Visiting Thailand: The Etiquette and More

​One of the best things about visiting any location is learning about the culture and the local people’s way of life. It is fascinating to discover what makes each and every country unique. Thailand is a place that is well known for having lots of character, intriguing culture and a vibrant ambience. This blog post will provide you with all of the information you need to know regarding Thai customs and etiquette. So, keep on reading to find out more.

Some of the best things to do in Thailand

Before we delve into the customs, traditions, and etiquette in Thailand, let’s start off by revealing some of the best places to enjoy during your stay here…

Firstly, Thailand has lots of national parks and ancient ruins to explore. You will find lots of biking and hiking trails, as well as a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Some of the best National Parks include Sai Yok National Park and Doi Inthanon National Park, which is home to the highest peak in Thailand.

Aside from this, another thing you should definitely do while in Thailand is enjoy a number of the luxurious beaches here. The must-visit hidden beaches of Thailand include the likes of Koh Yao and Khanom. There is certainly much more to Thailand than meets the eye! 

You should also experience tradition with the floating markets, enjoy one of the many festivals in the country, and travel around for some island hopping. After all, there are more than 5,000 miles of coastline for you to explore here. 

What are some of the most important Thai customs and traditions?
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• Reverence – Whenever you hear the King’s anthem played you must stand up. Thailand is a place whereby the royal family is revered throughout the entire country. Everywhere you go you will see pictures of the King. 
• Colourful days – This is a fascinating and fun custom that is based on pre-Buddhist Hindu legends. Essentially, every day of the week is associated with a particular colour. Out of all the seven days, Monday is undoubtedly the most significant and notable, as most people will be wearing yellow shirts. So, you may want to consider this when you are packing your clothing for your trip! 
• Never mind – The phrase ‘Mai pen rai’ means never mind. This is something you will often hear said throughout Thailand and it aptly represents the country’s unofficial philosophy. 
• The Wai – This is a greeting you are assured to encounter upon your arrival in Thailand. The wai involves pressing your palms together – either at nose or chest level. You will then bow your head slightly. This is an important part of Thai custom is it symbolises respect. 

What is the correct etiquette in Thailand?

• Don’t touch someone’s head – The head is considered the most sacred part of the body. You should never touch someone’s head or hair, even if you are doing so in a playful manner. 
• Don’t disrespect the King – As mentioned, the people of Thailand love their King. You should never disrespect this important royal figure, especially images of the King. This even relates to the currency. If you are found to be openly disrespecting the King you can actually be imprisoned. The bad news doesn’t end there; this is actually a crime punishable by the death penalty. 
• Don’t point your feet at someone – Pointing your feet at someone is considered extremely rude. Don’t put your feet onto a desk or chair, and never raise them higher than someone’s head. 

What is the tipping etiquette in Thailand?

Last but not least, tipping is not customary in Thailand. Therefore, you do not have to leave a tip for any service you receive. Nevertheless, it is not offensive to tip, as is the case in some countries. Therefore, any amount of gratitude will be greatly appreciated. 

Now you know all you need to about Thai customs and etiquette, as well as some of the best things to do while you’re here. The only thing left to do now is start searching online for cheap flights to this fascinating destination. Get ready for a unique and exciting experience!