Known as ‘The Land of Smiles’, Thailand is a treasure trove of cultural delights, inhabited by gracious and warm people. Here’s a cheat sheet of dos and don’ts in Thailand to keep in mind.

THE DOs

Do try to wai

This much-used Thai greeting involves a slight bow, with hands pressed together at upper chest level in a prayer-like way. Younger people will wai their elders first, and the greeting is then reciprocated. The wai is also used to say ‘goodbye’ and ‘thank you’, and to show respect.

Do greet

Accompany your wai with a hello: “Sawadee kha” (if you are a woman) and “Sawadee krap” (if you are a man). 

Do get travel insurance

Accidents happen and can be even more daunting when you are away from home. Gravity’s pull on a falling coconut harms more world travellers every year than sharks do!

Do visit some temples

Thailand is full of beautiful temples (wats) and visiting them provides a fascinating window into many aspects of daily life. Visitors are welcome, but appropriate attire is expected. Your legs, shoulders and upper arms should be covered and shoes removed. Temples regularly visited by tourists will usually have sarongs available for those who turn up inadequately dressed, but when visiting lesser-known temples, it’s useful to bring your own.

Do get adventurous with Thai cuisine

Thai food is usually lightly cooked and fragrant, with an emphasis on fresh herbs and spices. Try new dishes, the cuisine has much to offer. The food can get quite fiery though, so let them know if you can not handle too much chilli.

Do eat with a spoon

Most Thai dishes are served in bite-size pieces and eaten with a spoon and fork, but the fork is just used to push food onto the spoon. You will rarely be offered a knife along with your fork.

Do haggle while shopping

Haggling is expected and taken as a bit of fun. Enjoy the rolling of the eyes and all the associated drama but know when to stop, and bear in mind that a dollar probably means more to a local than it does to you. Keep the banter friendly and you’ll find the prices will come down more readily. 

Do keep your cool

Hawkers on the beach and other tourist destinations may be persistent, but keep your emotions in check as being openly angry or confrontational is offensive and embarrassing to the Thais.

Do ask before taking photographs of people and inside religious buildings

It is particularly frowned upon to pose with (or to turn your back to) an image of Lord Buddha. It is important to note these dos and don’ts in Thailand. 

Do be respectful of the monarchy

It is a criminal offence in Thailand to be disrespectful of the royal family.

Photo Credit: Tris_T7 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78748290 

THE DON’Ts

Don’t drink tap water

It may not be safe. To be environmentally friendly, refill your bottle from the high-quality chilled water in your villa’s dispenser rather than buying multiple plastic bottles.

Don’t use your feet to point – particularly at an image of Buddha – touch, or step over anybody

And propping them up on a table is a big no-no too. Thais consider feet to be the dirtiest part of the body and one that should be kept low and out of sight.

Don’t touch people’s heads, including those of babies and children

Heads are considered to be sacred and it is rude to touch them.

Don’t ride a scooter or motorbike without a helmet

We advise against hiring bikes as Thailand is notorious for motorcycle accidents, but if you do hire one, get heed sensible advice on traffic rules before heading out on to the seemingly chaotic roads. 

Don’t ride a rental bike or car if you are not carrying a valid International Driver’s License

The license must be valid for the appropriate vehicle, as the police often do random checks. You must hold a license that allows you to drive motorbikes, not just cars, if driving a rental bike, and vice versa. 

Don’t swim if a red flag is showing on the beach

Thailand’s rip tides can be vicious, and water can be rough during the wet season. Take a cooling dip in your private villa pool instead.

Don’t touch, or hand anything directly to a Buddhist monk if you’re a woman

This is not because women are considered in a derogatory way, but to avoid laying the monk open to any possibility of temptation. If you wish to give something, it’s best just to leave it on a table, from where the monk can then pick it up.

Don’t smoke in any enclosed public areas

This includes shopping centres and restaurants. Please note that e-cigarettes are prohibited in Thailand.

Don’t walk around town in your beachwear 

Bare shoulders (for men and women) and skimpy skirts or shorts will make your Thai hosts feel uncomfortable. So, throw on a shirt, pants or a sarong when hitting the streets, shops, a café or restaurant. You’ll be glad for the extra layers once you’re inside those air-conditioned interiors.

Don’t get into any situations that feel uncomfortable

For example, some street sellers may offer prescription medicine – or any other drug – for sale. Thailand has strictly enforced drug laws, so avoid any such encounter.

While Thais are known for being open, tolerant and hospitable, they may not always understand the nuances and eccentricities of other cultures. Follow this list of dos and don’ts in Thailand and you’re sure to have a hassle-free trip. A dream holiday to Thailand is just a click away. Book one of our Thailand villas to enjoy the beauty of Thailand.