Thailand Travel Guide: Do’s and Don’ts in Thailand
Thailand has everything a discerning traveler would hope for – breathtaking scenery, vibrant cities, and cultural monuments. It makes no difference what the primary purpose of your trip might be – a learning tour, a romantic honeymoon or family travel – you can definitely consider Thailand as your destination of choice. To make the most of your trip it is really advisable to be aware of some Do’s and Don’ts in Thailand. This will ensure that your trip will be smooth and worry-free as you will be able to avoid getting into trouble by doing something inappropriate or even illegal without being aware of it.
Do’s:
1. Exhibit respect for the Royal family, which includes the King, Queen, and their children
Whenever and wherever the Royal Anthem is performed, be sure to show respect by standing up.
2. When visiting temples and other religious places, be sure to wear appropriate clothing
You won’t be able to gain acceptance into certain historical places and museums, such as the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeow if you are not wearing appropriate pants, shirt or a blouse. Shoes are OK to wear while getting around those places, but you have to take them off any time you want to enter a chapel that contains an image of Buddha.
3. Monks should be given respect everywhere – both in public surroundings and in temples
Women must not touch monks. Monks also cannot accept anything offered by a woman. If case there is something that you would like to give to a monk, give it to a man first to hand over to the monk. Alternatively, you can wrap the item in a cloth.
4. When eating, use spoons
Thais avoid using forks for delivering the food they eat into the mouth, like us, Westerners, do. It is a good idea to emulate them in this, at least for the time of your trip.
Don’ts:
1. Avoid climbing to an image of Buddha just to take a picture
In Thailand, Buddha images come in different sizes, but all of them are considered to be sacred objects and must be shown the utmost respect.
2. Never touch people on their heads
Thais believe that the head, being the highest body part is also the most important and should not be touched. It is also very rude to use your feet to point at something or someone.
3. Never lose your cool or become visibly angry
Not only it is considered to be ignorant, but also very uncouth.
4. Avoid showing the soles of your feet
It is considered to be offensive particularly towards the elderly.
5. Under no circumstances use or try to bring any drugs into Thailand
The punishment for drug trafficking is severe – death penalty in some cases. It actually considered being fortunate to get a prison sentence as opposed to the death penalty. Thai prisons are not the nicest places to end up in and keep in mind that nothing can help or save you, including your country’s embassy.
6. Thais generally do not shake hands
Greetings are usually performed by waai’s – pressing palms together and lowering the head. Observe other do it and try to repeat.
7. Smoking is not allowed in the streets.
It is illegal and carries a fine which is the equivalent of about $60. There is also the same fine for littering in the street.
The fact of the matter is that some of the outlined rules can be a little flexible with as far as tourists are concerned, but it is still a good idea to show your respect to Thais by following them. So try to keep them in mind when you are getting ready to take your Thailand vacation. You will also gain a lot of respect from the Thais for your efforts – so the knowledge is definitely worth it!
Since I was 7 years-old little girl I went for my first trip to abroad which made me fall in love with traveling and made it my passion for all my life. I like to discover different cultures, people, the way they look and behave according to their traditions, new places and incredible views, new food, and new flavors. And I want to share my discovers with you here in my blog. In addition to it, I'll give you the tips how to make your trip a "varied experience" and how to travel in a cheaper way.
Let's discover the world together 😉
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