Phuket travel tips and tricks

Being a tourist can be difficult sometimes, as there are so many unknown customs and traditions. Traveling to Phuket is the same way, you should be aware of Thailand do’s and don’ts to have the best time on vacation. Most of the time Thais will forgive your minor flaws, if only they don’t touch the topics of monarchy and religion. We outlined the most important tips for travelling to Thailand to help you.

Thailand travel tips: the Monarchy

The first Phuket tip is about the monarchy because Thais have a very high level of respect to their King and any jokes are taken very seriously and can lead to severe consequences. Do not forget to stand up and stay still during the Royal Anthem. Be careful and look before when you walk, as you can step on banknote or coin, which is prohibited in Thailand because there is an image of the King on all currency. Any kind of disrespectful remarks about the royal family are not allowed and are deeply offensive to the locals.

Phuket travel advice: Religion

What to wear in Phuket, especially when visiting some religious buildings? You should be careful in choosing the right outfit, avoiding showy clothes, even T-shirts and shorts are not acceptable. Do not forget to take off your shoes before going inside temples or any architectural structure that has a Buddha image. Another Phuket travelling tip is for women: do not give anything to a monk, as women are not to have a physical contact with monks.

You are obliged to treat all images of the Buddha with a great respect, as they are considered to be sacred objects.

When travelling to Phuket, bear in mind that you can enter all mosques and temples as long as there is no religious ceremony conducted. Other important advice for travelling to Thailand is to follow the rules regardless head covers: both men and women need to wear hats in religious buildings.

Social norms and rules to follow in Thailand

• The ‘Wai‘:

Traditional Thai greeting is called “Wai” and is performed by pressing two palms to each other in a prayer-like manner. But there are also some traveling to Thailand tips: you should wai the older person, but never a child. Following these Phuket tips will help make a good impression on Thais.

• Head & Feet:

Thais are very conscious about human body parts: for example, feet are considered to be a “dirty” part of the body and should not be used for anything except walking. If you point at something or someone with your foot, people will think that you disrespect them. Contrariwise, the head is a “clean” part and is very important for Thais.  A good Thailand travel advice is not to pat children on the head unless they allow you to do that.

• Shoes:

Travel warnings Phuket include all the rules regarding shoes: you have to take off your shoes when visiting anyone’s house in Thailand. Take a look at the house’s door and if you see a few pairs of shoes there, then remove your shoes without a doubt!