PIXEL VISA

Cuisine

Thai food is renowned for its intricate balance of flavors—sweet, spicy, sour, and umami. Dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, and green curry are famous worldwide. Street food is also a significant aspect of Thai culture, offering affordable and delicious options.

Tourist Attractions

From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene islands like Phuket and Koh Samui, Thailand offers a range of experiences. The country is also famous for its historical sites, such as the ancient city of Ayutthaya and the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Spirituality and Religion

Buddhism plays a significant role in daily life. The country is dotted with stunning temples (Wat Pho, Wat Arun, etc.) and statues of Buddha. Many tourists participate in meditation retreats or visit sacred sites.

Natural Beauty

Thailand is rich in natural wonders, from the limestone cliffs of Krabi to the intricate cave systems and waterfalls scattered throughout the country. Its beaches are particularly famous, offering crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.

Festivals

Events like Songkran (the Thai New Year featuring a country-wide water fight) and Loi Krathong (where people release floating lanterns into the water) are cultural highlights.

Hospitality

Thai people are known for their warmth and hospitality, encapsulated in the phrase "Land of Smiles."

Night Markets and Street Food

Thailand's bustling night markets and street food culture offer an array of local crafts, clothing, and culinary delights.

Backpacker Rating

I would rate Thailand as a 9/10 for backpackers with a backpacker living cost of $20.50 USD, which includes 3 meals at an average of $3.75 USD per meal and a night at a hostel for an average of $9.25 USD per night. Thailand's high rating comes from the large number of both short-term and long-term travelers through the country, ease of transportation at a very low cost, and low living cost. In addition to that, Thailand has a large English speaking population. While traveling to popular areas such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Pai, you don't need to know so much Phasa Thai; maybe just the two most important "sawadi-khaap (for men) / sawadi-khaa (for women)" or "hello" and "khob khun khaap (for men) / khob khun khaa. (for women)" or "thank you." Thailand has always had a reputation as a backpacker haven and lives up to its expectations with its beautiful beaches in the South and majestic mountain towns in the North.

Convenience Store Heaven

Let me start my notes with 7-Eleven! As many people are familiar, 7-Eleven is a popular convenience store originating from the United States, but gaining lots of popularity in countries like Thailand and Japan. In Thailand, 7-Eleven provides a wide variety of snack food, on-the-go heated meals (yes, they'll heat up the food for you), and home essentials. It is a traveler's first line of defense against hunger, mosquitoes (pop in to grab mosquito spray), and your search for potable water. A 7-Eleven favorite is the popular "Toasty's" toasted sandwiches which can be found in the refrigerated aisle and heated at the front counter. Toasty's come in a variety of brands with flavors like ham and cheese, spinach and cheese, and tuna and mayo. Better yet, 7-Eleven provides well-priced beer, soju, and other alcoholic beverages, making it your first stop on a night out in Thailand. Most restaurants and bars in Thailand don't mind you bringing in outside food or drink; they're just happy to receive your business.

Rides and Transportation

In Thailand, use the Grab and Gojek to find car rides around the city. In addition to these two apps, many visitors will take tuk tuks (three wheeled motorbikes with 2-9 person carriages). Tuk tuks are everywhere and highly solicited by their drivers. As you walk down the street, you're likely to hear "tuk tuk" followed by the name of a common attraction or destination shouted your way. When hiring a tuk tuk driver, only approach drivers which are not soliciting. Those which are soliciting are more likely to be involved in scams or to be pushy when negotiating. Negotiating rides is a core component to travel in Southeast Asia. It's advised to consult multiple tuk tuk drivers (while collecting their phone numbers) when finding a ride to a common location. They will give you an estimated price range for your ride and you can negotiate from there. It is also common to rent a motorbike and ride across Thailand. Renting a motorbike doesn't usually require a driver's license. However, if you get into a motorbike accident, insurance will not cover unlicensed accident damage
- even if you're a passenger of an unlicensed driver. Be cautious when riding around Thailand. Motorbikes cause the largest number of tourist fatalities and injuries in Southeast Asia. I personally have stopped to help injured bikers on the side of the road
- road rash is not always pretty. If you do get into a wreck while on a motorbike, head to your nearest hospital to be disinfected and treated for injuries. If you do not have a Thai motorbike license, it is advised to tell the hospital that you fell or had an accident while trekking, exploring, etc to increase the chances of insurance coverage.

SIM card

When purchasing a SIM card, it is common to be required to show your passport and have your photo taken. This is because the Thai government keeps track of its citizens internet and communication use. SIM cards can be found at your local 7-Eleven and typically offer refillable 7 day and 10 day travel packages. The most common brand is dtac.

