Category: Thailand

Thailand Travel Guide Better Vlogs & Selfies

by SamlyThailand / Transport / Travel CustomsLeave a Comment on Thailand Travel Guide Better Vlogs & Selfies

Thailand is a South East Asian Country and the travel hub for the Asians. This place is famous for its beaches, jungles, temples, royal palaces and figured Buddha’s. Thailand is really cheap for its accommodation, food, and travel.

Accommodation: Northern areas of Thailand are much cheaper than the southern and Bangkok. You will get cheap guesthouses as cheap as $3-$8 per night. After increasing your budget by $12 you might get a bungalow by the beach side. At the South of Thailand you can still get decent prices around 20-30$ but it can also go up to hundreds of dollars for luxury. The choice is up to you.

Food: Food actually I would recommend you to eat from the food stalls, it’s much cheaper than the restaurants. It will cost you ($0.5 – $4) by food stalls and ($5-$10) in cafes and restaurants.  Food stalls serve authentic food, at least way more authentic than many restaurants in touristic areas. Warning though: Authentic often also means more SPICY, so make sure you let them know to make it less spicy if you prefer. And at last, one more advantage is that you can eat there day and night! 

Travel: As a travel guide I would say you must travel through the local buses. Believe me, only if you will live like the locals you will enjoy the fullest. You will get local people to talk to, know more about them, their lifestyle, make new friends who have also come for traveling and share your trip experience. Traveling through the islands by bus would cost you ($1-$5). Please note that the prices may vary.

There is always to talk more about Thailand but the major things you must not miss are what you see down here.

Must do things in Thailand:

Visit Elephant Nature Park and play with elephants:

Elephant Nature Park is in the northern areas of Thailand in Chiang Mai province. This place is a rescue center for elephants, dogs, cats, buffalos and many others. You should go there learn about elephants thriving and get close to them and play with them. Elephants are never threatened or beaten but they welcome tourists and volunteers to help them rescue the elephant and know more about them. I must say an elephant is a really cool animal to play and love with.

Songkran ( The local water fight festival):

The wildest festival of Thailand is said to be the Songkran Festival. In Bangkok, this festival is celebrated in the northern area of Chiang Mai for almost a week in the month of April. You will find the children, youngsters and elders all enjoying it together. The country turns into a war zone for a week. You will find children with the biggest water guns and who come in range becomes the target.

Hangout in Pai:

Pai is a town in Mae Hong Son which is 2.5 hours bus ride away from the Chiang Mai. Personally, I would say this place is really beautiful and you should never miss the waterfall. Grab the food from the street and eat it at the waterfall. Enjoy sitting on a piece of rock rather than sitting on a chair making yourself comfortable. Traveling is all about breaking your comfort zone. Check this video to get a feel of the vibe:

Island Hopping:

Island hopping is the best part of Thailand and my favorite. If you are really an adventurous person you should never skip this. Island hopping means traveling from one island to another. Travel all the island with the local bus so that you don’t miss anything.

White Temple in Chiang Rai:

Yes, we know you may be bored of temples as there are just so many in Thailand and the rest of Asia. But I promise, this one is truly unique.

“Wat Rong Khun” is known as “THE WHITE TEMPLE” which is located outside the town of Chiang Rai. Local and Foreigners both admire the beauty and it has the most visitors out of any other. Its construction was started in 1997 and will continue till 2070. Checkout this video:

Emerald pool, Krabi

Me in Emerald Pool

Originated from the lowland forest of Khao Nor Juji, supposedly Thailand’s last piece of lush forest, this hot spring is a must-see destination. Prepare to be impressed by spectrums of turquoise stream that shifts in different light and time of the day. To experience the most intense emerald colour, visiting at dawn or early in the morning is highly recommended. Here’s a video of my friends at the Emerald pool, as you can see a great place to vlog or take selfies!

I would personally recommend to live as a local and not to travel within a luxury lifestyle. The simplest things will please you the most giving you a deep breath for the peace of mind. If you have visited Thailand I would recommend sharing your experience in comments below to guide others for a better traveling experience.

