Don’t go to Thailand in 2025 without knowing these cultural dos and don’ts (2025)

I’ve always been a bit of a wanderlust junkie. If I see a cheap flight, I’m on it. If there’s a rumor of delicious street food somewhere, I’m inhaling it. And if someone whispers that a certain place is the “it” spot for digital nomads, you know I’m about to turn that rumor into my next travel mission. So, after living my best life in Singapore and Vietnam (both are incredible, by the way—don’t get me started on the mouthwatering Vietnamese pho or Singapore’s hawker centers with chili crab), I set my sights on Thailand. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

From the bustling streets of Bangkok, to the cultural charm of Chiang Mai, and the sun-soaked beaches of Phuket, Thailand is a gem. But like any gem, it comes with facets you’ll need to navigate carefully. You don’t want to show up and accidentally offend your friendly Thai neighbor or bring home a cringe-worthy travel story about how you did something super embarrassing.

Here’s a crash course on the cultural dos and don’ts of Thailand in 2025. Follow along, and you’ll have the kind of trip that’ll make your Instagram feed (and your conscience) shine.

1. Do Wear Appropriate Clothing (Especially in Temples)

Thailand is hot—like, “Did I just walk into a sauna with all my clothes on?” hot. So, naturally, you might want to pack your coolest tank tops, shorts, or beach cover-ups. But remember that Thai culture places a high value on modesty, especially in places of worship and sometimes even in public. When visiting temples, cover your shoulders and knees. Throwing on a light scarf or wearing a maxi skirt will help you blend in respectfully.

This is especially important in Bangkok’s famous Grand Palace or any temple in Chiang Mai, which is dotted with gorgeous golden stupas. It might feel a bit stifling, but you can always change into your breezier outfit once you’re done temple-hopping. Not only will you show respect for local customs, but you’ll also get a few style points for looking elegantly understated in those Instagram snaps.

2. Don’t Disrespect the Monarchy

Thai people hold the royal family in extremely high regard. Criticizing or making jokes about the monarchy—publicly, privately, or even on social media—is a huge no-no.

Lèse-majesté laws are serious business; you could face real legal trouble for negative comments about the king or other members of the royal family. Instead, channel yourenergy into appreciating the country’s culture, food, and your own travel adventures.

3. Do Greet With a Wai

A big part of Thai culture is the wai: putting your hands together in a prayer-like gesture at chest or chin level and giving a slight bow. This greeting is a sign of respect. It’s not required of tourists all the time, but doing it can make you come across as super polite.

However, don’t feel like you have to wai everyone in sight. In general, wait to see if someone wais you first, especially if they’re of a higher position (like a business owner or an older person). If you do get a wai, simply return the gesture and flash a friendly smile.

4. Don’t Point Your Feet (Especially in Temples)

Feet are considered the lowest and, frankly, least “pure” part of the body in Thai culture. That means you don’t put your feet up on chairs, tables, or (gasp) people’s laps, and definitely don’t point them at a Buddha statue or someone’s face.

When you enter temples, you’ll often see signs requesting you to take your shoes off at the door. After removing your shoes, make sure not to show the bottoms of your feet to Buddha images or to others sitting near you. If you’re at a temple listening to a monk or observing a ceremony, tucking your feet under yourself is usually best.

5. Do Remove Your Shoes Indoors

Speaking of shoes, it’s common courtesy in Thailand to remove your shoes before entering people’s homes or certain shops. If you see shoes outside a doorway, that’s your cue to slip off your own and leave them at the entrance. The same goes for many accommodations; even some hostels in Bangkok or Chiang Mai might request it. So, wear shoes that you can easily take off—forget those 46-hole lace-up boots if you don’t want to spend half your trip fiddling with knots.

6. Don’t Raise Your Voice in Public

If there’s one thing that might ruin your day in Thailand, it’s getting into a shouting match. Thai culture values politeness and a concept called “keeping face.” Losing your temper or showing extreme emotion in public can be really uncomfortable for the people around you.

Even if you’re feeling frustrated by that sweltering Bangkok heat, or if you got scammed by a tuk-tuk driver (it happens, but honestly, most people are pretty fair), try to stay calm. Calm negotiations and a smile go a long way. And hey, if someone’s charging you 500 baht for a five-minute ride, politely decline and find another tuk-tuk—there are plenty of them around.

7. Do Be Aware of Personal Space (But Expect Tight Quarters in Some Places)

Thailand’s big cities can be crowded. Bangkok’s public transportation—like the BTS (Skytrain) or MRT—can get sardine-packed during rush hour. Don’t be surprised if you’re up close and personal with a stranger’s armpit. It’s just the way it is.

In more local settings, though, personal space is still valued. You’ll see that Thai people generally try not to bump into each other in a crowd (as best they can). If you accidentally bump someone, a quick smile and a “khor thot” (“sorry” in Thai) will smooth things over.

8. Don’t Touch People on the Head

The head is considered the most sacred part of the body in Thai culture. This means you shouldn’t go around patting strangers—or even acquaintances—on the head, no matter how cute you think they are. Even ruffling a child’s hair can sometimes be considered disrespectful.

If you do it by accident, apologize politely. But, ideally, just keep your hands away from other people’s heads, and everyone will stay happy and unruffled.

