The greatest thing you can’t miss when you visit Thailand is tasting Thai food. Thai food is unique and becomes one of the most popular symbols of Thailand. Thai food tastes spicy, sour, and simply delicious. Chili and coconut are main ingredients in most menus. Dishes that do not comprise of chili are usually served with sauces made from chili. Other ingredients like lemon, galingale, and lemon grass help prevent cancer.

Thai food varies in each part of the country. It is mainly divided into four groups of four geographical regions: the north, the northeast, the middle, and the south. Thai food is as diverse as the peoples, history, cultures, the natural environment, and the neighboring countries. Northern food is influenced by Burmese food; many northeastern dishes derive from Cambodian food whereas southern food has some similarities to Malay food.

The Royal Cuisine

Sometimes translated into English as Palace Cuisine, this is a heritage from the days of absolute monarchy, when only the best was served at the Royal table. Every dish must be pleasing to both the eye and the palate. Not only must the ingredients be carefully selected and the cooking techniques perfected, the presentation must also be creative. Today Royal cuisine can be sampled at some restaurants whose chefs are descended from, or were trained by, former palace chefs. Look for the key word “Royal” or “Palace” in their names.
Some cooking schools offer classes on this refined art, but if you don’t have the time or the inclination, you can opt for just a vegetable and fruit carving class. Most schools and restaurants offering cooking classes can arrange such a course, which can take anywhere from an afternoon to a whole week. After a few basic sessions and some practice at home, you should be able to wow your dinner guests with your new skills.

How to order Thai food

Thai Fruits

Golf is one of the most popular sports in Thailand. It arrived here a century ago and was quickly taken up by the elite and fashionable.Among the first sponsors of the game were the Armed Forces and government institutions, which built and continue to own some of the finest courses in the country.

The world’s top designers have come and left their marks, so have many world-class players. Now there are at least a few courses in or within easy reach of all major cities. Most courses built in the last 10 years offer accommodations on site or nearby, plus recreational facilities for the whole family.

 Below is Thailand’s golfing credentials 

- Thailand was voted the Best Golfing Destination in Asia by Asia Golf Monthly Awards (April 2001)

- The Thai Country Club was voted as Best Clubhouse in Asia, the 3rd for Best Course in Asia and Thai Country Club, 6th hole as Best Par Three Site of the 1997 Asian Honda Classic”

- Blue Canyon Country Club, Canyon Course was voted Best Championship Course in Asia and its 13th hole was voted the 5th for Par-Four

- THE TOP-10 by Golf Digest in June 1999
 

The state of the economy not withstanding, greens fees continue to be very reasonable. So are the fees for the well-trained, helpful caddies. Service on green and at the clubhouse, as befitting the Land of Smiles, is prompt and courteous.

Since the country is well connected by road, rail and air, you can take day trips to the courses and return to stay in the city, or hire a car and draw up your own itinerary. Lodging facilities in all major cities run the full spectrum from the cozy to the luxurious, and in every town there is at least one comfortable place to stay. For the family, or to fill a break in your schedule, there is a diverse choice of culture, adventure, dining and shopping available wherever you choose to tee-off.

Golfing Destinations

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Bangkok    – Khao Yai      – Pattaya      – Phuket      – Chiang Mai    -
Hua Hin & Cha-Am     – Kanchanaburi

For the active traveller, Thailand offers endless opportunities for new and exciting adventure. Hiking, jungle treks, scuba diving, birdwatching, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, are just some of the ways to explore the country’s immense natural and cultural wealth.

Thailand’s location at the heart of Southeast Asia means the array of plant and wildlife it supports is very diverse. The mountains of the North form the southerly tip of the Himalayan range , making them a natural habitat for high-altitude species not seen in other parts of the country. The Southern Peninsula, on the other hand, is home to flora and fauna similar to those in Malaysia and Indonesia.

