Things to know when traveling to Southeast Asia

Thailand

Thais highly value the monarchy and have a deep and sincere affection for the king. Therefore, in any case, if you behave disrespectfully or say anything offensive to the king or their monarchy, you will be seriously offended by the Thai people and will be punished.

Tourists who show disrespect to the King of Thailand will be punished.

Thais believe that the threshold of a house is where spirits reside, so you should absolutely avoid stepping on it and remove your shoes before entering a house, temple, or shrine.

Touching monks or giving them anything directly, especially by women, is taboo in a kingdom where Buddhism is considered the state religion. Therefore, when in a crowd, try to avoid touching the shoulders of monks. Furthermore, touching others, such as stroking children's heads, patting shoulders, or patting backs, is also considered offensive.

Malaysia

Malaysia is a multi-ethnic country with a blend of cultures, including Malaysian, Chinese, Indian, and the indigenous Orang Asli culture. Malaysians typically wear long dresses made of floral fabric, and revealing arms and thighs is not permitted in public places. Therefore, tourists visiting Malaysia are advised to choose modest and respectful clothing, especially when visiting places of worship.

When giving or receiving money or gifts, use your right hand. The left hand is considered unclean, so remember to use only your right hand when eating or drinking.

Malaysians who follow Orthodox Islam do not drink alcohol or eat pork, as these are forbidden practices in Islam.

If you want to visit a Malaysian family, you should call ahead. Leave your shoes outside before entering the house and do not refuse a pastry offered to you, as refusing it is considered impolite.

If you have appointments with Malaysians for any purpose, it's best to arrive on time.

Malaysians do not shake hands with people of the opposite sex and also avoid physical contact such as patting someone on the head or back.

Please note that only your right hand is allowed when eating and drinking in Malaysia.

Singapore

Known as one of the cleanest countries in the world, Singaporeans do not condone smoking and strictly enforce regulations to protect the environment. Chewing gum, smoking, or littering in public places can result in fines of hundreds of dollars, or even $1,000, and 12 hours of community service; resistance may lead to caning. In some other places, you must ask permission from the person you are smoking.

For Singaporeans, pointing at someone with your index finger, clenching your fist, or using your middle finger are all considered extremely rude gestures. You should also avoid casually placing your hands on your hips as this is a sign of anger.

When eating, do not place chopsticks on top of the bowl or plate of food. When you are finished eating, do not place them haphazardly, but put them on a chopstick rest, a chili sauce dish, or a bone plate.

In Singapore, you will be fined heavily for smoking and littering in public places.

Laos

Actions such as kissing a woman's hand or putting your arm around her waist are considered taboo in Laos, especially for unmarried women, where it is seen as impolite. Therefore, if you want to take a photo with a beautiful local girl, you should keep your hands neatly behind your back or completely in front of you; under no circumstances should you violate this rule.

When driving, you shouldn't honk your horn incessantly. Although it's not prohibited in this country, people here consider the horn to be the most unnecessary feature on a vehicle. You rarely see Laotians honk their horns, so if you maintain the habit of using your car horn like in Vietnam, people will be very annoyed, and might even think you're an alien.

Laotians deeply revere Buddhism, so when visiting temples, you must absolutely refrain from causing disturbances, dressing immodestly, or using disrespectful language.

Indonesia

Indonesians are very uncomfortable and disapprove of tourists wearing revealing clothing such as shorts or tank tops. They might accept capri pants, but they must be loose-fitting and reach at the knees.

If you want to visit temples or churches, you must dress respectfully and remove your shoes before entering. Also, you should avoid making appointments with Indonesians between 11 am and 1 pm on Fridays, as most people are at church during this time.

Philippines

In the Philippines, if someone wants to point to something, they will use their eyes to point at it or describe it verbally.

Filipinos highly value community, so they rarely express disagreements or cause others to lose face.

The Thanh