So, you’ve booked your trip to Thailand. Cue visions of golden temples, coconut cocktails and that perfect hammock selfie. But hold your mango sticky rice — before you unleash your inner adventurer, let’s talk about what not to do. Because Thailand is gorgeous, welcoming and fun, but if you blunder in like a clueless farang (foreigner), you’ll end up with more side-eye than smiles.
Here’s your ultimate guide to avoid rookie mistakes and tourist faux pas, with hacks to keep you loved instead of loathed.
1. Don’t Touch Anyone’s Head
🧑 The head is considered the most sacred part of the body.
Even ruffling a cute kid’s hair is a no-go. It’s a cultural boundary you don’t want to cross.
💡 Hack: Compliment their smile instead. Everyone loves a friendly word.
2. Don’t Point Your Feet at People or Buddhas
👣 In Thai culture, feet are seen as the lowest, dirtiest part of the body.
Pointing them at someone (or a Buddha statue) is basically the social equivalent of flipping the bird.
💡 Hack: Sit cross-legged or tuck your feet neatly when chilling in temples.
3. Don’t Disrespect the Royal Family
👑 This isn’t just rude, it’s illegal.
Avoid jokes, negative comments or even stepping on a Thai banknote (it has the King’s face).
💡 Hack: Smile, nod and keep royal opinions to yourself.
4. Don’t Enter Temples Without Covering Up
⛩️ Tiny shorts and strappy vests don’t belong in sacred spaces.
Temples require modest dress — shoulders and knees covered.
💡 Hack: Carry a sarong or scarf in your bag. Lightweight, stylish and temple-ready.
5. Don’t Ride Elephants
🐘 It might look “bucket-list”, but it’s cruel.
Most elephant rides involve harsh training and mistreatment.
💡 Hack: Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary instead. You’ll get cuddles, mud baths and actual good karma.
6. Don’t Litter or Trash the Beaches
🏝️ Thailand’s beaches are stunning. Don’t ruin them.
Leaving bottles, plastic and cigarette butts is a fast track to bad vibes and dirty sunsets.
💡 Hack: Carry a reusable water bottle and a tote bag. Planet happy, traveller happy.
7. Don’t Lose Your Cool
😡 Shouting, arguing or “Karen-ing” in public won’t work here.
Thai culture values calm and politeness. Losing it in a tuk-tuk argument just makes you look foolish.
💡 Hack: Smile, laugh it off and negotiate with charm instead of volume.
8. Don’t Assume “No Spicy” Means Mild
🌶️ Thai cuisine takes “not spicy” as a personal challenge.
Even if you beg, chances are your dish will still pack a fiery punch.
💡 Hack: Say “mai phet” (not spicy) and order a backup Chang beer for the burn.
9. Don’t Take Your Shoes Inside Homes or Temples
👟 Shoes off, always.
Whether it’s a temple, someone’s house or even some shops, keeping shoes on is disrespectful.
💡 Hack: Wear easy slip-ons so you don’t hold up the doorway dance.
10. Don’t Be a Full Moon Party Zombie
🕺 Dancing barefoot in the sand is great. Passing out on it? Less so.
Respect the beaches, locals and yourself. Nobody likes that tourist face-down in neon paint at sunrise.
💡 Hack: Pace your drinks, hydrate like a champ and save your dignity (and flip-flops).
✨ Final Tuk-Tuk Thoughts:
Thailand is warm, welcoming and unforgettable — but only if you respect its culture and people. Dodge these tourist mistakes and you’ll go from “clueless backpacker” to “chilled-out traveller who gets it.” Smile often, tread lightly and let the Land of Smiles do its magic.