A large number of operators now specialize in ecotourism, offering a combination of nature-based and cultural tourism in the same package. To do all and see all that the country has to offer, you will need months or even years, but if you are planning an adventure holiday, you will probably have to choose from the wide range of choice.

- For watersports: canoeing, kayaking, fishing, sailing – Pattaya, Phuket, Phangnga and Krabi in the South; and the islands in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman.

- For trekking, rafing, mountain hiking and hilltribe culture – The mountains of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son and the forest land on the Western border with Myanmar, in Tak and Kanchanaburi.

- For diving and marine life – Islands in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea especially Koh Tao, Koh Pangan, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Similan.   Scuba Diving in Thailand

- For animal spotting and bird watching – Khao Yai to the North of Bangkok, Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai and other wildlife sanctuaries around the country. 

Thailand is a paradise for shoppers. Regular shoppers to Asia know that, in many ways, Bangkok beat Hong Kong and Singapore for deals in terms of handicrafts, textiles, gems, jewelry, art, and antiques. Nowhere else will you find the same selection, quality and prices.

Bargaining

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Fixed prices are the norm in department stores, but at most other places bargaining is to be expected. Generally, you can obtain a final figure of between 10-40% lower than the original asking price. Much depends on your skills and the shopkeeper’s mood. But remember, Thais appreciate good manners and a sense of humor. With patience and a broad smile, you will not only get a better price, you will also enjoy shopping as an art.

Where to shop

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Thailand has many shopping streets located in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya where you buy just about anything from clothes, souvenirs, and all kind of antiques and electrical goods.

What to Buy

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A wealth of shopping opportunities awaits the visitor, and bargains abound throughout our country in traditional handicrafts, textiles, gems, jewellery and antiques, as well as more contemporary items.

Clothing
We’re one of the world’s leading manufacturers of ready-to-wear clothing. Fashion boutiques are found in every shopping mall, while cheaper clothing such as T-shirts and jeans are available at bargain prices from street vendors. Custom tailoring is also very affordable and tailors can produce or copy most styles in just a few days.

Silk
Probably the most famous of all our kingdom’s handicrafts, silk is available in a range of colours, patterns and plys, and is sold by the yard, or as ready-made clothing and souvenir items. A unique style of Thai silk is Mat Mee, a tie-dye silk traditional to the North-east. The best known outlet for Thai silk is undoubtedly Jim Thompson’s shop at the top of Surawong Road in Bangkok.

Cotton & Batik
Our Thai cottons have become increasingly popular and are a good deal. Particularly notable are the hilltribe cottons woven by the tribal people of the North, typically displaying bold designs and often lavish embroidery. Equally distinctive are original batiks crafted at several studios in Bangkok.

Pewterware
Pewter is fashioned with great skill by Thai craftsmen, and the smooth, silky finish of this attractive alloy is enhanced by delicate relief decoration. Pewterware items include plates, boxes, vases and pocket flasks.

Gems
Bangkok is the coloured gemstone capital of the world. Rubies and sapphires are indigenous stones, but virtually all coloured gems, as well as diamonds, are available. Shoppers should exercise caution and buy from reputable dealers only.

Antiques
Thai, Chinese, Burmese and Khmer antiques are excellent buys. There is an export ban on certain pieces, particularly Buddha images. Other pieces may require an export license, but any reputable dealer will be able to advise on restrictions and any necessary documentation.

Ceramics

Both traditional and contemporary styles of pottery are available throughout our kingdom. Best known are the distinctive sea-green celadons from the Sukothai area, and the central provinces’ colourful Benjarong (five color) porcelain, which are unique to our country.

Nielloware
Practiced in the South for hundreds of years, nielloware is the craft of decorating gold and silver objects with delicate etched designs filled with a metal ware. Nielloware trays, boxes, vases and other items are some of our best buys.

