Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting around 40 million visitors every year. We’ve written about it extensively on this site, with plenty of tips about where to go and what to do when you’re there.
However, there are also things you need to consider before you jet off to the Southeast Asian nation. You can prepare for the culture shock in advance, and this could help you enjoy your trip there even more.
Source: Pixabay
Source: Pixabay
Consume Some Thai-Themed Entertainment
One of the best ways to get into the mood for a Thailand trip is to consume loads of Thai-based entertainment in advance. This is easier than ever in the modern age, thanks to online streaming and gaming sites. There’s plenty of Thai content waiting to be discovered, and you may notice that the media from the country is vastly different to what you may be used to in the West. By enjoying a few diverse options, you can get a taste of how the people are in Thailand.
There are countless Thai movies to choose from on Netflix now. If you can’t see them on your standard home screen, you could set your VPN to Thailand and see what pops up. Some of the best films of recent times include Hunger, Once Upon a Star, and The Lake.
There are also a few games that can give you a sample of what it’s like in Thailand. One of the top offerings is Thai Flower, which comes as a standard title but can also be found among Megaways games.
Learn Some Important Cultural Etiquette
Whenever you go to any country, it’s important to learn a few of the key customs before you go. It would be awful if you spoiled your holiday by committing a faux pas, wouldn’t it? Thailand has a few cultural particulars that you should be aware of, as knowing them can endear you to the people there.
One of the main things you need to know about is the wai, which is the way that Thai people greet and say thank you to one another. This involves putting the palms of your hands together and bowing slightly – do this instead of shaking hands with people whenever you want to express gratitude. There are a couple of other key things to remember: Don’t touch anyone on the head and don’t point your feet at people.
Prepare Your Stomach for a Spice Overload
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, you’ve probably had a lot of Thai food at home. However, it’s important to note that the Westernised version of the cuisine is a lot less spicy than its native counterpart. If you don’t know how to specify your desired spice level in the language, you might end up getting some dishes with a fiery punch. It would be helpful to train your stomach a bit before you set off, otherwise, the food could be a major shock to the system.
