With a name that is a fusion of Thai and English, one cannot help but wonder how the “Land of Smiles” ended up with such a name. “Land”, being English, is self-explanatory. “Thai”, however, is a bit of a mystery, and it’s tied quite closely to the colorful history of the nation. Read on about how Thailand got its name …
HOW TO EAT BREAKFAST LIKE A THAI
In Thailand, you’ll see as many food stalls and carts as convenience stores. If you wake up early to check out the morning markets, you’ll also find breakfast options at the perimeter of the market. Close to MRT and BTS stations, as well as schools and office buildings, you’ll see vendors selling food-on-the-go with people standing around it or sat …
THE RUB DOWN: WHAT EXACTLY
IS A THAI MASSAGE?
Tired from an exhausting day of planes, buses, ferries, you find yourself hankering for a massage. You make your way to the massage parlor and find yourself overwhelmed by the choices: Thai massage, shiatsu, aromatherapy massage… Of course, you’re in Thailand, you’ll do it the Thai way, but should you stick with just a Thai massage or go for the …
THAI HOME REMEDIES EVERY
TRAVELER SHOULD TRY
Getting sick is the worst thing that can happen while you are traveling. In Thailand, however, where a trip to the hospital can be quite expensive, doctors come as a last resort. Here, in the Land of Smiles, the first solution to any ailment is the home remedies that have been passed down from generation to generation. Looking into switching …
SACRED INK: TRADITIONAL THAI TATTOOS AND THEIR MEANINGS
Thailand’s rich culture is home to some incredible tattoo designs, and the traditional Sak Yant tattoos are packed with symbolism and intention. This means it’s important to understand the meaning before choosing one of these. Read on to find out more about Thai tattoos and their meanings. Sak Yant tattoos (Sak meaning “to jab” or “to tattoo” and Yant, from the …
WHEN IN BANGKOK: WHAT PHO
& THE RECLINING BUDDHA
He smiles blissfully as you enter. It’s as if he is having a normal chilled day – but there’s something more to this smile. And there’s a lot to know about his famous house: Wat Pho. Opening hours and entrance fee Wat Pho is open from 8AM to 5PM. It costs around 100 Baht to enter, and you get a …
“DID YOU KNOW?”: A HISTORY OF BUDDHIST MONKS IN THAILAND
Theravada Buddhism is the official religion in Thailand as well as Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Also known as Southern Buddhism, it is much closer to the original Indian form of Buddhism than its counterpart, Mahayana Buddhism or northern Buddhism which integrated more local customs from Tibet and China. With so much to write about, we have summed up what Buddhism …
READ IF YOU DARE: THREE TERRIFYING THAI LEGENDS & GHOST STORIES
In a country where the common pick up line is, “How about a horror flick at my place?” it is not surprising that Thai folklore is filled with spooky and strange tales. Take a look at the three, popular Thai legends and ghost stories below – Perhaps it would be better to read them in broad daylight? MAE NAAK Set …
THE HISTORY OF THE THAI PUPPET THEATRE
Beautiful and intricate, but, at times, a bit creepy, the history and evolution of the Thai puppet theatre is quite interesting, with its rich stories performed through the movements of the puppeteers backstage. NANG YAI AND NANG TALUNG – IN 2D Its most ancient version, the nang yai, involved the use of shadow puppets cut out from buffalo hide. …
FEELING ARTSY: THE BEST GALLERIES IN BANGKOK
Although art galleries may not be the first thing you think of when visiting Bangkok, the Thai capital certainly has its fair share of great installations and exhibits. With everything from ancient art to contemporary pieces, you can get your art fix in the interesting Bangkok art scene. Whether you want a small-time studio with a few pieces or a …