Culture & Tradition

Friendly to visitors, accepting in nature due to Buddhist beliefs, and splendidly original, part of the beauty of Thailand is, without doubt, the warmth, hospitality, and wonderful quirkiness of the Thai people. Promising relaxed vacations and an intriguing culture, the real riches of a truly Thai experience come with understanding the nuances of long-held customs and traditions. Even saying, ‘hello’ in Thailand comes with its own subtle yet defined rulebook, and understanding how the ‘wai’ Thai greeting works is a great way to feel connected to Thailand beyond its allure as a vacation destination, as well as create a bond with the Thai people.  What is a Wai? A wai is a form of communication and a customary greeting in Thailand. Essentially, the palms of the hands are momentarily pressed together in a prayer-like gesture with fingers pointing upwards, usually close to the chest, and the head slightly bowed. While …

Muay Thai, or Thai Boxing, captures the essence of sporting discipline, control, and strength. It is the artistic expression of the power of the body along with spirituality and tradition. Powerful and unique, with its roots in Thailand, Muay Thai is a martial art that resonates way beyond sporting prowess, straight to the core of Thai culture and the belief in strengthening character and the inner self. With strikes and clinches, the essence of Thai Boxing is to become an effective and super-efficient fighter and it is no surprise that Muay Thai fighters are so incredibly fit, fast, and flexible. The Art of Eight Limbs Whilst traditional boxing in the West is all about fist action and kickboxing is about using the hands and feet, the classic sport of Muay Thai encompasses eight points of contact; the hands, the knees, the shins, and the feet. The body acts as a …