Thailand can be a wonderful place to visit, but it’s important to remember that you’re entering someone else’s home.

Before travelling to Thailand, there are some things you need to know, like rules and cultural norms. 

For instance, it’s important to dress properly when visiting temples and be respectful of everyone, especially the monks and the monarchs. Also, there are some gestures that locals may find offensive.

As a traveller, I can attest that understanding these norms and rules can greatly enhance your trip and prevent any unintended cultural misunderstandings.

I’ve also had several friends who were unsure about the appropriate behaviour and ended up unintentionally offending locals.

So, to help you avoid disrespectful behaviour and travel comfortably throughout your vacation, here are some things you should know when visiting Thailand!

1.  Too-good-to-be-true deals should be considered carefully

Thailand has become known for its cheap prices, so it’s easy to get carried away by all the deals. But beware: many of these prices are set up to lure tourists into buying things they don’t really need or want. 

You’ll end up spending more money than you intended and not getting what you bargained for. 

2. Thailand is renowned for its exceptional massages

Thai massage is one of the most popular practices in Thailand. It’s different from other massages as it uses pressure points on the body along with stretching techniques to help relieve pain and tension in the muscles and joints.

Thai massages tend to be more focused on stretching muscles and easing tension than on kneading pressure points or targeted areas like shoulders or feet. 

The pressure can be intense at times, but most people say it’s worth it for how great they feel after having one done!

3. Most toilets in Thailand are squat toilets

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, you might want to consider packing your own tissue or portable bidet. While that may sound like an odd suggestion, it’s actually a good idea if you plan on using the public toilets in Thailand.

You see, many of the public bathrooms in Thailand are squat toilets, which means you have to squat over them to use them. 

4. Trying Thai street foods is a must!

Thailand is known for its street foods. If you want to experience the best of Thailand, then you should invest in Thai street foods. 

Street foods are everywhere, from parks to busy streets. They are delicious, and they come in a wide variety of flavours.

You do not have to be a culinary expert to enjoy the delicious food offered by street vendors in Thailand. You just need to know what to order. 

5. Mosquitoes are very common in Thailand

Thailand is a tropical region, and as such, it is home to some of the most exotic and colourful insects in the world. There are also many species that are dangerous to humans, such as mosquitoes and scorpions.

To protect yourself from these insects, I highly recommend that you invest in a good quality insect repellent before you visit Thailand. 

These products can be bought at pharmacies or online and will last for several weeks, depending on how often you use them.

6. Thai people are friendly

Thailand has been called the “Land of Smiles,” and there’s a reason for that: The people are friendly, kind, and welcoming. They’ll greet you with a smile no matter where you are.

Thai people have a very strong sense of community—so much so that they will often smile at strangers on the street. They may even offer you food or drinks by putting it in your hand or handing it to you directly! 

This may feel strange at first, but don’t be afraid to accept what they offer. It’s just part of the friendly Thai culture!

7. Some places require modest attire

In Thailand, there are many temples and other religious sites that require visitors to dress conservatively. This means wearing long pants or skirts, covering your shoulders and knees, and avoiding revealing clothes. 

If you’re not sure what’s considered “revealing,” it’s probably best to wear long pants and sleeves. This way, you’ll be able to avoid offending the locals.

8. Pointing with feet is considered rude

Thai people believe that the feet are the dirtiest part of the body, and they appear to find shoes particularly disgusting.

Also, it is regarded as extremely rude to point your foot at anyone, especially at Buddha. At temples, you’ll notice people seated with their feet turned away from Buddha and their legs bent to one side.

9. Thais consider the head as a sacred body part

Since Thais consider the head to be sacred and the cleanest part of the body, touching someone’s head or hair is deemed insulting and impolite. This includes avoiding head contact and keeping your hands out of a child’s hair.

10. Shoes should be taken off when entering a house or a sacred place

In Thailand, you need to remove your shoes before entering a temple, but also when you enter someone’s home and oftentimes at places of business.

You will be required to take your shoes off before entering these areas so make sure you have a pair of socks on hand if this is not something that you would normally do at home!

11. Putting your feet up on the furniture is considered disrespectful

When sitting in a Thai restaurant or other public establishments, don’t put your feet up on the furniture!

This may sound like an odd thing to worry about before visiting Thailand, but it’s actually considered disrespectful by Thai people. The feet are considered dirty in Thai culture, so putting them up on tables and chairs can be seen as insulting.

12. Monks are regarded as sacred individuals

Monks are considered holy men in Thailand and are treated with great respect by the Thai people. Touching them is considered extremely disrespectful.

If you do happen to see one of these monks walking down the street or sitting at a restaurant, don’t approach them. Instead, just admire from afar and respect their space.

13. The left hand is considered unclean by the locals

In Thailand, the right hand is used for everything. It’s the polite way to eat, drink, receive money, and even pass something to someone else—and it’s definitely not just limited to when you’re in public.

The left hand is considered unclean because it’s used for bathroom activities. While it may seem like a small thing, this can be one of the biggest cultural faux pas in Thailand. 

14. Thais have a customary way of greeting 

A wai is a greeting gesture that shows respect. It’s performed by pressing both hands together in front of your chest, with palms touching and fingers pointing upwards and bowing slightly.

It’s not just a way of saying hello—it’s also used as a goodbye, thank you, or acknowledgement of someone else’s presence. You can also do this while kneeling down or standing up straight.

