Bangkok Bound: Essential Tips for a Hassle-Free Visit
Are you considering a trip to Thailand? You’re in for a treat. The land historically known as Siam is a beautiful country and the accommodations there are relatively inexpensive. There’s plenty to see and to do for every type of traveler, especially in a city like Bangkok.
But just like traveling to any new country, you’ll want to take precautions to avoid inconveniences, mishaps, or even putting yourself in an undesirable situation.
Thailand is relatively safe for tourists, as it should be. In 2019, nearly 40 million tourists have come to experience the country’s natural beauty and fabled culture.
Here, we’ll discuss some basic laws, customs, and social norms. These are useful things every new traveler to Thailand should know and be aware of. You might even want to consider familiarizing yourself with basic Thai phrases.
Start off on the right foot with these tidbits:
King and Country
If you’re from a western country like the United States, Canada, or Great Britain, it’s important to know that expressing political dissent in Thailand is not advisable. Unlike in those countries, where criticizing leaders is often accepted, Thailand has strict laws about speaking out against its government and isn’t as lenient to criticism when it is directed at their royal family. The country has some of the strictest lèse-majesté laws in the world and even the implication of disrespect towards a member of the royal family could land you in hot water. Even the royal family’s pets are to be treated with utmost respect and dignity.
Thailand’s Supreme Court even determined that those laws apply to past monarchs, so tread carefully if you come across a statue or memorial of a deceased monarch. Pretrial detention for violating lèse-majesté can last months and bail is denied routinely, so any offense could mean a significant stint in jail even if you’re ultimately acquitted.
While this may sound concerning, it really isn’t an issue for the vast majority of tourists.
As long as you practice basic courtesy and respect like you would in any foreign country, you can have as grand a time as you would like.
So if you’re planning to visit Thailand, it’s wise to be aware of these cultural differences and avoid discussing sensitive political topics.
Feet Finder
Speaking of things to not do in Thailand, feet are considered the dirtiest part of the body. Some locals may take offense if you point your feet at them. If you go to a temple, you may notice that people position their legs so as not to let their feet point at an image of Buddha. So be mindful of where your feet are pointed to keep from offending anyone.
Thai people are generally quite welcoming and understanding towards tourists, and they understand that you might not necessarily understand the fine details of their customs. They may even subtly adjust their own position just in case your feet are pointed toward them. Nevertheless, they’ll appreciate you adhering to this cultural norm.
Timing Is Everything
Your chosen date to visit Thailand can make a difference to your overall experience. The rainy season from June to October means heavy rain showers and storms in the northern, central, and southwestern regions of Thailand. However, the rainy season means lower costs for accommodations and tourist attractions with smaller crowds.
Overall, the best time to visit Thailand might be around November to February which is the cool and dry season, especially if you’re looking to spend time on its famous beaches. March and May is also a good time for bright and sunny weather, but note that this is their summer season, so be prepared for hotter temperates and heavier crowds.
Sunscreen and Repellants
Mosquitos can be an annoyance whenever visiting Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries, which is why it’s always recommended to bring mosquito repellant with you.
While the risk of contracting disease from mosquito bites for travelers is low, it’s always good to take precautions. Plus, being bitten by one still sucks. Their bites can sting and become itchy.
If you haven’t bought a repellent yet, try to get some sunscreen that also has mosquito repellant, because then you’ll have two layers of protection in one.
Meat Free
If you’re vegan or vegetarian, then you’ll have to work around Thailand’s cuisine. Fish sauce, oyster sauce, and eggs are widely used in Thailand and even food that’s labeled as vegetarian may contain these ingredients because the term ‘vegetarian’ is relative in Thailand.
If you want to really make sure that you’re not eating any kind of animal products, use the term mang sa wirat. That means that the food doesn’t contain any pieces of meat or fish.
Can you pass for local? Do you have any east or southeast Asian heritage? Can you speak Thai? If the answer is a series of no’s, then you’re going to have to watch out when shopping at stalls and taking the iconic tuk-tuk. This is because some shady locals will inflate their prices for tourists, mostly because people like you aren’t supposed to know how much things usually cost in Thailand.
Thankfully, it’s easy to make friends with the locals. Thai people are known for being friendly, hospitable, and welcoming. It’s best to get in touch with a local before your trip. That way, you’ll have a guide to the amazing way of life not all tourists get to experience.
Utilize Utensils
In most parts of (east and southeast) Asia, chopsticks are the norm when eating. But that’s not the case in Thailand. Most meals are eaten with a spoon and a fork. Be warned not to use your fork to eat, though. Eating directly off the fork is considered rude. Instead, use your fork to direct food onto your spoon and then you eat your food.
Sockets and Such
One other thing that you need to know is that the power outlets in Thailand are 220V, much higher than 120V of US power outlets. While many phone chargers are now designed to function at between 110 and 220, you may still want to bring a travel adapter with you just in case.
Temple Run
Now, Thailand has a lot of temples and many of them are tourist attractions. While there’s no dress code for Thai society as a whole, there is one for the temples. For one thing, you’re supposed to take off your shoes when you enter. You’re also supposed to make sure that your shoulders and elbows are covered.
If that’s going to be a problem for you, some temples do have sarongs available to borrow in case you need to cover up. But it’s probably best to have a scarf or something at the ready just in case.
Thailand is a wonderful country. It’s also relatively inexpensive, so you should be able to stretch out your budget. Not to mention there’s also world-class luxury shopping if you’re the type to not care about budgets. Most of all, it is home to some of the most friendly, warm, and beautiful people in the world.
But as great a tourist hub as it is, it doesn’t mean you should just get on a plane and show up. There are rules that you need to know and by which you need to abide. So learn what those rules, written and unwritten, are and have an unforgettable time in Thailand.
