The Land of Smiles: Delving into the Rich Culture of Thailand

The rich culture of Thailand is heavily influenced by Indian and Chinese traditions. From religion to food, a lot of elements have inspired the country over the centuries. The result? You have a place filled with warm hospitality and genuine smiles. If you want proof, then you need to be there to experience it. 

Things To Do To Experience Thai Culture

If you visit Thailand, you’ll feel their signature hospitality right away. It is normal for them to act friendly and polite. Because of that, it will be easy for visitors to experience the rich culture of their country. So that you’ll be properly guided in making decisions that benefit your schedule and budget, here are the things you have to try in Thailand. 

Visit The Temples

As mentioned, Thailand’s culture is heavily influenced by Indian and Chinese traditions. These traditions are inherently religious and the most common religious aspect of them all is Buddhism. That is why there are many Buddhist temples and traditions all over the country. 

There are over 40,000 Buddhist temples in Thailand and some of them are considered among the most beautiful structures. There are temples with a bulk of them representing now their old selves like Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Wat Mahathat. There are also things that are made extravagant like the Wat Plai Laem and the “Blue Temple”. 

Although it seems there are just too many great temples in Thailand, you must not fail to visit the most famous “Emerald Temple”, the most sacred “Wat Phra That Doi Suthep”, the large temple “Wat Pho”, and the ultra-stunning “Wat Arun”. If you are not a Buddhist, don’t worry. Anyone, regardless of religion, is welcome to visit the temples as long as you obey the rules. 

Taste Local Cuisine

delicious Pad Thai

Whenever you walk around the big cities in Thailand such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai, you surely can expect a variety of street foods in many locations. You can buy many types of noodles, fried rice, and curry from the food stalls. The most recognizable dishes are Pad Thai, Tom Yung Goong, and Khao Pad.

If you are inspired by Thai cuisine, you can also learn how to cook them. There are cooking schools that you can enroll in as a visitor to the country. The popular ones can be found in Chiang Mai, wherein you can learn how to prepare and cook northern Thai specialties. 

Participate In Festivals

It seems that there is no shortage of festivals that are celebrated in Thailand all throughout the year. Some are religious-based and some are really unique. But definitely, a lot of them involve bright lights and fireworks. 

  • Songkran

Songkran is the festival that celebrates the Buddhist New Year. It has been observed for hundreds of years now. Its tradition is to get one cleansed through the water. Currently, many people come up with new ways to uphold that tradition like using water guns. If you decide to participate in the festival, prepare to get wet. 

  • Vegetarian Festival

Aside from religious festivals, there are also unique festivals celebrated in Thailand. One particular festival, which is called the “Vegetarian Festival”, is observed during the first 9 days of the ninth month of the Lunar Calendar. The purpose is not only beneficial for vegans but also to promote healthy diets nationwide. 

  • Monkey Buffet Festival

An ancient city named “Lopburi” once flourished between the 6th and 13th centuries. While the city is now extinct, the place is still populated but with 4,000 monkeys as residents. It is believed that they are descendants of the mythical monkey deity, Hanuman. Every year, a great buffet is held in the Phra Prang Sam Yod temple as an offering to these monkeys.  

  • Bun Bang Fai

The Bun Bang Fai, or “Rocket Festival”, is a much-anticipated celebration that involves the launching of homemade rockets. The festival is made to appease the mythical god Phaya Thaen in order to provide rain for the crops during the dry season. Locals will fashion large bamboo projectiles in order to launch in the open areas of the northeastern provinces of Thailand. 

  • Lantern Festivals

In Chiang Mai, there are 2 lantern festivals being held. The “Loy Krathong” is celebrated for the sake of the water goddess, while the other, “Yi Peng”, is intended to symbolize one’s release of own anxiety. With countless paper hot-air balloons, or “khom loi”, lighting up the evening, these festivals will surely attract visitors from all walks of life.

  • Mekong Naga Fireballs

The Mekong Naga Fireballs is a unique festival held in the Mekong River area during the Buddhist Lent. At this time, reddish-pink flaming balls are being fired towards the sky from the river, without any human intervention. Locals attributed the phenomenon to the works of the mythical Phaya Naga but scientists say it’s due to the combustion of the rising sulfur gas. 

Shop Around and Get A Massage

After witnessing and experiencing the rich culture of Thailand, it is only logical that you bring home some reminders of your journey. You can shop around Thailand for souvenirs and authentic items. If you are undecided about what to purchase, here are some decent suggestions: Thai silk, wooden carvings, handmade bags, antiques, and Thai spices. 

Don’t forget to get the famous Thai massage after shopping, which has its roots in Indian yoga. It is highly regarded because of the effective techniques used. If you plan to try it, better be in a place that you won’t expect – the Buddhist temple. In fact, the popular Emerald Temple offers Thai massages. Its massage center is claimed to be one of the most beautiful in Thailand. 

Conclusion

Thailand is truly rich in culture. Thanks to their citizens’ happy disposition, visitors will always feel welcomed and comfortable trying local cuisine, participating in many festivals, and admiring the blend of religion and architecture. Moreover, the next time you want to try relaxing, there is no reason to not experience a Thai massage in the land of its origin instead.