Located at the center of the Southeast Asian “Indochinese” peninsula, the thrilling country of Thailand is composed of 77 different provinces.
Bangkok, the largest city as well as the capital, is a political, commercial and cultural center of Thailand and is the most visited city in the entire world by international tourists. Thailand is also one of the biggest Buddhist countries in the world, accounting for 94.5% of the country’s religious preferences. If you’re looking for a plethora of historical, natural and cultural sights to fill your time or just want to find a perfect beach to laze away your days, Thailand is the perfect choice for you. Join in interesting cultural celebrations like Songkran, the raucous spectacle occurring throughout the entire country, or release glowing lanterns into the sky in Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng Festival. Those looking for adventure will definitely find it in treks to diverse ethnic minority groups living in the deeply forested mountains while cultural experiences such as attending Thai cooking classes, Buddhist meditation courses, and luxurious spa treatments are around every corner.
1. Bangkok
Every year, Bangkok draws the largest number of tourists to international destinations in the world because of its multifaceted sights, dynamic nightlife, glittering Royal Palace and temples, as well as several top-notch museums. In addition, there is such a wide variety of shopping and dining opportunities one could never get bored. Among the cities in Southeast Asia, Bangkok is one of the most impressive destinations because of its unique combination of traditional and modern features. In addition to futuristic skyscrapers and the bustling transportation, Bangkok still retains many of its traditional buildings like temples and floating markets which bear the bold imagery of the past. Bangkok is also extremely well known for its diversity in cuisine, amusement parks, and shopping malls. You can easily find many shopping centers and local markets selling high-quality silk, gems, bronze, furniture and countless handicrafts. Many tourists enjoy visiting the city between the 13th- 15th of April as the wild celebrations for Thai New Year (Songkran), are under way. Join in the city-wide water-fight with locals and foreigners alike in the time-honoured tradition of washing all the bad luck of the previous year away.
Famous food
Thai dishes are renowned throughout the world for the exquisite quality of ingredients used and the interplay of spicy, sour, bitter, salty, and sweet flavours. In fact, gorgeous curries and the iconic tom yum goon consistently rank in the top 50 of the world’s best foods – in 2017 alone, Thailand had 7 dishes on the list, more than any other country. Make sure to check out the iconic national dish of Thailand, Tom Yum Gum, a type of soup with shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, and spices like lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime, and Pad Thai, an intoxicating combination of stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, bean sprouts, tofu and egg, traditionally served with limes and banana flowers.
Other famous dishes to consider include
– Gooay teeo reua: Consisting of meat, herbs, dried spices and sometimes blood in a special broth
– Som Tum: one of the most popular street foods in Thailand because of its flavor balance of sour lemons, sweet palm sugar, spicy chilis, and salty fish sauce and dry shrimp
– Kanom beuang: a 600-year-old historic combination of crispy batter and sweet or savoury toppings
– Mee grorp: traditional crispy noodles
– Bamee: Chinese-styled wheat and egg noodles served with roast pork, greens and/or wontons.
– Gooayteeokooagai: fried rice noodles mixed with chicken and eggs, regularly sold in Bangkok’s Chinatown.
– Mataba: a thin fried pancake stuffed with either a sweet or savoury filling.
2. Chiang Mai
Nestled in valleys surrounded by the mountains of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination in the Kingdom of Thailand. Just an hour’s flight from Bangkok, Chiang Mai is worlds away from the sprawl and hectic lifestyle of its modern sister. Since it was once the stronghold and capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai is well-known for its cultural attractions such as sacred temples and pagodas, most notably, the holy Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The best time to visit this “northern rose” is between November to February, when a variety of flowers bloom and the days are warm and evenings cool with no rain. It is also the time when one of the most iconic festivals in all of Southeast Asia occur on the full moon night in November. Watch as hundreds of lanterns are released into the night sky during the Yi Peng and Loi Krathong Festivals. Chiang Mai is also an excellent place to join in educational activities like yoga and massage classes as well as religious studies and cooking classes. Many travellers use Chiang Mai as a base to explore the many ethnic minority villages found in the hills and surrounding countryside.
