Living in Thailand

Living in the Land of Smiles can be one unforgettable experience. As a matter of fact, visitors flock to Thailand from all over the world and end up staying longer than they have planned.With its colorful landscapes, stunning beaches, and unique culture, this country indeed holds a lot of treasures for everyone to discover.It would be best to arm yourself with practical information about Thailand and Thai lifestyle, so as to make the most out of your stay in the country. Be prepared to uncover delights by the day, and learn more about what makes Thailand really a most amazing place right in the heart of South East Asia.

Hua Hin Beach Nightlife

If you’re looking for an out of town beach getaway for a couple of days is perfect. It’s not the best beach in Thailand, I must admit, but it’s the best option for a Bangkok getaway.The beach is also really long and wide, so if you like walks and the kids love space to play then it’s spot on. And, if you hire a car, Cha-Am is only 20 km down the road, which also has a worthwhile beach offering various water sports and delicious Thai street food.You’ll find mainly Thais at Cha’am beach, but if you want the authentic Thai beach experience, this is it; pure chilling, eating, talking, playing games and NOT going in the sun until after 4pm.Hua Hin beach isn’t a tropical looking beach as such,but it’s vast and thought-provoking spaciousness coupled with great sunsets and epic views make it rather special in my opinion.Its core appeal is that it tends to be much quieter than the popular beaches down south, and therefore makes it a great place to walk and catch up with your thoughts, so to speak.While it may lack the coconut trees of Samui or the rock-blessed hills of Phuket, it really does offer a different experience. And although the donkey rides can be a tad annoying during high season, the main strip that runs alongside the Hilton Hotel pleasantly lacks the hassling hawkers and over bearing tourist presence of the likes of Chaweng in Samui or Kata in Phuket.

Beautiful Destination in Thailand

One of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, it’s no secret that Thailand is home to some truly spectacular places. White sand beaches and palm trees are the first images that come to mind for many, but Thailand also encompasses tropical forests, mist-covered mountains and compelling ancient monuments. Here are some of the most beautiful places to see in this stunning country.
 

Sukhothai:-Sukhothai is a gorgeous small city in Lower Northern Thailand located near the ruins of the ancient city of Sukhothai, the former capital of Thailand.  The Sukhothai Historical Park and the Si Satchanalai Historical Park contain epic ruins that will take your breath away and transport you back in time.  When visiting the ruins, rent a bike to cover more of the historic grounds, and visit the park at sunrise to see the stunning Buddha figures against the backdrop of the rising sun.

Ao Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park:-Established in 1981, 400-sq-km Ao Phang-Nga National Park is famous for its classic karst scenery. Huge vertical cliffs frame 42 islands, some with caves accessible only at low tide and leading into hidden hôrng (semi-submerged island caves). The bay is composed of large and small tidal channels (Khlong Ko Phanyi, Khlong Phang-Nga, Khlong Bang Toi and Khlong Bo Saen), which run north to south through vast mangroves functioning as aquatic highways for fisherfolk and island inhabitants. These are Thailand's largest remaining primary mangrove forests.

Ao Phang:-Nga's marine limestone environment conceals reptiles like Bengal monitor lizards, two-banded monitors (reminiscent of crocodiles when swimming), flying lizards, banded sea snakes, shore pit vipers and Malayan pit vipers. Mammals include serows, crab-eating macaques, white-handed gibbons and dusky langurs.In high season (November to April) the bay becomes a clogged package-tourist superhighway. But if you explore in the early morning (ideally from the Ko Yao Islands) or stay out later, you might just find a slice of beach, sea and limestone karst of your own. The best way to explore is by kayak.

The Grand Palace in Bangkok:-If there is one must-see sight that no visit to Bangkok would be complete without, it's the dazzling, spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city's most famous landmark. Built in 1782 - and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government - the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people. Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom.Within the palace complex are several impressive buildings including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which contains the small, very famous and greatly revered Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century. The robes on the Buddha are changed with the seasons by HM The King of Thailand, and forms an important ritual in the Buddhist calendar. Thai Kings stopped living in the palace around the turn of the twentieth century, but the palace complex is still used to mark all kinds of other ceremonial and auspicious happenings.

Kanchanaburi:-Best-known for its dark Second World War past, modern Kanchanaburi town is a laid-back riverside retreat surrounded by green mountains and fertile sugarcane fields. Many guesthouses are built alongside or floating on the famous River Kwai, perfect places for lying back and lazily watching the sun set while sipping a Chang beer. The surrounding province of the same name spans seven national parks, making the town an excellent base for trekking into Thailand’s pristine wilderness. It’s easy to arrange treks to waterfalls, lakes, caves and other scenic natural sites.

Khao Sok National Park:-Khao Sok is perfectly situated on the mainland between Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak and Koh Samui, the most popular destinations in Southern Thailand. It is a fantastic place to go on vacation. Close and personal elephant encounters, jungle trekking on foot and canoeing are all possible activities, which will give you the experience of a lifetime.One of the most interesting areas is stunningly beautiful Cheow Larn Lake in the heart of the National Park with its floating raft houses and luxury tents – an absolute must-see! As the diversity Khao Sok has to offer can be quite overwhelming at first, we collected a few recommended tours for you, which will take you to visit various locations in Khao Sok.

