6 Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors to Bangkok

Planning your first trip to Bangkok? The city is vibrant, welcoming, and full of incredible experiences, but taking a little time to understand local customs will make your visit even more meaningful. Thai culture places a strong emphasis on respect, modesty, and mindfulness in everyday interactions. Knowing a few key guidelines ahead of time will help you avoid accidental faux pas and allow you to connect more comfortably with the people and places around you.

These essential tips will help you navigate Bangkok with confidence, courtesy, and cultural awareness. Enjoy the journey.

1. Don’t… forget to stand up during the King’s Anthem

Showing respect to the monarchy in Thailand will win you many smiles of approval; not doing so can get you in deep water. At the beginning of a movie in all movie theaters in Thailand, the King’s Anthem is played and everyone will stand as a mark of respect. Not to do so is offensive and will draw stern looks from your neighbours who definitely won’t share the armrest with you…or worse.

In all public places such as train stations and markets, the Thailand National Anthem is played at 8am and 6pm. You should stop walking and stand silently until it ends. Once you hear the final beat of the drum, you can immediately continue on with your day.

2. Don’t… sit next to a monk (if you’re female)

Monks must adhere to many rules from the Buddhist monastic code, including never touching a female. If you are of the fairer sex, it’s a good idea to move at least 1 meter away from a monk on public transportation and give them room to walk when you’re out and about.

3. Don’t… wear shorts or a skirt to the temple

Buddhism is the dominant religion in Thailand, and many of the most magnificent temples are located in the Old City district of Bangkok. Spending a day visiting the temples is high on many people’s itinerary, but make sure you dress conservatively, with a T-shirt covering your shoulders and a pair of shorts or a skirt down to below the knees. No matter how hot it is, don’t ever walk around topless in the streets.

4. Don’t… step on Thai money

You accidentally drop some money and the wind starts to blow it away. In your own country, you might step on it to save your cash, but in Thailand, DON’T DO IT. Just as the head is revered as the highest part of the human body, the feet are seen as the lowest, most impure part of our bodies and touching an image of the king with your feet would make many Thai people visibly distressed.

5. Don’t… touch someone on the head

According to Thai Buddhist tradition, the head is the highest part of our body and the place closest to the heavens. To touch a stranger on the head, even in a light-hearted way, is offensive to many Thai people.

6. Observe local customs

Markets, temples, and public spaces all have unspoken etiquette. Watch how locals behave and follow their lead. Simple gestures like greetings and politeness go a long way. Respectful observation ensures smooth interactions.

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.