Famous food
Make sure to try these dishes on your northern sojourn:
– Khao Soi: an egg noodle broth served with spring onions, pickled cabbage and slices of lime
– Khan Toke: this special Lanna dining experience consists of a range of northern-style dishes and a basket of sticky rice served on a low table while enjoying cultural performances of folk music and dances.
– Gaeng Hang Lay: a sweet curry cooked in the Burmese-style with a tamarind-based soup, pork chunks, shallots and shrimp paste
– Miang Kham: this vegetarian dish has a filling of sliced shallots, fresh red or green chilies, diced ginger, garlic and lime, and roasted grated coconut wrapped in fresh betel leaves and served with a sweet syrup.
– Khanom Krok: coconut rice pancakes with a thin, crispy outer layer covering a super soft layer of coconut.
3. Pattaya
According to an unconfirmed story, the prosperity of Pattaya began when a group of 500 American soldiers arrived in Pattaya on June 29, 1959, for relaxation. They rented some houses at the southern end of the beach from a famous Thai, Lord Sunthorn. Despite the short stay, the soldiers had a great time and were extremely impressed by the place. The experience of American soldiers at Pattaya was widely discussed leading to Pattaya becoming a hot destination. Although it was once a small fishing village, nowadays this place is the second-most visited city in Thailand, after Bangkok. Pattaya attracts countless visitors every year due to its charming, crescent-shaped golden sand beaches of Jomtien and Ko Larn along the east side of the Gulf of Thailand. The second-most visited city in Thailand after Bangkok.
Famous food
Aside from the classics, make sure to try these dishes during your visit to Pattaya.
– Yum Woon Sen: a popular salad with glass noodles. The spicy and sour flavour of this dish is created by combining garlic, dried shrimp, peanuts, onion, limes, Chinese celery and a lot of chilies!
– Pad Krapow Moo Saap: wok stir-fried holy basil with minced pork, fresh chili, green beans, and soy sauce with a fried egg (kai dao) as a topping and then served on steamed rice.
– Pla Pao: an authentic Thai dish consisting of grilled fish seasoned with simple spices and lemongrass.
Pla Pao
– Khao Pad Gung: stir-fried rice with an egg, onion, herbs, carrots and peas. The locals here prefer using prawn as to the usual ingredient of meat, making this dish extra special to try.
– Sticky Mango Rice: is the most famous and scrumptious dessert in Thailand, made with glutinous rice, fresh mango and coconut milk.
4. Koh Samui
In the 1970s, Koh Samui Island was empty, with only a few bungalows and tourists visiting. But in the early 1990s, the number of tourists traveling to the island increased rapidly which boosted its tourism industry vigorously. Koh Samui now ranks second after Phuket in terms of the number of tourists visiting each year, and with its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters harbouring colourful coral reefs sparkling in the sunshine, it’s not hard to see why. Take a few days to explore the impressive Angthong Marine Park, a picturesque archipelago of 42 pristine islands, and when you tire of the beach, journey inland to gaze at beautiful waterfalls like Na Muang I and II.
Famous food
– Kalamae: sweet, sticky candy are made of glutinous rice flour, palm sugar, and coconut cream
– Kai phad med ma muang: chicken and cashew nuts are stir-fried with a variety of vegetables: chili, bell pepper, onion and Thai herbs.
– Tom kha kai : the spicy and sour soup recipe typically includes coconut milk, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, Thai chili peppers, coriander, mushrooms, chicken, fish sauce, and lime juice
– Massaman curry: the Muslim dish in the South of Thailand with the main ingredient is pork, beef and chicken besides many aromatic spices.
Massaman curry
– Satay: a dish of seasoned, skewered and grilled meat (pork, chicken, beef, goat or mutton), served with a sauce. Visitors traveling to Samui can sample this dish at Walking Street.
