Thailand holidays

Thailand holidays are exotic, stunning, sunny, unique and life changing. To get the most out of your holiday, learn about the customs and traditions that are requested of people visiting this wonderful country. By following these suggestions you will surly find yourself a welcomed guest in a fabulous place. I hope that this list will give you some ideas on how to make your visit to Thailand truly spectacular. This will help you show appreciation for the people and their country. These basic principles will also help you feel more at ease in a foreign culture.

Thailand Vacations Can Be More Than Just a Party

Thailand vacations 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. Our recommendation is to have fun, party some, but consider what you will be missing if that is all you do. Also consider that this is the ancient home of your hosts.

Greeting people in Thailand with the Wai

The Wai is a custom found throughout Thailand. 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. The Thai people generally appreciate when foreigners visiting their country use the Wai because of the regard it shows to their culture. 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

There isn’t a direct translation for Graeng Jai in english, but understanding its sentiment will greatly benefit any visitor to Thailand. 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. Learning about what is considered respectful (and disrespectful) attire before arriving in the country will be very well received by the Thai people. 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. There are some places, such as beaches, where these rules do not apply as strictly, but in general it is best to err on the side of caution. 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.

Thailand’s Spiritual Leanings…Buddhism

Buddhism is a very important part of Thailand life and culture and you should also respect their religious and spiritual beliefs while you visit. 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. This is because it is believed that this action will send the mother and father to a heavenly destination when they die. 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. Statues of the Buddha are considered sacred and it is disrespectful to place any such statue on the ground, to take snapshots with them or to climb on them.

Buddhist Temples

In a temple setting rules and tradition are very strict. Your clothing must be acceptable in order to enter the temple. Modest dress choices are your best bet. 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

In addition to respecting the Buddhist customs, travelers should understand the respect Thai’s have for King Phumipon Adunyadet and the Thai Royal family. 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. The head is thought of as the highest 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. As you adjust to this new setting, watch how Thais behave with and around one another. 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.

I went on an amazing rainforest canopy tour with this company and learned a ton about Thai culture during my home-stay. Check it out!

Flight of the Gibbon Adventure Tour

Provides Thailand packages that include a canopy tour, rock climbing, white water rafting, mountain biking and trekking. Overnight in an authentic mountain home stay also included. Thailand Holiday