Looking for enjoyable info about Thailand? I received you coated.
You see, Thailand is a spot that by no means ceases to amaze me. It is a rustic that we’ve traveled and lived in during the last couple of years and regardless of what number of instances we’ve been, we at all times appear to return again.
Known for its breathtaking coastlines, unimaginable delicacies, and fascinating cultural heritage, it’s one in all our favourite international locations in Southeast Asia.
In reality, on the time of writing this text, I’m presently residing in Phuket, Thailand!
When researching extra into this unimaginable nation that we love, I stumbled throughout a couple of extremely peculiar and engaging info.
So, get able to amuse as we unearth a few of the wackiest and thrilling info about Thailand!
Fun Facts about Bangkok
Let’s begin with the capital metropolis of Thailand, Bangkok. This chaotic, bustling capital is the middle of Thailand’s tourism and is the place to begin for many travels across the nation.
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1. Bangkok Has a Statue Worth $250 Million
Did you understand that Bangkok has the world’s largest strong gold Buddha statue? It’s known as the Golden Buddha, and it’s tucked away in Wat Traimit temple. This magnificence weighs over 5.5 tons and is price a staggering $250 million.
The Golden Buddha is an impressive sight to see, standing at about 10 toes tall and 12 toes huge. Made completely of strong gold, this statue is adorned with intricate particulars which are awe-inspiring. The Buddha is sitting cross-legged within the lotus place, with one hand resting on his lap and the opposite hand touching the bottom.
In Thai, the Golden Buddha is named Phra Phuttha Maha Suwana Patimakon.
But essentially the most fascinating reality in regards to the Golden Buddha is its historical past. To shield the statue from invaders, it was hid in plaster for a few years. It was not till the mid-1800s that the plaster cracked, revealing the shining gold beneath.
2. Bangkok’s Name isn’t Really Bangkok
Bangkok, the capital metropolis of Thailand, boasts the world’s lengthiest official metropolis title within the native language. In Thai, locals name it “Krung Thep.”
But its official title is: “Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.”
That title actually interprets to “The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city (of Ayutthaya) of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn.”
Whew! What a mouthful. Regardless of its title, there are SO many issues to do in Bangkok that visiting right here is at all times a enjoyable time.
3. You Can Find a Reclining Buddha Here
Bangkok’s temples are dwelling to a few of the most exceptional cultural landmarks on the earth. One of essentially the most iconic temples in Bangkok is Wat Pho, which homes one of many largest reclining Buddha statues globally.
The statue, plated in a skinny layer of gold and stretching over 46 meters lengthy and 15 meters excessive, is a panoramic masterpiece. It’s so big that it nearly spills out of the temple!
The reclining Buddha denotes the second when Buddha entered Nirvana, a state of good concord and pleasure.
As guests discover Wat Pho, they will take within the beautiful particulars of the statue, together with the 108 bronze bowls on the partitions, symbolizing the 108 propitious characters of Buddha.
Wat Pho additionally acknowledged because the birthplace of conventional Thai therapeutic massage, making it a super place to unwind after an extended day of temple visits.
4. Bangkok is Home to the Largest Outdoor Market within the World
If you’re into procuring, you might need heard of the well-known Chatuchak Weekend Market, the most important out of doors market on the earth.
This weekend market covers over 35 acres, and it’s the largest of its type globally. Over 200,000 individuals go to this market on daily basis, strolling round its whooping 15,000 stalls.
The market can also be dwelling to many distinctive and quirky objects that you just received’t discover anyplace else. For instance, you may come throughout stalls promoting classic vinyl data, handmade jewellery, and even stay animals like unique birds and reptiles.
Aside from this market, Thailand additionally has a plethora of evening markets in Bangkok to go to.
Interesting Facts About Thailand
Now that we’ve coated a couple of info about Bangkok, let’s discuss a couple of attention-grabbing info about Thailand on the whole.
5. Thailand was Never Colonized
Did you understand that Thailand is the one nation in Southeast Asia that by no means received taken over by a European energy? Yeah, that’s proper! This signifies that Thailand has been capable of maintain on to its personal distinctive tradition and traditions, which is fairly wonderful when you ask me.
