Etiquette and Customs for your Thailand Vacation

Thailand vacations

Thailand holidays can be exotic, stunning, fun-filled, unique and very rewarding. To get the most out of your vacation, learn about the customs and traditions that are requested of people visiting this beautiful country. These tips can help you be respectful of a culture with which many westerners are not familiar. Reading through this article will help you understand the proper ways to conduct yourself in frequent situations. This will help you show respect for the Thai people and the country they call home. These basic principles will also help you feel more at ease in a foreign culture.

Thailand Vacations Are Better Than Just a Party

Thailand holidays can lead to truly unique and rewarding cultural experiences. With relatively cheap prices, warm weather and friendly people, some places in Thailand have become overwhelmed with partygoers. It is important to have a great time while visiting the country, but remember that there is so much more to see than just the night-life. Also consider that this is the ancient home of your hosts.

Greeting people in Thailand with the Wai

One very important custom that is used in Thailand is the Wai. This is the accepted way of greeting others throughout the country.. It is performed by placing your palms together and letting your fingers point upward (in a prayer position). When you do this you also bend your head at the neck, to show respect to the people that you are meeting. Thai natives will appreciate your using the Wai while visiting with them because it is their traditional and accepted way of greeting another person. They will also be happy and flattered that you are showing honor by using the Wai while in their country. Every person in Thailand is familiar with this type of greeting, and will immediately respond in kind to this gentle and polite gesture.

Graeng Jai … The Polite Thai Art of Refusal

Graeng Jai is a somewhat difficult concept to understand, as there is no good word or phrase in English. Once you think you have it translated, Graeng Jai comes up in different forms. Some attempts at translation are, “I don’t want to impose on others”, “over-polite”, “I don’t want to say what I am really thinking”, and “fear of disrespecting authority,” “high respect for authority, elders or parents.” While frustrating at times, it has a very important role in Thai culture.

Respect Thai Customs

Thailand does have a long list of “must do” and “don’t dare” actions. The Thai people are very gracious and hospitable so they won’t get mad if you do not observe all of their traditional rules and customs, but it is a good idea for any traveler to be familiar with as many of these as possible. You would appreciate visitors to your own country showing the same respect for your own customs.

What is Considered “Inappropriate Attire”

Improper attire is one thing that Thai people frown upon. However, because of their graciousness and Graeng Jai, they may not say anything to you. So it is up to you to learn about it before you go and observe what others are doing. Some of the younger citizens are not as strict about dress codes, but the older people are. A general rule is to not bare shoulders or go shirtless in Thailand’s public places. On the beach, of course, it is no problem. But elsewhere, more traditional clothing is appreciated. Just remember to follow the “not too” reminders when it comes to your dress choices. Not too small, not too tight, not too skimpy and not too revealing.

Buddhism - Spirituality in Thailand

Most Thai people practice Buddhism and this spiritual system colors the everyday life and culture in the country. This belief and faith is shown in many ways. In Thai families when a son reaches the age of around 20 he will actually spend a short time as a monk. Many people believe that having a son who spends some time as a monk will guarantee that his parents will go to a heavenly place when they pass away. Becoming a monk for any amount of time is one of the ways that these young men are able to demonstrate their faith in their spiritual beliefs. The temples are very holy structures to Buddhist believers. Always show respect to any statue depicting Buddha, which means no climbing on them, no sitting beside them for a photo-op, and never put a Buddha figure on the floor.

Temple Traditions and Etiquette

In a temple setting rules and tradition are very strict. Your clothing must be acceptable in order to enter the temple. It is best to dress modestly. There are usually sarongs available at all temples that can be worn by both men and women if your clothing is not accepted or is questionable. Shoes come off before ever entering a temple. Occasionally you might see a man dressed in shorts and a tank-top, but women should never go into a temple in such attire. Whether kneeling or sitting in a temple you must not let the soles of your feet face toward the altar. Women are not to touch or hand any objects to a monk at any time. If you need to return something to a monk you should place it on a nearby table where he can then retrieve it. Some monks have a more liberal viewpoint on this and have no problem with touching a woman’s wrist to tie a string around it or a gentle touch on the shoulder. But always follow the monk’s lead.

