In order to explore a country like a pro, one must first identify where exactly he wants to go. In today’s post, we will walk you through the common Thai vocabulary about places (or สถานที่) that will help get to the precise location you want to be in. We will also list down some of the top places in Thailand that you need to know before your flight. So, if you are up for that, let’s get the ball rolling!
Are you interested in doing a quick การท่องเที่ยว (travel) and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? If you are, Thailand has amazing places that will get you excited and craving more. Aside from the ever-popular Bangkok, top-rated cities like Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, and Krabi are waiting to be discovered. Aside from all that, there are also a number of tourist and budget-friendly places you can find within the country.
But before you hop into a plane, book a hotel/restaurant, or look for flight information, we suggest that you start learning the basic vocabulary words related to places in Thailand. Not only can these words increase your knowledge in their language, but they can also help ensure that you can get by like a pro. After all, there is nothing scarier than being lost in a country way too far from your home, right?
Thai Vocabulary About Places Or Locations
Have you ever heard that “man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore”?
That statement may be true, but we do not advise total beginners in traveling to consider wandering into the unknown or getting lost. As soon as you step outside the airport, you should already have a plan on where to go and an idea of how near a hospital, police station, post office, bank, or embassy is from the places you will visit. When an emergency happens, it would be wise to know how to speak Thai words and phrases related to transportation and places. Practice and read the table below.
Place | Thai | Pronunciation Guide |
Airport | สนามบิน | S̄nām bin |
Amusement park | สวนสนุก | S̄wn s̄nuk |
Apartment | อพาร์ทเมนต์ | A phār̒ th mên th̒ |
Bank | ธนาคาร | ṭhnākhār |
Beach / seaside | หาดทราย | h̄ād thrāy |
Church | โบสถ์ | Bos̄t̄h̒ |
Cinema | โรงหนัง | Rong h̄nạng |
Company | บริษัท | Bris̄ʹạth |
Condominium | คอนโดมิเนียม | Khxndomineīym |
Desert | ทะเลทราย | thalethrāy |
Earth | โลก | lok |
Embassy | สถานทูต | S̄t̄hān thūt |
Factory | โรงงาน | Rongngān |
Forest | ป่า | p̀ā |
Garage | อู่ซ่อมรถ | Xū̀ s̀xm rt̄h |
Garden | สวน | s̄wn |
Guesthouse | เกสต์เฮาส์ | Kes̄ t̒ ḥeā s̄̒ |
Home | บ้าน | bâan |
Hospital | โรงพยาบาล | rong phyābāl |
Hotel | โรงแรม | Rongræm |
Island | เกาะ | keāa |
Lake | ทะเล สาป, บึง | thale s̄āp, bụng |
Market | ตลาด | Tlād |
Mountain | ภูเขา | p̣hūk̄heā |
Museum | พิพิธภัณฑ์ | Phiphiṭhp̣hạṇṯh̒ |
Office | ออฟฟิศ | óp-fít |
Park | สวน | S̄wn |
Post office | ไปรษณีย์ | Pịrs̄ʹṇīy̒ |
Restaurant | ร้านอาหาร | R̂ān xāh̄ār |
River | แม่น้ำ | mæ̀n̂ả |
School | โรงเรียน | Rongreīyn |
Sea | ทะเล | thale |
Spa | สปา | S̄pā |
Superkmarket | ซูเปอร์มาร์เกต | Sū pexr̒ mār̒ ket |
Temple | วัด | Wạd |
University | มหาวิทยาลัย | Mh̄āwithyālạy |
Waterfall | น้ำตก | N̂ảtk |
Zoo | สวนสัตว์ | S̄wn s̄ạtw̒ |
Now that we know the basic Thai vocabulary words and English translations, it’s now time that we give you a few examples of how to use them in a sentence.
English Expression | Thai Counterpart | Pronunciation Guide |
Where is the nearest ____? | ที่ใกล้ที่สุดอยู่ที่ไหน | Thī̀ kıl̂ thī̀s̄ud xyū̀ thī̀h̄ịn |
Please take me to ______. | ไป _____ นะครับ/ค่ะ | Pai _____ na khrap/kâ |
How do I get to the _____? | ฉันจะไปที่ _____ ได้อย่างไร | C̄hạn ca pị thī̀ _____ dị̂ xỳāngrị |
I want to go to ______. | ไปที่____ | Pị thī̀___ |
Can you head to…..? | ไปที่____ได้มั๊ย | Pị thī̀____Dị̂ mạ́y |
Where is _____? | อยู่ไหน _____ | Xyū̀ h̄ịn |
Top 5 Places In Thailand For Tourists
Of course, it is not enough that we know the fun ways on how to call the places using the Thai language. So, in order to fully enjoy your trip, we are also going to list here the top 5 places we recommend for those craving to visit Thailand.
Bangkok – Best for shopping enthusiasts
Craving to take hope some spa products, local handicrafts, trinkets, and special spices? Hold on to your wallet, as this place is a paradise for all budgets. This place is the home to some of the biggest malls in Southeast Asia, including the Iconsiam, Central World, Siam Paragon, Central Plaza, and Seacon Square.
Phuket – Home to the most popular beaches in Thailand
If you are interested in basking in the sun and taking in a wide coastline, Phuket is the best island to visit in the country. The most popular ones that you should see at least once are the beaches of Patong (for party people), Kata (for an easy, homey feel), Karon (for water sports), Kamala (for low-cost food and bar), and Bangtao (for those crazing some peaceful and quiet time).
Chiang Mai – Ideal travel destination for temple-seekers
If you want to fully immerse yourself with the culture and the natural wonders of Thailand, taking on a bus ride to the northern place of Chiang Mai is what you should consider. Aside from the jaw-dropping temples, the place is filled with striking landscape and tribal villages, making it a good backdrop for your Instagram shots.
Pattaya – Perfect for golfers and those who want some serious fun
Pattaya is known to be the largest place for nightlife, making it a top travel destination for single people. Since the stretches of streets are filled with night bars and gourmet restaurants guaranteed to entertain you and your friends. The place is also the home to the famous elephant village and floating market where you can grab authentic Thai foods and purchase your souvenirs.
Ayutthaya – A paradise for history buffs
If you want to learn better about the history of Thailand, you can take on Ayutthaya and explore a UNESCO world heritage site for yourself. It has been the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom and the center of international trade back in the days. However, the place was destroyed back in 1767, so there is no surprise why the place has an impressive stretch of ruined buildings and temples still existing today.
Conclusion
As we reach this part of the post, we hope that you were able to learn how to use the vocabulary words discussed above and that you may find confidence in using them with your interactions with the locals. Remember that with enough practice and the right motivation, you can speak the Thai language like a pro in no time.
If you enjoyed this post, feel free to share it online so that we can reach other language enthusiasts out there. Also, don’t forget to check out our other useful posts like the Thai desserts, the history of the Thai flag, and the best festivals in the country.
Before you hop off, allow me to ask you a quick question: would you like to get help in mastering the Thai language? What if I tell you that I know of a specific language-learning resource that can help you learn Thai and 60+ foreign languages for FREE? Read on below to find out.
Master The Thai Language Through Ling App Today!
Language learning does not have to be difficult and boring at all! With the use of the Ling App by Simya Solutions, you can unlock unlimited FREE lessons related to over 60+ languages from across the globe. These lessons are comprehensive enough that they will walk you through different aspects of learning: Grammar rules, writing system, and speaking and reading (formal, informal, and slang expressions).
So, what are you waiting for? Download it today using AppStore and PlayStore!