Thailand is considered the “Kingdom of Smiles”. Despite having experienced dictatorships in its history, Thais are proud that their country is the only one in Southeast Asia that has never been colonized by foreign invaders. Thailand is also known as the land of golden pagodas and temples with elegant and unique designs, while still preserving the traditional architectural style. Over 90% of the population practices Buddhism. It is a beautiful and developed country with a unique and special culture.
GEOGRAPHY
Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand serves as a vibrant gateway to the emerging economies of the Mekong sub-region. Spanning across 513,115 square kilometers, this country captivates with its diverse and breathtaking landscapes. It shares its southern border with Malaysia, while its northwestern frontier meets Myanmar, northeastern border extends to Laos, and southeastern boundary touches Cambodia. The dazzling capital city of Thailand is Bangkok, renowned as “the city of angels”.
CULTURE AND ARCHITECTURE
Thailand is predominantly inhabited by Thai people, and the official language is Thai, although English is widely spoken as well. The Thai population holds a deep respect and devotion for Buddhism, which is recognized as the state religion. The Royal Family is also a cornerstone of Thai culture, and its members are highly esteemed by the population.
When exploring Thailand, visitors are enchanted by the abundance of temples found throughout the country, from bustling city streets to the surroundings of grand shopping centers, showcasing the enduring faith in traditional Buddhism. Additionally, Thais have a beautiful tradition known as the “Wai” greeting, which is a way to show respect and courtesy. It involves pressing the palms together in a prayer-like gesture, accompanied by a slight bow of the head and a warm smile.
The country is home to numerous palaces and historical temples, boasting unique and exquisite architecture that reflects the national culture. Notable examples include the Grand Palace in Bangkok, a stunning masterpiece adorned with traditional Thai decorations and hosting significant official events. The Chitralada Palace serves as the residence of the king, while the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is considered the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand, housing a seated figure of the Emerald Buddha sculpted from green jade and dressed in golden robes, standing at approximately 45 cm in height. The Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) is renowned as one of Thailand’s most beautiful temples, blending Hindu and Buddhist architectural elements from the Khmer Empire. Another remarkable temple is the Loha Prasat (Metal Castle), characterized by its majestic multilayered iron pyramid structure, reaching a height of 36 meters.
TRADITIONAL FESTIVALS
Every year, Thailand hosts a wide variety of events and festivals, most of which are deeply rooted in Buddhism and the Royal Family. These include the coronation ceremony, the Buddhist festival of Khao Phansa, the birthdays of the king and queen, and the Songkran festival, which is the largest and most important in the country. These festivities are filled with vibrant energy and a profound sense of tradition.
Thai music and traditional dance also play a vital role in the religious rituals and festivals of the country. The renowned Sarama music, a traditional rhythmic composition, takes center stage in the national sport of Thailand, Muay Thai, also known as Thai boxing. These artistic expressions infuse the atmosphere with excitement and add a touch of splendor to the celebrations.
CURRENCY
The official currency of Thailand is the baht, and it carries the essence of the country’s cultural richness. Currently, there are coins in circulation worth 1, 2, 5, and 10 baht, along with banknotes of 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 Thai baht. These banknotes are commonly used in all transactions, while coins are handy for purchasing items from vending machines or buying train tickets.
In some places such as upscale restaurants, luxury hotels, and shopping malls, US dollars and credit cards are also accepted, albeit sometimes with additional fees. However, it is advisable to exchange for Thai baht during your stay in the country to fully immerse yourself in the authentic Thai experience.
SECURITY
Many tourists wonder if Thailand is a safe and reliable destination. The answer is a resounding yes. Like most countries in Southeast Asia, tourists can rest assured as the presence of police and the military is prominent, both in bustling cities and serene rural areas. In fact, you’ll easily spot prominent billboards displaying the police hotline numbers along major roads.
However, just like anywhere else on the planet, there are always individuals with both good and bad intentions. It’s wise to take some simple precautions. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry when venturing out, keep valuable items and important documents in your hotel, refrain from visiting secluded areas at night, and always keep the police hotline number handy.
HEALTHCARE
Thailand boasts a robust healthcare infrastructure, making it an ideal destination for medical tourism. The country’s healthcare system has reached a high standard, offering advanced technology at reasonable costs. Additionally, there are personalized services tailored specifically for foreign visitors, along with a wide range of medical services.
Thai hospitals and clinics are renowned for their excellence and quality care. Many of them hold international accreditations and employ highly trained physicians across various specialties. This ensures that tourists can have peace of mind and trust when seeking medical attention in Thailand.
Moreover, the country provides a diverse range of medical and aesthetic treatments, from plastic surgery and dentistry to traditional Thai medicine and alternative therapies. Visitors can combine their trip with medical procedures and enjoy a recovery period in beautiful tourist settings.
TRANSPORTATION
Thailand is a rapidly developing country, thanks to its thriving agricultural system, and its transportation infrastructure is truly impressive. The main modes of transportation in Thailand are land, air, and sea. Traffic in Thailand moves in an orderly but relatively fast-paced manner. However, it’s rare to hear the sound of car horns on the streets, as it is considered impolite in Thai culture.
Moreover, you won’t find many traffic police officers on the streets, but instead, security camera systems have been installed everywhere. Though traffic jams may occur, Thais have a strong awareness of traffic compliance. They avoid unnecessary lane changes and refrain from encroaching on additional lanes. This has played a significant role in transforming the daily lives of the local people.
