If you are travelling to Thailand, learning about the culture is not only very important but also appreciated by the locals. By watching this video, you are on the right track to understanding Thai Culture! We are here to give you the most important
Do’s and don’ts in Thailand. Hi my name is Anne and I work for Co van Kessel
Bangkok Tours. We are the original bicycle tour here in Bangkok
and we have been operating for over 30 years now.
That’s why we like to share our insights
with you. The first thing you will probably see when
you arrive in Thailand is the Wai. This is a traditional Thai greeting or a way
to show respect. There are three different types of wai: This is the first one, you put your
hands together and your thumbs touch your chin This one is used for when greeting collegues or friends. This is the second one, your thumbs touch your nose. This wai is used to greet
older people. And the last one, your thumbs touch your forehead. This one is used for the highest level of
respect like for the buddha, monk or the king. If you are not sure of which one to use,
you can use this one. As a general greeting. Thai people use this one for when they are not sure
if someone is older or younger them.
You’ll often receive a wai from shop and
restaurants. It’s not necessary to return the wai for someone who is
providing you a service. Instead, a nice grateful smile is plenty enough. Don’t worry if you’re not getting
it right! Your efforts will be appreciated. Probably the most important don’t in Thai
culture, has to do with the feet. The feet are considered lowest and dirtiest part of the body. Raising your
feet higher than someone's head, or simply. putting your feet onto a desk or chair are
considered extremely rude. Never ever show the bottom of your feet to annyone. It's the equivalent of giving someone the middle finger. Avoid pointing your feet at Buddhas. While the feet are considered the lowest part of the body the head is the most sacred. Never touch someone's hair or head. This also includes ruffling a child's hair. Try to avoid stepping over someone who is sleeping on the ground. Make sure to dress properly when you visit Thai temples, Knees and shoulders should be covered for both sexes. The more formal your clothes, the better. Also, Thai people don't like it when you show too much affection in public.
This is also not done in temples! Try to avoid kissing and hugging. But ofcourse holding hands, is okay. Thais remove their shoes when they enter homes
and temples. When you’re entering homes, temples or even
some bathrooms and restaurants. They will ask you to take off your shoes and walk around
barefoot or with slippers. So be aware if you have to take off your shoes or it’s okay to leave them on. The pile outside the door is
your biggest clue. Don’t point! Pointing at someone is considered rude in
many cultures but particularly so in Thailand.
When you want to point at something use your hand, like this. Throwing an object or money in someone's direction
is rude and not polite. Take time to hand things over properly,
especially to older people. Don't raise your voice. Try to keep your voice down in shops and in restaurants. If you find yourself in an argument. Don't raise your voice, don't yell it won’t help
the situation. And causes people involved to become embarrassed and lose face. Losing face is very important in Thailand. You lose face when your reputation is lost and you embarrass yourself and the rest of the people. Do treat monks with the highest respect. Women are not allowed to touch a monk, so
be careful when you are near one.
Give a monk plenty of space to move around. When you pass a monk, lower your body. Taking pictures are typically
allowed in Thailand. Unless there is a sign that says you shouldn't. So it’s no problem to take pictures but
be respectful. Buddha images are not for decoration and not for tattoo's. The last one don’t forget to smile! Thailand is known as the land of smiles, try
to smile as much as possible you will notice that your experience here
will be even more enjoyable. If you are looking for a unique and authentic
adventure and want to learn more about the culture, come book a tour at Co van Kessel
Bangkok tours.
We are the number 1 outdoor activity on Tripadvisor. Thank you for watching our video, we hope
you’ve learned something new about Thailand. If you are travelling to Bangkok, click here to see our complete transportation guide. Click here to know more about us and click here to visit our website. If you liked this video please subscribe if you want to be notified for when we make new videos. Thank you! Bye!.
