Thailand tips, advice & information | Thailand Travel Guide
When it comes to Thailand do’s and don’ts, most guidebooks and travel guides will warn you not to point with your feet whilst you are in Thailand. This might seem like strange advice; after all, how often do you point at anything with your feet? And what is the big deal with the feet anyway? [...]
Yes it can be hot in Thailand. Yes it can be humid. But that doesn’t mean that men should walk around Thai cities shirtless. If you want to bare your torsos lads, wait until you get to the beach. Trust me, it doesn’t matter if you’ve got a six-pack or a beer-belly; walking around a [...]
Thailand is a relaxed country to visit but that doesn’t mean that anything goes. Unfortunately, some tourists forget that when they hit the beach. Although Thai people in tourist resorts are generally very tolerant, partly out of practicality because tourism brings revenue and jobs, there are some things that show disrespect to local culture and [...]
In Thailand, there are a number of different do’s and don’ts. In general, most minor indiscretions will be forgiven, but if you act respectfully towards local traditions and customs you will automatically receive appreciation from Thai people. One of the everyday ways you can show respect is when visiting certain buildings where you will be [...]
When you meet a Thai person for the first time and engage in conversation you may be surprised by the directness of some of the questions. What may be considered impolite or nosey in your home country is often perfectly normal in Thailand. Don’t be offended by questions about age, marital status or what job [...]
Kreng jai (also written as krengjai) is a distinctly Thai trait that can bewilder visitors to Thailand. So what is kreng jai? The direct translation is often given as ‘awe heart‘ or ‘deferential heart‘ and it is usually interpreted as consideration, but that is too simplistic because kreng jai is also a feeling. Kreng jai [...]
I thought I’d write about a couple of incidents I’ve seen in the past week which confirms one stereotype of Thailand and dispels another. Last Sunday I was sitting outside a small coffee shop reading a book when I hear the sound of metal hitting concrete accompanied by screams. Two motorcycles have collided, four people [...]
Good manners are important in Thai society, but politeness isn’t always demonstrated in the same way as it is in many other countries. Although there is a Thai word for ‘please’ (karuna) it isn’t used in the same way as it would be in the West and you needn’t worry about using it. Khop Khun [...]
Whether they’ve been to Thailand before or not, most people will be familiar with the traditional Thai form of greeting, the wai, in which the palms are pressed together in prayer-like fashion and the head is lowered. However, what appears to be a simple gesture is in fact governed by very subtle rules of etiquette. [...]
Visitors to Thai temples (wats) may find the atmosphere surprisingly relaxed as they often serve as local community centres. Within the temple grounds children can sometimes be seen playing games of football or basketball and monks may engage you in conversation. However, there are some important things to note before visiting any Thai temple. Always [...]