To make our website work we log user data. By using this website you agree to our privacy policy
Thailand
Away from bustling cities and golden beaches, the true Thailand lives in its rural heartland, where people have lived for years working the rice paddies to a backdrop of tropical forests and houses on stilts.
The word ‘Thai’ means freedom, so literally Thailand is the ‘land of freedom’ and proudly proclaims that, unlike its neighbours, it has never been colonised.
This has allowed the country to retain its unique culture, traditions and language.
Fun facts about Thailand
- Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country that was never colonized by an European country. In fact, in the Thai language, the name of the country is Prathet Thai which means “land of the free”
- One tenth of the entire population lives in Bangkok, which also happens to hold the title of the world's 'hottest city'
- There are roughly 35,000 temples in Thailand and around 90% of Thai people are Buddhist
- Thailand was actually known as Siam until 1939 (and again from 1945 to 1949)
- The real name for Bangkok is 'Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit'
- Thailand is the birthplace of Red Bull. It was based on Krating Daeng, a sweet, uncarbonated energy drink that was sold throughout the country and across Asia from 1976.
Throughout your Explore Thailand trip, you will be fully catered for with breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in between. On a day to day basis, you can expect both western-style and traditional Thai dishes.
In a very different manner to the UK, there is no big distinction between which foods are eaten at each meal. For example, at breakfast, you might eat chicken curry and rice, as you might for lunch or dinner. Rice is the main staple food eaten in Thailand and the cuisine tends to be a fusion of sweet, sour, salty, spicy and bitter flavours. Food is usually eaten with a spoon (in your right hand) and fork (in your left), with noodles being eaten using chopsticks. In general, it’s appropriate in Thailand to eat with your right hand.
Thai restaurants are hugely popular in the UK so may already be a fan. But, as with all cuisines, eating authentic Thai food in Thailand is even better. Here are some of the most popular dishes.
It's worth noting that Traditional Thai cuisine loosely falls into four categories: tom (boiled dishes), yam (spicy salads), tam (pounded foods), and gaeng (curries). Deep-fries, stir-fries, and steamed dishes derive from Chinese cooking.
- Tom Yum Goong - spicy prawn soup
- Som Tum - green papaya salad, don't be fooled by the fruit - it can be very spicy!
- Pad Thai - noodle dish with prawns or chicken (a national dish)
- Red, green or yellow curry - made with meat, seafood or vegetables
- Khao niao mamuang - traditional rice pudding, made with coconut milk and served with mango
Check out the Taste Atlas website for more dishes.
- Family comes first in Thailand, with a greater emphasis on the extended family than in most western societies
- National pride is huge, in some part due to the fact that Thailand has never been colonised
- Sometimes referred to the 'land of smiles' you can definitely expect a warm and friendly welcome
- Theravada Buddhism is the primary religion and is unique to Thailand.
- The traditional greeting, the “wai” should be used when you are greeting someone of either an equal or superior social status as yourself or someone who is your elder. It consists of placing your hands together into a prayer position and touching them to your head or chest
Exposing too much flesh or wearing figure hugging clothes is a no-no so always dress modestly. Choose loose fitting trousers or knee length shorts or skirts which are also comfortable in the heat. Go for long sleeved tops or as a minimum, cover your shoulders. You will have to be fully covered in places of worship. A scarf or sarong can be extremely versatile and therefore useful.
The Royal Family is highly regarded and loved in Thailand so it's important to always be respectful.
Also, remember:
- No shoes to be worn indoors
- If eating with your hands, use your right hand as you left is used for toilet duties
- Depsite being very warm and hospitable, hugging and shaking hands is avoided. In fact, shaking hands is considered dirty
Language
Thai is spoken by approximately 60 million people and is closely related to Lao.
It's still really important to make the effort to learn some of the local language before you travel - the locals will be really impressed too!
Here are a few useful words and phrases to get you started.
| English | Thai | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Sawadee (khrup/ka) | Suh-waht-dee |
| See you later | Jur gan | Jur gan |
| Yes | Chai (khrup/ka) | Chai |
| No | Mai (khrup/ka) | Mai |
| Thank you | Khop khun (khrup/ka) | Kawp-koon |
| Excuse me | khor thoad (khrup/ka) | Kaw-tohd |
| Do you speak English? | Kun pood paasaa anggrit dai mai | Koon poot pah-sah un-grit dai mai |
| How are you? | Sa bai dee mai (khrup/ka) | Suh-bai dee mai |
| My name is (female) | Chán chuu | Chan cheu |
| My name is (male) | Pŏm chuu | Pohm cheu |
Useful Resources
If you're keen to learn more about Thailand before you go, there's plenty of information to be found online, in travel magazines and in guide books. Here are a few recommendations;