Top 90+ Thai Travel Phrases To Use On Your Next Adventure

When you visit Thailand, everything feels bright, warm, and alive. The food, beaches, night markets, and friendly people pull you in instantly.

But there’s one simple skill that can make your trip even better knowing a few thai phrases for travelers. These small words open big doors.

They help you order food with confidence, ask for directions, greet locals politely, and show respect for Thai culture.

Even speaking a few basic Thai words makes people smile. It tells them you care.

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Why It Matters: The Real Power of Thai Phrases for Travelers ❤️

Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles. But many visitors forget that communication is a two-way street.

Using even a few thai phrases for travelers shows locals that you respect their language and culture. This often leads to better service, warmer interactions, and even helpful insider tips.

Another reason it matters is safety. Simple questions like “Where is the bus?” or “Can you help me?” become easier when you know the right words.

And finally, using Thai makes your trip more memorable. You don’t just see Thailand you feel connected to it.

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Everyday Greetings and Courteous Phrases 🙏

Basic greetings help you start conversations with confidence. They also show politeness and cultural respect important values in Thailand.

Sawadee kha / Sawadee khrap (Hello)

A friendly greeting used anytime.
Use When: Meeting locals, entering shops, or starting conversations.
Example: You walk into a café and say, “Sawadee kha,” and the barista smiles back warmly.

Khob khun kha / Khob khun khrap (Thank you)

A polite way to show gratitude.
Use When: Someone helps you or serves you.
Example: After buying fruit from a vendor, you smile and say, “Khob khun khrap.”

Kor toat kha / Kor toat khrap (Sorry / Excuse me)

Helpful in crowded places or when asking politely.
Use When: You bump into someone or need to pass through.
Example: You gently say, “Kor toat kha” as you move through a busy night market.

Chai (Yes)

A simple, clear way to agree.
Use When: Confirming orders or directions.
Example: The taxi driver says the price, and you reply, “Chai.”

Mai chai (No)

A polite way to decline.
Use When: Refusing offers or correcting misunderstandings.
Example: At a store, you shake your head and say, “Mai chai.”

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Getting Around Thailand: Travel and Direction Phrases 🛵

Travel becomes much smoother when you know essential direction phrases, especially in places with limited English.

Pai nai? (Where are you going?)

Locals may ask this kindly.
Use When: You want to ask for directions.
Example: You ask a local, “Pai nai?” to find a nearby temple.

Bpai… (Go to…)

Useful for taxis and tuk-tuks.
Use When: Telling a driver your destination.
Example: “Bpai Siam Paragon, krub,” tells the taxi where to go.

Yoo tee nai? (Where is it?)

A helpful location question.
Use When: Searching for a street, shop, or bathroom.
Example: You ask, “Yoo tee nai?” while holding your map up.

Trong pai (Go straight)

Common instruction from locals.
Use When: Following walking or driving directions.
Example: A vendor points and says, “Trong pai.”

Leo sai / Leo kwaa (Turn left / Turn right)

Makes navigating easier.
Use When: Using maps or asking for specific turns.
Example: The hotel staff says, “Leo sai,” to guide you.

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Eating Out and Ordering Food 🍜

Thai cuisine is famous worldwide. Using thai phrases for travelers helps you order confidently and adjust dishes to your taste.

Ao… (I want…)

A polite way to order.
Use When: Ordering food at restaurants or stalls.
Example: “Ao pad thai, kha.”

Mai phet (Not spicy)

Essential for spice-sensitive travelers.
Use When: Ordering dishes that might be too hot.
Example: “Ao tom yum, mai phet, krub.”

Pet nit noi (A little spicy)

A friendly middle level.
Use When: You want mild heat.
Example: “Pet nit noi, kha,” keeps things manageable.

Aroi mak (Very delicious)

Makes cooks happy.
Use When: Praising food.
Example: After tasting mango sticky rice, you say, “Aroi mak!”

Nam pls? (Water please?)

Important in hot weather.
Use When: Requesting water anywhere.
Example: “Nam, kha,” at a street stall.

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Shopping, Bargaining, and Market Phrases 🛍️

Thailand’s markets are famous. A few phrases help you shop smarter and avoid confusion.

Tao rai? (How much?)

