6 common mistakes tourists make when visiting Bangkok

Bangkok is ranked as the most visited city in the world. Many tourists come to Bangkok to enjoy world-class cuisine, famous nightlife and explore the many temples...

Marielle Descalsota, a travel journalist based in Singapore, visited Thailand at the end of July. She spent several days interviewing locals to learn more about the city’s tourism industry. She also wanted to hear what locals thought of tourists visiting their city. And especially the common mistakes that international visitors often make when visiting this place.

Use your feet to point at people or objects

While the head is considered sacred in Thailand, the feet are considered unclean. Bangkok local Mandy Itthikaiwan told Marielle that they get upset when they see visitors using their feet to point at objects on the ground.

Furthermore, the same goes for the act of putting your feet on tables, chairs... Visitors should be especially careful when pointing their feet at monks or images of Buddha, as locals consider this practice vulgar and rude.

Wear revealing clothes when going to the temple

Over 93% of Thais are Buddhist, so there are countless temples all over Thailand, especially in Bangkok. But some tourists often do not wear the right clothes when visiting temples.

The weather in Bangkok is very hot, and people come here to relax for a holiday. But we hope everyone tries to follow the customs to have appropriate and serious dress when coming to the temple, do not wear short skirts, shorts...", Jee - a resident shared.

Appropriate clothing includes a top that covers the shoulders and pants or skirt that covers the legs. If you accidentally wear something inappropriate, a long scarf can be used to cover the exposed areas. Scarves and robes are provided at most temples.

When going to a temple, visitors often have the habit of taking their shoes straight inside. Meanwhile, Thai people have the custom of leaving them outside. This mistake is often made by European and American visitors, less so by Asian visitors because they share the same customs and habits.

Eat at famous restaurants that cater to tourists

Bangkok is a foodie paradise, with more than 320,000 restaurants. Many tourists only go to the city’s most famous spots, like the Michelin-starred Jay Fai. But a Bangkok taxi driver told Marielle that locals prefer to eat at street stalls and mall eateries.

"In these food courts, they sell really good and cheap food," said Nakhon Ratchapong, Marielle's taxi driver.

The female reporter tried to follow the locals' instructions and had breakfast at Iconsiam - a famous shopping mall in Bangkok. She only paid 200 baht (130,000 VND) for shrimp rice, 5 dumplings and a bottle of fresh fruit juice. It was a delicious meal at an affordable price.

Underestimating the dangers of the roads

Bangkok's roads are among the most dangerous in the world, with more than 100,000 accidents each year, according to the National Accident Data Center, cited by the Bangkok Post.

"Thailand is a country of freedom. So people drive however they like, and some don't even wear helmets," said tour guide Puacksumran.

Therefore, tourists coming here should ensure safety by using public transport, instead of riding a motorbike. This option also helps you avoid traffic jams during rush hours.

Do not take off your shoes before entering the shrines.

Taking off your shoes before entering a home is a local custom in Thailand, and temples are no exception. Puacksumran, a tour guide, explained that many Thais understand that tourists may not know what is appropriate when visiting temples.

“I have seen tourists hesitant to enter temples, as they are unsure whether they should remove their shoes or not,” Puacksumran said. “In addition to removing shoes, tourists should also avoid stepping on rocks as it is considered bad luck.”

Disrespecting the gods

Spirit houses are common in many Southeast Asian cities, but they are especially popular in Bangkok. Locals believe these temples are home to guardian spirits, so they always offer items like food and flowers, Bangkok tour guide Uma Puacksumran told this reporter.

The spirit houses look like miniature temples or houses and are often decorated with some flower garlands. But some tourists seem to think that the spirit houses are just normal decorations or even dining areas, she said.

“The spirit house is a sacred place. Sometimes visitors sit next to it and some even use the shrine as a table to eat their meals. It is best to avoid getting close to or touching spirit houses unless you are paying respects or placing offerings there,” said Puacksumran.

Phuong Thao is the Editor of Travellive Magazine. She is passionate about traveling and loves to capture moments with her camera in every land she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are her favorite writing topics.

Phuong Thao