Thai Etiquette

Thai Etiquette
When visiting a new country it is important to learn a little about the cultural norms, since they are often quite different than those of your home country. Thai people are quite relaxed and tolerant but your journey will certainly be smoother if you just keep a few things in mind.
  • Thais believe the head is the most sacred part of the body. Never touch a Thai on the head.
  • The feet are considered the lowest part of the body; don’t rest your feet or put your shoes on a table, and don’t stretch your feet out in anyone’s direction.
  • It is customary in Thailand to remove shoes before entering a house or temple.
  • Thais feel strongly about their religion, so don’t wear your beach clothes to a temple, don’t climb over Buddha images, and always remove your shoes before entering a temple.
  • The traditional Thai greeting is the “wai,” wherein the hands are brought together in front of the chin. The younger or the lower–ranking person “wais” first.
  • The Royal Family is deeply loved and respected. Don’t speak ill of its members even in jest.
  • Public displays of affection between the sexes are frowned upon.
  • Modesty is appreciated in Thailand. Please don’t sunbathe topless or wear revealing clothing.
  • Thais are quite respectful of Westerners and some may try out their English on you. Don’t be offended by questions about your age, salary and marital status; these questions are not meant to be intrusive.
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Transportation in Thailand

Transportation in Thailand
Transport in Thailand, and especially in Bangkok, can be at times frustrating for tourists. The following information may make getting around a little easier.
Taxi Service: If you use a taxi, make sure the driver uses the meter while in service. The meter will start at 35 baht. Choose a taxi by stopping one that is available and actually moving on the road instead of one that is parked and waiting in front of the hotel. When hailing a taxi it is customary to extend your arm out to the street with palm facing down. Waving your hand in the air or pointing can be considered rude.
Public Transportation: In Bangkok you can use the BTS sky train and MRT subway to get to many popular places. When booking a hotel, it is always nice to check the location in relation to the nearest BTS or MRT station as these are both easy, reliable ways of getting around the city.
Tuk Tuks: These three-wheeled vehicles can be a fun, albeit loud and smoggy, way of getting around! It is definitely something to try at least once. Be sure to arrange the price with your driver before you start the trip.

Important Thai Concepts

Important Thai Concepts
The Thai way of life is strongly influenced by a few important concepts :
Mai pen rai – You will hear ‘Mai pen rai’ a lot during your trip. It translates into ‘not at all, you’re welcome, no problem, it doesn’t matter, no worries, never mind, or no thank you’. ‘Mai pen rai’ is typically Thai and shows consideration for others, avoidance of conflict and anger and a desire for peace.
Greng Jie – Loosely translated, this means ‘to have consideration for others’. In reality, it means thinking about how what is said or done will affect others. It allows Thais to avoid conflict, awkward challenges, conflicts and basically any difficult or unpleasant situation. In many cases, Thais will decide not to act or speak out more often than westerners would. Keeping their opinions to themselves avoids conflict and being disrespectful to their peers. 
Jie Yen – This translates into ‘cool heart’. It refers to the Thai preference for keeping cool in difficult or frustrating situations. Being jie rorn or hot-hearted displays a lack of self control, rudeness and poor attitude which can make others ‘lose face’. In Thailand it is considered disrespectful to put someone in a position where they ‘lose face’. Whatever happens during your journey in Thailand, you should keep cool and refrain from raising your voice or losing your temper. This will make everyone happy and much more willing to help you in a difficult situation.
Sanook – Describes everything that is fun or enjoyable.

Introduction to Thai Language

Introduction to Thai Language
Thai people appreciate it when tourists try to learn a little of the Thai language. Just saying ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’ in Thai will go a long way. Don’t worry about saying it incorrectly! The effort is what really matters. And after a few good-natured corrections, you’re bound to perfect the pronunciation! You can download a brief introduction to the language here.
 