5. Koh Phi Phi Island
Koh Phi Phi is one of six islands in Southern Thailand’s Krabi province. This paradise was first noticed when it was used in the Hollywood Blockbuster movie “The Beach” starring Leonardo Dicaprio in 2000. With clear blue water, dramatic cliffs, incredible beaches, and a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons, Koh Phi Phi is an ideal tourist attraction when traveling to Thailand between November to May. Enjoy days sunning on the beach, snorkeling in the water, or hiking through the hills for incredible panoramic views of the sparkling Andaman Sea, tropical jungles, and outrageously beautiful sunsets. One of the easiest ways to get around Koh Phi Phi is by longtail boat—use this for exploring the area as well as when you want to visit Krabi main-land or Phuket.
Famous food
Enjoy some of these fabulous dishes while on Koh Phi Phi.
– Khao Mok Gai: Thai version of chicken biryani. Savour the aromatic spices used in the fragrant rice and tender chicken.
Khao Mok Gai
– Khao Mun Gai: another type of Thai chicken rice; however, the rice is cooked in a chicken broth and oil sauce before being served with boiled chicken.
– Khanom Cheen: a curry with fresh rice noodles often served with pickles, fresh vegetables and herbs.
– Kuay Tiew: a unique Thai noodle soup served with either pork, beef, or chicken and vegetables.
Kuay Tiew
– Tom Kha Gai: a spicy soup with coconut milk, galangal and chicken, and lemongrass.
6. Phuket
Thanks to its magnificent nature, friendly hospitality, and excellent facilities for tourism, Phuket is one of the world’s premier resorts in Southeast Asia. Thailand’s biggest island is full of beaches fringed with palm trees, fresh seafood, rich sports entertainment, and of course, all-year-round sunshine. Phuket has two main seasons, the wet season from May to October and the dry season from November to April. The best months to visit are between November and February when the beaches are at their best and the sea at its warmest. Phuket is also the gateway to magnificent diving and snorkeling opportunities in the heavenly Similan Islands as well as kayaking and island hopping in the exotic Phang Nga Bay. Don’t forget to check out the island’s most famous monument, a statue of the heroines Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Sisunthon who regained the island in 1785 after repelling Burmese invaders.
Famous food
Don’t forget to eat while enjoying the sun, sand and surf in Phuket! Popular dishes on Thailand’s largest island include
– Homok: a type of fish curry wrapped in banana leaves and steamed with leaves named cha-ploo, very similar to Fish Amok in Cambodia.
Homok
– Pak Miang Tom Kati Koong Sot: Pal Miang is an indigenous leaf cooked with coconut cream and fresh shrimp. The yogurt-like texture is a great way to cool off after trying hot and spicy dishes.
– Geng Som: This Phuket specialty is a combination of fish, tamarind and turmeric with a very hot and spicy flavor.
Geng Som
– Pla Tom Taochiew: This is a fish soup cooked with fermented soybeans. Unlike Geng Som, this dish is not spicy and has a sour taste.
– Yum Pak Good: This beautiful salad is made with green ferns and coconut milk. The crisp fern and aroma of coconut and lemon make this salad full of subtle flavours to be enjoyed.
7. Koh Tao
Koh Tao means “Turtle Island “in the Thai language. And, as the name suggests, the island is full of sea turtles in the surrounding turquoise seas. It’s also believed that the name may be derived from the shape of the island resembling that of a sea turtle. The fatigue of the long journey to Koh Tao seems to vanish on the spot when visitors catch a glimpse of the poetic beauty of Ao Ma Muang and Ao Hin Wong, two famous beaches on the island. This small island in the Gulf of Thailand belongs to the Suratthani province and is an ideal stepping stone for those wishing to visit Koh Phangan and Koh Samui to the east. Koh Tao is one of the top places to scuba dive in all of Southeast Asia and welcomes millions of visitors every year, especially from February to August.
Famous food
Experience traditional food with unique seafood twists in Koh Tao, most importantly, Kaeng Khiao Waan, a green curry made from coconut milk and a variety of herbs and vegetables. The green color comes from the use of fresh green chilies while fish is used as the main protein source.