Koh Lipe:-Ko Lipe is this decade’s poster child for untamed development in Thailand's islands. Blessed with two wide white-sand beaches separated by jungled hills and within spitting distance of protected coral reefs, seven or eight years ago the island was only spoken about in secretive 'rising star' whispers. Then the whispers became small talk, which quickly turned into a roar – you know, the kind generally associated with bulldozers. The biggest losers have been the 700-strong community of chow lair (sea gypsy) villagers, whose ancestors were gifted Lipe as a home by King Rama V in 1909, but eventually sold to a Thai developer with suspected mafia ties in the 1970s.The big fear continues to be whether or not Lipe will become another Phi-Phi: a victim of its own beauty. Those fears were stoked back in 2009 when a bass-heavy nightclub arrived on Hat Pattaya. Although the club was shut down, development hasn't stopped. Walking St arrived in 2010 and, in between the glorious beaches, there’s an ever-expanding concrete maze of cafes, travel agencies, shops and salons. Even 7-Eleven has landed.

Ko Phi Phi :-Sadly, Ko Phi Phi is no longer the pristine paradise it once was when backpackers first “discovered” it more than twenty years ago; yet, even large scale tourism can’t tarnish this island’s radiant beauty. Ko Phi Phi is actually composed of six islands, although most of the action is concentrated on Phi Phi Don which is the only inhabited island. The island’s white sand beaches caress clear, calm bays, which are perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and scuba diving. Divers can expect to see sea horses, leopard sharks, turtles, and a variety of other underwater life. Of course, there’s also Maya Bay, a fairytale cove enclosed by cliffs, which was made famous by the 2000 movie, The Beach.

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Krabi:-Krabi is a beach town on the southwest coast that you won’t want to skip.  Crystal clear waters, pristine beaches, and impressive seaside cliffs attract rock climbers, kayakers, scuba divers, snorkelers, and boaters alike.  Nearby waterfalls and temples make for a one of a kind place; and you absolutely must head to nearby Railay Beach (only accessible by boat) for what is undeniably the best sunset in the country.

Chiang Rai:-Located 535 miles north of Bangkok at the very northern tip of Thailand, this city is often passed over on travelers’ Thai itinerary.  Full of beautiful, ancient temples (make sure you check out Wat Rong Khun), this northern city is a gateway to the surrounding area.  Definitely explore the Golden Triangle, try rock climbing just north of the city, rent a bicycle to explore the city on the ground, wander the walking street fairs on Saturdays and Sundays, and visit Kun Korn, a beautiful local waterfall.


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Best Places to Visit in Thailand

There is no doubt the most romantic little island in Thailand is Ko Ngai, also known as Koh Hai. The sand is snow white and the sea crystal clear. Bizarre-looking karst islands dot the horizon.The small, jungle covered island has no roads, no cars, not even a single motorbike. Instead it has some exceptionally stylish guesthouses that fit perfectly to the island landscape.Ko Ngai is located on the beautiful Trang archipelago just South of Krabi.If you are looking for something more laid back and private, head to Hua Hin. You will find some really great beachfront resorts that find a way of fitting all budgets. It’s perfect for a long romantic walk by the sea or more adventurous water activities if you like. Hua Hin’s golf courses are famous across the world.Chiang Mai, bestowed with high range mountains and tribal villages, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Thailand for honeymoon. Locked away in the Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a beautiful destination for honeymoon. The greenery of Chiang Mai is abundant and is magnificent to witness the hill views.

Another beautiful and romantic little island is Ko Racha Yai, which can be reached from Phuket via a 45-minute speedboat ride. Ko Racha Yai’s sand is even whiter and the sea more turquoise than on Ko Ngai. Ko Racha Yai has just a handful of hotels, the most luxurious being Racha. Another good option for a hotel in Ko Racha Yai is the mid-priced, yet romantic Rayaburi Island Resort.If you worry that love alone does not keep you entertained, you should choose a slightly larger island. A popular place to go for a honeymoon is Koh Samui, Thailand’s third largest island, which is big enough that you can find all sorts of sights and activities, from candle-lit dinners to romantic hotels.White sandy beaches, azure waters, secluded caves, coral reefs, waterfalls and more than 130 islands – this one’s for those who want to get away from the world and find a serene little paradise of their own. Trust you me, the sunset view from Krabi will make you fall in love all over again. Best part is, you can even club this with Phuket so you don’t miss out on the nightlife.

Koh Samui’s most romantic beach is Choeng Mon, where you can find the Sala Samui Resort, a perfect hotel to enjoy your honeymoon. All the rooms in this beautiful white washed hotel have Jacuzzis on the balconies.If you want to be instead in the middle of the action on Chaweng Beach, The Library is the place for you. The hotel is located on an expansive seaside property, and because there are only 26 rooms, your privacy is guaranteed. The hotel’s blood-red swimming pool will add a one-of-a-kind touch to your honeymoon photos.Another great option for a honeymoon hotel is the youthful Nikki Beach Resort Koh Samui, located on peaceful Lipa Noi beach. Even if you don’t get the chance to stay in this hotel, don’t pass up the opportunity to try their trendy Sunday brunch.Spend an exotic honeymoon in one of the most romantic honeymoon destinations in Thailand. Koh Samui is a hot shot party destination known for its mind blowing full moon parties. Some of the biggest beach parties are held in Koh Samui which lasts all night. Revel and make merry with your better half on the sands.Hua Hin is the perfect place to visit in Thailand for honeymooning couples with many beach front resorts, which provide the most romantic ambiance suiting all types of budget. Hua Hin is home to popular golf resorts laid by the sea.