Even with all of the completely different cultures which have come and gone by way of Thailand over the centuries, the nation has stayed robust and unbiased.
They managed to keep away from colonization from European international locations as a result of the French and the British determined to maintain it as a impartial territory between them.
In the Thai language, Thailand can also be known as Prathet Thai which implies “land of the free.”
6. The World’s Smallest Mammal Can Be Found in Thailand
The world’s smallest mammal is named a bumblebee bat or Kitti’s hog-nosed bat. The loopy factor about this animal is that it’s tremendous tiny – like, smaller than a penny tiny! These bats have a mean physique size of simply over 1 inch.
In reality, it’s solely in regards to the measurement of a giant bumblebee (therefore the title!).
These little guys are endangered, they usually can solely be present in a couple of caves in western Thailand, so when you ever get the prospect to identify one, think about your self fortunate!
7. Thai People Don’t Often Shake Hands
Instead of shaking arms, you may discover that locals greet one another in a particular manner.
It’s known as the “wai”, and it’s an indication of respect that entails inserting your palms collectively in entrance of your chest and barely bowing your head, just like if you bow in yoga.
The wai gesture is commonly accompanied by the Thai phrase “sawasdee,” which implies “hello” or “welcome.”
8. Thai is a Complicated Language
The Thai language has a novel and complicated writing system that features 44 consonants, 32 vowels, and seven tone marks. That’s a complete of 76 letters which is why studying the Thai may be laborious.
The tone marks dictate your general intonation which is why the Thai language generally is a little sing-songy. The Thai language makes use of 5 tones, known as mid, low, excessive, rising, and falling.
9. Thailand Uses Two Calendars
In Thailand, you is perhaps shocked to be taught that individuals comply with not only one, however two calendars. The first is the Gregorian calendar, which is similar because the calendar used within the Western world. The second is the Buddhist calendar.
The Buddhist calendar is 543 years forward of the Western calendar and is predicated on lunar cycles.
Thai individuals use the Buddhist calendar for cultural and spiritual occasions similar to festivals and holidays. The Gregorian calendar is used for official functions like enterprise and authorities.
10. You Can Visit a Town Overrun by Monkeys
Lopburi is a small city positioned in central Thailand which has turn into well-known for its distinctive inhabitants – a troop of playful macaque monkeys!
These creatures have taken over the city and may be seen leaping from rooftop to rooftop and enjoying within the parks. What began as round 400 monkeys or so has now grown to over 4000 animals!
To have a good time the monkeys, the city holds an annual Monkey Buffet Festival, the place laid out some lavish feast of vegetables and fruit for the monkeys to get pleasure from. The pageant is a vigorous and colourful occasion that draws guests from everywhere in the world.
Fun Facts About Thai Food
Thai meals is a few of the finest on the earth however they do have a few enjoyable meals info about Thai delicacies that I completely loved discovering.
11. Rice is a Dessert in Thailand
While not distinctive to Thailand (the Philippines does it too!) Thai individuals think about rice as a dessert too.
Thai desserts include coconut milk, sticky rice, and contemporary fruit. One common dessert within the Thai delicacies is mango sticky rice. It is one in all my absolute favourite Thai dishes and is so rattling good!
Mango sticky rice is made with candy glutinous rice, ripe mango, and a drizzle of coconut cream.
12. Bugs are a Delicacy
Ready for an additional enjoyable reality about Thailand? If you’re visiting Thailand and feeling curious in regards to the native avenue meals delicacies in Thailand, you may wish to attempt a few of the uncommon meals on provide.
When you’re within the touristy areas, anticipate to see a wide range of Insects and bugs.
Some of the most well-liked bugs serving on the streets embody deep fried crickets, grasshoppers, and silkworms.
The bugs usually seasoned with salt, pepper and generally chili powder and crunchy kaffir lime leaves. They scoop them up and place them in a plastic bag so you may munch on them like a bag of chips!
