5 Reasons to Visit Thailand

Trust me, the Thai food we have in our cities are nothing compared to what you eat there. Tai, a local girl I lived told me that Thai cuisine is so diverse that she has not yet tried all the varieties available. Imagine that!

When people ask me to describe Thailand, I always say that it’s a haven for gourmands and shopaholics. I have not seen so many food stalls than I saw in Bangkok, Sukhothai or Chiang Mai. Here shopping malls and local night markets coexist next to each other.

You can find food and snacks, literally, at every step and corner. Meat or fish balls, pancakes, bugs, and fruits or freshly squeezed juices are the most commonly seen on the streets of any city.

Yet, you can also stumble upon small stalls with a couple of tables and chairs around it. Fast, easy, cheap, full of flavor and delicious food you can ever eat. And it’s all hygienic. No matter what time of the day or night you feel hungry; there is an outside stall available somewhere.

Locals are friendly, always happy, smiling from ear-to-ear, very polite and helpful. In Sukhothai, where I spent one month, I had Thai neighbors on both sides of the bungalow. Even though they did not speak English and I only knew a customary greeting Sa wadi Kha, we always greeted each other with a nod and a big smile every time we would meet in the courtyard or on the terrace.

And if I had a problem or an issue, Tai was always there to help, assist or even teach me some cooking tricks.

Do I need to say anything? Look at the picture! Who would not want to exchange this cold, gloomy winter to sun, warm, sea and white sand? I bet everyone!

Thailand is famous for its gorgeous beaches and islands. Some are even popular because of the moonlight parties held at its beaches. Phuket, Ko Pi Pi, Krabi and Ko Tao are the destination for many.

Due to their vast popularity and a huge number of tourists, the islands tend to be quite expensive. But the landscapes and the beauty of nature are worth a visit. If you are on a budget, do not worry! Thailand always has something to offer you without emptying your pockets.

The life here seems so comfortable than anywhere else. Even though Thais are a hardworking nation, they do take their time and do not like to be rushed.

The transportation here is perfect. There are buses, scooters, motorbike taxes, cars, tuk-tuks, songthaews or even boats taking you anywhere you want. No need for booking in advance. You can show up at the bus station and buy a ticket for the same day, or pop your head in a hotel and ask for available rooms. Easy peasy.

Thai people love ketchup and by love I mean they put in on EVERYTHING! Even on pizza. What?? Yes, they do.

As I lived with Tai and her husband, I helped them with their pizza restaurant business. I would wait on tables and cook some burgers when the restaurant was a full house. I was always amazed the amount of ketchup I would see on a plate when cleaning the table.

Thais are far-reaching about their dining customs. Did you know that it is impolite to take dirty, empty plate from the table? It means that the customer is not welcomed in the restaurant anymore and should leave. If they want you to take a plate, they put it on the edge of the table.

Almost no one cooks food at home, and every restaurant offers a takeaway wrapped in a banana leaf or a plastic bag. Even the soup or juice! Simply jaw dropping!

And they have one of the most delicious and weird flavored homemade ice-cream I have ever tried. Oh, how I miss those too!

Have you been to Thailand? What do you miss the most? Or what is the most special meal you tried?