Snack Food in Thailand

No, it's not potato chips.
Neither it is bean soup or sago or whatsoever.

It's the oh-so-famous fried insects!!

Jeng jeng jeng!

Picture courtesy of www.bangkok.com

Insects in Thailand are eaten as snack food, often with beer. Not raw but cooked and fried.

Just call it a 'cultural divide' but strange as it may sounds, fried insects which originated from the northeast of the country is now found everywhere in Thailand!

Some of it are not gross at all but rather yummy! :D
Depending on what type of insects you choose, some of it produces a crispy and crunchy taste while others the more fatty and juicy types well, juicy and succulent LOL

Picture courtesy of www.bangkok.com

In Thailand all these are considered delicious and extremely good for the body.

There are various types and if you're into this stuff you might be thrilled to try roaches, beetles, ants, their eggs and even cooked scorpions!

Commonly found insects are those of bamboo worms, larvae, crickets, grasshoppers, ants (which has a sour hint), spiders, cockroaches and water bugs while the rare species are scorpions.

The best way to eat them is put white pepper and soy sauce on them that actually enhances the flavor of the insects. Eating insects may sound disgusting to you but some has claimed that these unique delicacies are full of calcium and protein.
Eat with the greens and they will make a perfectly balanced meal.

Picture courtesy of www.thetravelword.com

You can click here to know more of these special food.

Enjoy eating!

Cheers!

5 Useful Tips when travelling in Bangkok

1. Use your bargaining skills..but politely! Bargaining is very common amongst shops in Bangkok. However,  smile and walk away politely if the price is disagreeable; most likely you will be called back for a negotiation!=)

2. Pack water as Bangkok's sticky, stiffling heat is very tiring for shoppers like you. A bottle of water will be a boon to your well being.

3. Beware of scammers! Savour contact with the locals but please, beware the shysters.

4. Plan ahead. Bangkok, unlike Paris and Italy, is not a walkable city. Work out what you want to see, where they are then work out a logical route on your map.

5. Carry a photocopy passport. Whether it is an impromptu demand from a local policeman or request from security at on of the city's swanky nightspots, carrying an ID is a must in Thailand. Instead of dragging your passport around with you and worry constantly of it going missing, take a photocopy.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the most significantly cultural province in Thailand. Even its name emits a certain spiritual aura..Ohm~ It's most certainly a must-go place if you ever set foot in Thailand.

Chiang Mai is a dynamic and modern city which has successfully combine its rich history and traditions with its increasingly modern side. Chiang Mai has always many feathers to its bow with its cultural riches, relative peacefulness, fantastic food and handicraft and not forgetting its many natural treasures.


Chiang Mai has over 300 Buddhist temples!
Wat Chiang Man, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep and so much more. If I are to list out all of them here it's endless! o.O

Wat Chiang Man

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

Take a look at their marvelous architectures and construction. Dwell in their history and how they come about. Who knows you may learn a thing or two from there ;)

Get closer to nature in Chiang Mai by visiting Elephant Nature Park. It is a unique elephant rescue project set in Northern Thailand. It aims to provide a sanctuary and rescue for elephants

Get cultural by joining in the festivals that Chiang Mai hosts!
There is Loi Kratong which is held in November. Each time, thousands of people release floating banana-leaf containers onto the water and hot-air balloons. Songkran is held mid-April to celebrate traditional Thai new year.

Chiang Mai Flower Festival is 3-day festival held during first weekend in February each year, the time when Chiang Mai's temperate and tropical flowers are in bloom.

I can promise you it will be a colorful and exciting affair!

So what are you waiting for? Head on over to Chiang Mai now for a burst of culture and experience!!

Cheers!

Bangkok!

Now to start off Thailand month, what's a better way to do it other than introducing Bangkok, Thailand's capital city in a glance??

Picture courtesy of cityimage.net

Bangkok has always been famous for its city business and it is the largest urban area and primary city of Thailand. Known in Thailand as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon it means 'City of Angels'.

It is the political, social and economic center of Thailand.

Some of the attractions that you must not miss in Bangkok are the floating markets!
With the most famous being Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, about 100 kilometres southwest of Bangkok.

Picture courtesy of blog.allthedumbthings.com

The colorful clad merchants paddle along the congested canals laden with fresh fruits and vegetables to sell to shoppers on the banks. The mornings will be bustling with activities and totally chaotic. It's noisy, colorful, touristy but great fun nonetheless :D

Chatuchak Weekend Market is a must to visit if you're looking for worthy stuff. Dubbed the world's largest weekend market, prepare your stamina to walk a lengthy distance as it covers 35 acres with almost 15 000 booths!! *gasps*
Maybe more! *gasps louder!*

Picture courtesy of guidetothailand.com

The range of product are crazily extensive! Pets, books, music, clothes and the list goes on...

Prices? Definitely negotiable ;)

Now if you are feeling royal, head on to the Grand Palace. The royals do not live there now. The place is only used for ceremonial occasions therefore the grounds and the four palace buildings are open to the public on most days.

Picture courtesy of thaicruises.com

Here's what you can see:
Wat Phra Kaew - a temple containing the Emerald Buddha
Chakri Mahaprasad Hall - Italian Renaissance influenced building
Amarindra Hall - the former royal court

among others.

For a while, you can catch a glimpse the lives of the royals.


Bangkok has gained its reputation as an independent, dynamic and influential city. There's so much to see and do and experience! An eye-opener!

Cheers!!

The Deals Just Keep Coming! :D

There's so many of them that we cant wait to share with all you travellers out there!

Here's another one from Groupego: A luxurious stay at Aonang Phu Petra Resort Krabi~~!

It's Krabi people...the ever oh-so-serene Kraaaabbiiii~~~!

For 2 pax inclusive of breakfast! Whoa!

Quick! Only RM 199!

Click here for more!


Cheers!

3 Night Cruise

Yep, It's a 3-night cruise onboard Superstar Libra!

Penang-Phuket-Krabi-Penang!

All these deals are growing like mushrooms now!

Need I say more??

Click here to buy!


Enjoy and relax!

Cheers!

Chiang Mai Deal!

Interested in holidaying in Chiang Mai, Thailand??

Just a relaxing vacation for two?

Well, wait no more because Jackcow is featuring a 4 days 3 nights stay in Chiang Mai, free and easy.

How much you ask?
It's only RM348 for 2 pax!

Inclusive of hotel accommodation and 2-way airport shuttle! It's defitnitely a wow deal!

Hurry! 2 days left to buy! Grab one for your own now!
:D

Cheers!

July : Thailand!

Sawadikap!

It's Thailand that we're featuring in this month of July!

Anything that you would love to know about Thailand be it holiday packages, places or food, feel free to drop us a comment or a word in our chat box. We will try our very best to update you all there is about Thailand.


Hope to see you guys more on Smart Travellers's blog!

Now before we check out, we'll leave you with a picture that was became quite hyped after it was circulated in the Internet.

Familiar? X)

Kapunkap!