If you want to have an adventure packed honeymoon getaway in Thailand, go to Krabi, where you can enjoy a variety of activities amidst the gorgeous limestone mountain scenery: scuba diving, kayaking, rock climbing and island hopping.You can also arrange an overnight trip to Krabi’s deserted islands, such as the incredibly beautiful Koh Hong. That will be a romantic experience of a lifetime.Many of Krabi’s beaches are busy, but on scenic Tubkaek Beach you will find peace and serenity. The beach has just a handful of small and stylish resorts, and the only noise at night will be the buzz of the cicadas from the jungle that begins right on the beach’s edge.With some of the liveliest beaches in Thailand, Phuket is a great destination for young couples. You can party hard at the famous Bangla Road in Patong, go for one of the popular lady-boy shows or just laze at the beach and get a relaxing Thai massage. And if you want some alone time you can always hop on to a speed-boat and take a trip to the breathtaking Phi Phi islands with their silver beaches and palm fringed coastline. Easy on the pocket, Phuket is a fun and sensible choice. I know what you’re thinking, Bangkok isn’t what you have in mind for a romantic honeymoon destination. But let’s be smart about it, for any place that you choose to go in Thailand, your flight from India is most likely to go via Bangkok, so why not make the most of it?

A perfect choice for a romantic stay is The Tubkaak Resort, or if money is no problem, you can book a room from Ritz Carlton Phulay Bay one of Thailand’s most exclusive hotels.One of Thailand’s most romantic hotels can be found in Khao Lak. The Sarojin is an elegant hotel fully reserved for couples only (families and group travelers are not welcome).The most amazing feature of the The Sarojin hotel is a private gourmet dinner, which is set only for one couple at a time, in the middle of a jungle, next to a waterfall, amidst thousands of candles. You won’t find a better wooing moment in Thailand.
Thailand is a dream destination if you're planning a honeymoon or just want a romantic getaway in an exotic location. Most people who honeymoon in Thailand still choose to head to the beaches, and there certainly are some amazing ones here. But if you're looking for something a little more adventurous or different, there are plenty of other places in Thailand what are wonderfully romantic and also off the beaten path.Have you ever heard of the famous full moon parties in Thailand? Welcome to Koh Phangan, a short ferry ride away from Koh Samui, and host to some of the biggest beach parties in the world. Since full moon happens only once a month, if you can’t make it in time for that, make sure you at least catch the half-moon parties with your better half. This is perfect for couples who are looking for a gorgeous coastline with a rocking party scene.



Even if you are in Bangkok for a day, I suggest you take the Chao Phraya dinner cruise and glide across the city’s main attractions all lit up at night. And a honeymoon wouldn’t quite be complete without some shopping now would it? So go grab some bargains at Chatuchak, the world’s largest weekend market.Phuket is one of the most romantic honeymoon destinations in Thailand. Blessed with crystal clear beaches and palm fringed coastline, making it the picture perfect, romantic getaway. Laze on the shacks or stroll along the shore hand-in-hand with your sweetheart in Phuket.
One of the best places to visit in Thailand is this group of 130 secluded and tranquil islands, enough to make the earth turn into a paradise for the love struck couples. Krabi is the paradise gifted with picturesque landscapes, caves , coral reefs and untouched beaches. Head to Krabi to view the stunning sun set and enjoy the bliss of love.

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Hindu Temples in Thailand

There are more than 400 wats (or temples) disseminated all around Bangkok but everyone rushes to three most famous ones: Wat Pra Kaew, Wat Arun and Wat Pho. But where do you go after that? What other temples are worth visiting and why? Where are they? There is no way to see them all but we have seen a lot, including the infamous David Beckham Temple (yes, it does really exist), one swallowed by a giant tree and even one that was used for executions.Thailand is unique in that it’s the most Buddhist nation on Earth, with around 95% of the population identifying as practicing Theravada Buddhists. This fact permeates daily life in a number of ways, from monks walking the streets for collections, to festivals tied to auspicious dates, to, of course, the temples.There are an estimated 40,000 Buddhist temples in Thailand, official and otherwise. Thai temple architecture, while sharing influences with other Southeast Asian styles, is also unique. Typically comprising a multi-building complex, Thai temples, or wats, feature a tall, bell-shaped stupa, ordination and sermon halls, a space for shrines and Buddha images, and a residence for the monks. Temple roofs are often quite striking, with multiple tiers and gables ending in long, thin ornaments called chofahs.

Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of Emerald Buddha):-
Built within the grounds of the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew or 'The Temple of the Emerald Buddha' is the most important and most visited temple in Bangkok. One of the most significant features of Wat Phra Kaew is the Emerald Buddha, carved into a 66 cm tall block of Jade. This highly revered icon was first discovered in 1464 in Chiang Rai when the Wat sheltering it was struck by lightning. It was taken to Laos before coming back to Chiang Mai and finally making a permanent home in Bangkok where you can admire it today. Wat Phra Kaew is a superb temple to explore, especially the two km long gallery covered with incredibly detailed mural paintings depicting 178 scenes of the epic story of Ramayana. Around every corner you’ll find tall chedis covered with glazed tiles or gold leaves, but the most photographed building is the massive golden chedi of Phra Sri Rattana featured on the one baht coin. The temple is only open until 3 pm and the entrance costs at least 400 baht. A strict dress code applies: no short pants and no sleeveless shirts.