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Thailand is not just a beautiful tourist place

by SamlyReligion / ThailandLeave a Comment on Thailand is not just a beautiful tourist place

Thailand well known as ‘the land of smiles’, is not just a country with exquisite beaches and islands. Rather, it has much more to offer and confines a rich culture among the South East Asian countries. The people of Thailand follow Buddhism and it has rich Buddhist culture, history and learning. Buddhism is practiced all over Thailand. Muslims and Christians too can be found in the country but in small percentage. One can see the statues of Buddha throughout the country.

What makes Thailand unique

Thais are very cultured and they always greet their guests with folded hands and bending their head.  “Sawasdee Krab” is used for greeting males and “Sawasdee Ka” is used for females. Not to forget that Thai is a tonal language. So, one has to be very particular while pronouncing the words. One wrong pronunciation would totally change the meaning to something else. But as Thailand is a very popular tourist place so the people do understand English and the neighboring countries languages like Hindi, Burmese, Cambodian, Chinese, and Malay etc. If one does not know these languages then broken English can also be used to communicate with the locals. The natives understand that too.

Thai’s are very polite, loving and helpful people. They are not just cultured but they also pay close attention to hygiene and clothing. They address people with the initial ‘Khun’, which has the same meaning as other salutations used in the English language.

Besides having a cultural belief towards Buddhism the Thais also firmly believe in spirits. For this reason all houses, companies, condominiums, shopping malls as well as the tourist places have a ‘spirit house’, which is mostly placed at a corner of the property selected by the priest. Thais strongly believe in spirits and the reason behind making a spirit house is to provide shelter to the spirits present in or around that property so that no harm is done to the people staying there. A spirit house is more like a miniature of a house which is mounted on a pillar. A proper ceremony is held when a spirit house is placed in a property. Murals of grandparents with their family are often placed inside the spirit house. Offerings such as food, drink, flower garland to the murals and incense sticks are daily offered in the spirit house. From Non-vegetarian dishes to Liquor, everything is offered as food.

Thais believe in staying in joint family. They move away from their family only if it’s the last option left for work. They love their King and Queen very much. They actually worship their King and give honor to him no less than god. To show their respect and love towards him they even wear his favorite color T-shirts on specific weekdays. People even keep his picture at home and at workplace. Recently when their much loved King Bhumibol Adulyadej died, the whole country mourned for months.

Thailand is not just a beautiful tourist place but, it is more than that….

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The traditional Thai greeting, The Wai

by SamlyGreeting / Respect / ThailandLeave a Comment on The traditional Thai greeting, The Wai

Thais normally greet each other not with a handshake, instead they use the so-called wai, where your own hand palms fold together similar to a praying gesture. This wai gesture is not only a greeting, it is also a sign of respect shown to higher social ranking persons or older people. It is also a sign to express gratitude or to apologise.

The wai origins from India

The wai is believed to have its origin in an Indian praying gesture like the Indian “Namaste”. The
associated greeting word sawatdi is, like many other Thai words, also derived from the Indian
Sanskrit language.

Generally speaking, Foreigners unaware of this can answer with a nod of their head because most
Thais know that westerners are not familiar with this kind of greeting. However, if you want to
greet someone or respond with a wai, you should follow some rules so that is appropriate and not
wrong.

For monks, and only for them, folded hands in front of your forehead, the thumbs touch your
forehead and bow your head. For elders, your hands are around the level of your nose, for lower
social ranking people (in the sense of Thai thinking these are children, obviously younger people
than you, maids, waiter, etc.) make your wai in front of your chest and finally for higher ranking
people your thumbs should be around the level of your mouth.

Bodylanguage for the Wai

You should not wai to someone younger than yourself except for replying to a offered wai. If you
are hindered to use your hands to do or reply a wai you should use your body language to pay
respect to your opposite. In this case and generally when you do the wai, one should say the word
sawatdi (followed by the article khrap for male and kha for female) as a greeting or farewell.
Corporate wai’s in such places like a supermarket or hotel are generally replied with a nod or smile
and the phrase sawatdi khrap/kha.

Wow, that sounds complicated for the beginning. Relax, this is just theory and from my experience
in daily life, the way you wai to someone it will be only distinguished between monks and non-
clerics. Keep in mind that Thais are quite sensitive to social behaviour and to their self-perceived
standing in society. Therefore to give us foreigners a good reputation, you should keep these rules in
mind. Thais are very happy if someone respects and immerses in their culture.

