Land of Smiles
THAILAND Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand, formerly known as Siam, is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula in Southeast Asia. Thailand is a wondrous kingdom, featuring Buddhist temples, exotic wildlife, and spectacular islands. Along with a fascinating history and a unique culture that includes delectable Thai food and massage, Thailand features a modern capital city, and friendly people who epitomize Thailand’s “land of smiles” reputation.
FAST FACTS •C limate Thailand enjoys a tropical climate. As a guide, this ranges from hot (Mar- May) 25-43ºC, tropical (Jun-Oct) 23-33ºC and cool (Nov-Feb) 2231ºC. •C urrency Thailand’s currency is the Baht. Notes are issued in denominations of between 10 and 1000 Baht. •L anguage Thai is the official language, although English is widely understood in most major tourist areas. •E lectricity Most hotels use 220 volts, 50 cycles and a round, two-pronged slim plug. Travellers are advised to purchase an international adaptor before leaving home.
FUN FACTS • Thailand was known as Siam till 1939. • Thailand’s name in the Thai language is Prathet Thai, which means “Land of the Free.” It is the only country in Southeast Asia that was never colonized by a European nation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS BANGKOK..................1 HISTORICAL...............3 TEMPLES...................5 ADVENTURE..............7 BEACHES..................9 FOOD.........................11 CULTURES.................13
1
Sometimes frenetic and fast-paced, often-times
capital, complete with gleaming skyscrapers
lazy and laid-back, Bangkok, capital of Thailand,
and skytrains. It is a treasure trove of Siamese
holds the essence of the Thai spirit, and is very
heritage and architecture, the end product of
much the heart of the country, geographically,
centuries of culture and art.
culturally and economically. Without a doubt, this cosmopolitan fast-growing metropolis has
Bangkok is hardly a City of Angels. Nor is it the
something to interest everyone. It is the atypical
one-time Venice of the East. But for the visitor,
steamy tropical city, with mystery and adventure
Bangkok adds up to an unforgettable experi-
around every corner. It is a booming, modern
ence, no trip to Thailand should be without.
FUN FACT
The longest place name in the world is the full name of Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand: Krungthepmahanakhon
Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit. It means “City of Angels, Great City of Immortals, Magnificent City of the Nine Gems, Seat of the King, City of Royal Palaces, Home of Gods Incarnate, Erected by Visvakarman at Indra’s Behest.”
Thailand has a very long and magnificent history. Proof of this
The two most prominent ‘must-see’ historical sites in Thailand
can be seen in the countless historical sites spread through-
are Sukhothai Historical Park and Ayutthaya Historical Park.
out all regions of the kingdom. With two Unesco-listed histori-
Both places are designated as world heritage sites and both
cal World Heritage Sites and many more potential candidates,
attract millions of admirers annually, who come to see the evi-
Thailand has made great contributions to the international cul-
dence of Siam’s former glory.
tural heritage.
Sukhothai and Ayutthaya are considered the two most signifi-
Every region of Thailand, be it in the north, south, central or
cant ancient kingdoms in Thai history, since Siam was united
northeast, has revealed a long legacy of civilization. Evidence
as a nation some 750 years ago. Both kingdoms had well-
of this rich cultural heritage can still be seen today.
structured Buddhist communities, with advanced artistic and cultural development.
FUN FACTS
• 3000BC - 1000BC Bronze age culture at Ban Chiang • 1833 First American envoy to the Thai Court
5
For any visitor wishing to get a quick feel for the Thai people and culture, there’s no better place to go than a temple. The temple or monastery, colloquially known as ‘wat’ is where much of Thailand’s traditional culture originated. It’s still the best place to go to see typical Thai Buddhist traditions. Temples can be spotted everywhere in Thailand. They have a distinctive architectural style, quite unlike residential buildings. Particularly unique are the roof structures, decorated with hornlike projections called ‘cho fa’ on the roof ridge and tooth-like ridges on the sloping edges of the gables, which also glitter with gold. The large compound of a wat is made up of several such buildings, which serve particular purposes.
FUN FACTS • In the past, all Thai young men including the
The temple is a sacred religious place important to the
kings became Buddhist monks for at least a
Thai Buddhist, in a similar way that churches are im-
short period of time before their 20th birthday.
portant to Christians. Every community needs to have
Today, fewer young men observe the practice.
at least one temple. Since ancient times, the temple has played a significant role as a social, educational
• Buddhism is Thailand’s largest religion with ap-
and spiritual center for community members. Currently,
proximately 94.6% of the population practicing
there are more than 30,000 Buddhist temples all over
the religion. Muslims make up 4.6%, Christians
Thailand. They are home to more than 300,000 monks.