 

Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha):-
Wat Pho, named after a monastery in India where Buddha is believed to have lived, is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Wat Pho is also known as 'The Temple of the Reclining Buddha' thanks to the 15 meter high, 43 meter long Buddha image it shelters, covered with gold leaf and baring four meter long feet encrusted with exquisite mother-of-pearl (or nacre) decorations. Located just next to the grand palace, Wat Pho also houses one thousand buddha images and 91 chedis (stupas), including four very impressive chedis dedicated to the four chakri kings. Wat Pho is also home to the first Thai massage school where Thai massage is taught at the Traditional Medical Practitioners Association Center, located in an open air hall outside the temple. Just in case you have time to learn it, the temple’s full name is Wat Phra Chettuphon Wimon Mangkhlaram Ratchaworamahawihan... and the entrance fee is 100 baht.

Wat Arun  :-
Wat Arun, the most iconic temple of Bangkok is located on Thonburi side of Bangkok, almost opposite to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Built during seventeenth century on the bank of the Chao Phraya river, its full name 'Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan' is rather hard to remember so it is often called 'Temple of Dawn. The distinctive shape of Wat Arun consists of a central 'Prang' (a khmer style tower) surrounded by four smaller towers all incrusted with faience from plates and potteries. The stairs to reach a balcony on the main tower are quite steep, usually easier to climb up than to walk down, but the view from up there is really worth it. Despite its name, the Temple of Dawn looks amazing at sunset. Wat Arun can be easily accessed via ferry across the Chao Phraya River to Maharaj pier and the entrance fee to the temple is 50 baht.

 

Wat Saket :-
Wat Saket is the temple where you can visit the unmistakable golden Chedi of 'Phu Khao Thong'or the Golden mountain. Built on top of a high hill in the old city of Bangkok, this massive construction has a long and troubled history. Built first by King Rama III (1787–1851), the first attempt failed and the chedi collapsed because of the soft nature of the ground and the construction was abandoned. The golden chedi you see today was built during the reign of King Rama IV and Rama V and is actually built on the remains of the original one. 300 steps lead to the top terrace and to the chedi containing a relic of Buddha brought from India.

 

Wat Traimit  :-
Wat Traimit is an elegant multilevel white and gold temple located at the very beginning of Yaowarat road, making it a perfect starting point for a Chinatown exploration. The main attraction on Wat Traimit is not only its beautiful architecture, but the immense buddha made of solid gold seated inside, the largest of this kind in the world. This five metres high, five and a half ton statue was long hidden under an unimpressive coating of stucco and plaster is thought to have been made in the 13th-14th centuries but the gold hidden underneath was only revealed by accident in 1955! A small entry fee is required to visit the museum located half way up the steps but in fact visiting the golden Buddha above it is free.

Loha Prasat  :-
Bangkok has no lack of majestic temples, all more elegant and impressive than the next, but Loha Prasat really stands out with its unique architectural identity. Also called the 'Metal Castle', Loha Prasat is located on the ground of Wat Ratchanaddaram and was submitted to UNESCO in 2005 to become a world heritage site, highlighting the historical importance of the temple. However this title hasn't yet been given. Located very near Wat Saket and the Democracy Monument, it's a must-see if you happen to be around Khao San Road.

Wat Mahatat  :-
Wat Mahatat or more precisely 'Wat Mahathat Yuwarajarangsarit Rajaworamahavihara' was built during the Ayutthaya period. It is one of the ten royal temples of the highest class in Bangkok, used for royal ceremonies thanks to its strategic location between the Grand Palace and the Royal Palace. Located within the temple grounds is the oldest higher education institute for Buddhist monks in Thailand and an important centre for the study of Buddhism and meditation. Wat Mahatat has become a popular place to learn the Vipassana Meditation with some classes undertaken in English. Just opposite of Wat Mahatat is the gigantic amulet market, which goes far beyond the few vendors on the street walkway.

 

Wat Suthat :-
Wat Suthat, better known for the towering red Giant Swing that stands at its entrance, is one of the oldest and most impressive temples in Bangkok. It features an elegant chapel with sweeping roof, magnificent wall murals and exquisite hand-carved teakwood door panels. The temple’s construction was commissioned by King Rama I (1782-1809), to shelter the 13th Century bronze Buddha image transported by boat from Sukhotai, but it was finally completed during King Rama III’s reign (1824-51). Located in the Old City area, just east of the Royal Field, you can easily combine a visit to Wat Suthat with Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Grand Palace and Wat Pho.


 

Wat Benjamabhopit (Wat Benja):-
Wat Benjamabhopit, most commonly called Wat Benja was built in by King Rama V in 1900 and is renowned for more than one reasons. Nickednamed 'The Marble Temple' for all the external walls of the main temple are covered with marble imported from Italy, but also for being the temple embossed on the back of 5 baht coins! Located near the many governement offices and palaces, this wat is highly revered and is often visited by high ranked officials.

 

Wat Prayoon  :-
Wat Prayoon, or Wat Rua Lek, sits on the western side of the Chao Praya river bank. Built during King Rama III’s reign, the temple’s outstanding features include a large inverted bell shaped chedi (pagoda), turtle ‘mountain’ housing spirit houses and a pond where visitors can feed the turtles. The temple is located on the Thonburi side, at the foot of Memorial Bridge (Saphan Phut). This area is on the southern edge of the old Portuguese community (Kuthi Jeen), an area designated to Portuguese merchants and government officials during the Early Rattanakosin Period (after Ayutthaya was destroyed and King Rama I founded a new capital in Thonburi).

