01 What do I need to know before traveling to Bangkok?
1.Eat off your spoon, not your fork. Eating directly off a fork is considered crude; instead, use your fork to push food onto your spoon.
2.Yes, the people really are *that* nice. Don't be surprised if strangers offer you advice or strike up a conversation with you.
3.People don't stand in lines. This took me a few days (and many long waits for the ladies room) to figure out. Instead of queuing up, Thais form a crowd. Stand your ground, and get used to a lack of personal space in public places. It is good to know this before you visit Thailand.
4.Take tuk-tuks during the day and taxis at night. Taxis are more comfortable, but tuk-tuks give you a better view. Both are terrifying.
5.Don't talk about the king. Seriously, not a word.
6.Gambling is only permitted on certain days (by order of the king, whom you are still not talking about, right?
7.Eat as many mangoes as you possibly can when you travel to Thailand. The mangoes in Thailand are the most delicious in the world.
8.Cover up your elbows and knees when visiting temples, wats, monasteries, palaces, etc
9.Many of the popular beer brands also make bottled water.
10.Don't take a taxi driver's word on it if they say an attraction or site is closed for the day.many times they will use this tactic to try to "suggest" other destinations which earn them a commission.
02 What are the top things to do and see in Bangkok?
Our suggested top ten things to do in Bangkok
1. Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)
2. Chao Phraya River Cruise
3. The Jim Thompson House
4. Chatuchak Weekend Market
5. Grand Palace
6. Muay Thai Boxing
7. Rooftop Dining at Banyan Tree Hotel
8. Taling Chan Floating Market
9. The Khao San Road
10. Bangkok National Museum
03 What are the culture of the Thailand?
Buddhism and the monarchy have historically been seen as sources of order and stability in society and continue to act as symbols of unity for the Thai people. Yet, the culture is also accommodating of contemporary practices and values. Many Thai people have embraced progressive ideas as their country has globalised.
A culture trip of Thailand lets you learn secrets of ancient times, meet welcoming locals and listen to folklore that has stood the test of time. With 115 cultural adventures lasting from 3 days to 18 days, you're sure to experience a true cultural immersion.
04 What are Do and don'ts in Thai culture?
Do's
1. Take your shoes off
Like in other Asian countries, people in Thailand believe that the feet are unholy and unclean. This is why they take their shoes off before entering a house, temple, and even some restaurants, shops and offices. A pile of shoes and slippers outside one of these establishments is a good indicator that footwear is forbidden inside.
2. Dress properly
Thais dress modestly, and showing too much skin is considered disrespectful. This is especially true when visiting temples. Rules in Thailand state that before entering a temple, you should wear clothes that fully cover your shoulders and knees. The more formal the attire, the better. If you think the weather in Thailand is too hot to be covered up, you can find markets selling loose and light clothing items that are culturally appropriate.
3. Return a wai greeting
Bowing in Thailand is called the wai (pronounced as 'why'). It's the traditional way Thais greet one another and say hello. When one is directed at you, you should always return it. Thais consider it disrespectful if a wai is not returned. The proper way to wai is to bring your hands together in front of your chest — make sure your hands are pointing upwards. Then bow your head until your nose touches your index fingers.
The wai is not only used to greet people; it is also used to apologise, thank someone or say goodbye.
4. Respect the monks
You'll encounter monks all over Thailand, and you should always treat them with utmost respect. Always bow when you meet one and never ask them overly personal questions. If you want to give them something, place the item in front of them instead of handing it directly. Women should be extra careful around monks because it's strictly forbidden for women to touch monks or even to brush against their robes.
5. Use a spoon
The proper way to eat in Thailand is with a spoon and fork. The spoon should be in the right hand and the fork in the left. The fork is only used to scoop the food onto the spoon; it should never enter your mouth.
6. Smile
Smiling is deeply rooted in Thai culture, which is why Thailand is called the Land of Smiles. It is an important part of Thai etiquette and can mean many things, including expressing various emotions such as embarrassment or frustration. Thais also smile to avoid confrontations. But that does not mean the Thai smile is fake. Thais are friendly people and their smile is a way of showing respect, so if you're the recipient of a smile, make sure you smile in return.
Don'ts
1. Don't disrespect the Thai royal family
The Thai people have a deep reverence for their king and the royal family. Insulting, disrespecting or talking ill of the king or images of the king can land you a one-way ticket to prison.
2. Don't touch people's heads
In Thailand, the head is revered as the highest and most sacred part of the body, therefore, you should never touch a person's head or hair — this includes ruffling children's hair. Don't raise your feet over someone's head and don't step over someone who is sleeping or sitting on the ground.
3. Don't point
Pointing at someone in Thailand is inappropriate and rude as it is in many other countries too. Instead, lift your chin in the direction of the person you're indicating. If you're asking someone to come closer, raise your arm horizontally and wave your hand up and down. Pointing at animals and inanimate objects is generally tolerated, although it's better to use your entire hand to gesture instead of the index finger.
4. Don't point with your feet
Pointing with your feet is just as rude as pointing with your fingers, especially when you're pointing at Buddha statues in and outside of temples. You should also avoid showing the bottom of your feet because they're considered to be extremely dirty, so don't put your feet on top of tables and chairs.
5. Don't disrespect Buddhas
Buddhism is the primary religion in Thailand, therefore you should respect the status and images of the Buddha. Climbing on Buddha statues in temples is highly offensive and is punishable by law. It's also illegal to take images of the Buddha out of the country without special permission.
Learning how to be polite in Thailand is easy if you follow these important do's and don'ts. It will help your family adjust quickly to Thai culture and prevent you from unintentionally offending someone.
Here at Rugby School Thailand, we'll help your children adapt to the ways and traditions of Thailand to ensure that their stay here will be fun, comfortable and memorable. Call us today to learn more.
05 what are Bangkok Facts: Information About Bangkok you should know before you travel to Bangkok?
1. Bangkok has the longest city name in the World.
2.Bangkok is Home to Red Bull:Red Bull was created in Bangkok first (Source)
3.All the temples on the Thai Baht coins are located in Bangkok
4. Bangkok has the largest Chinatown with the largest solid gold Buddha statue
5. Bangkok still has some strange old laws
-Leave the house without wearing underwear
-Drive a motorised vehicle bare-chested
-Use a durian fruit as a weapon; the fine levied will be determined according to the number of thorns that strike the victim
-Step on the currency, as it contains the image of the King and must not be disrespected
6. Bangkok is called the 'Venice of the East'
7. Bangkok is considered the world's hottest city (by mean average)
8. Third-gender washrooms are common in Bangkok
9. The reverence for the monarch is high in Bangkok
10. Bangkok has colour coded taxis
11. Bangkok: A tale of many markets
12. Bangkok is the Massage paradise of the World