Land of Smiles
Thailand, also known as the "Land of Smiles," is a fascinating country. It is the only Southeast Asian country that was never colonized by a Western power, and as a result, it has a unique culture that is unlike any other in the region.
Check out this Squirrel Lady at Chatuchak Market in Bangkok. Where else would you see this in the West? The people of Thailand are warm and welcoming, and the country is home to stunning beaches, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife.
I was lucky enough to travel to Thailand with my mother before she passed away in 2020, and it was fun seeing it through her eyes. She loved Thailand so much that she even tried to figure out a way to move there and live full-time after her trip. My brother Dusty and I have visited Thailand a few times, I think it's safe to say that Southeast Asia is now in our blood!
Thailand is a country that I feel very much at home in. I have been fortunate enough to spend a lot of time there, and I have always been impressed by its rich culture, delicious food, and friendly people.
Thailand has three distinct seasons: the high season, the hot season, and the rainy season. The high season lasts from November to early March, and it is the most popular time to visit Thailand. The weather is warm and sunny, and there are many festivals and events taking place. The hot season lasts from April to May, and it is the hottest time of year. The weather is very humid, and it can be uncomfortable to be outside. The rainy season lasts from June to October, and it is the wettest time of year. There is a lot of rain, and it can be difficult to get around.
Aroy Mak Mak Thai Food
Thailand is a foodie's paradise, with a wide variety of delicious dishes that showcase the country's unique blend of flavors. The five essential flavors of Thai cuisine are salty, sweet, spicy, sour, and creamy. For a dish to be considered authentic, it must strike a perfect balance of all five flavors. Thai people often use the word "aroy" to describe something that is tasty, and "mak" to mean "very." When I eat these dishes, I can't help but say "aroy mak mak!"
Coconut Curry Noodle Soup
Hot & Sour Shrimp Soup
Stir-Fried Thai Basil & Pork
Spicy Green Papaya Salad
Stir-Fried Noodles
Mango & Sticky Rice
Coconut Chicken Soup
Pork Skewer with Sticky Rice
Garlic Fried Fish
Cashew Chicken
Green Curry
ok, not a favorite
Thai Food Guide
Key Ingredients
KHAO = Rice┊GUAY TIEW = Noodles┊PAK = Vegetables
Cooking Techniques
PAD = Stir Fry┊TOM = Boil┊PING = Grill┊TAM = Pound┊YUM = Mix┊TOD = Deep fry
Proteins
GAI = Chicken┊MOO = Pork┊NEUA = Beef┊PET = Duck┊PLA = Fish┊BOO = Crab┊GOONG = Shrimp┊HOI = Clams┊KAI = Eggs
🌶️ “PHET” is the Thai word for spicy. You can ask for your food to be very spicy by saying “phet mak”, a little bit spicy by saying “phet nit noi”, or not spicy at all by saying “mai phet”. I saw a Thai woman do the one-chip challenge like it was nothing. If you ask for phet mak, and you are not Thai, be careful!
My Recommendation
I have visited many different parts of Thailand, and I have always enjoyed my time there. Here are four areas that I would recommend to anyone planning a trip to Thailand:
Chiang Mai is a city in northern Thailand. It is the second largest city in the country, and it is known for its beautiful temples, delicious food, and friendly people. I would recommend spending at least a few days in Chiang Mai, and I would encourage you to visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and the Night Safari.
Koh Samui the second largest island in Thailand, and it is known for its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and delicious food. I would recommend spending at least a week in this area, and I would encourage you to visit Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach, Big Buddha Temple, Namuang Waterfall, and renting a motorbike and circling the island is a great way to see all that Koh Samui has to offer.
Pattaya, Koh Larn: These two places are located on Thailand's eastern coast, and they are known for their nightlife, shopping, and entertainment. I would recommend spending at least a few days in this area, and I would encourage you to visit Pattaya Beach, Walking Street, and the Big Buddha Temple. You can hop a public ferry from Pattaya to Koh Larn takes around 45 minutes and makes a good day trip.
Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi: These three provinces are located in southern Thailand, and they are known for their beautiful beaches, clear waters, and lush rainforests. I would recommend spending at least a few weeks in this area, if possible just move there full-time! While you are there visit Phi Phi Island, Railay Beach, and Ao Nang Beach.
