It is important to remember that we are visitors here. Thai culture has evolved here for many centuries. It’s important to be mindful of our hosts’ culture and customs to show respect and appreciation for the local way of life. Thais are a very welcoming and friendly people (as well as being incredibly honest!). Here are some cultural tips and advice for navigating Chiang Mai’s cultural landscape:

Respect for Buddhism:

• Thailand is 98% Buddhist, and temples (wats) hold significant cultural and religious importance.
• When visiting temples, dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) and remove shoes before entering temple buildings.
• Show respect by not pointing your feet towards Buddha statues or monks. Do not touch the monks.

Greetings and Politeness:

• Use the traditional Thai greeting called the “wai” (placing palms together in a prayer-like gesture) when meeting locals, especially elders or those in positions of respect.
• Address people respectfully using “khun” (equivalent to “Mr.” or “Ms.”) followed by their first name.

Modesty in Dress:

• While Chiang Mai is generally more relaxed compared to Bangkok, it’s respectful to dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or in rural areas.
• Avoid overly revealing clothing, particularly in religious or conservative settings.

Footwear Etiquette:

• It has been customary to remove shoes before entering someone’s home, temples, or certain shops and establishments. Many still adhere to this custom. You will likely be provided a good clue by checking to see if there are shoe racks (or simply pairs of loose shoes) outside an establishment.

Cultural Sensitivity:

• Avoid public displays of affection, especially in conservative areas.
• Refrain from touching a Thai person’s head, as the head is considered sacred in Thai culture.
• Be mindful of local customs and traditions, and observe how locals behave in different situations.

Eating and Dining Etiquette:

• When dining with others, wait for the host or elder to start eating before you begin.
• Thais tend to use a spoon (not a fork) to eat most dishes, and use chopsticks for noodle dishes. It is not common to see table knives used here.
• When at someone’s home, try to finish all the food on your plate to show appreciation.

Language and Communication:

• Learn a few basic Thai phrases such as “hello” (sawasdee kha/krab), “thank you” (khob khun kha/krab), and “excuse me” (khor tort).
• Speak calmly and avoid raising your voice, as Thais value harmony and politeness.

Respecting the Monarchy:

• The Thai monarchy is highly revered, and it’s important to show respect towards the King and Royal Family.
• Avoid any disrespectful comments or actions related to the monarchy, as this can be considered a serious – even criminal – offense in Thailand.

Tipping and Payments:

• Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated, especially in tourist areas or for exceptional service.
• In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip (10-20 baht) is common practice.

Patience and Smiling:

• Thais appreciate patience, politeness, and a friendly demeanour.
• Smile often and remain calm in all interactions, even if faced with language barriers or misunderstandings.

By embracing these cultural tips and demonstrating respect for Thai customs, you’ll create positive interactions and experiences while exploring Chiang Mai and immersing yourself in the local culture. Thais are generally welcoming and gracious hosts, and showing cultural sensitivity will help foster meaningful connections and enrich your time in this beautiful city.