Pattaya Thailand Travel Tips

Pattaya Travel Etiquette:

Respecting Thai Culture:

  • The Monarchy: Show deep respect for the Thai royal family. It’s illegal to criticize the monarchy and considered highly offensive. Remember to stand when the national anthem plays and avoid making negative comments about royalty.
  • The Buddha: The image of Buddha is sacred in Thailand. Avoid pointing your feet at it, and be mindful of your attire when visiting temples - shoulders should be covered and shoes removed before entering.
  • Temples: When visiting temples, dress respectfully (no shorts or revealing clothing). Often, a sarong or shawl can be borrowed to cover bare legs and shoulders.

Respecting People:

  • Wat Chaiwatthanaram: This temple is a popular destination for tourists, but it’s important to remember that it’s a place of worship.
  • The Head & Feet: The head is considered the most sacred part of the body, so avoid touching anyone’s head, even a child’s. It’s also seen as disrespectful to stand with your feet on furniture or point them at people.

Other Important Tips:

  • Wai Greeting: The “wai” is the traditional Thai greeting. It involves pressing your palms together in a prayer-like gesture and bowing slightly with a smile. This gesture shows respect and is used when greeting someone, thanking them, apologizing, or even saying hello to animals.
  • Feet and Shoes: Be sure to remove your shoes before entering a temple or someone’s home (if you are invited) in Thailand.
  • Respect for Monks: It is considered disrespectful to touch a monk or their robes.

Temples:

  • Dress Code: Respectful attire is crucial when visiting temples. Always wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid revealing clothing like shorts, short skirts, sleeveless shirts, or anything overly tight or flashy.
  • Photography: Be mindful of the rules regarding photography. It’s generally okay to take pictures of the temple grounds and architecture but always ask before photographing monks or Buddha images.
  • Buddha Images: The image of Buddha is sacred in Thailand. Don’t point at it, climb on it, or pose disrespectfully (e.g., sitting on a Buddha statue).

Respect for Monks (continued):

  • Avoid Stepping Over: If you need to pass in front of a Buddha image, always do so with your back to the image and walk slowly.
  • Offerings: When visiting temples, it’s considered respectful to offer monks a small gift, such as flowers or incense, but be sure to check local customs before doing so.

Other General Etiquette:

  • Respect for Buddha Images: Be mindful of your behavior around Buddha images. Never point your feet at them and always approach with respect.
  • Respect for the Royal Family: Avoid speaking negatively about the Thai royal family or criticizing their actions.

Clothing:

  • Wat: Dress modestly when visiting temples. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
  • Footwear: Avoid wearing shoes inside temples. You will often see a designated area to leave your shoes outside.

Shoes:

  • Respect for Footwear: Always remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple.

  • Clothing (continued): Keep in mind that the feet are considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body. Avoid crossing your legs with the soles of your feet facing outwards when interacting with locals, especially monks.

Tips for Interactions:

  • Foot Contact: The same concept applies to the “wai” greeting - avoid pointing the soles of your feet towards anyone while sitting or standing.
  • Respectful Language: When speaking to someone, especially an elder or a person in authority, use polite language like “krap” (for men) and “ka” (for women) after your sentences.

Public Displays of Affection:

  • Excessive PDA is generally frowned upon in Thailand. It’s best to save the romantic gestures for private moments.
  • Respect local customs by keeping a respectful distance when interacting with people, especially at temples.

Remember, these are just a few basic tips.

Always be respectful of the local culture and customs, such as:

  • Dress: Always be sure to cover your shoulders and knees when entering religious sites.

  • Feet: Remember that the “foot” is considered the least sacred part of the body in Thailand, so avoid pointing them at people or Buddha images.

  • Monks: If you are a woman:

Always remember to treat all people with respect, regardless of their gender, age, or social status.

Respectful behavior:

  • Temples: Always remove your shoes before entering a temple.

  • Shoes:

  • Offerings: It’s important to be respectful and follow the guidelines for appropriate attire and behavior when visiting temples, as they are considered sacred places by Thai people.

For tourists,

  • Respectful Language:

Use the “wai” when greeting someone and remember that it is a gesture of respect.

Be polite and mindful of local customs:

  • Speaking to Locals: Use the “krap” or “ka” suffix after your sentences and phrases to show respect for elders, monks, and people in authority.

For interactions with Thai people:

  • Respect for Elders: Always address older people respectfully.

  • Temple Etiquette:

  • Public Displays of Affection: Avoid public displays of affection (PDA) out of respect for the sanctity of the temple. Publicly kissing or hugging is considered inappropriate and disrespectful.**

  • Dress: Always dress in a way that covers your shoulders and knees when entering a temple. Dress respectfully**

  • Respect for Monks: The “wai” is traditionally offered by placing the palms together in prayer, bowing the head slightly, and saying “Sawasdee krap/ka”. When visiting someone’s house:

    • Remove your shoes before entering.
    • Be respectful of their beliefs.

  • Respect for the Buddha: Remember to be respectful and avoid pointing your feet at anyone, especially at monks or other religious figures, when in Thailand.

  • Monks and Temples: Always offer a small gift to show respect (usually flowers or incense) but remember to check if it is appropriate before entering a temple, as some items may be considered offensive.

  • Respect for Monks:

Remember that the head is considered the most sacred part of the body in Thailand.

  • Footwear: Leave your shoes at the designated area and use a “krap” or “ka” to show respect.
  • Food & Drink:

Respectful Behaviour:

  • Temples: Be sure to avoid any actions that are disrespectful, such as making loud noises, talking on your phone, or wearing revealing clothing.

At the temple, it’s common for visitors to remove their shoes before entering a temple or sacred area.

  • Clothing: Visitors should be aware of and follow the specific dress codes required at different temples.

  • Respect for the King: Avoid stepping on Thai currency, as this is considered disrespectful to the monarchy.

Respectful behavior in Thailand:

  • It’s important to remember that the “wai” greeting is a gesture of respect and should be used with everyone, not just those you know.
  • Remember to dress conservatively when visiting temples, especially if they are located in rural areas.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Be mindful of your footwear and avoid pointing it at people, particularly monks or Buddha images.

Respect for personal space: It’s important to remember that Thailand is a largely collectivist culture, where touching someone’s head is considered rude.

Respect for the “wai”:

  • Personal contact:

  • Avoid using disrespectful language and gestures.

Other Considerations:

  • Dress:

  • Respectful attire: It’s always best to check local customs before leaving your shoes at the entrance of a temple, as it can be considered disrespectful.

  • The “wai” is a traditional Thai greeting and should be used with respect and awareness of social hierarchy.

Remember: Respecting the local culture and customs will make your trip more enjoyable for both you and the locals.