Lacquerware
A specialty of Chiang-Mai and the north, this craft involves coating split bamboo or wood with lacquer, then adding intricate hand-painted designs typically gold-on-black lacquer or yellow and green on a red brown background. Look out for lacquerware bowls, boxes, trays and other items for decoration or for souvenirs.

Thai Orchids
We’re famous for our huge variety of orchids and their magnificent colours and durable beauty make them a popular purchase. Specially packaged flowers, complete with water supply, are easily transported and can be conveniently purchased at Bangkok International Airport.

Furniture
Rattan and rosewood furniture items are available in many designs and styles and can also be made to order. Shops in Bangkok and Chiang Mai have a wide selection and can arrange shipment overseas.

Hilltribe Crafts
The tribal groups who live in the hills of the north make a variety of beautifully embroidered textiles and silver jewellery. Chiang Mai is the centre for such goods.

Packing & Shipping Services

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With shopping well established as one of Thailands major attractions, most shops are experienced in packing and shipping goods, as well as in arranging insurance, customs permits and any other necessary documentation. The Central Post Office also offers a parcel-wrapping service for those who want to make small shipments themselves.

There are many different hilltribes in Thailand. Some have been living here for hundreds of years, while others migrated from southern China in the past 50 years. Hilltribes establish their communities in the mountainous area of the north and the west.

Most hilltribes live their lives close to nature. They live mainly on farming while some recently turn to tourism. Each group of hilltribes has its own unique tradition, folk culture, and clothing.

Recommended destination: Chiang Rai

- Akha (I-ko)
The Akha call themselves A-Kha whereas the Thai people refer to them as Ko or I-ko. They are historically linked with the ancient Lolo tribes that inhabit Southh Yunnan.
I-ko build a village gateway or “Pratu-Phi” (“gateway of spirits”) to protect the village. This is styled with a symbolic sword and narrow, believed to ward off evil spirits and ghosts. I-ko still believe in the spirits. Their major festivals are the swing ceremony and Luna New Year celebrations.

 Today, Akha are found in six provinces : Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Tak, Kamphang Phet, Lampang and Phrae.

- Hmong (Meo)
The Hmong prefer to locate their villages at high altitudes (1,000-1,200 m.). They are pioneer of primary-shifting cultivators. They are also expert silversmiths and embroidery. Their rituals are related to birth, marriage, death, funerals and mourning.

The Meo settlement is concentrated in thirteen provinces : Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phrae Tak,Lampang, Phayao,Phetchabun, Kamphaeng Phet, Mae Hong Son,Sukhothai, Pitsanulok and Loei.

- Mien (Yao)
The Mien people came from Yunnan and Kwang-si to settle along mountain sides, growing corn and other crops.

Perhaps more than any other tribes, the Yao have adopted many characteristics of Chinese culture. They use Chinese characters to record traditional songs, migratory histories, legends, and the names of ancestors.

The major concentration of Yao residents are found in Chiang Rai, Phayao and Nan Province.

- Karen
The Karen, or Yang as they are called by the Northern Thai, or Kariang as they are known to Thais in other parts of the country, are the largest highland group in Thailand.

Karen communities are located mainly in the mountainous areas of the western provinces along the Thai-Burmese border (Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Tak, Kanchanaburi and Phrachuap Khiri Khan)

- Lahu (Musur)
The Lahu belong to the Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan linguistic family. It is believed that they originated in the Tibetan plateau and over the centuries migrated to China, Burma, Laos and Thailand.

Lahu are expert hunters and planters. They also worship spirits. They celebrate New Year and the new rice season.

Lahu are found in five provinces. Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Tak and Kamphaeng Phet.

- Lawa
The Lawa are found only in Thailand. They are believed to be the first settlers in North Thailand. They are linguistically closely related to the Mon-Khmer and have largely been absorbed into Thai society.

Most Lawa were found to be living on the Bo Luang plateau southwest of Chiang Mai and in the mountainous area of Umpai, southeast of Mae Hong Son.