Be respectful of The King and the Royal Family

King Phumipon Adunyadet and the Thai Royal family are very popular in Thailand and are held in great esteem by the Thai people. Remember to not make any disparaging or sarcastic comments about the king and his family. Not only would Thai’s be deeply offended and outraged, it is illegal and carries consequences. While the notion of criticizing leaders in many countries is nothing novel, this is not the case for Thais in regard to the Royal Family. For the most part, this law is well-accepted and welcomed by Thais themselves, which suggests the enormous respect they have for their King. Their King and Queen have helped the country prosper and have been instrumental in converting opium production to organic farming, they have gracefully brought Thailand into the modern age while maintaining much of the old tradition, and are generally considered benevolent.

Basic Etiquette in Everyday Situations

As in many Asian countries it is tradition to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home. You may even be asked to do this in public restaurants, shops and stores. It’s fun to do and you may want to continue this at your own home. Thais consider it rude to point with your hands or fingers. If you are sitting or kneeling across from others do not let the soles of your feet face them, as this is also considered rude and insulting. Never point at anything or any person with your foot when you are in Thailand. As the feet are thought of as the lowest part of the body it is considered very rude. To use them to indicate something is insulting to them. Refrain from touching someone else’s head, even if it is only to remove a leaf or smooth their hair. Thais consider the head to be the highest and most respected part of the body. It is considered to be very rude for someone else to touch their head. Public displays of any affection are also extremely rude. Refraining from public shows of kisses or hugs is much appreciated.

Learn From Those Around You

There are so many new sights, sounds and smells in Thailand. When arriving, you will probably be on sensory overload. But as your senses become more accustomed to your surroundings, observe what people are doing and how they are acting. As crazy as it sounds, try to fit in instead of stand out. Observe your body language, your voice volume levels, your group size, your presence. . See if you can start to melt into the madness. Don’t think of it as constricting - think of it as a gentle learning with Thailand as your teacher.

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Hidden Thai Islands

Thailand is one of the best places to visit in the world. It is cheap with friendly people and nice good. You can relax on amazing beaches, hike great mountains, dive spectacular coral reefs, visit ancient historical sites, explore great caves, and hang out in exciting and fast paced cities. However, most people come for the beaches and, these beaches and tropical islands are the best reason to come to Thailand. However, Thailand has hundreds of tropical islands to choose from. Most tourists stick to a few of the popular Thai islands and with good reason. They wouldn’t be popular if they weren’t good. Despite Thailand being a popular destination, there are still many undiscovered and cheap islands in Thailand. Here’s seven tropical Thai islands that are relatively undeveloped:

Ko Lipe is a small island in the Southern Thai province of Satun and is situated in the Andaman Sea. The island is part of the Tarutao National Marine Park. The name “Ko Lipe” means paper island in the local Chao Ley language. More people are coming here so get here fast. There are reefs ight off the island, empty beaches, cheap food, and friendly people. Most places only have electricity until midnight, giving you a nice place to watch the stars at night. Avoid the holiday season when the crowds peak.

Ko Tarutao National Marine Park consists of 51 islands located in the Andaman Sea. Ko Tarutao is the main island and wjere the park headquarters is located. There are no lodges, resorts, restaurants, or bars on the island. There is just the park’s canteen and a small store that is only open until 8pm. Accommodation is simply cheap bungalows or tents. For those looking for a cheap and rustic island in Thailand, this place is it.

The island of Ko Chang is a tropical marine national park. Near the Cambodian border, Ko Chang Thailand's second largest island after Phuket. Recently, with the surge in development and popularity, Ko Chang is Thailand’s new popular tourist destination. With its chain of white sandy coves and beaches, pristine rain forests, abundant wildlife, coral reefs, high mountain peaks, waterfalls, and great nightlife, Ko Chang is one of Thailand’s most sought after holiday destinations. If you stay on the east side, there are few crowds and development.

