing your own personal research identify what you are comfortable with in terms of how you ethically engage with some of the wildlife activities in the region.

 

The food is amazing! I think this has to be in my top three of favourite cuisines. Generally served fresh, for example, curries, soups, fried food. The cuisine varies depending on which part of the country you are in, for example close to the water there will be lots of seafood. There are more curries in the northern part of the country. The deserts are also quite an experience with the mango sticky rice being at the top of my list. Also, street food in Thailand is absolutely phenomenal! Night markets should be attempted at least once during your visit. Check out the blog on how to eat street food well and minimise risk of a bad stomach.  

 

Be mindful about your behaviour and activity in Thailand as being on the wrong side of the law may result in very uncomfortable situations or in the worst cases, in jail. There are many people who also visit the country for sex tourism and therefore if that is not what you are there for, ask about safe places to visit from locals or hosts to minimise the risk of ending up on the wrong side of town.  

 

Thailand is also home of Muay Thai Boxing, which is a phenomenal sport to both take part in and to watch. One can also enjoy world class massages and pamper sessions for a fraction of the price you would pay in many parts of the world.

English Thai
Hello Swasdi
Goodbye la kxn (lah-kon)
Please Pord
Thank you Khxbkhun
How much? Theari?
Do you speak English? Khun phud phas’a xangkvs’ di him?
Where is the toilet? Hxngna xyu thihin?
May I please have some water? Chan khx na hnxy di him?
I would like some food please Khx xahar hnxy kha
Where can I get a taxi? Chan Samarth reiyk thaeksi dithi hin?

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