What is Thailand known for?

After much insight into Thailand’s culture, traditions and activities, I’m certain you would have a rough idea of what the country is known for by then. Thailand is well-known for their rice, strong Buddhism faith, Thai cuisine and water floating market that is unparallel compared to other countries.

Thailand is one of the world’s largest rice producers, producing high quality, long-grain white rice with a substantial price advantage over the lower grades of rice.  The emphasis on grain quality is the reason for Thai farmers’ limited adoption of modern, high-yielding rice varieties. About 25% of rice lands are irrigated, while the rest is still rainfed. Thais are very thankful to have rich farm fields and a good harvest every year. This can be seen in an event named the Royal Ploughing Ceremony (Raek Na)

Originating in ancient India before the birth of Lord Buddha, this event marks the beginning of the planting season at the start of the rainy period, when rice is sown. The date is determined by the royal astrologers but it usually happen in May. It is held in Bangkok at Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace, which involves the blessing of rice grains at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Rice beds were ploughed to plan the rice. Brahmin priests predict the season’s rainfall and yield based on the length of cloth selected from three options, with a long piece indicating little rain and the shortest piece as an abundant rainfall.  After ploughing, onlookers run into the fields to gather up seeds believed to a token of fortune, and then mix it with their own rice seeds to ensure a good harvest.

 Secondly, since their main religion is Buddhism, their daily life, culture, traditions and belief often incorporated a certain degree of Buddhism elements. Even their architecture has Buddhism meanings. Temples, wats and monks are the few most commonly seen sites and people in Thailand. Based on the twin pillars of the strong Buddhist faith and a deep reverence for its monarchy, Thai culture has helped to unify the people. 

Thirdly, Thai cuisine is famously known for their blend of hot, sour and sweet tastes found in dishes accompanied with their fragrant rice. Garlic, lemongrass and cononut juices are some of the key ingredients used in Thai cooking. Thai cuisine includes red and green curry dishes, fried rice and noodles. Papaya salad is another famous dish that is made by grounding garlic, dried shrimps and chillies to shredded green papaya, with lime juice and fish sauce added to the taste.

Tom chut (clear soup), tom krathi (soup that includes coconut) and ever popular tom yum (mixture of vegetables, meat or seafood in a hot and spicy soup) are one of the few famous soups in Thai cuisine.

The King of fruits for the Thais is durian. There is also a range of other tropical fruits such as mango and jackfruit available all year round. Thai desserts are made from sticky rice or coconut milk and fruits. One popular dessert would be the mango and sticky rice, which is a combination of mango and glutinous rice, with coconut and condensed milk added.

Meals are also made on the boat for sale

What's a true Thai culinary journey without a visit to their market? Thailand is famous for their floating market (talaat naam) that are found along the canals of Chao Phraya River, which is often called the "Venice of the East" by the Europeans. Floating markets are akin to living museums where you immerse in the local culture and way of life. Small canals are filled with flat boats piled with fresh produce, a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Visitors usually stop their own boats to bargain. On your way to the markets, there is also a scenic view where you pass by traditional teak houses and watch the locals getting on with their lives.