Thailand

Whether you want to explore the hills of Chiang Mai or relax at the luxury resorts on Koh Samui, island hop around Phuket or shop in Bangkok, Thailand offers its visitors an experience like no other. If you’re seeking an adventure, a time for relaxation or an adrenaline fix, Thailand has it all. Even though Buddhism is practiced by most Thai people, there is a significant number of Thai Muslims living in the south and north of the country. The magnitude of the Muslim community can quickly be identified by the 3,400 mosques, four million people who practice the faith, and numerous halal restaurants scattered throughout the country.

Thailand offers all its visitors a unique opportunity to completely turn off from the stresses of work and indulge life’s everyday pleasures. Different regions of Thailand are perfect for different occasions so whether you’re looking for the perfect honeymoon or a family-friendly destination there is a city or island that will cater to your every need.

History

Evidenced by linguistic and archaeological evidence, the Thai people are the first true agriculturists and metal workers. That said, limited written and chronological records make it difficult to accurately identify the different cultural influences in Thailand up until 500 AD. Buddhism was well established in the region, with a strong network of agricultural communities. Until the 11th Century, central Thailand was the epicentre of the Dvaravati culture – a sanskrit name meaning Place of Gates referring to the city of Krishna, a Hindu God. The Khmer Kingdom (located in present day Cambodia) expanded westward into Thai borders between the 9th and 11th centuries and elements Brahmanism, Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism (religions of Khmer) remain in Thai religious and court ceremonies.

The unification of several Thai principalities in the 13th and 14th centuries led to the first true Thai kingdom Sukhothai. In the 15th century, the Sukhothai capital was moved to Phitsanulok and was annexed by Ayuthaya. The Thai kings of the Ayuthaya period grew powerful in the 14th and 15th centuries, expanding out to the east and assuming the god-king title. In the 18th century the Chakra dynasty took hold until the 20th century, during which the country faced a new threat of European colonization. Despite this, Thailand became the only Southeast Asian state to avoid colonisation. Following a bloodless coup by students in 1932, the monarchy came to an end and Thailand went through 60 years of military rule before establishing a democratically elected-government system. Today, Thailand is again under a coup d’état, placed on the country in 2014 after the government dissolved.

Food

From street food to fine dining, the Thai capital Bangkok has a variety of halal food. If you want a taste of home, head to the area surrounding Haroon Mosque. Catering to the mosque goers, the area is packed with halal restaurants and street food stalls. For a truly Thai experience peppered with mouthwatering street food head to RAM Walking Street where you’ll find grilled seafood and fish. For a more sophisticated experience head to Labiyang Bang Halal Seafood Restaurant, Noor Restaurant or Sophia Halal Thai Restaurant.

If you’re visiting one of the islands such as Ko Samui the variety of halal options may be limited by the size of the island, but those that are there, definitely do not lack in flavor. Most restaurants have a separate halal menu that patrons need to ask for on arrival. For a fine dining experience in Ko Samui head to Fai Restaurant which serves Thai, European and Asian cuisine. If you’re looking for something tasty and simple then head to Alibaba that serves delicious Indian cuisine.

Thailand’s northern capital Chiang Mai is known for its vegetarian food catering to the large population of vegetarian Buddhist Monks. The city also has a variety of halal restaurants to choose from including Arabia Restaurant that serves Indian cuisine, and Al Reem Restaurant that serves Arabic cuisine. There are also plenty of halal street food options and restaurants to be found around the Ban Ho Mosque.

Yana Restaurant Thai & Halal International Food

From juicy steak to crunchy jumbo shrimps, Yana Restaurant has plenty of mouthwatering entrees. This fabulous high scale restaurant is located on the 4th floor of MBK mall in Bangkok. The menu offers variety of meat including fish, beef, and chicken. Vegetarian dishes like vegetable mix with oyster sauce, or stir fried chayote leaves are served as well. Try the Stir Fried Chicken with Cashew Nut or the Stir Fried Beef with Peppercorn. This restaurant is a great way to treat yourself after a long day of shopping.

Attractions

Bangkok

Thailand’s capital city is known for its outlandish shopping, beautiful markets, delicious food, and extravagant temples. With over 100 mosques and halal restaurants in the city to choose from as well as handful of Muslim-friendly places to stay like Graceland Hotel, Ambassador Hotel Bangkok, and Baiyoke Sky Hotel, Bangkok is an amazing vacation destination for a city getaway.