The most useful shopping phrase.
Use When: Asking for prices.
Example: You pick up a bracelet and ask, “Tao rai?”

Lot dai mai? (Can you discount?)

Polite bargaining.
Use When: Negotiating price at markets.
Example: You smile and ask, “Lot dai mai?”

Paeng mak (Too expensive)

Helps you signal your budget.
Use When: Prices are unreasonable.
Example: You shake your head gently: “Paeng mak.”

Mai ao (I don’t want it)

A simple refusal.
Use When: Turning down offers.
Example: “Mai ao, khrap,” while leaving a shop.

Suay mak (Very beautiful)

A compliment for items.
Use When: Admiring handmade crafts.
Example: You tell a vendor, “Suay mak,” when you love the design.

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Hotel, Check-In, and Accommodation Phrases 🏨

Hotels and guesthouses vary in English ability. Knowing a few Thai words helps everything run smoother.

Mee wang mai? (Do you have a room?)

Useful in small hotels.
Use When: Walking in without a booking.
Example: “Mee wang mai?” at a guesthouse.

Chan brong mae (I have a reservation)

For smoother check-in.
Use When: Arriving at your hotel.
Example: “Chan brong mae,” then showing your passport.

Khun chuai dai mai? (Can you help me?)

Great anytime you need assistance.
Use When: Asking staff for support.
Example: You say, “Khun chuai dai mai?” when you need more towels.

Hong nam yoo tee nai? (Where is the bathroom?)

Always useful.
Use When: Finding restrooms.
Example: Asking staff, “Hong nam yoo tee nai?”

Ao nam phrau noi (Some drinking water please)

For room comfort.
Use When: Requesting water bottles.
Example: “Ao nam phrau noi,” to a cleaner.

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Emergency and Safety Phrases 🚨

These phrases support you during urgent or confusing situations.

Chuai duai! (Help!)

Strong call for help.
Use When: In danger or emergency.
Example: You shout, “Chuai duai!” if needed.

Hai ma tee nee (Please come here)

Helps in urgent conversations.
Use When: Needing someone quickly.
Example: You call staff to your table.

Chan long tang (I’m lost)

Useful for directions.
Use When: You can’t find your way.
Example: You tell an officer, “Chan long tang.”

Riak rot duan (Call an ambulance)

Critical in accidents.
Use When: Medical emergencies.
Example: Asking locals, “Riak rot duan!”

Muea rai? (When?)

Simple time-related question.
Use When: Asking when help arrives.
Example: Asking, “Muea rai?” for arrival updates.

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Helpful Extra Phrases for Smooth Travel ✨

These bonus phrases make conversations easier and friendlier.

Mai pen rai (It’s okay / No worries)

Thailand’s spirit of calm.
Use When: Reassuring someone.
Example: A vendor apologizes and you reply, “Mai pen rai.”

Chan mai kao jai (I don’t understand)

Useful during confusion.
Use When: Language barriers arise.
Example: You say, “Mai kao jai,” during a long explanation.

Kao jai laeo (I understand)

Shows clarity.
Use When: Confirming understanding.
Example: “Kao jai laeo,” after directions.

Khor hai chok dee (Good luck)

Warm, kind gesture.
Use When: Wishing others well.
Example: “Chok dee,” to a new friend.

Rer jer gan mai? (See you again?)

Friendly farewell.
Use When: Ending conversations warmly.
Example: Saying goodbye to a new travel buddy.

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Bonus Recap Table (Optional)

Category	Key Phrases	Use When	Example
Greetings	Sawadee, Khob khun	Starting conversations	Saying hello at shops
Directions	Leo sai, Trong pai	Asking for directions	Getting to a temple
Food	Mai phet, Ao…	Ordering meals	Requesting mild spice
Shopping	Tao rai, Lot dai mai	Bargaining	Buying at night markets
Hotels	Mee wang mai	Checking in	Asking for rooms
Emergency	Chuai duai	Urgent help	Calling for assistance

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Final Thoughts

Learning thai phrases for travelers is one of the easiest ways to transform your trip. You don’t need perfect grammar or a big vocabulary.

Even a few simple words show friendliness and respect.

They help you enjoy food, get better service, stay safe, and build real connections with locals.

These short phrases turn normal moments into meaningful interactions.

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