Thailand

Sawadee! (Hello!) We arrived in Thailand during Songkran, or the Thai New Year Festival. People were pouring water over each other’s heads to wash away the previous year. After we dried off, we explored Thailand’s national parks. There are more than 100 national parks in Thailand packed with wildlife, waterfalls, caves, and limestone islands.

We also visited a night market where we tasted delicious food. Scroll down to print a recipe to make your own sweet Thai treat. Plus, look out for our photos and learn a few Thai phrases.

Sofia and Sam

Photos

Quick Pick

What region of Thailand would you like to visit?

Music

This fun song is from the Putumayo Kids CD, Asian Playground. Listen to more of the album here.

Learn to speak Thai!

Hello
สวัสดี
Sa-wa dee

Delicious
อร่อย
Ah roi

Yes
ใช่
Chai

No
ไม่
Mai

Thank you
ขอบคุณ
Khop koon

Good luck
โชคดี
Chok dee

Sorry
ขอโทษ
Khor toad

This one
อันนี้
Un nee

Fun Facts

Thailand was called Siam until 1939.

Over 1,300 orchid (flowering plant) species grow wild in Thailand's forests.

Thailand is home to the world’s largest golden Buddha statue.

Print and Play

Thai Shopping List

Read a Thai shopping list and figure out what items to buy.

Ready? Check your answers here!

Mango Sticky Rice

Make this sweet Thai treat at home!

Flag Garland

Color the flag of Thailand and make a flag garland.

Pen Pals

Our friend Naak, who lives in Thailand, wrote us a letter!

A wax carving for the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival

What do you like to eat for breakfast?

I have to be at school at 8 a.m., so for school days my mom makes a pot of jok which is a warm rice porridge with pork, ginger, and onions in it.

What is your day like?

I go to school from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. I like school. Our classroom has 45 students, so I have lots of friends. We always start the day by singing the Thai national anthem. In my after-school program, I like to make art and play soccer. On weekends, I take traditional Thai dance lessons.

What is your favorite celebration in Thailand?

In my town, which is Ubon Ratchathani, we have a candle festival in July. This celebration marks the beginning of Khao Phansa, a time when Buddhists eat and drink less. People carve giant wax statues with figures from Buddhist stories and folktales. A big parade is held and these statues are pulled through for everyone to enjoy the artwork. There is also live music and lots of food. My dance troupe always performs in the parade. I like that because I get to wear a golden headpiece and a colorful costume.