7 Ways To Experience Thailand Without Leaving Toronto

For a lot of people, Thailand is paradise on Earth. The food, the culture, the beaches and the people make Thailand amazing. If you’ve been dreaming of visiting but haven’t had the opportunity (or just can’t live in Thailand full time #goals), here’s a list of how to enjoy some of Thailand at home in Toronto.

1. Cook!

Mark Weins / Via eatingthaifood.com

Thai food is amazing. A key concept of Thai food is balancing sweet, salty, spicy, sour and bitter, making Thai food packed with delicious flavours. Get some inspiration or ideas for recipes by checking out Mark Weins, THE Thai food guru online via YouTube and his blogs at eatingthaifood.com or migrationology.com.

2. Take a Thai Cooking Class

Aliya Somani / Via thespicelab.ca soithaito.com

Either way, if you really love thai food, or if your cooking skills aren’t so great, eating out all the time adds up. Learn some Thai cooking skills in a Thai cooking class, and make mouth-watering dishes at home! The The Spice Lab offers dedicated Thai cooking classes, and there are also cooking workshops offered occasionally at Soi, so sharpen your cooking skills so you can eat Thai food whenever you like!

3. Thai Food Restaurants

Na Na / Via stnnana.com

If you just don’t feel like cooking, there are ample restaurants to get your Thai food fix. Toronto’s food Thai Food scene is amazing. Some really great restaurants include sister restaurants Na Na and Khao San Road, Pai (specializing in Northern Thai cuisine), Sukhothai, Soi, and Nimman (a jewel out of the downtown core in Etobicoke).

4. Take a Muay Thai Lesson

Openmat MMA / Via yelp.ca

Muay Thai, the “art of eight limbs” is Thailand’s national sport. It’s a bit like kickboxing (but a whole lot cooler), Muay Thai incorporates the use of fists, legs, elbows and knees, hence the “art of eight limbs”. There are some really cool gyms in Toronto where you can get an awesome work out, but my favourite is Openmat MMA, where the vibe is friendly and welcoming to beginners.

5. Get a Thai Massage

Bahn Thai Spa / Via google.ca!3m7!1e1!3m5!1spPjrANCc978AAAQvOq2D0A!2e0!3e2!7i8000!8i4000?shorturl=1

There is nothing better than a good Thai massage. A little bit of pain, and a whole lot of pleasure; Thai massage works out all the kinks and aches and leaves you feeling wonderfully relaxed. The Bahn Thai Spa is an excellent spot to unwind and enjoy traditional Thai Massage.

6. Head to the Pool

InterContinental Toronto Centre / Via torontocentre.intercontinental.com!prettyPhoto[gallery1]/7/

Toronto is short on pristine white sand and saltwater beaches, but you can check out the next best thing, the Saltwater Pool and Saltwater Hot Tub at The InterContinental Toronto Centre (Front Street location). The Fitness Center boasts a 48-foot saltwater swimming pool, saltwater hot tub and steam room; which you can gain access to by purchasing a day-pass for $25/person -giving you access to the pool, hot tub, steam rooms, towel services, and fitness centre.

7. Make a Thai Bucket

Tipsy Bartender / Via youtube.com

Create your own Thai Bucket drink! While it can be hard to get your hands on the notorious Thai SangSom Rum in Toronto, you can definitely tweak the recipe to accommodate, or to tweak it to your liking, to give yourself an amazing beverage to enjoy at home or before a night out. The Tipsy Bartender has a great step by step recipe!