Noted as the land of smiles, Thailand is located in Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Burma. Bangkok is its largest city and at the same time it’s the capital city. It is also the center of the country’s political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. This country is popular among tourists around the world because of its diversity. Its traditions are fascinating and its culture is also distinct. The country has a number of historical spots such as temples, palaces and museum. The country boasts a natural beauty, friendly locals, exotic food, relaxing spas, and a lot more.
Thailand has its own spoken language. Thai is used by almost 75 million people. English is taught as the second language in this country and it is widely spoken by its people. Like any other languages of the world, Thai is also known to be a complex mixture of several sources. Some of which were derived from Pali, Sanskrit, Khmer, Malay, English and Chinese.
There are a lot of ways to get around the country and it is easy and inexpensive. The country has also a modern transportation system. You can either travel by plane, train, bus, elephants, motorbike taxis, water taxis, and tuk-tuks. Tuk-Tuks are three wheeled, motorized vehicles that are used as a mode for short distance transportation all over the country.
Thai food is known all over the world. Who hasn’t eaten Thai? In every Thai dish, the guiding principle is always harmony, whether chili-hot or comparatively bland. Thai cuisine is the combination of centuries-old Eastern and Western influences harmoniously combined into something distinctly Thai. This cuisine is known for a diversity of ingredients used, complex spiciness, intricate flavors and aromas. Its popular dishes are Gai Pad Met Mamuang (Stir-Fried Chicken with Cashew Nuts), Por Pia Tord (Fried Spring Roll), Panaeng (Meat in Spicy Coconut Cream), Som Tam (Spicy Papaya Salad), Moo Sa-Te (Grilled Pork Sticks with Turmeric), Tom Yam Gai (Spicy Chicken Soup), Tom Kha Kai (Chicken in Coconut Milk Soup), Kang Keaw Wan Gai (Green Chicken Curry), Pad Thai (Fried Noodle), and Tom Yam Goong. (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
The most popular tourist destinations in Thailand are The Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Nang Yai (Shadow Puppet Plays), Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Ayutthaya, Jim Thompson’s House, Ecotourism in Umphang, Sukhothai, Ao Phang-Nga National Marine Park, Pattaya, and a lot more. For shopping destinations, both Bangkok and Chiang Mai have excellent night markets. The weekend market at Chatuchuk in Bangkok is a haven for shoppers with hundreds of stalls selling items ranging from to genuine antiques, clothes, and pets.