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15 Things You Will Love to Know Before You Come to Thailand

Many Thai People do not Speak English

Many Thai people do not speak English especially in the rural part of Thailand. However, do not let this stop you from traveling to Thailand. The country is amazing and has a lot to offer. Most guides, business owners, Hotels, and Shops have people who speak English. You will want to know this word. Sa wad dee ka for women, and Sa wad dee krap for men. This is how Thai people say hello.

People drive on the left in Thailand

In America, we are accustomed to driving on the right side of the road. Although most people will not likely be driving when they visit Thailand this is still good to know. You will want to look right then left before crossing the road. If you find you need to ride a bike or drive it will take a few times to get used to the traffic. I rode a bike first and this made driving much easier. However, in Thailand people will sometimes break the rules for good reasons. There will be motorbike riders that will ride on the wrong side of the road. It will feel as though they are coming straight at you but they are not. They have learned over time it is much safer for them to cross the road earlier to make a specific stop or turn.

Grab is for Taxi and food delivery

You will want to use Grab for Taxi and food delivery. Grab is the app of choice. We found Grab to be more expensive but they are very convenient. Most restaurants are set up with Grab as well. We used them quite a lot during the rainy season because we did not always want to go out. Still, we found it much less expensive than actually cooking dinner.

You can negotiate with Taxis. If you are good at it you can save a lot of money. Before your plane arrives you can also book pretravel airline transfers through Klook.

The currency used in Thailand is the Thai Baht

The currency used in Thailand is the Thai Baht. Most local places will accept credit cards. However, at local street vendor shops and bars, you will want to have cash. Also, at the night markets, you will want to have cash. Generally, for convenience and additional points, we prefer using a credit card. However, not everyone uses credit card machines because they might incur expenses for them. So, while in Thailand have cash on hand for your adventures.

Tipping is different in Thailand

Tipping is different also in the Thai Kingdom. The Thai people will always as a practice offer superior service. In America, we tip as a standard because the employee is being paid based on the tips they receive. It is not this way in Thailand. Tipping is at upscale restaurants, boat tours, drivers, for about 50 baht, and massage tips are about 100 baht. Thai people do not tip at local food shops. The employee is being paid an amount worked out with them and the business owner. Any tips will go to the owner of the establishment. Also, tips will be accepted but they are not expected.

Alcohol sales are restricted during Buddhist holidays

Thailand celebrates many holidays during the year. They are said to be a country that has more holidays than most because they celebrate all the holidays of the different cultures represented among Thai people. This is great but it can throw a wrench in your plans if you do not expect it. There are 4 holidays when there is no alcohol sold at all. So when you plan a visit to Thailand know what holidays there are and if you would like to have a drink purchase your booze beforehand. You can get alcohol at the Hotels and Restaurants. At 7-11 alcohol may be restricted at some times during the day.

You cannot flush toilet paper down the toilet in Thailand

You cannot flush toilet paper down the toilet in Thailand. Flushing paper down the toilet can ruin their whole drainage system. You do not want to be the blame for that. Do not flush feminine hygiene in the toilets in Thailand.

 

It is customary to take your shoes off at Temples, some businesses, and homes

It is customary to take your shoes off in temples, some businesses, and homes. It is their custom and it is polite to abide by their traditions. It is also expected. You will notice that a lot of Thai people wear shoes that are easy to slip off and on. This is probably the reason. Do not let this happen to you. always have some insect repellent in your bag.

There are 3 seasons in Thailand

There are 3 seasons in Thailand but most people will only truly experience 2 seasons. The Dry Season, February to June, or the Wet Season, June to October. They are commonly known as High Season, referring to the tourist season, and the Rainy Season. You cannot mistake the one you are in. High Season is incredibly hot and everyone is out and enjoying themselves. Whereas in Rainy Season it rains constantly. Up north near Bangkok, you will actually feel cooler temperatures during the winter months, October to February, and so this is Thailand’s winter. This is the 3rd season, Winter Season. It is not felt at all in the south part of the country. 

You can rent cars and motorbikes in Thailand

You can rent cars and motorbikes in Thailand fairly easily. Taxis are always an option and you can get Grab in most places as well. Still, there are times when you will want to go off the beaten path and explore on your own. Renting a motorbike makes getting around much easier and you will experience so much more.

Food to try in Thailand

Foods to try in Thailand are Tom Yum Gung, Gaeng Kiaw Wan, Kao Soi, and Pad Thai. Thai food is typically spicy. In most cases, Thai people’s idea of spicy is not the same as ours. Their food is ridiculously spicy. So be sure to indicate how much spice you can handle or you might get a very big surprise.

Also, you cannot drink the water in Thailand. This means you cannot cook with the water either. A little of this water is enough to give you stomach issues and perhaps even travelers diarrhea. Use bottled water for everything.

Insect repellent is a good idea in Thailand

There were only a couple of occasions when I really needed insect repellent. However, you will not ever forget those occasions if you make that mistake. For me, it was on a beach that had some kind of insect in the grass. I sat there for a time and I paid dearly for it. I was bitten and I was itching for several days. Another was when I went to a beach and noticed these little black and white flying insects. They got all over us. I expected this was a problem and we moved but we did so too late. We both had been bitten. Again the swelling and the itching lasted for days. Some insects are dangerous. Most are not but it feels horrible to be itchy.

Respect the King in Thailand

Please respect the King. Yes, there is a King of Thailand. This is actually pretty serious. Many will think it to be offensive to disrespect the King. Do not bend, or step on money as the King’s photo is usually on it. In the movie theaters, you will see that a video is played with the King’s images on it. Please stand during the video as all are expected to. Thai people have many issues within their country. Some Thai people do not like all the things that go on there. However, as a guest of the Kingdom and the King, I think it is wise to not get involved with their political issues where there on your stay. It is actually illegal to disrespect the King.

You want to know Temple etiquette before you come to Thailand

You want to know Temple etiquette. Here are a few suggestions. Women are not to touch Monks. Women are expected to not show their legs, midriff, or shoulders in the Temple areas. Some Temples will go as far as to provide scarves for the shoulders and covers for the legs. If you are not properly dressed please wear what they accept and provide. Thai people want you to enjoy their beautiful Temples. Please do not take it as an offense. It is their culture and should be respected. Be quiet, keep your feet facing away from the Buddha. If asked, please remove your shoes. They generally have a place for them outside. Keep in mind some people are at the Temples to pray. This is a place of worship. I think it is very important.

Getting the Check: Say, “Check bin”

When eating at a restaurant in Thailand and you have completed your meal you will want to say, “Check bin” to your waiter or waitress. This signifies to them that you are ready to pay for your meal. Many times they will allow you as much time as needed and they will not disturb you. Thai people may sit for a long time to have a meal or simply lounge with their companions. It is not disrespect. They are not ignoring you as we may commonly think.

Say Thank you, “Kap Kun Ka” for ladies, or “Kap Kun Krap for men”

This is how you say “Thank you.” It is always polite to say thank you. Say “Kap Kun Ka” for ladies, or “Kap Kun Krap,” for men.

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