And even outside Thailand the wai can be a common way of greeting for example in Indonesia,
Laos, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and of course its origin India.

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Cultural Do’s and Don’ts for Your Visit to Thailand

by SamlyThailandLeave a Comment on Cultural Do’s and Don’ts for Your Visit to Thailand

After taking a couple of simple rules of Thailand culture won’t just keep you from unintentionally insulting somebody, doing as such will separate you from the tourists just inspired by modest shopping or idyllic beaches. Respecting and observing the local Thai culture will positively enhance your experience.

Thailand has known as the “Place of Smiles” yet the Thai smile has numerous implications. Though, Thai individuals are exceptionally forgiving of misdemeanors, especially when conferred by tourists (outsiders), observing these essential Do’s and Don’ts will keep them happy.

The essential Dos in Thailand

Remove your shoes

As in numerous Asian societies, evacuating your shoes before entering a temple or any sacred place or going by somebody’s house is vital. In Thailand, you will also see a few restaurants, and shops, requesting you to remove your shoes before entering. If not sure, simply look to check whether there is a heap of shoes at the passageway, or verify whether the staff is wearing shoes. This is the reason simple footwear is a smart idea in Southeast Asia. It’s better not to venture on the threshold when entering temples and homes.

Give back a wai

The wai is prayer like pose in Thailand in which both hands are joined together in front and the head bowed slightly. To not give back a wai is looked as rude attitude; just the monks and the ruler don’t need to return wais. Do not to wai while grasping something in your hands; a slight bow will suffice. Know and read more about how to make proper wai or hello in Thai.

Use your right hand

The left hand is considered as filthy, as it is once in a while utilized for “toilet use.” Always use your right hand to pass items to somebody and while paying bill. Touch your left hand to your lower right arm (demonstrating that it is securely distant) on the off chance that you wish to show additional respect.

Show great respect to monks in Thailand

You will experience numerous monks in places, for example, Chiang Mai; better to treat them with respect. When welcoming a monk, monks get a higher wai than common individuals; monks don’t need to give wai. Ladies should never touch a monk, brush a monks robe, or hand something to a monk. Monks, at services and social events are always allowed to eat first. You will easily see number of Monks in Thailand; you’ll at sometimes see those using cell phones and also in internet cafes, so don’t be shocked!

Smile

Thai smile is very famous must to Thailand culture and etiquette; People of Thailand show it whenever they can. If someone passes a smile, give back smile. In Thailand, Smiles are mostly used amid an apology, negotiation and just in everyday life.

The don’ts in Thailand

Never kiss in public

Thai people don’t like to show affection in public beyond holding hands. So be respectful here and don’t do such things that create a problem for you as well as for Thai people.

Confrontation

Generally the Thai people are friendly and speak softly. They avoid confrontation at any cost. So try not to raise your voice or shout there. Keep your voice polite and low. Before taking pictures of local people or monk take their permission.

Dress properly

Thai people take a lot of care about their dress and do not like improper or very short dresses, especially if you are out of tourist areas or beaches. Please respect them and dress properly when you are in public places.

Don’t point your feet

Pointing your feet or raising it above someone’s head or putting your feet on a chair or desk is considered very rude in Thailand. Avoid pointing feet at monks or Buddha’s. When sitting somewhere in the grounds, try not to show your feet.

Never disrespect the king Thai people will ever tolerate the disrespect of their kind. So avoid doing any such thing because this can take you to the prison.

Don’t throw things

Throwing things at someone in fun is also considered very rude in Thailand. Take time to hand things to people instead tossing and throwing. Always unfold money when paying someone.

Touching some one’s head

Touching someone’s head in Thailand is considered as very impolite and rude. Avoid touching someone’s head, especially in public places.

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Top four most popular Asian festivals.

by SamlyChina / Malaysia / ThailandLeave a Comment on Top four most popular Asian festivals.