Stray Dogs

There are many stray dogs in Thailand. Dogs here are, more often than not, aggressive. Once, at a bar in Pai, a dog tried to steal a friend's food. When taking a chicken wing, it knocked over a plastic container of sauce. Attempting to save the container from the dog, my friend used his foot to move the sauce away. The dog responded by attacking and biting his foot. Moral of the story is: if a stray takes your food, let it have it. I have also encountered many strays on the streets and have been cornered on occasion. If you are being approached or pursued by an aggressive dog, use a loud calm voice and hand gestures to show it that you don't mean harm, but will not tolerate it passively. I find that it's best to look the dog in the eye and tell it that you intend to go around it. When using hand gestures, this usually works to show the dog your intentions. Remember that strays are more scared of you than you are of them.

Mosquitoes

Thailand has a very tropical climate, bringing with it mosquitoes. When leaving the hostel or hotel, use mosquito spray which you can easily find at your local 7-Eleven. The mosquito spray sold in Thailand comes in different durations of effectiveness and is usually pretty cheap. Mosquitoes are most active between 4pm and 10am during the evening, night, and morning. Mosquito-spread illness is less common in Thailand than in other parts of Southeast Asia, but it is important to be familiar with the symptoms of Malaria, Dengue Hemorrhaging Fever, Zika, and Japanese Encephalitis.

Calendar System

Thailand uses a unique calendar system. This calendar is also known as the Thai Buddhist calendar and is approximately 543 to 544 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar, which is commonly used in much of the world. The Thai Buddhist calendar is based on the Buddhist Era (B.E.), which traditionally dates from the purported year of the Buddha's parinirvana (death and enlightenment). This event is believed to have occurred around 543-544 years before the start of the Gregorian calendar. Therefore, the year 2023 in the Gregorian calendar corresponds to approximately the year 2566 in the Buddhist calendar.

January (Second Saturday)

Children's Day A day dedicated to children, featuring various fun activities and events across the country.

February/March (Full Moon Day)

Makha Bucha A Buddhist holiday commemorating a miraculous event where 1,250 monks gathered to hear Buddha preach.

April 6

Chakri Day This day commemorates the establishment of the Chakri dynasty.

April 13 to 15

Songkran Festival Celebrated as the Thai New Year, this festival is famous for its water fights and parades.

May 1

Labor Day Celebrated to honor workers and laborers, similar to other countries worldwide.

May (Full Moon Day)

Visakha Bucha Celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha.

May (Date Varies)

Royal Ploughing Ceremony An ancient royal rite held in Bangkok to mark the traditional beginning of the rice growing season.

July (Full Moon Day)

Asalha Bucha Marks the day when Buddha delivered his first sermon.

July 28

King's Birthday A national holiday featuring various events and activities to honor the reigning king.

August (Date Varies)

Hua Hin Jazz Festival An annual jazz music festival held in the beach town of Hua Hin.

August/September (Date Varies)

Hungry Ghost Festival (Phi Ta Khon) Known as the Ghost Festival, it's celebrated in Loei province with colorful masks and costumes.

October (Full Moon Day)

Wan Ok Phansa Marks the end of the Buddhist Lent and is observed by making special offerings at temples.

October (Date Varies)

Boon Krathin Celebrated after the end of Buddhist Lent, it involves making special cloth offerings to temples.

October (Date Varies)

Tak Bat Thewo Marks the end of Buddhist Lent and involves giving alms to monks who have completed their retreat.

October (Date Varies)

Phuket Vegetarian Festival Celebrated by the Chinese community in Phuket, it involves various rituals including fire walking and body piercing.

October (Date Varies)

Naga Fireball Festival In Nong Khai, mysterious fireballs are said to rise from the Mekong River.

October/November (Full Moon Day)

Loy Krathong People float baskets of flowers and candles on rivers to pay respects to the goddess of water.

November (Date Varies)

Yi Peng Celebrated in Chiang Mai, this festival involves releasing lanterns into the sky to bring good fortune.

November (Date Varies)

Lopburi Monkey Banquet In Lopburi, a feast is laid out for the town's monkeys as a show of gratitude for attracting tourists.

November (Date Varies)

Pattaya International Fireworks Festival A grand fireworks competition held in Pattaya.

November (Date Varies)

Elephant Round Up Held in Surin, this event features various elephant performances and competitions.

December 5

Thailand National Day Celebrated on December 5th, this day also marks the birthday of the late King Bhumibol and is observed with various state ceremonies and public festivities.

December 10

Constitution Day Commemorates the advent of the constitutional monarchy in Thailand.

Thai currency is given in bahts (THB) and satangs. While bahts are most typical for exchange, satangs are a smaller form of currency similar to the USD cent and are equal to 1/100 of a Baht. In circulation are coins of ฿1, ฿2, ฿5, and ฿10, banknotes of ฿20, ฿50, ฿100, ฿500, and ฿1,000 THB, and coins of 50 and 25 satangs.