Personally, I first tasted these fried bugs throughout a visit to Bangkok once I was in my teenagers and though it was on the market, it was one thing I’m glad I attempted them!
Would you attempt them throughout your journey?
13. They Have a Certain Type of Fruit that’s Banned from Hotels
Durian is a tropical fruit that’s common in Thailand. The fruit itself is so pungent that some lodges and public locations ban it.
That’s proper – durian has a candy and creamy style, however it additionally has a brilliant robust odor that may be overwhelming for some individuals.
It will not be unusual to see indicators in lodge corridors and lobbies banning the fruit from the premises as a consequence of its insanely pungent odor.
14. Thai People Do Not Use Chopsticks
Did you understand that Thai individuals have their very own distinctive manner of consuming that doesn’t contain chopsticks?
Contrary to common perception, chopsticks generally not utilized in Thailand, with locals sometimes consuming with a spoon and a fork as an alternative.
This consuming type is claimed to have been influenced by Western eating practices that had been launched to Thailand a few years in the past. Furthermore, Thai meals usually made up of small, easy-to-eat items that may be simply dealt with with a spoon, making chopsticks much less crucial.
Fun Facts about Thai Culture
Thailand is a captivating and numerous nation with a wealthy cultural heritage that spans hundreds of years. With this, comes a couple of distinctive and enjoyable info about Thailand’s tradition.
15. Songkran is the Biggest Water Fight Festival within the World
Did you understand that the Songkran pageant is the largest water battle on the earth? This pageant marks the Thai New Year and celebrated in mid-April with a number of water fights and splashing.
During this pageant, individuals playfully throw water balloons, use water weapons, and enormous hoses as they splash one another with water.
If you’re in Thailand throughout Songkran, be ready to get soaked and have a blast! We have personally celebrated Songkran 3x in Thailand and might attest to how enjoyable it’s.
16. They Love their National Anthem
Coming at you with one other reality about Thailand and this time, it has one thing to do with their nationwide anthem.
Thailand’s nationwide anthem, “Phleng Chat Thai” (The Thai National Anthem), performs on a regular basis at 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. in public locations throughout the nation, similar to practice stations, parks, and authorities buildings. Usually, a Thai flag will even be in show close by.
But do you know that it’s additionally performed in cinemas earlier than each film screening? Yes, that’s proper! Before the film begins, the viewers stands as much as present respect whereas the nationwide anthem is performed.
It’s a novel and patriotic custom that displays the deep respect that they’ve for his or her monarchy.
17. Showing Your Feet is Disrespectful
Another enjoyable reality about Thailand is that exhibiting your toes is definitely thought-about disrespectful. It is quite common to take off your sneakers earlier than getting into somebody’s dwelling or sacred locations like temples.
This is as a result of in Thai tradition, toes are thought-about the bottom and dirtiest a part of the physique, whereas the top is the best and most sacred.
In reality, when you present the soles of your toes, it’s seen as an indication of disrespect. With that in thoughts, having slippers or sandals which you’ll be able to simply slip on and off is handy, particularly if you’re sightseeing round temples.
18. There are Over 70 Minority Groups in Thailand
Did you understand that Thailand, like different international locations in Southeast Asia is dwelling to greater than 70 completely different ethnic teams, every with their very own distinct language, customs, and traditions?
Some of the most important ethnic teams in Thailand embody the Thai, Chinese, Malay, and Khmer, however there are additionally many smaller ethnic teams that contribute to their general tradition.
Naturally, the most important group is the Thai, who make up the vast majority of the inhabitants. Next is the Thai-Chinese, who’ve lived in Thailand for generations.
When you go to locations like Northern Thailand, you additionally might encounter members of the hill tribe teams just like the Hmong, Karen, Akha, and Mien. Hands down, a few of my favourite experiences when touring Thailand was once I hung out assembly some hill tribe minorities in Chiang Mai.
Other Facts About Thailand
Can’t get sufficient of those enjoyable info about Thailand, carry on studying as we’ve extra for you!
