Thailand is one of the major tourist countries in Southeast Asia and has long been hailed as “the most exotic country in Asia.” With its rich and unique tourism resources, it attracts thousands of tourists every year, including many from China. Today, let’s talk about the main attractions to visit in Thailand and some essential tips to keep in mind.
Bangkok Night View
Abundant Tourism Resources and Unique Cultural Attractions
Buddhist Culture
Thailand is a Buddhist country, with 90% of its people practicing Theravāda Buddhism (a branch of Hinayana Buddhism). There are over 3,000 temples nationwide. In this beautiful country known as the “Land of White Elephants,” there are magnificent temples and stupas with towering spires everywhere.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second-largest city, the political and economic center of the north, as well as a historic and cultural city and a popular tourist destination. Of course, Chiang Mai is also a sacred Buddhist site, especially known for its many temples. Many of you may have seen Xu Zheng’s movie “Lost in Thailand,” in which Chiang Mai appears multiple times.
Chiang Rai
The northernmost province of Thailand and home to the world-famous “Golden Triangle,” once notorious for opium cultivation and trade, it has now been developed into a tourist area.
Tropical Scenery
Thailand’s tropical scenery, with its diverse tropical plants and animals, provides favorable conditions for tourism development. Elephant rides and crocodile watching are popular among visitors. The region’s distinctive tropical fruits also delight tourists, including the “King of Fruits” — durian, as well as mangosteen, rambutan, longan, and more, all of which are local specialties.
Phuket Island (Kamala Resort Area)
Phuket Island (Kamala Resort Area)
Phuket Island (Patong Beach)
Similan Islands
Pattaya Beach
Pattaya Beach is one of Thailand’s most renowned beach resorts and an internationally famous coastal holiday destination and amusement area. Pattaya is also known as Thailand’s “City of Flowers.” The “ladyboy” shows are a unique attraction in Thai tourism. These are performances by male actors who have undergone sex reassignment surgery and rigorous training to present a graceful female image, and they are especially famous in Pattaya.
Ladyboy Shows
Unique Entertainment
Thailand has unique cultural traditions and folk customs, such as a variety of colorful festivals, the refreshing life of the waterborne communities, world-famous classical and folk dances, interesting pantomime and Lakhon Nok theater, as well as distinctive Thai boxing, cockfighting, fish games, and Thai dance, all of which captivate visitors.
Thai Boxing Match
Thai Dance
Specialty Cuisine
Can travel be complete without delicious food? Thailand is located in the tropics, where locals generally enjoy sour, spicy, and sweet flavors. Visitors to Thailand must try various condiments, as they are one of the essences of Thai cuisine. Tom Yum Goong (spicy and sour shrimp soup) is one of the most representative dishes in Thailand. Thai people also love to eat polygonal-shaped foods about the size of an egg, wrapped in green leaves — Khanom Tom (sticky rice dumplings).
Tom Yum Goong (Spicy and Sour Shrimp Soup)
Customs and Travel Tips
Thailand is a country that places great emphasis on etiquette. Thai people are known for their friendly attitudes and gentle temperament. Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, and the king is regarded as supreme in the hearts of the people. When encountering Thai monks, it is important to respect their beliefs and customs and yield to them. Thai culture emphasizes gender separation, even during public dancing, where decorum is expected. Thais prefer red and yellow but dislike brown. They value the right hand and regard the left hand as unclean. Avoid sleeping with your head pointing west, as corpses are traditionally laid with their heads in that direction. Before entering a Thai person’s home, remove your shoes and do not step on the threshold. Gambling is prohibited in Thailand — even playing mahjong or cards in hotel rooms is not allowed.
When traveling in Thailand, there are many taboos. The head is considered sacred and inviolable; use your right hand when eating or passing objects to others as a sign of respect; avoid discussing politics, corruption, or members of the royal family; no killing is allowed on Buddhist holy days, and any necessary killing should be done the day before; if you encounter monks on a sunny day, you must walk around their shadow if they pass by; when visiting temples, check your attire; avoid making careless gestures toward temples, Buddha statues, or monks; young couples should avoid overly intimate behavior; when taking photos, do not touch Buddha statues, and never climb on them; Thai monks hold a high social status, so do not disrespect them; avoid signing with a red pen; dogs are a taboo symbol in Thailand.
These customs and taboos are essential to study before traveling to Thailand, so you can avoid any awkward situations during your trip. (Some images are sourced from the internet. If there are any copyright issues, please contact the author for removal.)