1,000 THB notes (~28 USD)

A 1,000 THB note has considerable spending power in Thailand, covering a night in a mid-range hotel or several nights in a budget guesthouse, multiple meals at mid-range restaurants, or a long taxi ride from an airport to a city center. These notes are not usually practical to carry.

500 THB notes (~14 USD)

Each 500 THB note can cover a mid-range meal for two or a night in a budget hotel. With 10 of these, you have enough for several days of moderate spending on food and accommodation.

100 THB notes (~2.80 USD)

A 100 THB note could cover a meal at a local restaurant or a short taxi ride. With three of these, you could have three meals or a few short commutes.

50 THB notes (~1.40 USD)

Each 50 THB note is enough for a meal at a street food stall or a short local bus ride. With 10 of these, you could eat at street food stalls for a few days or take multiple short bus rides.

20 THB notes (~0.56 USD)

A 20 THB note could buy you a bottle of water or a small snack. With 10 of these, you could keep yourself hydrated and snack throughout the day.

10 THB coins (~0.28 USD)

Each 10 THB coin could pay for a one-way ticket on Bangkok's Skytrain or a small snack. With 10 coins, you could make multiple short trips on public transport.

5 THB coins (~0.14 USD)

A 5 THB coin could buy you a small item like a pack of gum. With 10 coins, you have enough for several small purchases.

1 THB coins (~0.03 USD)

These are good for small tips or donations at temples. With 10 coins, you could give small tips at multiple locations.

Hello - สวัสดี (Sawasdee) Good morning - สวัสดีตอนเช้า (Sawasdee ton chao) Good afternoon - สวัสดีตอนบ่าย (Sawasdee ton bai) Good evening - สวัสดีตอนเย็น (Sawasdee ton yen) Good night - ราตรีสวัสดิ์ (Ratri sawasdi) I'm sorry - ขอโทษ (Khor thot) Excuse me - ขอโทษ (Khor thot) Where is ... ? - ... อยู่ที่ไหน ( ... yoo tee nai?) Please - โปรด (Prôd) Thank you - ขอบคุณ (Khop khun) No thank you - ไม่ขอบคุณ (Mai khob khun) This - นี่ (Nee) That - นั้น (Nan) Yes - ใช่ (Chai) No - ไม่ใช่ (Mai chai) Not - ไม่ (Mai) You - คุณ (Khun) I - ฉัน (Chan) / ผม (Phom) [for males] My - ของฉัน (Khong chan) / ของผม (Khong phom) [for males] My name is ... - ฉันชื่อ ... (Chan chue ...) / ผมชื่อ ... (Phom chue ...) [for males] Nice to meet you - ยินดีที่ได้พบคุณ (Yin dee tee dai phob khun) How are you? - คุณสบายดีไหม (Khun sabai dee mai?) Good - ดี (Dee) Bad - ไม่ดี (Mai dee) I speak - ฉันพูด (Chan pood) / ผมพูด (Phom pood) [for males] I do not speak ... - ฉันไม่พูด ... (Chan mai pood ...) / ผมไม่พูด ... (Phom mai pood ...) [for males] Do you speak ... ? - คุณพูด ... ไหม (Khun pood ... mai?) English - อังกฤษ (Angkrit) Spanish - สเปน (Spain) German - เยอรมัน (Yeraman) French - ฝรั่งเศส (Farangset) Phasa Thai - ภาษาไทย (Phasa Thai) Where is the restroom? - ห้องน้ำอยู่ที่ไหน (Hong nam yoo tee nai?) Water - น้ำ (Nam) Food - อาหาร (Aahaan) Bed - เตียง (Tiiang) Do you have ...? - คุณมี ... ไหม (Khun mee ... mai?)

Pad Thai (ผัดไทย)

Stir-fried rice noodles with tofu or shrimp, tamarind paste, fish sauce, and a combination of bean sprouts, peanuts, lime, and chili.

Tom Yum Goong (ต้มยำกุ้ง)

A hot and sour shrimp soup flavored with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, lime juice, and fish sauce.

Green Curry (แกงเขียวหวาน)

A coconut milk-based curry with green chilies, Thai basil, lime leaves, and a mix of vegetables or meat.

Som Tum (ส้มตำ)

Green papaya salad featuring shredded unripe papaya, tomatoes, chilies, lime, fish sauce, and peanuts.

Massaman Curry (แกงมัสมั่น)

A rich and aromatic curry with influences from Indian and Malay cuisine, containing coconut milk, potatoes, peanuts, and meat.

Pad Krapow Moo Saap (ผัดกระเพราหมูสับ)

Stir-fried minced pork with Thai basil, garlic, chilies, and fish sauce, served over rice with a fried egg.