19. Siamese Cats Came from Thailand
Siamese cats are a preferred breed of cat with distinctive markings and pleasant personalities. They truly originated in Thailand when the nation was nonetheless often called Siam.
Thai tradition extremely values siamese cats and infrequently saved as pets in palaces and temples.
20. Thailand Wasn’t Always Called Thailand
Did you understand that Thailand was often called “Siam” till 1939, when the nation’s title was modified? Interestingly, the title “Siam” was used once more for a quick interval from 1946 to 1948.
Today, Thailand is the official title of the nation and displays the nation’s robust cultural heritage and id.
Thai nationwide flag’s colours are crimson, white, and blue. White stands for faith, blue is for the monarchy, and crimson represents the Thai individuals.
21. Siamese Twins Started in Thailand
Did you understand that the time period “Siamese twins” originated in Thailand when the nation was nonetheless often called Siam?
The time period was impressed by the well-known conjoined twins, Chang and Eng Bunker, who had been born in Siam within the early nineteenth century.
The brothers had been joined on the chest and traveled the world as a circus attraction, gaining worldwide fame and provoking the time period “Siamese twins.”
While this time period is not thought-about politically right, it has since been changed by the popular time period “conjoined twins.”
22. Tuk Tuks are Originally from Thailand
Did you understand that the Tuk Tuk originated in Thailand? Although different international locations like Sri Lanka or the Philippines have their very own model, the very first ones got here from Thailand.
These open-air three wheeled autos are sometimes brightly coloured and embellished with varied designs. The title “Tuk Tuk” comes from the sound of the 2-cycle engines which are generally utilized in these autos.
They are quite common in Bangkok in addition to in Chiang Mai.
23. They Make Offerings to Ghosts
Did you understand that in Thai tradition, there’s a superstition that the seventh month of the lunar calendar is called “Ghost Month.” During this month, ghosts are believed to roam the earth freely.
This custom has its roots in historical Chinese folklore and is marked by a customized of creating choices to the ghosts to stop them from inflicting hurt.
When strolling round Thailand, you might discover choices for these ghosts by the type of little sweets, drinks, and extra.
24. Logging is Illegal in Thailand
An superior enjoyable reality is that logging has been prohibited in Thailand for over three many years? In 1989, the federal government imposed a nationwide ban on logging to guard the nation’s forests and forestall environmental harm.
However, regardless of this ban, there have been stories of unlawful logging actions in some elements of the nation.
25. There are Different Levels of “Wais”
Did you understand that the Wai greeting, a conventional Thai gesture of respect, has completely different ranges of politeness relying on the peak of the hand place?
When greeting somebody of upper standing or age, it’s customary to lift your arms increased, as much as the bridge of your nostril as an indication of respect.
Conversely, when greeting somebody of equal or decrease standing, the arms are solely raised to the chest degree.
So, the following time you’re in Thailand, remember the fact that the peak of your arms in the course of the Wai greeting can convey so much about your respect for the individual you’re greeting!
26. It is Illegal to Step on Thai Baht
Stepping on the Thai foreign money, Baht, is prohibited. This legislation is taken critically, and in case you are caught stepping or stomping on the baht, you can face a hefty positive and even imprisonment.
This legislation is in place to point out respect for the Thai Royal household, because the picture of the present King or previous Kings is commonly featured on Thai banknotes and cash.
So, when you’re in Thailand, you should definitely deal with their foreign money with the utmost respect and keep away from stepping on it!
Overall, Thailand is a captivating nation with a wealthy historical past and tradition, and these enjoyable info provide only a glimpse into the numerous attention-grabbing points of Thai life.
From the gorgeous temples and conventional greetings to the distinctive meals and festivals, there’s a lot to find and discover in Thailand.
Whether you’re a first-time customer or a seasoned traveler, studying about Thai tradition and customs may help you higher admire and perceive this wonderful nation.
So, subsequent time you’re planning a visit to Thailand, you should definitely hold these enjoyable info in thoughts and luxuriate in all that this glorious nation has to supply!
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