 

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Bangkok, Thailand’s capital is a global metropolis like none other. While it is known for shopping and nightlife, it also has distinct traces of heritage and spirituality. This unique blend of western excesses and local culture makes it a popular tourist destination.


Grand Palace Statues in Bangkok ThailandMost visitors who come to the city look for sightseeing tours to understand the local culture and learn about the history behind the beautiful temples and monuments. There are several tours offered by various operators. Most popular among this is the Grand Palace half day tour, where a local guide takes you through the Palace complex with its buildings and monuments, including the famous Wat Phra Keow, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.


Other interesting tours of Bangkok are the Temples tour, the Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya River that takes you past the illuminated monuments at night and the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market tour.

After a day of seeing a few tourist attractions the best way to wind down is to feel the pulse of the city’s nightlife. From some of Asia’s hippest night clubs, rooftop bars in luxury hotels to the famous red light districts, Bangkok nightlife has enough options to entertain even the most discerning traveller.


Sky Bar in Bangkok ThailandAmong the best known night spots in Bangkok is Patpong, the red light district that is known for its Go-Go bars. Other places with similar experiences that are wild yet safe are Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy. There are also classier night clubs in the city. Sky Bar and Vertigo and Moon Bar, which offer views of the cityscape from over 60 floors above, are the most popular of these. For live music, there are several jazz clubs in the city that feature performances by local and international artists.


Although there are so many things to do in Bangkok, it has to be said that no trip to Bangkok would be complete without taking time out to go shopping, either at the street markets or high end malls, whichever you prefer. If you are in the city over the weekend, then a visit to Chatuchak Market will be the most memorable shopping experience that you have. It is one of the largest markets in the world where you will find almost everything, from antiques to pets. This is also a good place to buy gifts for people back home. Be prepared to spend a whole day exploring it. Pratunam market is also worth visiting for t-shirts, handbags and other accessories.

MBK Shopping Centre in Bangkok ThailandIf you prefer to shop in the comfort of air conditioned malls, there are several options available. MBK is the most famous where you can find everything from electronics to clothes and home ware, all at reasonable prices. For high end shopping, Emporium and Siam Paragon have designer options.


Culture and cuisine are integral parts of getting to know a city. While the palaces and temples will give you an orientation of the local culture, one of the most fun experiences you can have is during the annual Songkran festival. This is one of the most important festivals in Thailand during which the entire city comes to a halt for the biggest water battle that coincides with the festivities of the Thai New Year in mid-April. Tourists and locals alike get squirted and splashed to wash away sins of the year gone by, so that they can start afresh.


Thai cuisine contributes towards making Thailand a popular destination, with its unique flavours and spices. You can try some of the local fare at market stalls or restaurants. The burst of spice and the milder notes of lemon grass and ginger will delight your palate. Spicy soups, fragrant steamed rice, flat noodles and fish are usual components of a traditional Thai meal. All food is prepared with locally grown ingredients, which add to the freshness of the flavours. Tropical fruits such as Mangosteen, Rambutan, Lychees and bananas make the perfect ending to the meal.


Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok Thailand If you are planning a vacation to Thailand, many international carriers have flights to the main Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. While domestic and regional low cost carriers also offer cheap flights to Thailand that land at Don Muang, the city’s second airport. For local travel, taxis, motorcycle taxis, buses and the Skytrain offer convenient options.


While looking for good rates on your Bangkok hotels remember that they vary depending on the location. Popular options are hotels on Sukhumvit Road or Silom Road as they are closer to the tourist attractions, nightlife and shopping, but the prices will be higher than in other districts. Bangkok budget hotels and apartments are also available in most areas, and you will find that if you book well in advance, you can get massive discounts on your room rates by using one of the online hotel booking systems.

One thing is certain, Bangkok will charm you with its culture and smiling locals. The choices for entertainment, shopping, food and leisure will spoil you no end. Like most visitors, you will miss the City of Smiles once you are gone and return for more fun, food and frolic served with a dollop of culture and spirituality.

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