Sanuk: The Thai Secret to a More Joyful Life

Karen Sinotok is a writer and editor. Thirty years ago, a trip to Thailand changed her life, when she met Sit, a fun-loving Thai, and lived with him on a beautiful beach on the island of Ko Pha Ngan. Today, the couple and their son Siam split their time between Thailand and the UK. With a deep understanding and knowledge of everyday Thai culture, Karen wrote The Little Book of Sanuk as an extended love letter to her adopted home. We asked Karen for her insights on sanuk and her advice for travellers visiting Thailand.

What is sanuk?

Sanuk (pronounced san-ook) is the Thai philosophy that’s all about bringing more joy and fun into everyday life. Sanuk can loosely be translated as meaning ‘fun’, though it’s much more than that – it’s about achieving pleasure, satisfaction and togetherness in all aspects of life. This easy-going, fun-loving way of life is one reason why Thailand is called the Land of Smiles. 

Sanuk tips for travellers visiting Thailand 

Learn from Thai proverbs

‘Don’t seize the day. Just tickle its belly.’ 

Thai people never pass up an opportunity to enjoy themselves, so bring the spirit of sanuk to your travels by enjoying a laugh and joke with locals and not taking anything too seriously. For the ultimate sanuk experience, visit in April, when Thais celebrate Songkran, the traditional Thai new-year celebration. Also known as the Water Festival, it’s a combination of the spiritual and slapstick. Stalls sell brightly coloured water guns to adults, and for three days, normal life in Thailand turns into a giant water fight. The streets are thronged with people, drenched in water, and everyone is laughing and smiling. 

‘Happiness is not ready-made. It comes from our own actions.’

Studies show that stuff we do has more long-term benefits than the stuff we buy. The benefits linger on so much that even the memory of a fun time can boost our moods.

So, create lasting memories by being 100% present in your trip. Look up from your phone and be in the moment. Enjoy the amazing sights and sounds, whether it’s a beautiful beach, steamy jungle, bustling market or serene temple. You may never have been anywhere quite like Thailand, so make a conscious effort to really take it all in.  

‘Life always works out for the best, even when it doesn’t.’ 

Thai people don’t like to get stressed. They look for the good and the fun in whatever situation they find themselves in. So, if something doesn’t go exactly to plan on your trip, don’t focus on what went wrong, instead, think about what went well. What’s the new way to have fun in the situation you now find yourself in? There is a choice of how you feel, so choose to feel happy. Adopt this optimistic mindset and your travels will be more fun. 

Sanuk tips for life in the UK and Ireland 

There are lessons we can learn from the Thai way of life to make our own lives happier – wherever we are.

• When life is lacking sanuk, Thai people plan it. So organise fun in your own life. Cast your mind back to when you had the best time. Think about who you were with and make an effort to meet up with them; consider what you were doing and schedule that activity. It really can be that simple!
• Relationships with others are the bedrock of sanuk, and strengthening these bonds is key to happiness. Have a hobby or passion? Make new connections and get to know new people by checking out groups in your area where like-minded people meet.
• Smile! When we’re having fun we naturally smile, which encourages the release of feel-good hormones. Even forcing a fake smile can trick your brain into believing you’re happy, which can spur actual feelings of happiness! Plus, when you smile, you make other people smile. 

Karen’s top tips for Thailand 

Where to visit

Chiang Mai 

This city in the North keeps on growing, but still has a friendly, relaxed vibe. Use it as a base for a visit to Pai, a twisty three-hour mountainous drive away (best not experienced with a hangover), a town surrounded by picturesque valleys, waterfalls and hiking trails.

Ko Lanta and Ko Mook

Our last beach break was on these islands, off the coast of Krabi. Bamboo beach huts, clear blue sea and glorious sunsets make them the perfect spot to chill out and unwind. 

21 of the best islands in Thailand

Ko Samui

We once lived on this palm-fringed island in the South and it holds a special place in my heart. It has some of the most luxe and unique resorts in the Kingdom (Kamalaya is on my wishlist), and the flower-filled airport is the cutest I’ve ever passed through. 

25 of the best things to do on Ko Samui

Hua Hin 

This seaside town is around a 125 mile drive from Bangkok, and my Thai family’s favourite short break. We stop off for lunch at Krua Huai Sai Restaurant in Cha-am, for its huge portions of fantastic seafood. Hua Hin is also home to the legendary Chiva-Som resort, voted the best destination spa in the world. 

Treat yourself to a health and wellness holiday in Thailand

Where to eat

Bangkok is the street food capital of the world, and its food markets are an amazingly affordable and tasty way to live like a local.  Head to Yaowarat (Chinatown) for Thai-Chinese food and Thanon Ban Tad Thong for local Thai food and desserts. 

Be adventurous! The choice can seem overwhelming, but try new dishes and just go for what looks – and smells – good. Everything is so cheap that you can try different dishes without breaking the bank. 

For a less frenetic experience, the shopping malls have indoor food courts bursting with freshly cooked, cheap and delicious Thai food stalls. Buy vouchers and work your way around them until you’re too full to move.

10 of the most popular Thai street food dishes

What to eat

Thai people love to eat! In fact, one of the warmest greetings in Thai culture is ‘gin khao yang’, or ‘have you eaten yet?’

As well as familiar dishes such as pad Thai and chicken satay with peanut sauce, some favourites are pa tong ko (Thai doughnuts), massaman curry (with beef and potato), pad kaprao gai (spicy stir-fried chicken with basil – add a fried egg on top), ha mok pla (steamed fish cake made with red curry paste and coconut cream), green curry with prawns, kao ka moo (slow braised pork leg) and som tam (green papaya salad with dried shrimp and peanuts).

Tip: If you don’t want your food too spicy, say ‘mai phet’ as you order.

For dessert, sticky rice with sweet milk and sliced mango, or durian, when in season (it’s a very sanuk fruit as it smells like vomit but tastes delicious so is always served with a big smile).

A huge thank you to Karen. The Little Book of Sanuk is out now and available to buy on Amazon here: The Little Book of Sanuk

You can also find Karen on Instagram @karensinotokswayne.

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