Shopping

Bangkok has some of the best shopping malls in the world. Whether you’re looking for a gadget, an item of designer clothing or even a brand new car, you’ll find what you need in one of Bangkok’s malls. For a bargain head to MGK, for something trendy head to Central World, and for something a bit more classy head to The Emporium. Another excellent place to go shopping is Asiatique – the perfect mix of night bazaar set in a mall type environment, you can spend hours shopping at the 1500 boutiques and 40 restaurants housed in this warehouse complex.

Big Buddha

One of the most popular attractions on the island of Samui is the enormous Big Buddha shrine that is located on the northern coast. The 12 metre high golden Buddha can be seen from up to seven kilometres away, and is surrounded by temples. This area is also the perfect place to watch the sunset and grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby restaurants.

Old City

With plenty of temple ruins like Wat Chedi Luang, quaint shops and delicious restaurants, Chiang Mai’s Old City is absolutely beautiful. Stop off at one of the local massage parlours to get your feet rubbed or enjoy the Sunday Night Market at the Tha Pae Gate where you’ll find souvenirs, and food. The area is usually known for its backpackers, but during the day it is a hub of activity and allows for some excellent photographs around the moat.

Natural Wonders

Chaweng Beach

The longest and most popular beach on Koh Samui is Chaweng Beach. Lined with 5-star resorts, and restaurants, it is the perfect beach to spend your day. Beach goers can hire loungers, umbrella, jet skis and long tail boat from this beach, as well as get a massage at various cabanas. On the road adjacent to the beach you’ll find a food court, more restaurants, various massage parlours, and amazing stores to buy souvenirs and clothing.

Ko Samui

If the crazy parties, backpackers and packed beaches of Phuket is not something you’re looking for, head to the Thailand’s second biggest island, Samui. Perfect for a family vacation or a honeymoon destination, the island is accessible by both boat and airplane. It is home to beautiful beaches, amazing food and exceptional resorts that offers time to relax and rejuvenate. The island boast a thriving Malay Muslim community that speak a dialect of Malay.

Chiang Mai

If you don’t like the beach and prefer a relaxing breakaway in the mountains then head to northern Thailand’s mountainous city of Chiang Mai. A beautiful old city that still has its walls and moats, amazing historical temples, and some of the best spas in the country, Chiang Mai is a definite must-visit. Chiang Mai has a community of Thai Muslims with Chinese origin that practice Hui Muslim traditions from China.

Ko Lanta

One of the less famous islands in Thailand is Ko Lanta. With incredible scuba diving, pristine beaches, and private resorts, the island is still a hidden gem that most tourists have never set foot on. One of the most incredible aspects of Ko Lanta is that it has an 80 per cent Muslim population making it the largest ethnical group on the island, and a great place for Muslim travellers to visit.

Mosques

With 170 mosques in Bangkok alone, there are plenty of options for Muslim tourists to choose from when completing Friday or daily prayers. The Islamic Foundation of Thailand is one of the biggest and most beautiful mosques in Thailand. With a capacity of 3000 people, it has two enormous prayer halls. One of the most famous mosques in Bangkok is Haroon Mosque which is attended by Thai Muslims with Indian and Pakistani descendants. If you’re looking for a less crowded and quieter place to pray, head to Rizwan Mosque located on the banks of Khlong Saen Saep River.

Ko Samui Nurun EIA San Mosque

Located in Koh Samui’s Muslim Village is the island’s only mosque. Home to fisherman and a thriving Malay Muslim community, the mosque is beautiful and is often visited by tourists who come to complete their Friday prayers while staying on the island. Sermons however, are conducted in Thai.

Ban Ho Mosque

Surround yourself in a place of serenity by worshipping the Al-Malik in the Ban Ho Mosque.
Also known as Chiang Mai Mosque, it is located near the city’s popular Night Bazaar and considered one of the biggest mosques in the province. The mosque is one of several Chinese mosques in Chiang Mai, and the only one that have sermons in English. Another mosque that is popular amongst visitors to the city is Attaqwa Mosque which is located on the east side of the Ping River, and is also a Chinese mosque. The mosque is also home to the first Islamic school in Chiang Mai.