Other curries to try include Massaman and Panang curry, slow-cooked Arabic-inspired dished with steamed mustard greens, pickles, sweet-sour chili sauce, raw garlic, fresh bird’s eye chilies, juicy chicken and boiled eggs, served with steamed rice.
8. Ayutthaya
Built by King U-Thong in 1350, Ayutthaya represents 400 years of the golden past of the Kingdom of Siam. It remained the capital of Thailand until 1767 when the neighbouring Burmese invaded and destroyed the entire city. Nowadays, visitors can still admire the splendour of these historic ruins which are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on a day-trip from Bangkok, which is only 76 km away. Make sure to inspect Wat Phra Mahathat and Wat Chaiwattaranaram during your time in Ayutthaya.
Famous food
Try these famous specialties of Ayutthaya in between temple hopping to keep your hunger at bay.
– Krung kao boat noodles: A dark coloured soup with rice noodles, roasted pork, meatballs, and crispy fried pork skin.
– Mu daeng: roast pork served with fermented pork sausages, vegetables, dumplings and soft boiled eggs.
– Rice noodles with grilled pork: vermicelli rice noodles are rolled into bite-sized portions and paired with juicy grilled pork and a spicy-sour sauce
– Bolan ice-cream: a coconut ice-cream layered atop a soft bun and sprinkled with crispy mung beans, caramel sauce and mint leaves
– Khao tom mut: steamed sticky rice seasoned and wrapped in banana leaves.
9. Pai
In the past, Pai was a quiet tranquil village populated by the Shan ethnic minority group originating from Myanmar. Just 3 hours north of Chiang Mai, tourism has boosted in recent years due to the romantic Thai drama film “Pai in Love” debuted to international audiences in 2006. The simple lifestyle and awe-inspiring beauty continue to dazzle both local and foreign guests alike. Laze the day away in your idyllic accommodation or in the charming cafes and restaurants in the city center, or get your blood pumping with treks and white water rafting in the wild jungle.
Famous food
There are many cheap delicious eats to find on the street in Pai, especially in the Night Market. Any trip to Pai wouldn’t be complete without eating these 5 culinary delights:
– Kao ka moo: the quintessential street food of the region, a stewed pork leg served with rice, pickles and boiled eggs
– Black sticky rice: glutinous rice is rolled out into a flat pancake and warmed up on a charcoal grill. Then, it is cut into little pieces and sprinkled with sesame seeds for a delicious snack
– Banana roti: Another iconic dish popular on the streets of Thailand and found on just about any touristy street corner. Choose your own fillings like banana and peanut butter, nutella, or strawberry mango and watch the delicious crepe’s creation right in front of your eyes.
10. Sukhothai
The first capital of the Kingdom of Siam, Sukhothai was a great civilization existing between the 13th and 14th centuries. Its name roughly translates to “the dawn of happiness”, and indeed this small area 427 km north of Bangkok has influenced many forms of art and ancient traditions, and is one of the reasons why Buddhism became so closely associated with Thai culture. Nowadays, a new city has sprung up and is coincidentally referred to as New Sukhothai while the ruins of the first Thai capital are found in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Sukhothai. Less visited than its contemporary counterpart Ayutthaya, Sukhothai is an excellent addition to any trip to Thailand, especially used as a stopover between Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Famous food
Sukhothai provides some unique highlights for those wishing to experience traditional Thai cuisine.
– Khao perb: steamed rice flat noodle soup with an assortment of fillings like vegetables, minced pork topped with a fried egg, garlic and coriander.
– Sukhothai noodles: rice noodles, fish balls, long beans, minced pork, chili, and lime juice are the main ingredients in this dish which can be served with or without a bowl of soup.
– Khanom dak nga: this dish is made from sticky glutinous rice, sesame seeds, peanuts, salt, sugar and coconut for the perfect sweet yet savoury dessert.
from : https://wikitopx.com
from Wiki Topx
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