                                    


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Thailand Dress

Traditional Thai Costumes:-Traditional Thai costumes varied from city to city and from each historical period. These costumes are now worn only on auspicious occassions and festivals.

Elements that make up a Thai costume:- Pha Nung :-a long, rectangular cloth worn around the lower body which resembles a skirt. It can be draped and folded in several different ways.

Sin:- a tube skirt that is wrapped around the wait and typically consists of three parts: Hua Sin, Tua Sin, and Tin Sin.

Sabai :-a shawl-like garment that can be used by both women and men. It is a long piece of silk, about a foot wide, draped diagonally around the chest with one end dropping behind the shoulder.

Chong Kraben :-a lower-body, wrap-around cloth. It resembles pants and is a rectangular piece of cloth measuring 3 meters long and one meter wide. It is worn by wrapping around the waist, stretching it away from the body, twisting the ends together then pulling the twisted fabric between the legs and tucking it in the back of the waist.Wedding Dresses:- Experience the splendour and originality of beautiful Thai-style evening & wedding dresses and suits, made from top-quality fabrics!All dresses made by us will be custom-tailored according to your requirements regarding size, colour, etc. The dress prices in our web site are indication prices, and if you are interested in an original Thai dress please let us have your clothing measurements in inches or centimeters at the time of your order.In the section ‘Ram Thai Accessories’ you can find our big range of head dresses, bracelets, ankle bracelets, necklaces, upper arm rings, and other items complementing dresses.

Thailand does not have a national costume but the country’s traditional costume has been adopted as the national costume and is worn to all formal occasions. When Queen Sirikit – the Queen consort of Thailand – accompanied the king to Europe and the United States in 1960, she noted that there was a need for a modern national costume in Thailand that was suitable for formal wear. The queen conducted research into the historical records of Thai royal dresses, and seven official designs were developed and promoted by the queen and her aides. They are named the Ruean Ton, Chit Lada, Amarin, Borom Phiman, Chakkri, Chakkraphat and Siwalai Thai dresses. Since then, these dresses have come into regular use by the public as well.

Ruean Ton:-It is the most casual clothing of all outfits and comprises a horizontally or vertically striped silk or plain-coloured sin with a patterned band, sometimes folded to one side, The collarless blouse that goes with it is separated from the ankle-length skirt and this costume is suitable for casual and non-official functions such as Kathin Ton, a religious ceremony of presenting royal offerings to monks.

Chitlada:-This costume with a brocaded band at the hem of the Sin, is a daytime ceremonial dress. It can be worn with a long sleeved silk blouse, with the front opening attached with five ornamental silver or gold buttons. This costume is usually worn to a ceremony that is a not too informal such as the welcoming of official royal guests.

Amarin:-This costume is an evening attire, made with brocaded fabric. The blouse is usually wide and round-necked with the length of the sleeve stretching just below the elbow. The beauty of this costume is accentuated by its textile and accessories. It can be used for an evening dinner or at the Royal Birthday Procession.

Borom Phiman:-Also a formal evening attire, this costume comprises a long sleeved blouse which is either buttoned at the front or at the back. The fabric is brocaded to create a highly luxurious look and feel. The collar of the blouse is round-necked and the skirt and blouse are sewn together like a one-piece dress. The costume is suitable to be worn in either a formal or semi-formal event like Royal ceremonies.

Chakkri:-This costume is considered formal and elegant wear and is normally produced using a weaving technique called “Yok”. This technique adds extra thickness to the fabric without adding supplementary threads. Often a touch of gold or silver threads are added, making the fabric produced this way particularly more expensive.

Chakkraphat:-This costume is similar to Chakkri. However, it is more conservative and considered more officially appropriate. The top half of the costume has a pleated shawl covered with embroidery. It can be worn for royal and national ceremonies.

Siwalai:-It is a formal evening costume similar to Borom Phiman, but has an over-shoulder sbai. It is worn for royal ceremonies and formal functions.

What to wear at the beach?
Bikinis, trunks and typical resort-wear are de facto at the beach and pool on Koh Samui, Phuket and similar beach destinations in Thailand. However, note the Thai modesty difference: Unlike other island destinations, you should cover up with some shorts and a T-shirt (or similar) when you leave the beach or pool.

What should women wear at the beach?
Stick with natural fabrics for cover-ups and – generally – fairly modest coverage. Always wear your bikini top. Topless sunbathing is a total taboo. No one’s going to lock you up, but it will make locals nearby very uncomfortable. Thai women (bar girls notwithstanding) don’t really ‘do’ cleavage.

What should men wear at the beach?
Guys have it easy: your T-shirts and standard-issue ‘man shorts’ mean your modesty never need be a problem (just put your shirt back on when you leave the beach). In some spots it might be necessary to wear mosquito repellent, too.

What’s appropriate clothing for Thai temples?
The basic rule is to cover your shoulders and knees (both sexes), and ideally you’d cover your ankles too. On the bottom, wear longer shorts, capris, pants/trousers or a knee-length-or-longer skirt. On top, choose any shirt that fully covers your shoulders. A T-shirt, blouse or polo is fine, while a tank top is not. However, a pashmina or scarf worn around the shoulders over a tank top is acceptable (or used as a makeshift long skirt), so it’s easy to get ‘temple worthy’ quite quickly.

