Do & don’t, Phuket | Amazing Thailand

Don’t touch a Thai person’s head

The head is regarded as the most sacred part of the body and shouldn’t be touched. There are exceptions (e.g between lovers, when you go for a head massage, and parents ruffling children’s hair), but generally speaking don’t risk causing offence by touching someone’s head.

Don’t show disrespect to the Thai royal family

Thailand has strict laws on this which also cover social media.

Don’t raise your voice

In Thai culture, keeping calm and not raising your voice are qualities that are admired. Shouting and getting angry won’t do you any favours.

Don’t touch monks

Women should never touch a monk or hand anything directly to them.

Don’t point to anything with your feet and don’t place your feet on the table while sitting

If you accidentally drop some money, don’t step on it to stop it blowing away. This would be insulting the King whose image is on Thai currency.

Don’t take things too seriously

In Thai culture there is a concept known as ‘sanuk‘. Broadly speaking, it’s the idea of having fun and taking enjoyment out of everything you do.

Do return a Wai

There are lots of subtle rules of etiquette involved with the Thai greeting, the wai. We could write a whole article about when you should or shouldn’t wai and how high the hands should be, but for a first time visitor to Thailand if a Thai person wais you, place your palms together, raise your hands towards your chin and return the wai with a smile.

Useful Thai words and phrases to learn

Learning at least a few words of Thai shows respect for the culture and can be a great way to break the ice when you are in Thailand. In many of the main tourist areas and resorts, people will speak at least some English and you are unlikely to have any major issues. However, if language difficulties do arise, just smile and accept it as part of the travel experience.

Do smile!

It may sound trite, but a smile can go a long way in establishing good intent and that will be appreciated in Thailand.

Do stand up when you hear the national anthem or royal anthem.

Do stand up when you hear the national anthem or royal anthem.

You may hear the Thai national anthem in public spaces (train stations, bus stations, markets etc.) at 8am and 6pm each day. Take your cue from others around you and stop what you are doing and stand still. If you are in a cinema, the royal anthem is usually played before the film and you should join everyone else in standing for this.

Etiquette advice for visiting Thai temples

Etiquette advice for visiting Thai temples

Even if you’re not religious, a visit to a Buddhist temple (wat) can be a rewarding cultural experience. With around 95% of the Thai population identifying as Buddhist, the local wat plays an important role in Thai society.

11 Things Not to Do in Phuket

Just like in any country, there are few customs everyone should respect and a few things you should not do in Phuket. Some are petty and casual; some are serious and could lead to real trouble.

Where to Change Money in Phuket? Where to Get the Best Exchange Rates?

Where to Change Money in Phuket? Where to Get the Best Exchange Rates?

Where is the best place to change money in Phuket? This is one of the most frequently asked questions on our Phuket blog.

Staying in Phuket Town

Phuket Town has a lot of charm and has grown in popularity since it was renovated.

Rawai Beach

Rawai in the south of Phuket has long been home to expatriates, often ignored by tourists because Rawai itself has no swimming beaches.

Nai Harn Beach

Nai Harn is a trendy and fabulous beach in the very south of Phuket. It is part of another national park, and therefore was not invaded by hotels and remained relatively untouched, but it can get busy during the high season.

Staying in Maikhao Beach

Maikhao is the longest and most peaceful beach in Phuket, part of a national park.

Staying in Bangtao Beach

Bangtao has evolved from an isolated luxury enclave to a fun and lively neighbourhood with plenty of choices for all budget.

Staying in Kamala Beach

Kamala beach was an underrated beach for a long time, mostly loved by Scandinavians who would return year after year.

Should I stay in Karon Beach?

Karon is a very long and wide beach with a small town at each end where you will find many food and shops.

Kata Rocks Phuket – Staying at Kata Rocks on Kata Beach

Kata Rocks Phuket – Staying at Kata Rocks on Kata Beach

Kata Rocks Phuket is changing the face of luxury accommodation in Phuket. More than just a hotel stay, it’s an unforgettable holiday experience.

The Shore at Katathani Phuket

The Shore at Katathani on Kata Noi Beach is one of the most exclusive and romantic hotels in Phuket, probably one of our best experience on the island.

Should I book my hotel in Kata Beach?

Kata is the second most popular beach in Phuket.

Should I stay in Patong Beach?

Patong was initially one of Phuket most beautiful beach and became popular with the younger crowd for its notorious party atmosphere.

Patong Beach! What to Do in Patong?

Patong Beach is the real heart of Phuket nightlife, and what makes it so attractive to many is often what other people hate most about it. Patong is big, bold, crowded, bright and loud, yet millions of people flock here every year, like flies on honey. If Bangkok is the Big Mango, then Patong is the Big Durian: you’ll love Patong or hate it!

5 Best Known Scams in Phuket

Scams exist in just about any travel destination around the world, and Phuket is sadly no exception. It’s also quite normal to let your guard down while on holiday. Thai people are naturally very hospitable, but the bad apples count on you not speaking a word of Thai, knowing that this leaves you in a vulnerable position.

Phuket King's Cup Regatta

The King's Cup Regatta is one of Phuket's famous international yachting events. It's typically held in December for a week. of partying, sailing, good company and great fun. The sailing festival is a prominent event on the Asian yacht-racing calendar.

Kathu Festival in Phuket

Kathu Festival, or the ‘Kathu Street Culture Festival’, is a more contemporary event compared to other well-known festivals on the island.

Songkran Festival in Phuket

Coming to Phuket during April? Then you’re in for a big surprise if you’re here from April 13 to 15.

Phuket Bike Week

Once you hear the roar of packs of big bikes rumbling around the hills and highways of Phuket Island, you’ll know that Phuket Bike Week is coming. This annual event is usually set in the month of April and is often organised to coincide with Songkran, Thailand’s biggest festival.