Thai Tuesday: Part 9 – Island Hopping and Jungle Trekking

Whether you’re trekking through the misty jungles of Chiang Mai or island hopping through the turquoise waters of Krabi, you need the vocabulary for the great outdoors. Thailand is a playground for nature lovers, but navigating its diverse landscapes is much easier when you can identify the elements around you.

This week, we’re going wild! From the mountains to the mangroves, we are learning the essential phrases for your outdoor adventures.

The Elements

In Thailand, nature is often divided into "Land" and "Sea." Here is how to describe the stunning scenery you're seeing:

• Talay – The sea. (If you’re looking for the beach, ask for Haad).

• Nam – Water. (You’ll see this word everywhere—it’s the root of many Thai place names!).

• Nam-tok – Waterfall. (Literally translated as "water fall").

• Phu-khao – Mountain.

• Rorn maak! – Very hot! (Expect to say this at least five times a day).

Getting Active in Nature

Ready to jump in? Here are the words you’ll need for your excursions:

• Wai-nam – To swim.

• Ruea – Boat. (Whether it’s a Ruea Hang Yao—Longtail boat—or a speedboat).

• Doo pla – Look at the fish. (Perfect for when you’re snorkeling in the Andaman).

• Dern pah – Jungle trekking / Walking in the forest.

Trunk Travel Tip: When visiting waterfalls or hiking up mountains, always bring plenty of "Nam plao" (plain drinking water). The Thai humidity is no joke, and by the time you realize you are "Rorn maak" (very hot), you’re already dehydrated. Don't rely on finding a shop at the top of a jungle trail!

Counting 81 to 90

We are in the home stretch of our 10-week challenge! You’ve mastered almost the entire 1–100 range. Let’s tackle the eighties:

• 81 – Baird-sip-et (The "et" rule is still going strong!)

• 82 – Baird-sip-song

• 83 – Baird-sip-sam

• 84 – Baird-sip-see

• 85 – Baird-sip-ha

• 86 – Baird-sip-hok

• 87 – Baird-sip-jet

• 88 – Baird-sip-baird

• 89 – Baird-sip-gow

• 90 – Gow-sip (9 + 10 = 90)

Next Week: The Grand Finale! We finish our 100 count and look at the "Big Money" numbers—the millions!