Thailand is the Land of Smiles. Compromised of approximately 70 million smiles and greatly influenced by its surrounding countries. Getting to know Thailand is falling in love with Thailand.
Roughly the same size as France and Spain, Thailand is well-known for its beautiful beaches, dive spots, temples, jungles, and culture…and the food!
Where is Thailand?
Thailand, historically called Siam, is a beautiful country located on the Indochinese Peninsula and bordered by Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, and the vibrant warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand to the South and the Andaman Sea to the west.
What to See in Thailand
This is one of my favorite topics and what to see really depends on the adventure that is being sought. I have not visited every region of Thailand and so ask myself this question frequently.
The one thing I am sure of is that no matter how many times I return to Thailand, there is always something new to see or do. Even if I went to the same places and did the same activities, no trip is like the one before.
In the northern part of the country, visitors will find a cooler climate and more authentic atmosphere. This region offers vivid mountains and serene temples and many visitors come to see the twelfth largest river in the world, the Mekong River, as well as the culture as it plays out in the hill tribe villages.
Central Thailand boasts Bangkok, the capital of Thailand and one of the world’s top tourist destinations. Visitors enjoy the many Royal palaces, such as the Grand Palace and the vibrant open markets, including the popular Damnoen Saduak floating market.
In Southern Thailand, visitors flock to Phuket and Krabi districts for fun in the sun, island hopping, rock climbing, temples, snorkeling, and diving. With water temperatures ranging between 79–84 °F, many tourists return year after year to swim in the warm waters of the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand in the south.
Thailand has many experiences to offer, too many to list in this post. Whether you’re a person looking for five-star resorts and white sand beaches, an adventurer who wants to climb the highest limestone cliffs in Krabi and sleep in the jungle, or someone looking for something in between.
Food In Thailand
Oh, the exquisite flavors of Thailand! A conversation about Thailand seems to always involve food. Thai food is loved by many people throughout the world for their flavorful combinations of coconut milk, lemon grass, fish sauce and Thai chilies that fulfill all the six senses of taste.
While Thai chilies can be too spicy for foreigners, it is okay to ask for less spicy “Pèt nít nɔ̀ɔi”, or no spicy “Mâi pèt”.
Surrounded by four countries and thousands of years of influence from India and China, Thai cuisine has something for any Asian food lover.
Come back for more posts about which popular foods can be found in each region of Thailand, from the rich and spicy aromatic foods in the southern parts of Thailand, the well-known Pad Thai of the central regions and the bitter and sour flavors more common in the northeastern regions.
Halal Food. Muslims comprise almost 5% of the population in Thailand with the majority of Muslims living in Southern Thailand (35% of the population). Halal food can be found in most regions of Thailand with the majority concentrated in Bangkok and Phuket.
Vegetarian and Vegan food. There are many Thai recipes that can be ordered as a vegetarian option. When ordering a dish without a meat protein it is important to ask for no fish sauce “Mai ao nampla krab/ka” (males end with Krab and females end with Ka). Vegetarian and vegan food can also be found in most regions of Thailand.
Getting Around Thailand
Getting around Thailand could never be easier. All the options exist. Do you want to fly from the northern to the southern regions on a domestic flight? Board a train from Bangkok to southern Thailand? Hire a driver, rent a car, take a Tuk Tuk, and reserve water transfers? Jet boat, ferry, or long tail boat?
However you want to travel around Thailand the option is yours. A plethora of online booking websites exist, and Thailand has its own versions of Uber and Lyft.
The first time I went to Thailand, my daughter and I hailed a driver from the airport, and they became our personal driver for the week we were in Phuket. The driver gave us his WhatsApp contact and anytime we needed a ride, he would come get us or send another driver.
We received the same service the following trip. Many people in Thailand depend on tourism to earn a living and travelers will find service people more than happy to help.
Conclusion
Whether you come for the food, adventure, relaxation or culture, Thailand never disappoints. There are so many reasons to love Thailand that I didn’t even touch in this post. Thailand is affordable!
Accommodation, food, and activities are much more affordable than in other popular tourist destinations. Some people come to Thailand for education or work, many expats come to retire in Thailand where their pensions go further.
Some people come to Thailand for medical procedures. Thailand has a high rate of medical tourism for dental work and beauty enhancements and procedures are most often performed by licensed physicians accredited in medical associations in the United States and other influential countries. It is imperative that individuals interested in medical procedures anywhere in the world do their due diligence to ensure the physician is fully licensed and safe.
Following posts will explore what each region has to offer, how to get there, and the must do, see, and eat activities in the region.
Leave a comment below and share your favorite experiences in Thailand. You can also leave a comment if you have any questions about your journey on getting to know Thailand.