- Lisu (Lisor)
The Lisu are believed to have originated in southern China and first appeared in Chiang Rai Province about 80 years ago.

Lisu have adopted much which is Chinese. For example, they celebrate their New Year on the same day as the Chinese.

Today Lisu are found living scattered throughout the nine northern provinces : Chiang Mai, Chaiang Rai, Phayao, Mae Hong Son, Tak, Lampang, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet and Phetchabun.

- Chin Ho
These former members of the Chinese 93rd Infantry came to take refuge in the northern areas starting in 1961. Their traditions are like those of the Yunnan Chinese.

Their biggest villages are on Doi Mae Salong, Doi Wawi and Doi Pha Tang in Chiang Rai. 

In the past, many prosperous ancient kingdoms were built in Thailand. Time went by but these old kingdoms still leave the heritage of high civilized past in the forms of wonderful, grand architecture, though some have been damaged by time and wars. Each historical site is unique because it was influenced by different factors from the outside. However, most have to do with Hinduism and Buddhism from India. These three historical sites are listed as the world’s cultural heritage: Historic Town of Sukhotai, Historic City of Ayutthaya and Bang Chiang Archaeological site.

- Historic Town of Sukhotai
Capital of the first Kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries, a number of notable monuments, which illustrate the beginnings of Thai architecture, can be seen in Sukhotai.

- Historic City of Ayutthaya
Founded in about 1350, Ayutthaya became the second Siamese capital after Sukhotai. It was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century. Its remains, characterized by its prang or reliquary towers, and gigantic monasteries, give an idea of its past splendour.

- Bang Chiang Archaeological site
Considered the most important prehistoric settlement so far discovered in southeast Asia, Ban Chiang was the centre of a remarkable phenomenon of human cultural, social and technological evolution. The site presents the earliest evidence of farming in the region and of the manufacture and use of metals. 
 

Temples & Palaces

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Apart from historical sites, Thailand is proud of The Grand Palace and many old, splendid temples that have been built hundreds of years ago and still in used until today. You can best picture fine Thai style architecture when you visit these places during the daytime. Yet at night some temples and the Grand Palace are dazzling with numerous lights. Even the street that leads to the Grand Palace is decorated with countless lights. At that point, the Grand Palace and the temples around are glowing from within in bright golden shade. Recommended Destination: The Rattanakosin Reverine Island

A massage to restore balance among the elements. A herbal sauna to cleanse and rejuvenate the body. A herbal pack to calm nerves and redirect the energy. All this may sound very New Agey in the West, but it has been part of daily life here for centuries.  

Traditional Thai massage is a proven physical therapy that dates back to ancient India sometime before the lifetime of Buddha. It has been practiced here for centuries, and many swear by it as effective cure for common ailments such as aches and pains, fevers and nervous strains.

Most hotels rated three stars and above offer traditional massage as part of their health and fitness services. All the spa resorts include it in their therapy programs. Despite common misconceptions, clothes stay on the whole time.

Tourist may also try this ancient therapy in its original form at the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho).

Thai-Style Herbal Therapies

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Herbs have dominated Thai women’s beauty and skincare regimens. Sour tamarind worked wonders as a body scrub, for example, while crushed turmeric would be rubbed onto the skin to keep it soft and smooth. With the recent revival in holistic therapies, indigenous herbs are being discovered anew for their health and beauty benefits.

Discover Thai-style herbal experience at the following facilities: 

- The Regent Resort Mae Rim
Old Mae Rim-Samoeng Road, Amphoe Maerim, Chiang Mai
This luxury resort in Chiang Mai’s Mae Rim Valley deftly blends Thai cultural heritage and hospitality with the modern luxury and comfor. Its spa would fulfill any and all herbal therapy needs. In addition to the steam room and massage facilities, you can enjoy herbal facials and body scrubs, herbal foot massages, aromatherapy using essential oils from local as well as exotic plants, and Thai and oriental massages.  