In both human population and in landmass, Asia ranks number one as the biggest continent. The boundary stretches from the Middle East region down to the east of the ocean Pacific. Asia as a continent over time has been known for the liveliness of it people and their huge cultural and religious heritage. However, beyond the people, Asia has one more thing to be proud about; it’s festivals. Asian festivals are one of the most celebrated events in the region as each of them shows off a rich variety of culture of the people. Even though these festivals as you travel from place to place in the region may vary in procedures or manner of celebration but they all have something they share and that is the fact that they are all huge and massive festivals with plenty fun in the pipeline for both indigenous citizens and tourists. So if it’s probably your first time in Asia or you have future plans of coming around to spend a holiday or even for a business trip, below are some Asian festivals you must not miss for anything:-

Songkran (Thailand)

Topping the list is the ancient Thailand New year festival known as Songkran. This festival usually comes up during the time of the year that seems the hottest and as the New Year festival. It also serves as a source of spiritual cleaning for the participants. The fun of the festival comes as local residents equip themselves with buckets of water far below room temperature and out into the streets to completely drench anyone that comes their way as a kind of New Year blessings. Tourists have been participants of this festival as they see the fun.

Harbin International Ice & Snow Sculpture Festival (China)

Looking at this festival as the biggest ice and snow celebration in the whole world will not in any way be an exaggeration. This festival as the name implies is an ice and snow festival held every year during the winter months somewhere in the northeast of China. During the festival, beautiful ice sculpture artworks are displayed in such a magnificent manner that it lights up the whole celebrations. First timers to this festival find it absolutely amazing. You will wish to attend some day.

Hong Kong Arts Festival (China)

Surely, this festival always gets the people of Hong Kong and visitors as well wet with excitement as they anticipate its arrival. A festival comprising of art shows, talent shows (both local and international), concerts and many more interesting activities by top stars in the entertainment industry around the world. This festival means a lot to the people of Hong Kong as it showcases their rich cultural heritage.

Thaipusam (Malaysia)

This list will probably make a low statement of fact if I fail to include the very famous festival of Thaipusam held in Malaysia. Thaipusam holds a record of attracting over a million local men and women with additional thousands of tourists and first timers in Malaysia. From the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur, a procession which is due to last for 8 hours takes off and concludes at the stunning temple at Batu Caves just outside Kuala Lumpur. Celebrated between the January and February period, it attracts people from other religions aside from the main Hindu followers.

The list certainly can go on and on!

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Wearing Make-up to bed

by SamlySuperstitious / ThailandLeave a Comment on Wearing Make-up to bed

Do not wear make-up before going to bed. According to ancient beliefs, sleeping time is when our spirits leave the bodies and travel to beyond places that we cannot normally go,  as the moment of death. If one wears make-ups, one’s spirit may not recognize the face and may not be able to return to the body. That person may not be able to wake up again.

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Polite way of sitting

by SamlyBody Language / First Meeting / Image / Face / ThailandLeave a Comment on Polite way of sitting

Sitting down with legs tucked back to one side is regarded as polite.

Before an older person is sitting down, neither hand should be placed on the floor. One should also keep the eyes down slightly and avoid eye contact. This applies to both men and women , and they should conduct themselves in the following manner :

Sitting in the sideways position with the body upright and toes bent towards the hip and hands joined on either thigh . Any comfortable and neat placing of the joined hands on the thigh is acceptable, but above the knee of the upper leg is the usual place.

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Guardian goddess of boats

by SamlyReligion / Superstitious / ThailandLeave a Comment on Guardian goddess of boats

Guardian goddess of boats means revered as sacred in Thailand to keep insurance protection for vehicles such as cars, boats or believe lurks in the car, the boat and give you a penalty for the driver cabin. Worship: those with more faith bring three-color fabric to tie the bow. To show respect and to promote prosperity for the boat itself.

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The beaches and weather

by SamlyThailand / Travel CustomsLeave a Comment on The beaches and weather

Thailand has the world’s most beautiful beaches and some of the most famous diving spots. People come from all over the globe just to spend a week lying on a Thai beach drinking coconut milk right from the shell and getting beach massages, or to hire a boat to go diving around the country’s coral reefs. The sand is soft and fine, the ocean is blue and warm, and the marine life the most spectacular you have ever seen.

Hot, hotter and hottest — that’s how Thais describe the weather in Thailand. It’s sunny almost all the time and, yes, it’s roasting hot. But that all fits in with the exotic nature of the country, the sights, the sounds and the smells. Yes, in the rainy season it rains, but even then rarely for more than an hour. Then the sun comes out, the heat rises off the streets, and you’re once more luxuriating in glorious heat.

 

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