Tom Kha Gai (ต้มข่าไก่)

A chicken soup with coconut milk, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and lemongrass, providing a creamy and fragrant broth.

Khao Pad (ข้าวผัด)

Thai fried rice with a variety of ingredients like shrimp, chicken, or vegetables, seasoned with soy sauce and often accompanied by lime and cucumber.

Laab (ลาบ)

A spicy minced meat salad, typically made with ground chicken, beef, or pork, mixed with lime, fish sauce, chilies, and mint.

Kai Med Ma Muang (ไก่ผัดเม็ดมะม่วง)

Stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts, vegetables, and a savory sauce made from oyster sauce and soy sauce.

Gaeng Daeng (แกงเเดง)

Red curry, similar to green curry but with dried red chilies, offering a spicier flavor profile.

Hoy Tod (หอยทอด)

Crispy mussel pancake made from a batter of rice flour, eggs, and mussels, topped with bean sprouts and a tangy sauce.

Thai Tea (ชาไทย)

A sweet and creamy iced tea made with strongly brewed Ceylon tea, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk. It's known for its vibrant orange color and unique flavor.

Thai Green Tea (ชาเขียว)

Green tea served hot or cold, often sweetened with sugar and flavored with condensed milk. It offers a lighter and more refreshing taste compared to Thai tea.

Mango Sticky Rice (ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง)

Sweet sticky rice topped with ripe mango slices and drizzled with coconut milk.

Sticky Rice with Durian (ข้าวเหนียวทุเรียน)

Similar to mango sticky rice but with the addition of durian, a pungent tropical fruit.

Tub Tim Grob (ทับทิมกรอบ)

Translated as "crispy water chestnuts," this dessert features red ruby-like water chestnut pearls in sweetened coconut milk.

Khanom Chan (ขนมชั้น)

A multi-layered Thai sweet made with coconut milk, rice flour, and vibrant natural colors, often served during special occasions.

Khanom Krok (ขนมครก)

Coconut rice pancakes with a soft and custard-like texture, cooked in a special pan for a slightly crispy exterior.

Thong Yot (ทองหยอด)

Golden egg yolk drops, sweetened and shaped into small, intricate, and shiny balls.

Bua Loi (บัวลอย)

Glutinous rice flour dumplings in sweet coconut milk, often served with taro or pumpkin.

Roti Gluay (โรตีกล้วย)

Thai-style banana pancakes made with roti, a type of flatbread, and served with condensed milk or chocolate sauce.

Foi Thong (ฝอยทอง)

Translating to "golden threads," it's a sweet delicacy made from egg yolks, forming fine, golden strands.

Hipster Culture

In urban areas like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, you'll find a thriving hipster culture complete with artisanal coffee shops, indie music scenes, and vintage stores. These cities have neighborhoods that are comparable to Brooklyn in New York or Shoreditch in London.

Ecological Preservation

Thailand has numerous national parks, and eco-tourism is on the rise. However, the country also faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation and pollution. There's a growing awareness and activism around these issues, especially among the younger generation.

Vegetarian/Vegan Diets

While traditional Thai cuisine is not vegetarian, there's a growing trend toward plant-based diets, especially in urban areas. The annual "Tesagan Gin Je" Vegetarian Festival is one of the most significant events promoting vegetarianism. Veganism is less common but is gradually gaining traction, particularly among expats and health-conscious locals.

Cannabis Culture

Thailand has a long history of cannabis use for medicinal and culinary purposes. The country legalized medical cannabis in 2018, becoming the first in Southeast Asia to do so. Although largely decriminalized, recreational use is still formally restricted, but not always enforced.

Tourism and Stereotypes

Thailand is often stereotypically portrayed as a destination for sex tourism, but it's crucial to note that this is only a small part of Thai culture and is generally frowned upon by the majority of Thais. The government has been making efforts to combat this image and crack down on illegal activities.

Traditional Values

Thai society is predominantly Buddhist and holds conservative views on sexuality, especially in rural areas. Premarital sex is generally disapproved of, and traditional gender roles often prevail.

LGBTQ+ Community

Thailand is relatively tolerant when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. Bangkok has a thriving gay scene, and the country is often considered one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly in Asia. However, same-sex marriage is not yet legally recognized.

Sex Education

Sex education in Thailand has been criticized for being inadequate and not comprehensive enough, leading to high rates of teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

Legal Aspects

Prostitution is technically illegal but is tolerated and regulated in certain areas. However, human trafficking and exploitation are significant concerns, and there are strict penalties for those involved in these activities.

Changing Norms

Urban areas and younger generations are becoming more liberal in their attitudes toward sex, influenced by Western media and changing global norms, although this is often in tension with more traditional viewpoints.