While planning your trip to Thailand — or while you’re already in Thailand — you’ll often see or hear these words. Here’s what they mean and how to recognise them when navigating places, food, or daily life:
Ao (อ่าว) = Bay
You’ll often see this in beach towns. For example, Ao Nang in Krabi is a popular coastal spot.
Aroi (อร่อย) = Delicious
A must-know when you fall in love with Thai food! You can say “Aroi mak” to mean “very delicious.”
Ban or Baan (บ้าน) = Village or home
Often used in place names, e.g. Ban Rak Thai, Ban Tham Suea.
Doi (ดอย) = Mountain (Northern Thai word)
Common in the north. For example: Doi Inthanon, Doi Suthep, Doi Tung, Doi Chang.
Haad or Had (หาด) = Beach
Khao (เขา) = Mountain (Standard Thai)
Used nationwide. You’ll hear it in names like Khao Yai National Park or Khao Sok.
Khlong (คลอง) = Canal
Khor Tote (ขอโทษ) = Excuse me or sorry
Men add “krub” → Khob Khun Krub
Women add “ka” → Khob Khun Ka
Khob Khun (ขอบคุณ) = Thank you (Krub and ka also apply here.)
Koh (เกาะ) = Island
You’ll see this often when beach-hopping: Koh Samui, Koh Tao.
Mai Phed (ไม่เผ็ด) = Not spicy / mild
Very useful if you can’t handle too much heat — just say “Mai Phed” when ordering food!
Mu Koh (หมู่เกาะ) = Group of islands
For example: Mu Koh Phi Phi, Mu Koh Ang Thong, Mu Koh Similan.
Noi (น้อย) = Small, little
Pad / Phad (ผัด) = Fried / stir-fried
Seen in many dishes: Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, Pad Kraprao.
Phed (เผ็ด) = Spicy
Love a kick? Just say “Phed” when you want it spicy! Be careful though …
Phra (พระ) = Monk
Used when referring to Buddhist monks and also often seen in temple names
Phu (ภู) = Mountain (Northeastern Thai word)
Common in Isaan (northeastern Thailand). E.g. Phu Kradueng.
Sawasdee (สวัสดี) = Hello / Goodbye
A polite greeting used all day.
Men say Sawasdee Krub, women say Sawasdee Ka.
Soi (ซอย) or Trok (ตรอก) = Laneway or small street
This one can be confusing! For example: Soi Sukhumvit 55 (= the 55th lane off Sukhumvit Road,) is also known as Soi Thong Lo. Both names may be used interchangeably, even on Google map.
Suan (สวน) = Garden or park
Think Suan Luang or Suan Rod Fai in Bangkok.
Talad or Talat (ตลาด) = Market
You’ll see this in many place names: Talad Noi, Talad Rot Fai, Talad Plu.
Tham (ถ้ำ) = Cave
Seen in natural attractions like Tham Krasae, Tham Lot.
Thanon (ถนน) = Street, Road
Wat (วัด) = Temple
Examples are Wat Pho and Wat Arun in Bangkok.
Yai (ใหญ่)= big
Seen in names of places like River Kwai Yai, The Big Buddha.
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