9. Do Bargain at Markets (Gently)

One of my favorite parts of traveling in Thailand is exploring the local markets. From the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok to the Sunday Night Market in Chiang Mai, you can find everything from handcrafted jewelry to bizarre but wonderful street foods (fried insects, anyone?). Haggling over prices is generally acceptable in these markets, but it’s important to do it with a smile.

Start by offering a price that’s a bit lower than what the vendor quotes, and then see if they counter. This back-and-forth can be kind of fun if you don’t take it too seriously. Remember, though, these folks are trying to make a living. If you’re haggling over the equivalent of 50 cents, ask yourself if it’s worth it to push further. A smile, some friendly banter, and a willingness to meet in the middle often gets you a fair deal.

10. Don’t Eat or Drink in Temples

The temples in Thailand are sacred spaces, so bringing in a plate of pad thai or a bubble tea for your stroll around the courtyard is a no-no. Keep your snacks outside, and definitely don’t leave trash lying around. Also, refrain from chewing gum in front of sacred images.

Temples are usually well-maintained, and many have donation boxes set up to help with upkeep. If you appreciate the ambience and the stunning architecture, consider dropping a few baht as a thank you.

11. Do Embrace Local Cuisine, But Be Mindful of Spice Levels

Oh, the food—where do I start? Thai cuisine is a beautiful, spicy, zesty, coconut-milk-laden carnival of flavors. Whether you’re slurping on boat noodles in Bangkok, devouring khao soi in Chiang Mai, or feasting on fresh seafood in Phuket, you’re in for a treat.

But be warned: spicy in Thailand can be on a whole other level compared to what you might be used to back home. If you’re not spice-adventurous, you can say “mai pet” (meaning “not spicy”) or “pet nit noi” (meaning “a little spicy”). However, sometimes “a little spicy” still feels like a volcano in your mouth—Thai folks have a high tolerance! Keep some water or that famous Thai iced tea nearby, and you’ll be fine.

12. Don’t Rely Solely on Public Wi-Fi

As a digital nomad, I’ve learned one universal truth: free Wi-Fi is never guaranteed—and even when you find it, it can be slow or unstable. Bangkok’s cafes usually have decent Wi-Fi, as do many coworking spaces in Chiang Mai, which is often dubbed the digital nomad capital of Thailand. Phuket can be hit or miss, especially if you’re on the move between the beach, the boat tours, and that hidden smoothie shack you found on Instagram.

If you plan to do any substantial work, buy a local SIM card with a data plan. The networks in Thailand are generally reliable, and you’ll thank yourself when your Zoom call doesn’t drop out mid-presentation.

13. Do Learn a Few Thai Phrases

I’m not suggesting you become a Thai language expert overnight (I’ve tried, and trust me, the tonal languages take a while to master). But a few basic phrases can really help you connect with locals:

• Sawasdee kha/krub: Hello (kha if you’re a woman, krub if you’re a man)

• Khop khun kha/krub: Thank you

• Mai pen rai: It’s okay/no worries

• Hong nam yoo tee nai?: Where is the bathroom?

Locals often appreciate your effort, and you might just make a friend who’ll show you that secret noodle shop only locals know about.

14. Don’t Forget to Respect the Environment

Thailand’s natural beauty is off the charts. There are crystal-clear waters around Phuket, lush forests near Chiang Mai, and hidden waterfalls that would make Tarzan jealous. But with tourism booming, environmental conservation is more important than ever.

If you plan on visiting the islands, be mindful of coral reefs. Don’t stand on the corals or break off pieces for souvenirs (yes, I’ve seen people do that—don’t be that person). Bring reef-safe sunscreen, and always dispose of your trash properly. Some national parks require a small entry fee which goes toward conservation—think of it as an investment in keeping Thailand’s nature pristine for future wanderers.

15. Do Keep an Open Mind and a Flexible Attitude

This might be the biggest “do” of all. Thai culture has a wonderful way of charming the socks off you, but it can also confuse you if you’re not familiar with it. Maybe you’ll be baffled by the idea that nobody seems to be in a hurry (except in Bangkok traffic), or that it’s normal to see spirit houses sprinkled around residences and businesses. Embrace it.

Thais have a phrase, “mai pen rai,” which roughly translates to “never mind” or “it’s okay.” It captures the laid-back vibe of the country. If you miss your bus, if your pad thai is a bit too spicy, if the day is swelteringly hot—just shrug and say, “mai pen rai.” Tomorrow’s another day, and there’s always another tuk-tuk or bus around the corner.

Final Thoughts

Thailand has so much to offer—stunning temples, vibrant street life, mouthwatering food, and some of the warmest people you’ll ever meet. But as with any culture, understanding the dos and don’ts beforehand can be the difference between an awesome experience and a seriously awkward one.

Take it from me, Tina Fey the digital nomad, who has spent a month exploring Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket: Thailand is filled with unforgettable moments waiting to happen. Respect the local culture, soak in the unique experiences, and approach each day with a sense of wonder. If you keep these tips in mind, I guarantee you’ll leave with a treasure chest of memories—and maybe even a few new friends.

So, pack that scarf for temple visits, practice your wai, keep your feet pointed in the safest direction (away from Buddha statues!), and, above all, maintain an open heart. Thailand in 2025 is calling—and you’re about to embark on one heck of an adventure. Bon voyage, and sawasdee kha!