Top Ten Tips for Living in Thailand

Learning Thai language will not only help you communicate in Thailand, it will give you a better understanding of Thai culture. 

Useful Thai Language Phrases page

Thailand has a very unique and beautiful culture, however as with all country there are definitely so cultural Do's and Dont's.

Thai Etiquette Do's and Dont's Page

Thai Culture Page

Driving in Thailand gives you freedom, however you need to get used to the rules of the road. Drive Carefully and Safely.

Driving License Page

Transport: Rent/Buy Page

Planes, Trains and Automobiles Page

Thailand is not just Prem and Chiang Mai, get out and explore, it is a beautiful and wonderful country. Get off the beaten track (Away from all the tourists)

Holiday Destinations Page

Exploring Chiang Mai Page

Thai people practice 'Jai Yen', literally meaning 'Cool Heart'. It kind of means 'Be Cool' and 'Relax'. Sometimes you will get frustrated in Thailand, but remember 'Jai Yen Yen', it will stand you in good stead.

Find local shops and restaurants, you will build great relationships with local people and they will most definitely appreciate your business. Top Tip: If a restaurant/shop is busy with Thai people, the food will be delicious.

Restaurants and Bars Page

Markets in Chiang Mai Page

You just need to let go of your western concepts, relax, laugh, be polite, be clean, and enjoy this wonderful country and it's people. If invited to someone's home and everyone is sitting on the floor, sharing all of the wonderful food, get down and dig in.

Modesty is an important aspect of Thai culture, and it should not be abused simply because you are not Thai. While it’s common to see foreigners wearing tank tops, midriff-baring shirts, short shorts or baggy shorts, pay attention to how the locals dress. Usually, men wear fitted jeans or pants, and lightweight long-sleeve shirts, often with collars. Women tend to wear loose-fitting shirts, and pants or long skirts.  There are additional benefits to covering up:

• The sun can be intense, even on cloudy days, so long sleeves and pants can help protect your skin from powerful UV rays.

• Such clothing can keep mosquitoes and flies from biting you, as they are inclined to do, especially at dusk.

• If you get into a motorbike accident, you’ll be less prone to “road rash” (scrapes from getting into motorbike accidents) if you’re not baring your arms or legs.

It is thought that Thailand was first nicknamed the Land of Smiles as a promotional tool to attract visitors with the promise of being welcomed by friendly, hospitable locals. Whether the promotional aspect is true or not, it is undeniable that the Thais are a courteous, helpful people, and that they really do smile a lot.

Smiling can diffuse a tense situation, apologise, express gratitude and many, many things. Smiling in Thailand, will definitely help your time here.

In Thailand the money comes out of the ATM first, which leads to many people leaving their bank card in the ATM machine. Remember to grab your bank card, before you leave the ATM.