Sawatdee-krap! Welcome to the Land of Smiles—Thailand, a kingdom in Southeast Asia that has become one of the most beloved travel destinations in the world. There are around 72 million people living here, and the capital is Bangkok, a high-energy metropolis known for its ornate shrines, vibrant street life, and intricate canal systems. The official language is Thai, which has its own beautiful script and five distinct tones that give the language a musical quality.
Thailand covers about 513,120 square kilometers (198,120 square miles). To imagine its size, the country is roughly the same size as the state of California and Mississippi combined in the U.S., or about the same size as France. Its geography ranges from the misty, jungle-covered mountains of the north to the flat, fertile rice paddies of the central plains and the limestone cliffs of the southern islands.
The most popular sports are Football and Muay Thai (Thai Boxing), the national martial art known as the “Art of Eight Limbs.” Their national animal is the Thai Elephant, a deeply respected symbol of the nation’s history, strength, and royal tradition.
The flag consists of five horizontal stripes in red, white, blue, white, and red, where the red represents the blood shed for the country, the white stands for religious purity, and the blue symbolizes the monarchy.
The food is a global phenomenon, famous for balancing four essential flavors: spicy, sour, sweet, and salty. You must try Pad Thai, a stir-fried rice noodle dish with shrimp, tofu, peanuts, and lime. Another favorite is Tom Yum Goong, a hot and sour soup fragrant with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. For a spicy kick, try Som Tum (green papaya salad), and for dessert, nothing beats Mango Sticky Rice drizzled with sweet coconut milk.
Thailand is home to The Grand Palace in Bangkok, a spectacular complex of buildings that has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782. The country features Phuket and Koh Samui, world-famous islands offering turquoise waters and white-sand beaches. You can visit the Ayutthaya Historical Park, the ruins of the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom, which was once one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. For a mountain retreat, head to Chiang Mai, known for its ancient temples and vibrant night bazaars. Interestingly, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian nation that was never colonized by a European power!
From the floating markets of Damnoen Saduak to the full moon parties of Koh Phangan, Thailand is a land of golden pagodas and boundless hospitality. Khop khun krap! That means “Thank you!”