Things to know when visiting Thailand

 

If you respect these Thai customs when you visit you will be appreciated by the Thai people you meet.

First, the wai – when you meet someone you put your hands together like you would in prayer at chest level and bow your head.  You do the same when you say goodbye. 

Second, remember that the Thai people revere their monarchy.  Don't ever make fun of this or disparaging comments – it's actually a criminal offence to do so.

Most buildings will have spirit houses or altars – don't touch them. 

It is important not to touch anyone's head – that is regarded as offensive.  And shoes are not to be worn indoors in private houses or in religious sites.  Some traditional restaurants also require shoes to be removed. 

When you are in a restaurant try not to put your handbag on the floor – the floor is regarded as dirty.  In upmarket restaurants women are given separate little stools to put your handbag on.  Or you could get a handbag hanger – I bought one not long ago but am not confident that it is really strong enough to hold my handbag – which is stuffed full of stuff! 

Of course the major highlight of any visit to Thailand is the food! 

Many of you will know a lot more about Thailand than I do.  Please feel free to add your comments.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is an island off the east coast of Thailand.  It is a beach resort type of place with lots of sandy beaches (although the tide went out a very long way) and bars on the beach etc.  A bit of a paradise for young people – although these days they've got to be very careful about what they're actually drinking.  Some of the really cheap drinks are lethal – literally!

When I stayed there we were at the more family friendly end of the beach – there were still quite a lot of hawkers wandering along and trying to sell you food, silks, all sorts but nowhere as many as further along the beach.  At the middle of Chaweng beach there were baby elephants on show for pictures with tourists.

While it is touristy, it is also warm and a pleasant escape from winter.  Accommodation ranges from 5 star to very budget.

It is not crimeless, while we were there some people in our hotel were robbed by a pair on a motorbike as they walked back in the early evening to the resort.

There is shopping in the main street – mostly t-shirts and souvenirs. 

Bangkok - an interesting (and hot) place to visit

Bangkok is an interesting place to visit.  If you don’t do well in the heat you might find it a bit of a trial.  Some of the things we did there included:

Visiting The Jim Thompson house.  He was an American who settled in Thailand and became a very successful entrepreneur in the silk trade.  His house is now a tranquil spot to visit and has a nice shop with quality silk goods for sale.

Visiting temples in the Grand Palace.  A must see attraction.  But no shorts or bare feet are allowed – ie flip flops without socks not allowed.

Visiting Lumphini park – it’s a large park (360 sq acres).  It is full of people doing tai chi and martial arts, having get togethers, biking, running and anything else you can imagine.

Having lunch down by the river – you will see from the picture the sorts of boats that whizz down the river – and that the river looks pretty dirty.  I wouldn’t want to fall into it.

But it isn’t all pretty.  And the traffic is pretty horrendous – and interesting and exciting all at the same time.  The people, though, are just great.  Polite, friendly and peaceful (well, when they aren’t protesting about something).