Shoes for Thai temples?
Closed-toe shoes are more appropriate, whether loafers, flats or canvas TOMs. Don’t wear laced shoes, as they’re taken off when visiting Thai temples. Tying and untying shoe laces? No thanks. A slip-on shoe or dressy sandal is ideal.

Food In Thailand

While Thai food has a reputation for being spicy, Thai food is actually based on a balance between different flavors including spicy, sour, sweet, salty, and bitter.  This goes beyond simply combining the flavors within an individual dish to incorporate the contrast in flavors between two or three different dishes, which is one reason Thai’s share meals and eat family style. One distinctive aspect of Thai food is the use of fresh herbs and spices as well as the inclusion of fermented fish sauce in nearly every dish –a potential problem for vegetarians, though saying “jay” to indicate you are vegetarian goes a long way. However, there are certainly regional variations in what is typically considered Thai food; these are due to the influences of neighboring countries, such as China, Laos, Burma, and Malaysia.  While some Thai restaurants specialize in specific dishes, most have a huge menu of Thai and western fare and prepare Thai food from throughout the kingdom.

As Thai meals are typically served family style, with all diners sharing entrees, a Thai curry or soup is usually ordered with a meal.  The consistency of each Thai curry varies widely, with some curries arguably classifiable as soups.  However, most Thai curries are coconut milk-based and some are spicier than others.  Gaeng Massaman, is a mild, peanut and potato curry; Gaeng Kiaw Wan (Thai green curry) is a curry of medium thickness and spiciness.Thai restaurants in America serve lots and lots of spring rolls – just like everyone in America must eat an egg roll with Chinese food, so Thai food is always served with a deep fried spring roll.Thailand does have deep fried spring rolls, but I could easily spend months in Thailand eating at only local street stall restaurants without ever touching spring rolls. In fact, I only know one food cart in Bangkok that even serves por pia tod on a regular basis.Thai food is very much a “taste based” cuisine.Taste testing is an extremely essential step in cooking Thai food. Even on the streets of Thailand when you order green papaya salad they occasionally will ask you to taste test it to make sure it’s alright to your liking before spooning it into a bag to go.Also, knowing how sour, sweet, spicy, and salty you want your food, getting a feel for balancing out the flavors in each Thai dish, is another important part of cooking Thai..The ingredients I’ve listed in all of these Thai recipes is a loose guide – it’s the amount I used in my recipe – but due to both different ingredients in different places and personal tastes, flavors and strengths may vary (as in 1 lime in Thailand might be more sour than 1 lime in the US).So I urge you to follow these Thai recipes, but also to taste test a lot until you have the perfect combination of ingredients.

Known in Thai as a kai jeow moo sab this is one of the most common and tasty Thai street food dishes – it’s often one of those dishes that’s ordered to complete a full Thai style stir fried meal – and something everyone loves. The egg is beat with a fork so it gets nice and fluffy, some minced pork and a splash of soy sauce are added, and it’s then fried in a wok with lots of oil. A Thai omelet is incredibly tasty, and you can replicate this Thai street food classic at home easily.
depend on who cooks it, for whom it is cooked, for what occasion, and where it is cooked to suit all palates. Originally, Thai cooking reflected the characteristics of a waterborne lifestyle. Aquatic animals, plants and herbs were major ingredients. Large chunks of meat were eschewed. Subsequent influences introduced the use of sizeable chunks to Thai cooking.
Thai food is eaten with a fork and spoon. Even single dish meals such as fried rice with pork, or steamed rice topped with roasted duck, are served in bite-sized slices or chunks obviating the need for a knife. The spoon is used to convey food to the mouth. Ideally, eating Thai food is a communal affair involving two or more people, principally because the greater the number of diners the greater the number of dishes ordered. Generally speaking, two diners order three dishes in addition to their own individual plates of steamed rice. Eating & Ordering Thai Food.

Fried Ricethree diners four dishes, and so on. Diners choose whatever they require from shared dishes and generally add it to their own rice. Soups are enjoyed concurrently with rice. Soups are enjoyed concurrently with other dishes, not independently. Spicy dishes, not independently. Spicy dishes are "balanced" by bland dishes to avoid discomfort.The ideal Thai meal is a harmonious blend of the spicy, the subtle, the sweet and sour, and is meant to be equally satisfying to eye, nose and palate. A typical meal might include a clear soup (perhaps bitter melons stuffed with minced pork), a steamed dish (mussels in curry sauce), a fried dish (fish with ginger), a hot salad (beef slices on a bed of lettuce, onions, chillies, mint and lemon juice) and a variety of sauces into which food is dipped. This would be followed by sweet desserts or fresh fruits such as mangoes, durian, jackfruit, papaya, grapes or melon. One of the most iconic Bangkok street food dishes is som tam – shredded green papaya mixed with tomatoes, peanuts, dried shrimp and bathed in a fresh dressing of fish sauce, lime juice, sugar and lots of Thai chillies.The combination of seafood, needle mushrooms, sweet onions and ripe bursting tomatoes is always a good idea.If there’s one Thai food that really represents that necessary culinary comfort of Thailand, it’s a Thai egg and pork stuffed omelet. Cooked in lots and lots of oil, served over a bed of hot steamed rice and topped with tomato sauce .The coconut is a very special fruit that is used as the secret ingredient in all kinds of Thai curries. You don’t want to visit Thailand and miss a saucy coconut infused curry called ‘chu chee‘ that’s for sure! And if you follow our lead, you may even find a vegetarian rendition of this infamous southern Thai curry.