- Tamarind Springs
Lamai Beach, Koh Samui
This wonderful new herbal-steam facility is very Thai in its construction. Its unique steam room is built between two huge boulders surrounded by coconut palms and leafy trees. Its roster of herbal treatments include facials, massage (full body, shoulder, or back), and traditional Thai massage. 
 

Modern Spa Experience

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Spa treatments are now such a rage that it’s easy to forget that as recently as six years ago there was no spa facility here. Soon after the opening of Banyan Tree Spa Phuket in 1993, Thailand started to gain a reputation as a new spa destination. The country now has five spas that are attracting new groups of visitors, some of whom planning their trips as pure spa vacation. All five spas have integrated traditional healing into their programs.

- Chiva-Som International Health Resort, Hua Hin
This exclusive beachside health resort, whose name aptly translates as “Heaven of Life” offers a complete spa experience. Guests receive a private consultation on arrival, before starting on their treatments and activities. Its treatment range is certainly one of the most extensive anywhere: face and body massages, scrubs and wraps, electrical face and body toning and reshaping, aromatherapy and reflexology.

Its state-of-the-art hydrotherapy suite features computerized massage baths, a jet shower room and a flotation chamber. For fitness buffs there’s a fully-equipped gym. You can also opt for an aerobic class, power-walking along the beach, yoga, Tai Chi or any exercise your heart–and your body–desire.

Chiva-Som’s packages, ranging from three to eight days, include spa meals planned by its staff doctors and dietitians. The resort provides complimentary transfers to and from hotels in Hua Hin area for guests not staying on the compounds. No guests under 16 are allowed at the resort.
 Accommodation details / Online booking

- Banyan Tree Spa Phuket
The first luxury, non-clinical garden spa in Southeast Asia, the Banyan Tree Spa attracts spa aficionados from Asia and all over the world with its quality service and wonderful setting on one of the most beautiful corners of Phuket.

It offers extensive therapy and treatment programs, most of them unique to the Banyan Tree brand. Its talented team of specialist created a line of aromatherapy essential oils from local plants and herbs, and these are now used at all Banyan Tree spas—in Indonesia, the Maldives and Bangkok. Its spa cuisine is also very innovative and should banish the notion of “fat farms” from spa land forever.
 Accommodation details / Online booking

- Banyan Tree Spa Bangkok
Thai Wah Building, 51th-54th Floors, South Sathorn Road, Bangkok Like its sister on the island of Phuket, this Bangkok spa offers the ultimate pampering experience that promises a fitter, better-toned body and rejuvenated mind. Located in a skyscraper in the business district, this garden spa has treatment rooms with panoramic views of the city. Spa services include a long list of massages—Swedish, Lomi Lomi, Thai, Indonesian, Asian Blend, Sports, and Tension Release, among others— as well as facials, body rubs and wraps, and heat treatments.

Many of these incorporate herbs and plant extracts used in Thai traditional medicine for centuries. Beauty and hair care is also available. The spa is part of the Westin Banyan Tree, and you can arrange a stay in the hotel if you don’t want to travel in Bangkok traffic.
Accommodation details / Online booking 

- The Oriental Spa Thai Health and Beauty Center
Billed as a “temple of wellbeing,” the Oriental Spa Thai Health and Beauty Center offers half-day and full-day programs as well as three-day retreats. The Center, located across the river from the hotel proper, offers a combination of Thai herbal treatments, European traditions and American innovations.

Its spa therapies and treatments include body polish, herbal wraps, jet lag and sunburn treatments, body toning and contouring treatments, massages, and facials. For a complete spa experience, try the Spa Cuisine from the Oriental’s kitchen. This recent addition to The Oriental franchise is very popular and reservations should be made two weeks in advance.
Accommodation details / Online booking

- Grande Spa & Fitness Club, Bangkok
The Grande Spa and Fitness Club is a haven for total-body fitness and pampering in downtown Bangkok. Its spa treatments include Thai, Swedish and aromatherapy masages, reflex-zone foot massage, facials and body wraps and water thalassotherapy.

