Thailand is often called the “Land of Smiles,” not only because visitors love its natural beauty and historical riches, but also because of the country’s friendly people and fascinating culture. We played with tigers at Tiger Temple, visited the Floating Village and local temples, ate a lot of Thai food we fell in love with and met some amazing and extremely hospitable people. Even though we have not gone for a yoga retreat in Thailand yet, we do go back from time to time and one day we will tick off all of the things we eventually want to do.
Check out our gallery to see how beautiful and friendly this country can be.
World’s best chef in Bangkok Spring rolls being sold everywhere in Bangkok This is why Thailand is being called the “Land of Smiles” Grilled seafood 
Tuk Tuk- Taxis in Thailand Thai bananas Admiring the scenery The Floating Village Thai Temple Buddhist statue Thai Temple Thai Buddhist Temple Tiger Temple Thai Temple This guy is so talented! 
Grilled scorpions Craving Thai food Thai food Floating Market Having some Chinese dumplings- yummy! Busy Floating Village Market Beautiful hand crafts The Floating Village The Floating Village I’m so cute! The Floating Village 
Buffaloes Thai woman smiling The Floating Village Thai woman Chinese dumplings The Floating Village 
The Floating Village 
Local specialities Thai souvenirs The Floating Village
The Land of Smiles Movie
Now that you know that Thailand is described by many as the Land of Smiles, you will probably be surprised to learn that there is a horror movie by that name. Can’t believe me? Watch the trailer – it’s all based in Thailand!
What to do in Thailand – the Land of Smiles
Don’t be discouraged by the movie – it’s fictional and just for entertainment (although I’m not sure if I see the entertaining value in this myself). Thailand has so much more to offer. For example, you can check out the free things to do on Samui Island.
50 thoughts on “Thailand: The Land of Smiles”
Nice Trip. Facinating
Thank you! You should go there too! ;-)
Thailand is certainly the land of smiles. When I was putting together a smiling faces project I had more photos that qualified from Thailand than just about anywhere else. A close second would be Bangladesh. Loved the shot of the Monk with the tiger.
Yes, you are right. We could see people smiling to us all the time and we loved the hospitality. Bangladesh might be our next destination. Happy travels Sam! Greetings from Sri Lanka- The Land of Spicy Food and Elephants :).
That is great to hear Samuel! Seems like Thailand is a very happy place the more I hear about it. I have also never been to Bangladesh but if it is a close second, I will definitely be adding it to the list. Thanks for a great suggestion!
There are smiling people? Sorry, completely distracted by the tiger pictures! ;)
C’mon Sarah! Every Thai person in this gallery is smiling :-)
Tell me more about Tiger Temple. My family helps care for abused and unwanted exotic animals at Noahs Ark http://www.noahs-ark.org and we are on the board of directors. I would love to know more about the Tiger Temple!
I will be posting a separate note on Tiger Temple so you can read about it properly. In very simple words, it’s a place located in the Saiyok district of Thailand’s Kanchanaburi province, not far from the border with Myanmar, where the tigers are kept and drugged so tourists can take some photos with them. The animals are treated very good as I could see and there are some monks taking care of them as well.
I am thinking of going to Thailand next February to stay for a few months! Is Bangkok the cheapest city to fly into from the States? I´d like to travel around the country, what were your favorite spots?
The flights from Asian countries to Bangkok are very cheap. I am not sure about the States, but once you get in here, the food and accommodation is very cheap. You can get a single room for $3-5 and grab some nice local food for $1-3 per meal. My favourite place was the Floating Village and the Tiger Temple. There were many locals selling a lot of stuff there, I had the best food ever (Chinese dumplings) and we went for a boat riding across the river. It was such a great fun. In the Tiger Temple we took some photos of tigers and played with them. Additionally, you can visit some Buddhist Temples around, go to some local villages around and ride an elephant. Hope you will have a great time and e-mail me if you need some help:).
Amazing photographs guys. Thanks You Agness for tweeting out my latest post and linking up on Twitter & Facebook. I will be following yuor blog keenly! :-) Guess what, I am coming to South East Asia in late November/December and touring the region! Where are you guys based?
It’s my pleasure. I loved your website and we are more than happy to follow your adventures. We are living in Siem Reap, Cambodia now, but we are planning to move out in a month and travel maybe in India. We will keep you posted on our plans and we wish we could host you when you come to Siem Reap. Happy travels :)
I know, I was just focusing on the tigers more than the people, y’know, the cute and fluffy-ness of them all! ;)
I understand it well hehehe ;-)
What a wonderful collection of beautiful photos! We haven’t been to Thailan yet but your pictures certainly moves them up our travel list. I’ve always loved those Tiger pictures – a bit unnerving but I’m sure an awesome experience. Your food pictures make me want to have Thai food today :)
Hi Mary. Thanks for your comment. You must visit Thailand, it’s not only the Land of Smiles but also the Land of Food and Animals. I totally loved it and I’m pleasured people can see it when looking the the photos. Thai food is lovely. I’ll be posting a separate note on Thai food soon :). Happy travels!
Yep, one of the things we noticed the most of Thailand was how friendly and full of smiles everybody was. I miss Thailand heaps!
We loved it too. We are missing these smiles a lot :-)
Smiles definitely comes to mind when I think about Thailand, everyone was so friendly and helpful.
That’s true. Thai people are extremely positive!
Great photos. Personally, I’m not a fan of the tiger temple, but I love photographing markets and it looks like you got some great market shots. Did you get a chance to go to the Erawan waterfall when you were in Kanchanaburi? It was one of the more beautiful waterfalls I’ve seen and I spent pretty much all day floating around in the various pools.
Thanks Daniel. Unfortunately we have not been to the Erawan Waterfall as we had no time, but you are not the first person saying it’s a worth-seeing place. We will go there next time, that’s for sure. I just googled it and it looks stunning! :-)
I loved Thailand but only got to see Bangkok and a bit north – really hope to go back someday. That tiger is unreal!
Same here, Bangkok only so far but more to come :)
Great pics! Certainly no doubt about how much you guys are enjoying Thailand!
Thank you Erik. Yes, we had a blast in Thailand ;)
Great shots ! My fave are the ones with the tiger. Will you guys be visiting Indonesia? Please let me know :)
Thanks DebbZie. We would love to but we can’t make it this year unfortunately. Maybe next year, but thanks for the invitation. We would love to meet up and have some lovely meal together :)x
Glad you guys are grooving so much on Thailand. It was my first step into SE Asia and I’ve loved it since my first visit. And amazing photos. Love the buffalo shot. Awesome!
Thanks Mike,
We can’t wait to visit Japan and other countries you have been to. I find your blog useful with the travel tips. Keep it up.
Good luck,
Cez
Great post! I’ve been to Thailand once. Wanna go back again.
Thanks. We are glad you liked Thailand and you want to come back :-).
I like the tiger smiles.
So do we Stephanie ;)
I can’t believe these tiger photos. I felt quite emotional when I saw the first one. How amazing! I don’t usually like to see animals in captivity but these tigers do look very relaxed and happy. What a wonderful trip. I’m looking forward to reading more of your posts and seeing more of your beautiful photographs.
Thank you Kathryn for stopping by. The tigers were very cute and happy indeed. The whole trip was wonderful and thanks for kind words. I will be keeping you posted. Happy travels!
Cool photos. We can always use a few more smiles.
Cheers Scott!
thailand is one of my fave countries… really awesome food!!!
Hi Flip! It’s so true. The food is incredible! :)