Culture of Thailand

Much of Thailand’s culture comes from the ethnic Thai people.  One of the most important influences on Thai culture has been Buddhism. Many of the traditions and beliefs of the people in Thailand stem directly from Buddhist principles.  Hinduism has also made important contributions to Thai culture, and the close links between Thailand and India can be seen in art, literature, and in many Thai customs.  The cultures of nearby Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and China have also played an important role in forming the traditions of Thailand, as have indigenous belief systems such as Animism.Of Thailand’s nearly 70 million people, roughly two thirds are from Thai ethnic groups. Although the ethnic Thai people can be divided into dozens of different subgroups, their traditions, languages, and cultures differ only slightly. This leads to a population with a strong sense of shared traditions and cultural identity.The remaining third of the population is made up primarily of Chinese, as well as various minorities including Vietnamese, Khmer, Hmong, and Mein. Even among these diverse ethnic groups, the Thai language is widely spoken and understood, and the Thai script is often used in place of traditional writing styles.

Since the 1950s, Thailand’s government has made efforts to preserve and strengthen the sense of national culture and national identity. During the 1980s and 1990s, however, Thailand saw a resurgence in local culture and traditions.  Although there is still a strong national identity, local food, dances, music, celebrations, and beliefs have begun to play a more important role in Thai life.Appointments are necessary and should be made one month in advance.It is good idea to send a list of who will be attending the meeting and their credentials so that Thais know the relative status of the people attending the meeting and can plan properly.
    You should arrive at meetings on time as it signifies respect for the person you are meeting.Although most Thais will try to be on time, punctuality is a personal trait.Always send an agenda and material about your company as well as data to substantiate your position prior to the meeting. Allow sufficient time for the material to be reviewed and digested.Remain standing until told where to sit. The hierarchical culture has strict rules about rank and position in the group.Written material should be available in both English and Thai.
    You must be patient.Business attire is conservative.Men should wear dark coloured conservative business suits.Women should wear conservative business suits or dresses. Women need not wear hosiery.
    Since Thai's judge you on your clothing and accessories, ensure that your shoes are always highly polished.Thailand is a stronghold of Buddhism.Buddhists believe that life does not begin with birth and end with death, but rather that every person has several lives based upon the lessons of life not yet learned and acts committed (karma) in previous lives.Buddhists believe that selfishness and craving result in suffering and that compassion and love bring happiness and well-being.The true path to peace is to eliminate all desire, a condition which Buddhists define as 'nirvana', an indescribable state free of desire, suffering, or further rebirth, in which a person simply is, and is completely at one with his surroundings.

Buddhism is practised in Thailand by over 90% of the population.Thai dining etiquette refers to the traditional and proper behaviors of Thai people while eating. Since Thai society has a lot of big families, so having a meal together and sharing the food between members of the family is Thai traditional dining style. Generally, Thais eat rice as the main food and share the rice side dishes with one another.Traditionally, in Thailand, people have a meal on the floor mat and eat the food with their right hands. The rice dishes are on the outer circle while the shared dishes are in the center of the circle with shared spoons to transfer the side dish food to their own rice dish.In the reign of King Mongkut , King Chulalongkorn the Great. Prince Chulalongkorn at that time, was educated by an English woman, courted Western diplomats and leaders and travelled abroad, observe and learn the western dining and he found out the fork and knife are not suitable for Thai food (no need to chop anything, he introduced the fork and spoon and so began the use of cutlery in Thailand. Thais use the fork to push the food onto the spoon (right hand), which then goes into your mouth instead of making the meat stable for the knife function.Nowadays, Thai dining is mixed with various countries’ dining cultures, so Thai people use a lot of styles to eat not only with spoon and fork one but also chopstick, knife and bare hand as well.In central Thailand, sitting on a chair, eating at a table and using a fork, spoon and shared spoon are longstanding customs. For Thai rich family dining, variously shaped napkins are added on the table and also employ waiters or waitresses to serve the food and beverages beside the table. For some poor people the shared spoon is not used.The local people eat on a floor mat. The dishes are placed on the center of it. They sit in the circle and traditionally eat with their bare hands. The drinking water is contained in “Kan”or”Jok”, (little Thai cup.) Nowadays, fork and spoon are used instead of bare hands. Sitting on a chair and eating at a table now predominates. There are only few local people who still preserve the original dinning style.Thai people eat using the fork and spoon combo method. The spoon acts as the main tool and the fork is the supporting tool pushing the food onto the spoon and the shared spoon is the main tool to scoop the food from shared dish to rice dish. Some people use their own spoon to scoop the food from the shared dish directly but it is not a good dining manner for Thais because they concern about sanitation issue. If the shared dish is curry, it is transferred to an individual little cup first. Then they sip the soup from the spoon. Sipping it from the cup directly is not proper, Moreover, making noise during eating and sipping is impolite in Thailand. On the other hand, talking during eating is not prohibited. However, Thai food menus is include a lot of fish and spices of which some parts are not for eating—splitting the food is the general behavior for Thais. Splitting on the spoon, and put them on the edge of the dish or provided dish for the trash is Thai general practice.After finishing eating, placing the spoon and fork down close together on the bowl/plate, gathering the trash to one side of their dish and stacking the empty plates at the side of the table makes the waiters realize that customer(s) require them to clean the table.Since there are a lot Chinese families in Thailand, the Chinese culture is mixed with the Thai culture. Sticking up sticks, poking a stick or skewer into food on a plate and having it stick.