Surin National Park is found some 60 km off the west coast of Phang Nga province. The excellent diving, snorkeling, hiking and game fishing are what most visitors come for, and those hoping to find a quiet refuge from the tourist traps will be delighted with the lack of “development.” Surin Nuea is also home to a community of around 150 Moken, or “sea gypsies”, who have settled there on a semi-permanent basis for several decades. The islands are protected and can only be visited by organized tours, which helps keep the diving good and the crowds thin.

The Similan Islands are composed of nine granite islands washed by a clear blue tropical ocean and blessed with some of the world’s finest beaches. Despite a history of abuse, the islands and reefs have recovered. Boats entering the Similan Islands have to follow strict rules imposed and controlled by the national park officials, have to use the moorings prepared by the national park and use closed waste water systems to avoid any pollution.

Ko Lanta is popular with tourists seeking a holiday away from the parties. Ko Lanta is very laid back and there is not a lot of partying, especially when compared to Ko Phi Phi. Even when tourism is at its peak, there is always a quiet spot to relax.

Ko Mak is a great place to go. It is an ideal destination for travelers who want to get away from mass tourism. Amongst 10,000 palm trees, there’s a temple, three fishing community villages, rubber plantations, and two uninhabited beaches. Hardly anyone comes here, except couples and divers. Koh Mak is the perfect place to relax, explore, calm your mind and soothe your senses.

Trips to these Thai islands will give you peace, quiet, wide beaches, clear water, and few people. Let’s keep the secret between us though so it stays that way for as long as possible, otherwise these tropical island treasures will be ruined a lighting pace.

The land of the smiles: Thailand

Most visits to Thailand are trouble-free but travellers should be aware that there are serious security concerns in the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla due to ongoing violent insurgency. On 15 March, a car bomb exploded in the parking lot of a Pattani hotel, killing two people and injuring 13. Men are forbidden to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces. Motorcyclists are required to carry their identification card, driver’s licence and vehicle registration book at all times. There is a state of emergency in the provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. Martial law remains in place in these provinces.

Transportation in a city or resort is typically a taxi, tuk-tuk, rickshaw, pickup, or hired car and driver. Taxis are usually metered in a city; make sure the meter is turned on. On the positive side, the Skytrain has made it much easier to get around, and taxis, tuk-tuks , buses and motorcycle taxis are plentiful.

Whether in big cities like Bangkok, the countryside of Chiang Mai or on a pristine beach of Phuket (great location for scuba diving), Thailand offers business and leisure travelers a safe, friendly atmosphere full of possibilities. The full moon party in Koh Phangan transforms the beach in Haad Rin, thousands of people, music and lots of alcohol makes this a night to remember. If you’re planning visits to the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand you’ll also need to bring along sport sandals and clothes that will cover your knees and shoulders as a gesture of respect for the. Bangkok has worked hard to develop its reputation as one of Asia’ss most inviting shopping destinations. The city is huge and offers every type of shopping experience regardless of your .

Bangkok presents a distinctive Buddhist landscape, with gold-layered spires, graceful pagodas, and giant Buddha statues. To the east rises the Khorat Plateau, a sandstone plateau with poor soils supporting grasses and woodlands. From downtown Bangkok to the rice farming villages of the Isan region, Thailand is a nation that is moving into modernity. Thailand has recently experienced relatively strong economic development, but large parts of the population are being left behind. Bangkok is a modern city yet firmly embedded in tradition. All aspects of Thai culture are revered here, such as people of all ages praying at one of the countless Temples and Monks accepting their daily alms.

If you travel to Thailand I will advice you to experiencenorthern city of Chang Mai where jungle covered mountains provide the perfect setting for treks, elephant rides and bamboo rafting before recuperation in a hill tribe village. Also you will want to check out the Tarutao kayaking tours as it is the absolute best island experience that Southern Thailand offers. They are especially designed for Thai food lovers who love to eat everything – we feast on Thai food every day of the trip.  Traveling in Thailand is great, and the best thing is that you can also do amazing sports like Scuba Diving: Remember, Thailand is one of the best places to go Scuba diving . Discover more info about scuba diving Thailand and scuba thailand.