Thailand is predominantly Buddhist, so many of the customs and traditions in Thai culture are based on Buddhist values except in the Deep South where most of people are Muslim.
The country is famously known as the "Land of Smiles" because of the cheerful nature of its people. However foreigners should be aware of some simple customs and etiquette as well as certain comments or actions which should always be avoided. Here is a list of Dos and Don'ts in Thailand.
Do:
- Say "Sawasdee Krab" for men or "Sawasdee Ka" for women when greeting Thai people.
- Perform the 'Thai Wai", a slight bow with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like fasion, while saying "Sawasdee Krab" or "Sawasdee Ka".
- Use "Khun" as the honorific title before a person's first name .
- Always respect the elders. If someone is older than you, address them as "Pee" or "Nong" if they are younger.
- Speak softly and smile warmly.
- Respect the places and dress appropriately when visiting temples and religious sites.
- Always treat any image of a Buddha and Buddhist monks with extreme respect.
- Always ask for permission before taking pictures of anyone.
- Avoid kissing or hugging in public.
- Remove shoes before entering a Thai home.
- Try to learn a couple of Thai words and phrases.
Do not:
- Express negative opinions about the King or any member of the Royal Family. Thai people have utmost respect for the Thai monarchy.
- Pass anything with your left hand and point with one finger.
- Get involved in anyway with drugs. Penalties are very severe from 10 years up to the death penalty for trafficking.
- Point at people or things with your feet.
- Touch a Thai person on the head.
- Raise your voice or get angry as it is a sign of disrespect in Thailand.
Myanmar is a country of people with deep rooted custom and religion. If you are a visitor travelling to the country of pagodas and legends, there are a number of things you need to observe. Respecting the culture, customs,traditions and etiquette of Myanmar will gain respect and friendship from Myanmar people. The followings are some of the general rules that you should always keep in mind in front of Myanmar people.
Do:
- Say "Mingalabar" for hello when meeting Myanmar people.
- Put "U" in front of the name when talking to an elderly male or a man in a senior position
- Put "Daw" in front of the name when addressing an elderly female or a woman in senior position.
- Wear decent clothes when visiting the the pagodas or monasteries.
- Remove your shoes including socks before entering a pagoda, temple and monastery.
- Take off your shoes before entering a private house.
- Show respect to monks, novices and nuns.
- Bend a bit when crossing close in front of the elders.
- Try to speak Myanmar language.
- Try to speak slowly and clearly.
- Behave in a proper manner.
Do not:
- Touch any adult on the head.
- Touch a part of a lady's body. You might end up in a police station.
- Point a finger straight in the face.
- Point your feet to point to a thing or place.
- Sit down higher than a monk or than a statue of Buddha.
- Put Buddha statues or images on the floor or somewhere in appropriate.
- Show affection in public.
Sources:
If you are travelling to Laos, it is very important to know what you should do or shouldn't do in this country.
Do:
- Say "Sa Bai Dee" for hello with a warm smile.
- Show respect and dress neatly while in temples.
- Remove your shoes before entering someone's home or a temple.
- Speak to the local in a soft tone because Lao people are peace loving.
- Gently crouch down when passing someone who is seated.
- Always ask for permission before you take a photo of someone.
- Try eating delicious Lao food whenever you can to help local business and Lao farmers.
- Help to keep Laos clean and beautiful by not leaving litter.
Do not:
- Touch someone's head.
- Show public displays of affection.
- Touch a monk or his robes if you are a woman.
- Shout or raise your voice when you are in a temple.
- Distribute gifts to children as it encourages begging.
- Buy antique Buddhas or other sacred items.
- Use drugs in Laos.
Sources:
Cambodia has so much more for visitors to see. Cambodian people are well-known for their hospitality and warmth. This charming country is a great place to visit once in a lifetime. A list of Dos and Don'ts in Cambodia will provide all the information you need to know about the traditions, customs, culture and etiquette before embarking on your trip to Cambodia.
Do:
- Dress appropriately when visiting a religious site.
- Always take off your shoes when entering someone's home or a place of worship such as a pagoda or temple.
- Ask for permission before taking photographs of any Cambodian people.
- Learn some words in Khmer such as "Hello" or "Thank you".
- Visit a local market in the morning to experience the daily life of the local.
- Try local cuisine with specialty such as fish Amok and Num Bachok.
- Bow a little when you walk between two Cambodian people.
- Avoid hugging or kissing in public.
Do not:
- Touch a Cambodian person on the head.
- Use your feet to point at someone.
- Purchase historical artifacts in Cambodia.
- Take home pieces of stone from the temples or tourist sites.
- Start to eat when you are a guest at the dinner before your host has taken a bite.
Source:
Vietnam is a country of natural beauty and has an excellent mix of the Chinese and French colonial cultures. It's a friendly and safe place to visit, but you have to abide by the country's etiquette, manners, culture and customs. You should keep in mind a list of Dos and Don't in Vietnam to ensure a smooth and trouble-free journey.
Do:
- Dress conservatively wherever possible.
- Use both hands to pass things.But do not pass anything over someone's head.
- Take your shoes off at the entrance if you're invited to a Vietnamese's home.
- Ask for permission when taking a photograph of someone.
- Store your cash, credit cards, airline tickets and other valuable things in a safe place.
- Try to learn a couple of basic Vietnamese phrases.
Do not:
- Cause Vietnamese to lose face.
- Talk about the Vietnam War.
- Carry large amount of money or wear a lot of jewelry.
- Sit with your feet pointing towards people.
- Discuss politics or religion with the Vietnamese.
- Touch someone head and point with your finger.
- Lose your temper in public.
Sources:
Like any other country, the Philippines has its own unique culture, traditions, and etiquette. There are a few things you should keep in mind when visiting this archipelago country. Here is a list of Dos and Don'ts in the Philippines.
Do:
- Smile when you greet the Filipinos.
- Address people and business partners by using titles such as Sir, Mister or Miss.
- Come in appropriate clothes when visiting churches or government institutions.
- Try to learn basic Tagalog words and phrases.
- Show respect to customs, traditions, laws and culture.
- Present and receive business cards using both hands.
- Use the thumbs-up sign for "OK".
Do not:
- Eat street food unless you know it's safe for consumption.
- Give alms to the poor on the road.
- Beckon or point with your index finger when calling someone.
- Show off your valuables and gadgets.
- Discuss or debate Philippine politics with strangers.
Sources:
Brunei Darussalam is an Islamic country in Southeast Asia. It is located on the shores of the Island of Borneo. The country mainly comprised of Malay and Chinese citizens. The official language is Bahasa Melayu and the official religion is Islam.
As with any foreign country, there are a few things you should bear in mind when visiting Brunei. You may find it is useful to familiarize with the following common dos and don'ts before embarking on your trip to Brunei.
Do:
- Observe the local dress code and dress modestly.
- Shake hands by lightly touching the hands and then bringing the hand to the chest. The traditional Malay handshake is known as "Salam".
- Always remove your shoes when visiting a mosque.
- Point with the thumb of your right hand with the four fingers folded beneath it.
- Pass gifts and food only with your right hand.
Do not:
- Pass in front of a person in prayer and non-Muslims should not handle the Koran, the holy book of Islam, when visiting the mosques.
- Eat or drink in front of Bruneian Muslims in daylight during Ramadan, an annual holy month for Muslims.
- Smack the fist of your right hand into your left palm.
- Offer alcoholic beverages to Bruneian Muslims and must be consumed privately in your hotel room.
- Insult or speak badly of the Sultan of Brunei or the Royal family.
