Learn Thai Through Travel

ad-free version and full transcriptions, vocab list here → ⁠⁠patreon.com/c/ilearnThai⁠⁠–Did you know Thailand once had a year with only 9 months?As we prepare for ปี 2568 (2025), we step through the "mirror of time" to explore the fascinating evolution of the Thai New Year. From the ancient วันเดือนอ้าย (lunar New Year) to the "peak" moment in B.E. 2483 when three months vanished from the calendar to align วิถีไทย (the Thai way) with the world.Join us to uncover the ประวัติศาสตร์ (history) behind our celebrations and find a better version of yourself for the year ahead.–

ad-free version and full transcriptions, vocab list here → ⁠⁠patreon.com/c/ilearnThai⁠⁠–In Chiang Rai, ลาบสนามกีฬา is the kind of place that proves อาหารเหนือบ้าน ๆ (aa-hăan nʉ̌a bâan-bâan, homestyle Northern food) can be bold, deep, and unforgettable.From เนื้อเสื้อร้องไห้ (nʉ́a-sʉ̂a-ráawng-hâi) to chewy ไส้หมูย่าง (sâi-mŭu-yâang) and my must-order จิ้นนึ่งน้ำพริกข่า (jîn-nʉ̂ng nám-prík-khàa), every dish hits with real รสเข้มข้น (rót khêm-khôn, intense flavor) and the warmth of local cooking.The menu is huge, the portions honest, and the vibe feels like true ร้านบ้าน ๆ (ráan bâan-bâan, neighborhood dining)—even though the place is big and always packed with locals.If you want Chiang Rai in its most delicious form, this is where ความจริงใจของอาหารเหนือ (khwaam-jing-jai khǎawng aa-hăan nʉ̌a, the sincerity of Northern food) comes through in every bite.

ad-free version and full transcriptions, vocab list here → ⁠patreon.com/c/ilearnThai⁠–Just an hour from Bangkok, Ayutthaya is where ประวัติศาสตร์ (bprà-wàt-dti-sàat, history) breathes slowly—through ancient temples, silent stupas, and the calm rhythm of วิถีไทยช้า ๆ (wi-thí thai chá-chá, slow Thai life).From the iconic เศียรพระในรากไม้ (sǐan-phrá nai râak-mái) at Wat Mahathat to sunset gold over วัดไชยวัฒนาราม (Wat Chaiwatthanaram), the city feels like a living postcard that whispers stories with every step.Cycle past wooden houses, grassy fields, and quiet ruins, tasting riverside กุ้งเผา (gûng-phǎo) and rich ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ (gŭay-dtĭao-ruea) along the way—simple flavors with deep roots.Ayutthaya is a reminder that ความสงบ (khwaam-sà-ngòp, peacefulness) and ความเก่าแก่ (khwaam-gào-gàe, old charm) aren’t things you look for—they find you, as soon as you begin to walk a little slower.

ad-free version and full transcriptions, vocab list here → ⁠patreon.com/c/ilearnThai⁠–Hidden in Chiang Rai, ข้าวซอยร้อยปี สูตรตาหงษ์ is a Northern Thai โอมากาเสะบ้าน ๆ (omakase-bâan-bâan, humble omakase) where every dish carries เรื่องราว (rʉ̂eang-raao, stories) as much as flavor.From the slow-braised ข้าวซอยหมู 100 ปี (kâo-soi mŭu nùeng-rói-bpee) to ancient recipes like น้ำเงี้ยวเชียงตุง and หมูนึ่งน้ำพริกข่า, each plate arrives with warmth, intention, and the depth of เครื่องเทศเหนือ (khrʉ̂ang-thét-nʉ̌a, Northern spices).No walk-ins, no calls—just a handful of seats, an intimate pace, and a chef who shares the soul of “บ้านเหนือ” (bâan-nʉ̌a, Northern home).It’s the kind of meal you remember not only for its รสเข้มข้น (rót khêm-khôn, bold flavor) but for the feeling that you’ve tasted tradition itself.–

ad-free version and full transcriptions, vocab list here → ⁠patreon.com/c/ilearnThai⁠–Phuket is where ทะเลสวย (thà-lay sŭay, beautiful seas), อาหารอร่อย (aa-hăan à-ròi, great food), and ผู้คนอัธยาศัยดี (phûu-khon àt-tha-ya-săi dee, kind people) meet in one place.From the pastel streets of ภูเก็ตเก่า (Phuket Gào, Old Phuket Town) to Kata’s easy surf and sunsets at แหลมพรมเทพ (Lăem Phrom Thep), the island blends color, calm, and culture.And with bold รสชาติแบบบ้าน ๆ (rót-châat-bàap-bâan-bâan, homestyle flavors) in every local shop, Phuket quietly becomes the place you’ll want to กลับมาอีกครั้ง (glàp maa ìik-kráng, return to again).–