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About Thailand

According to George Cœdès, the word Thai means "free man" in the Thai language, "differentiating the Thai from the natives encompassed in Thai society as serfs. A famous Thai scholar argued that Thai simply means "people" or "human being", since his investigation shows that in some rural areas the word "Thai" was used instead of the usual Thai word "khon" for people.

Thailand is a Southeast Asian country. It's known for tropical beaches, opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins and ornate temples displaying figures of Buddha. In Bangkok, the capital, an ultramodern cityscape rises next to quiet canalside communities and the iconic temples of Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Kaew). Nearby beach resorts include bustling Pattaya and fashionable Hua Hin.Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is a large city known for ornate shrines and vibrant street life. The boat-filled Chao Phraya River feeds its network of canals, flowing past the Rattanakosin royal district, home to opulent Grand Palace and its sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple. Nearby is Wat Pho Temple with an enormous reclining Buddha and, on the opposite shore, Wat Arun Temple with its steep steps and Khmer-style spire.

Travelling to Thailand is a breeze, as the country has a tourist-friendly policy as well as a vast network of infrastructure and hotels that cater to a diverse array of business and leisure travellers. But before planning your next trip to Thailand, it’s good to know all the essential information about the country, such as when is the best time to go, what to bring, getting around, cultural etiquettes, numbers to call in case of emergencies and all the facts that will help make your journey as pleasant as it can be.

Thailand is relatively hot all year round, although officially it has three main seasons. In Summer (March – June), temperatures can soar above 40 degrees, particularly in the northeast and Bangkok. Thai New Year, or Songkran, falls in April, the hottest month. To relieve themselves from the heat, Thais throw water at each other during the three-day Songkran festival. The rainy season (July – October) brings lots of downpours and heavy rainfall, usually in the late afternoons or early mornings. Temperatures are moderately high, but it can feel very uncomfortable due to high humidity level. The most welcomed season is the cool season (November – February), which brings a relatively dry and pleasant climate. Temperatures rarely rise above 35 degrees during the day.

The best time to visit Thailand is between November and February, when the climate is relatively cool and dry (25-32°C). While Bangkok usually sees insignificant temperature drop, the northern and northeastern provinces can be rather cold. And if you plan to take a trip into the mountains, be sure to bring a sweater or warm jacket. December is the festive season, like in the West. Some of the most colourful festivals, such as Loy Krathong, Trooping of the Colours and New Year’s, fall in this period. Major shopping districts, particularly those in Bangkok, add to the year-end spirit by sporting decorative lights and Christmas-theme décors. The only drawback for arriving during this period is that popular destinations are crowded, and hotel rooms are in short supply. Prices for accommodation, tours, transportation and certain goods are usually bumped up to take advantage of the tourist influx. Arriving between March and May will put you right through Thailand’s summer, when temperatures can climb above 40°C. Coupled with high humidity, it may feel more like you are actually in a giant heated oven with no escape route, except occasional visits to air-conditioned shopping malls and dining establishments. The monsoon season (June-September) is usually very wet and humid. But the good news is that you can always hide out in a mall, spa or restaurant to escape the heavy downpours which usually don’t last more than a couple hours. Also, the rain breathes new life in the countryside, abundant with rice fields and trees. National parks and waterfalls are usually at their best.

Forget tight pants and clinging dresses (at least during the day) and go for light, loose cotton clothing. Formal dresses, suits and ties may be necessary for business travellers or if you plan to visit exclusive dining venues and official events. When visiting temples, certain museums and the Grand Palace, remember to dress politely; shorts, singlets, spaghetti straps, skirts, tank-tops and open backed sandals are not acceptable.

Though you will find most items in Thailand, it might be a good idea to bring certain personal items from home. Remember also to bring any medicine you are taking. Light cotton clothing is recommended in Thailand's tropical climate, as well as a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Your list should include: Mosquito repellent Sunscreen Sun glasses Foldable umbrella Pain killers Antiseptic lotion or spray Anti-diarrhoea medication Traveller's first aid kit Drug prescriptions Photocopies of official documents.
Thai (official). English is fairly widely understood and spoken in most tourist areas. Bilingual Thai / English road signs are found on all road signs, BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway stations and some local buses.

The Thai Royal Family are deeply revered, and you will see portraits of them throughout the country. At the cinema you must stand for the royal anthem before the film is screened. Anger is regarded as crude and lacking in self discipline. Remain calm and smile and you will find all sorts of doors opened. It is considered rude to point your foot at a person or object. Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body and do not appreciate anyone touching them there, even as a friendly gesture. You should dress appropriately when visiting temples. Don't go shirtless, in shorts, hot pants, short skirts or spaghetti straps. Remove your shoes when entering a Thai home or Buddhist temple. Buddha images large or small, ruined or not, are regarded as sacred. Don't take photographs or do anything which might indicate a lack of respect. While on the rise in Bangkok, extreme public displays of affection are often frowned upon. By all means, hold hands if the urge takes you.
In some ways, Thailand is where this whole crazy blog began. While by no means my first international adventure, my time in Bangkok was the first time I truly felt outside of my comfort zone.While I’ve been living with a severe case of Wanderlust since the age of 12, our trip the Thailand reignited my need to travel with a vengeance. When it comes to travel, the only thing I love more than the adventure is the food.

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