Its face- and body-toning treatments employ state-of-the-art non-surgical cosmetology equipment using microcurrents similar to those used by physiotherapists. Steam, sauna and fitness facilities are all housed on the third floor of the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. Reservations for spa treatments are highly recommended

You might have heard about it, or even seen it on TV—the furious punches, crushing elbow strikes, lethal kicks, powerful grappling and artful feints. But nothing compares to seeing them executed to loud cheers and heart-racing tune of an accompanying wind-and-percussion ensemble. Welcome to the exciting world of Muay Thai, a martial art like no others, and a proud heritage of a nation.

Muay Thai, along with soccer, is certainly the most passionately followed sport in the country. Television networks broadcast fights five days a week, and the fight results at major stadiums are reported in all major newspapers. It is not surprising that a boy as young as seven or eight would start training to become one—and many do, at stables across the country. Most provincial capitals have a boxing ring, but the ultimate dream of young boxers is to fight at Lumpini or Ratchadamnoen, the biggest and most famous stadiums in the country. Lumpini and Ratchadamnoen alternate, so there is a fight program every night. Tickets on an average evening are 220, 440 and 1,000 baht, but on big nights prices of ringside seats may go up to 2,000 baht.

On fight nights at major stadiums, especially at Lumpini and Ratchadamnoen, tourists fill up a sizable portion of the seats, and the number is growing. Most opt to sit at ringside, to see the action up close. On nights of major events, usually advertised days in advance, it can be hard to get tickets. You might want to book through your hotels or travel agents.

Fascinating beaches are what many people have in mind when talking about Thailand. Furthermore, Thailand’sabundant coral resources are among the world’s most beautiful top ranking. Some people just can’t stand going back to their city life with rush hours, bad traffic, elevators, and walls; and decide to live the rest of their lives on Thailand’s paradise island they have found.

Thailand’s marine tourist sites are located in the south and the east of the country. In the south, the peninsula lays southwards separating the Thai Gulf in the east from the Andaman Sea in the west. Each differs in its panorama. How the seas of the two sides are different, you must see for yourself. Phuket and Pattaya are recommended beaches destinations.

Other than beaches, islands and seas, in Thailand you can also experience the beauty of forests, rivers, and mountains, especially in the north and the northeast. There, you will see quiescent river laying in between high mountains and surrounded by fertile forest; or catch a sight of the sun rising from the fog sea in a cold morning on the top of a mountain. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are recommended destinations for forests, river, and mountains.

You may not only indulge yourself with the delightful scenery but also enjoy some fun activities like diving, fishing, canoeing, bird seeing, elephant riding, mount climbing, and much more. See the Adventure Travel page for more details.

In the past Thai people settled down and established their communities along the rivers. Rivers and canals were the main channel for trading and transportation. The way of life of Thais is, therefore, deeply influenced by the rivers. A few floating markets which still survive today are the heritage of such old way of life. Traditional fairs and events, in the same way, reflect the influence of the rivers upon people’s lives. The well-known Loy Krathong festival held annually in November when the river fills its banks is an example. Through Loy Krathong festival, Thai people thank and pay their respect to river and its sacred spirit for feeding them all year long.

 Season is another factor that influences Thai way of life. In Songkran festival, people splash water to each other for spiritual purification. The instant result, however, is the relief from the heat of Thailand’s mid summer.

Almost all Thai traditional events have to do with Buddhism. This is because Buddhism was the most influential factor for Thais in the past. Buddhism which has grown and stayed with Thai society for a very long time is not only the dogma or the spiritual relief for the people but also the root upon which Thai way of living was built.

A boat trip along the Chao Phraya river and Bangkok Noi Canal are recommended for experiencing the Thai traditional way of life.