The person who receives the wai should respond with a smile and a nod before returning it in kind. 

15. Acting out in public is frowned upon

One of the most important things to know before visiting Thailand is that you shouldn’t make a scene in public! 

This means that if you’re in a restaurant, don’t yell at the waiter for bringing you the wrong dish. If you’re on a bus, don’t kick the seat in front of you because you can’t get it to recline properly. 

And if someone is smoking next to you on an aeroplane, don’t raise your voice or make any sudden movements—just politely ask them to move away from you.

Thai people are very friendly and welcoming; they love tourists who respect their culture and traditions. So if you want to make sure everyone has a good time while visiting Thailand, just remember this simple rule.

16. Thai food is usually eaten with utensils

Thai cuisine is historically consumed with hands. While this may be true in some instances, it’s important to know that most Thai food, especially if you’re eating from a plate or bowl, is now eaten with utensils like forks, spoons or chopsticks.

The reason for this is that Thai food has several components that must be eaten separately—rice, meat or vegetables—and if you were to eat them with your hands, you’d mix everything together and get a less-than-satisfying meal.

17. ‘Soi’ dogs are prevalent all over Thailand

Street dogs or ‘soi’ dogs are prevalent in Thailand. They’re everywhere!

If you’re not comfortable around dogs, this can be a bit of a problem as they tend to roam freely on the streets and sidewalks. If you don’t want them around, be sure to keep your distance from them at all times. 

Another thing to consider is that these dogs are not always well-fed or cared for properly.

This means they may have fleas or other illnesses that could affect your health if they bite or scratch you while interacting with them so be sure to be extra careful when petting one!

18. Haggling should be done respectfully and responsibly

If you’re travelling to Thailand, you’ll probably want to get some souvenirs for yourself and your friends. And if you go shopping in Thailand, you will probably be confronted with a lot of prices that seem very high.

But here’s the thing: You have to bargain responsibly in Thailand. You can’t just walk up to every vendor and expect them to give you a discount.

Polite, amicable haggling is expected and accepted, and the Thais will enjoy it if you do.

Consider a scenario in which the seller specifies a price, and you wish to pay less. Offer a price that is less than what you believe the vendor will accept. This way, you can meet somewhere in the centre.

19. Ladyboys are everywhere, especially during nighttime

You might be surprised by how many ladyboys you see in Thailand. They’re not just in Bangkok—they’re all over the country, and they can be tricky to spot.

The first time we went to Thailand, we were blown away by how many ladyboys we saw on the streets of Bangkok. 

They’re one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country and are considered a part of Thai culture. They work as hair stylists, masseuses, and dancers in many places across the country.

20. English is widely spoken in Thailand

One thing that might surprise you about Thailand is that English is widely spoken there. Although most Thais can speak English, they may not always be able to write it well or understand it. 

This means that if you plan on visiting Thailand and want to speak English with locals, you should choose your words carefully so they don’t misunderstand what you’re saying!

21.  Restaurant service is quite slow

Thailand’s cuisine is one of its biggest draws, but it’s not always easy to find a place to eat. One big reason for this is that many restaurants are quite slow and don’t have the same fast-food mentality that you might be used to in other countries. 

But if you’re willing to put up with some extra time at your table, you’ll be rewarded with delicious food that will make your trip even more memorable!

The waiters and waitresses in Thailand are very nice, but the pace of their work can be frustrating for Western travellers who are accustomed to fast service.

22. Gambling is illegal and can result in hefty fines and imprisonment

You have to stay away from any illegal activities — this means no drugs, no prostitution, and no smuggling. The police in Thailand are very strict, so it’s best not to chance it.

In Thailand, there are only two authorised forms of gambling: horse racing and the official State Lottery. All other forms of gambling are severely prohibited. 

23. Any form of disrespect towards the monarchy is a serious offence

It’s essential to understand that in Thailand, the monarchy is highly revered, and any form of disrespect towards the King and Queen is considered a grave offence. 

Thai people regard the royal family as living deities, so it’s crucial to show respect and avoid making any derogatory remarks or actions towards them. 

Failure to do so can result in severe consequences, including imprisonment, hefty fines, and even deportation. Therefore, it’s crucial to be mindful of their culture and customs and show proper reverence during your visit to Thailand.

24. Tuk-tuk drivers’ scams are quite common

Some tuk tuk drivers are known to scam tourists. They make you pay much more than the actual cost of the ride. The best thing to do is to agree on the price before getting in.

Tuk tuk drivers will lie about the price of their services. If a driver tells you that his prices are lower than other companies or individuals offering the same service, he/she is lying. 

This is an old trick used by many people in Thailand who want to get more money from tourists than they deserve. Don’t fall for it!

25. Renting a scooter is one of the easiest ways to get around Thailand

Renting a scooter in Thailand is as easy as renting a car in other countries. It’s not just for the adventurous, either. It’s also a great way to get around if you’re looking to save money on transportation costs.

So what do you need to know before renting a scooter in Thailand? We’ve got some tips:

• You’ll need an international driver’s permit (IDP), which can be obtained by taking an online test or visiting your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

• Rental companies will provide helmets for free, but it’s highly recommended that you bring your own helmet from home because they may not fit correctly or be well maintained.

• Don’t forget about your insurance! You will need some sort of liability coverage in case anything happens while driving around Thailand on your rented motorcycle (or any other type of vehicle).

FAQs about Important Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Thailand