0.7%, and “other” 0.1%
7
Eco-tourism is currently a buzzword in the Thai tourism
Such eco activities are now available in every region of Thai-
scene. It has consistently gained in popularity in recent years
land, more outstandingly in the mountainous areas of the
in response to the worldwide trend of preserving the natural
north, west, and the south of Thailand. Leading the way are
environment. The concept of eco-tourism has yet to be prop-
trekking, mountain biking, bird watching and scuba diving.
erly defined, however. Several activities fall under the heading of nature-based tourism.
Most of Thailand’s national parks are under the control of the Royal Forest Department. Most national parks provide
Thanks to the abundance and variety of natural resources,
trekking trails for nature explorers. There are also camping
Thailand has become a favored destination for adventure
sites for those who want to overnight in the parks. Trekking
seekers and eco-tourists. The Tourism Authority of Thailand
and camping are available in the mountainous areas all over
as well as the private sector has been quick to respond to the
Thailand such as Doi Luang Chiang Dao in Chiang Mai, Phu
fast-changing demand for back-to-nature activities.
Soi Dao in Uttaradit, Thung Salaeng Luang in Phetchabun and Phitsanulok, Phu Kradung in Loei and Khao Luang in
During the past decade, activities like mountain biking, white-
Nakhon Si Thammarat, to name but a few.
water rafting, trekking and camping, bird watching, scuba diving and rock climbing have sprung up in many natural tourist areas. They are now becoming increasingly popular as mainstream travelers pay more attention to off-the-beaten-track destinations.
FUN FACTS • The Tee Law Su is the highest waterfall in Thailand. • Doi Inthanon is the highest peak in Thailand.
9
Relax on the beach beside the warm, turquoise waters of the
Most visitors choose to come after the rainy season ends in
Gulf of Thailand, or enjoy some of the world’s most fantastic
late October and before the hot season starts in April. But even
scuba adventures among the islands of the Andaman Sea.
during the peak of the monsoon season in September it usually
Thailand is one of the best, most reasonably priced places for
only rains for an hour or so in the afternoon, and the rest of the
a seaside vacation. There are hundreds of beaches to choose
time you can indulge in the water sport of your choice, or just lay
from. From the tropical paradise of a bungalow on Ko Samet off
in a hammock and chill out.
the coast of Rayong province, only a few hours from Bangkok by comfortable air conditioned bus, to the luxurious resort developments on Phuket Island, just a short flight from Bangkok, you can have the best vacation of your life. More remote venues, such as the lovely and unspoiled Ko Ngai in the Andaman off the coast of Trang, make it possible to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life without spending a fortune.
Islands in the Gulf, like Ko Chang, are great for a family excursion. Backpackers will love the wild parties on Phangan Island off the coast of Surat Thani. For scuba enthusiasts, exotic Ko Tao is not to be missed. Single travelers may prefer the uninhibited nightlife of Pattaya Beach. Whatever your holiday preference, Thailand’s beaches and islands can provide the precise combination of excitement, exotic locales, recreation, entertainment and leisure that you desire.
FUN FACTS
• Phuket is Thailand’s largest island. • The beautiful Similan Islands in the south of Thailand got their name from Malay language. The islands are 9 in total and the Malay word for ‘nine’ is – Similan.
11
Thai cuisine is known for its balance of five
northeastern dishes often include lime juice.
fundamental flavors in each dish or the overall
Thai cuisine has been greatly influenced by its
meal - hot (spicy), sour, sweet, salty and bitter
neighbors, especially India, China, Malaysia,
(optional). Although popularly considered as
Laos. Many dishes are in fact Chinese dishes
a single cuisine, Thai food is really better de-
adopted to local tastes.
scribed as four regional cuisines corresponding to the four main regions of the country:
Thai food is known for its enthusiastic use of
Northern, Northeastern (or Isavn), Central and
fresh (rather than dried) herbs and spices as
Southern. Southern curries, for example, tend
well as fish sauce.
to contain coconut milk and fresh turmeric, while
FUN FACTS • Phad Thai, the national dish of Thailand, was created by the Thai government after World War II as a symbol of the country. • Thais prize foods that contain all 4 layers of flavor: sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.
13
Thailand is unique in Southeast Asia in that
Once Buddhism spread throughout Thailand
the country has never been a dependency of
the wat or temple became the centre of village
another nation.
life. It was the place where people received
The roots of the traditions and cultures of Thailand lie firmly within the family structure and the Buddhist religion. The young are taught to pay respect to their parents, elders, teachers and Buddhist monks.
education, attended ceremonies and held feasts and festivals. The wat and the Buddhist religion still play very important roles in the day-to-day life of the vast majority of Thais today and it is for this reason that the people of Thailand are some of the most respectful and courteous people you are ever likely to meet.
FUN FACT
The Thai greeting “sawaddee� was invented during the Second World War. Before that, people greeted each other by asking if they had eaten yet.
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