Thailand, The Way We See It

Imagine Thailand: paradise beaches, golden temples, and colorful markets. These images, widely circulated by tourism and the media, have shaped the way many people perceive the country. These really are an integral part of what Thailand is, and will be at the core of a cycling holiday here - or any holiday for that matter - but Thailand is much more than just these (true) clichés: it also features hyper-connected cities, tranquil countryside, diverse cuisine, and a rich, complex culture. How can we move beyond these stereotypical images to truly understand the country and have a more authentic experience?

We wanted to show you several facets of the Land of Smiles: its duality between modernity and rural life, the central role of the monarchy and spirituality in daily life, its cultural and artistic traditions, as well as some unique culinary highlights. By combining history, culture, and contemporary society, we will discover a nuanced country far beyond the typical tourist postcards.

Modernity & Rural Life

Thailand is not just about paradise beaches or temples: it is also Bangkok, a hyper-connected metropolis with skyscrapers, giant shopping centers, and a vibrant cultural life. Just a few hours away, one finds peaceful countryside, agricultural villages where rice is still grown traditionally. This duality is an integral part of the country's identity.

But why is Thailand so often reduced to its islands and beaches? Since the 1980s, Thailand has heavily promoted beach tourism (Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi…). Travel agencies and films like The Beach in Koh Phi Phi have popularized this image of a tropical paradise, while The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) gave rise to the nickname “James Bond Island” (Ko Tapu). As a result, many foreigners associate Thailand solely with its beaches.

The Man with the Golden Gun: “James Bond Island" (Ko Tapuau)

The Thai Monarchy

Thailand also has a rich history as a constitutional monarchy, with the monarchy playing a central role in the country's history and culture. Before Bangkok became the capital in 1782, the region experienced several successive kingdoms, each contributing to the nation’s cultural and political identity. The contemporary monarchy is deeply respected and associated with values of continuity, unity, and stability. Its presence is also visible in daily life: streets, offices, temples, and even shops in Bangkok often display gilded portraits of the king, reflecting the symbolic importance and respect accorded to the monarchy.

Past Monarchies are still very much visible when traveling through Northern and Central Thailand. Discover this heritage on our tours Thailand Heritage Plains and Thailand's Jewels by bicycle.

Culture & Traditions

Temples and monks are part of the landscape, but Thai culture extends far beyond them. There are numerous festivals such as Loi Krathong, Songkran, and Yi Peng that structure local life and reflect deeply rooted traditions. Traditional dances also play an important role: the Khon, recognized as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, showcases the refined art of performance in Thailand. This masked dance, inspired by the Ramakien epic, combines theater, music, and moral storytelling, rooted in royal tradition.

Traditional Dance: Khon (Listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity)

Thai architecture varies by region: traditional stilt houses in the central areas or Lao-influenced structures in the north. At the same time, contemporary art is thriving, particularly visible in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, with galleries, museums, and street art rapidly expanding. This contrast between tradition and modernity illustrates the cultural vitality of the country.

Religion plays a central role in Thailand. Predominantly Buddhist, society also incorporates Hindu influences. This diversity is reflected in daily practices: small spirit houses, or san phra phum (ศาลพระภูมิ), are visible on streets, in front of houses, shops, hotels, and even modern buildings. These tiny shrines honor and appease protective spirits, with daily offerings of incense, flowers, fruits, drinks, or figurines for protection, luck, and harmony. Found in both rural villages and the heart of Bangkok, they reveal a fascinating continuity between traditional spirituality and contemporary life, intriguing many travelers who encounter them on every corner.

“San Phra Phum” (ศาลพระภูมิ) also named Spirit Houses

Elephants: Symbol & Reality

The elephant has long been a major symbol of Thailand. Once used as a war animal and later as labor in the forests, it has shaped the country’s history, culture, and even national identity: the white elephant is associated with royalty and prosperity. Tourism has adopted this image, making the elephant an inseparable emblem of Thailand for foreign visitors. However, behind this symbol lies a more complex reality. With the rise of mass tourism, elephants have been turned into attractions : rides, performances, or staged shows for entertainment. These practices often involve stressful training and compromise the animals’ well-being. It is essential to remember that elephants are wild animals with complex needs and should not be reduced to tourist activities.

Many "Elephants Sanctuary" claim to be respectful but not all of them are. Feel free to reach out to us if you'd like some tips on where to go to see elephants respectfully.

Diverse Cuisine

Reducing Thai cuisine to just pad Thai or spicy dishes would be a mistake. In reality, each region has its own specialties, reflecting its history, geography, and cultural influences. In the North, for example, there is khao soi, a creamy curry soup often served with chicken or beef, embodying Chiang Mai’s culinary identity and Burmese influences. The northeast, Isan, is known for spicy papaya salads (som tam) and grilled meats.

In the south, the cuisine is influenced by Malaysia, with stronger spices and aromatic ingredients like lemongrass or galangal. Each region uses ingredients suited to its climate and local resources, resulting in incredible diversity across the country. Beyond these examples, Thai markets offer a true festival of flavors, such as mangosteen or rambutan desserts made with coconut milk.

Thai Cuisine and its influences

The richness of Thai cuisine lies not only in the variety of dishes but also in how they are shared and enjoyed. Meals are often social moments, where food becomes a bond between people and a way to express generosity and hospitality. Exploring regional cuisine, tasting local specialties, and understanding food traditions reveal another facet of the country, far from tourist clichés and standardized dishes offered to visitors.

Durian : The King of Fruits

Walking through Bangkok’s markets, one may see people wearing plastic gloves tasting a strange yellow fruit: the durian, a tropical fruit emblematic of Thailand, often called the “king of fruits.” Highly prized yet polarizing due to its strong odor, it is either adored or disliked. Available everywhere in Thai markets fresh, in desserts, or processed into sweet products the durian symbolizes both the richness of local biodiversity and a culinary tradition that celebrates bold, distinctive flavors.

By moving beyond clichés, we discover Thailand in all its complexity: a country where modernity and tradition coexist, spirituality and culture are part of everyday life, and cuisine reflects the diversity of the land. Appreciating this multiplicity allows for a more authentic and respectful experience, in harmony with the people, ecosystems, and history of the country.

This is Thailand the way we see it, hoping it has inspired you as much as it has inspired us.

---

This post, in brief:

• Here we move beyond common clichés like beaches and temples to reveal Thailand’s true complexity.

• We introduce contrasts like urban Bangkok versus serene countryside, showing how tradition and modernity coexist.

• The importance of culture royalty, spirituality, festivals and its daily presence is explored in depth.

• We delve into culinary diversity, regional dishes, and social traditions that give Thailand its rich flavor.

• The article invites readers to discover a layered, nuanced Thailand authentic, respectful, and vibrant.