THE CLIMATE
Thailand is located in the subequatorial tropical region and experiences three distinct seasons. The cool season lasts from November to February of the following year. During this time, the weather is cool with low rainfall, and in some areas, it can even be cold.
The summer season extends from March to May, and temperatures can sometimes reach 40 degrees Celsius. If you visit Thailand during this season, it’s important to prepare for sun protection and wear light and airy clothing.
The rainy season occurs between June and October. August and September are the months with the highest rainfall. However, the best time to travel to Thailand is between November and April of the following year, as the weather is drier during this period and many special festivals are celebrated.
TOURISM
In recent years, Thailand has become a developed and renowned tourist destination, attracting a large number of foreign tourists. The country is recognized as the “Tourism Paradise,” the “Shopping Paradise,” and the “Land of Friendly Smiles.” This is due to its vast shopping areas and famous tourist attractions, which include beaches with crystal-clear waters, dense forests, and diverse vegetation. Some prominent places include Phuket, Koh Samui, the turtle islands and beaches of Koh Tao, and Phang Nga Bay.
Thailand boasts numerous sites recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the historic city of Ayutthaya, the ancient city of Sukhothai, which was established in the 13th century, the archaeological site of Ban Chiang, and the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai forest complex. These places make Thailand an ideal destination for tourists from all over the world.
Furthermore, when visiting Thailand, tourists can enjoy a wide range of services, as the country offers a multitude of hotels, motels, and resorts, catering to various budgets from affordable to luxurious.
THE GASTRONOMY
Thai culinary culture is rich, enticing, and has its own unique characteristics that cannot be found elsewhere. Thai cuisine is also divided by regions, with the southern cuisine having touches of Indonesian and Malaysian influences, while the northern and northeastern cuisine blends with Laotian, Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Burmese culinary traditions.
Although it is a combination of many culinary cultures from neighboring countries, Thai gastronomy does not dissolve or get overshadowed by the cuisines of these countries. Instead, it forms a distinct, unique, and appealing characteristic with flavors that are known for their acidity, saltiness, sweetness, and, above all, spiciness.
Thais often use aromatic herbs in their cooking, which not only add good flavor to the dishes but also provide multiple health benefits. Lemongrass and coconut milk are widely used in Thai cuisine. It is worth mentioning that sauces are essential in Thai cooking, with the most popular being spicy satay sauce and various types of fish sauces.
Some typical dishes that should be tried when visiting Thailand include Pad Thai (a stir-fried dish with rice, eggs, and fish sauce), Laeng Saeb (spicy Thai ribs), Tom Yum (a soup with chicken and seafood), and Som Tam (green papaya salad).
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THAILAND
The best time to visit Thailand is between November and February of the following year when the weather is cool and suitable for exploring outdoor tourist areas. Tourists can enjoy beautiful sunsets, outdoor buffets, and observe the sparkling cityscape of Bangkok at night from the 86-story Baiyoke Sky Building. They can also indulge in a cruise along the Chao Phraya River and immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere of the Yaowarat neighborhood. During this period, many festivals are also celebrated, such as the Yi Peng Lantern Festival in November in the city of Chiang Mai and its surroundings, the traditional Loy Krathong Lantern Festival held nationwide, and the Festival to show gratitude and respect to the King in December with various activities including parades, fireworks, and boat races. This period is also the peak tourist season in Thailand.
From March to May, Thailand experiences a warm climate, but it is ideal for visiting islands like Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, and Phang Nga Bay, where visitors can immerse themselves in the cool blue waters of the sea, relax under coconut trees while enjoying the refreshing sea breeze, or engage in exciting experiences through various unique entertainments. During this time, the famous Songkran festival is also celebrated from the 13th to the 15th of April.
From June to October, Thailand enters the rainy season. This period is ideal for tourists who prefer budget-friendly travel and enjoy tranquility due to fewer visitors. Moreover, if they are shopping enthusiasts, they should not miss this opportunity as many stores offer discounts of up to 70-80% in August.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELING TO THAILAND:
- Thai people are very friendly and welcoming, so don’t be surprised if someone comes up to greet you.
- Avoid discussing the topic of the King, as he is deeply respected and revered by the Thai people.
- When visiting temples, pagodas, or any other sacred sites, please dress appropriately with long sleeves and remove your shoes and hats before entering.
- During the day, you can take a tuk-tuk for transportation, but it’s better to opt for a taxi at night.
- Visitors can utilize the public transportation system. The metro and train are fast, convenient, and affordable. If you plan to travel extensively, consider purchasing a daily travel card, which is cheaper than buying individual tickets.
- Thailand is one of the few countries in the world where individuals who identify as LGBT are separated from the rest of the inmates according to their gender or orientation, providing them with additional protection. Don’t be surprised if you encounter a beautiful girl who is actually a boy.
- Traditional Thai massages are affordable and effective. After a day of touring, you can enjoy a massage to relax and quickly rejuvenate. The price for a massage is around $5 per hour.
- Avoid touching other people’s heads, as in Thai culture, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body.
With this information, EPIC TRIP ASIA we hope you have a wonderful and unforgettable journey to the Kingdom of Thailand.
