Thailandis one of the most popular tourist destinations the world has to offer and a regular on the wish list of backpackers and mainstream tourists. It’s certainly easy to see why the country is so popular if you begin to examine everything it has to offer.
Whatever your budget, likes, dislikes and tastes, you’ll be sure to find something in Thailand. From its white sandy beaches and beautiful turquoise waters and even the bustling metropolitan cities of Chiang Mai and Bangkok. They even have spectacular temples with their Buddha statues, intricate decorations and beautiful architecture. You’ll soon fall in love with the country and find it hard to leave since it has so many tourist attractions.
The most compelling reason for you to visit Thailand is the amazing cuisine that can be sampled in the country. It is a delicious fusion of Chinese, Cambodian, and Malaysian styles with strong aromatic ingredients and plenty of spice.
Thailand has excellent opportunities for scuba-diving and a variety of other water sports. One thing that you may now have known about Thailand is the excellent private healthcare system for foreign tourists. It’s a good idea to purchase an annual travel insurance policy before you travel to ensure you are covered for every eventuality (don’t forget to check policy exclusions to make sure scuba diving is covered).
Once you’ve decided to makeThailandyour next holiday destination, here is my selection of the best dishes for you to sample when you arrive:
1: Pad Thai
The national dish ofThailandand usually to be found in 2 styles; classic & variation (the latter of which has been influenced by Western culture). To experience Pad Thai at its best you should opt for the classic dish, a truly delectable dish consisting of stir-friend noodles with eggs, bean sprouts, tofu and shrimp in a sauce made from fish, tamarind juice and chillis. You’ll usually find it is served with a garnish of crushed peanuts and coriander, both of which compliment the flavours well.
2: Tom Yam Gai
One of my favourite soups, Tom Yam Gai is a delicious hot and sour chicken soup which will clear your sinuses and leave you wanting more. A cacophony of flavours which balance each other out extremely well, from the refreshing lemongrass to the spicy chilli, it’s sure to become a firm favourite.
3:
A simple dish of chicken with cashew nuts flavoured with sweet soy sauce, honey and garlic. Don’t be fooled by its simplicity though, you’ll soon be hooked on this satiating and truly delicious dish with its locally grown cashew nuts (harvested on the island of Phuket) and fresh, zingy flavours.
4: Panaeng
Coconut is a welcome ingredient for me and you’ll find it many Thai dishes, Panaeng is one of those culinary delights, and let me tell you, it is truly delicious. The choice of meat can vary but it’s usually chicken, beef or pork in a creamy coconut sauce with plenty of chilli to give it a spicy kick and served with boiled rice.
5: Thom Kha Gai
If you like your soups and fancy something a little softer on the palette, why not try Thom Kha Gai, a beautifully smooth and creamy soup with coconut milk and the delicious Galangal (a cousin of ginger) which gives the soup an altogether different taste than the Tom Yam Gai soup above. Once you’ve sampled the above dishes, I’m sure you’ll agree that Thai cuisine is some of the most delectable and gratifying food you’ll ever taste!