Thailand Insider Tips

Thailand | Practiced by more than 90% of the country, Buddhism is the national religion with many men becoming monks before turning 20; with the average duration as a monk being three months.

Thailand | Visit during the month of April and participate in the Songkran festival. During the hottest time of the year, friendly water fights and parties take place in the streets. Join in on the festivities as the water signifies the washing away of your misfortunes for the past year.

Thailand | Famous for balancing salty, hot, sour, sweet and even bitter flavors, Thai cooks have mastered their art and it is highly recommended to take a hands-on cooking class. Learn to recreate local favorites such as Pad Thai, green curry, mango sticky rice and more.

Thailand | Be sure to learn the typical Thai greeting call the Wai. Place your hands together and raise them upward toward your face while lowering your head in a slight bow. The height of your hands represents the status of the person you are greeting. For example, when greeting an elder, lift your hands to the bridge of your nose, however, while greeting peers, lift them only to your chest.

Thailand | Nicknamed the Land of Smiles, the charming people of Bangkok live up to the title with their peace-loving outlook exuding warmth and seeking harmony.

Thailand | The Royal family is adored and highly respected in Thailand. In Bangkok, the overhead walkways and monorail will halt if royals are passing below to show ensure no one passes above them, as they are held in such high regard.

Thailand | Be sure to learn the typical Thai greeting call the Wai. Place your hands together and raise them upward toward your face while lowering your head in a slight bow. The height of your hands represents the status of the person you are greeting. For example, when greeting an elder, lift your hands to the bridge of your nose, however, while greeting peers, lift them only to your chest.

Thailand, Bangkok | Set aside some weekend time to visit the 8,000+ stalls at the Chatuchak Market, considered one of the largest in Asia. With more than 26 sections, broken up by category, find everything from specialty foods and drinks to arts, souvenirs, plants, clothing and more.

Thailand, Chiang Mai | Be sure to bring comfortable shoes when visiting the temple of Wat Pha Lat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, as the staircase to the pagodas has more than 300 steps. It's also possible to hike up to the temple from the city following the Monk's Trail.

Thailand, Koh Samui | The first plant based fine-dining restaurant has opened on the popular island of Koh Samui. Halapua utilizes local produce from its on-site farm to create modern, re-imagined dishes from classical favorites. Be sure to try the foie gras using mushrooms, walnuts, lentils and rosemary or the gnocchi made with curried pumpkin, purple sweet potato and black garlic.