In Thailand there is a lot to see, a lot to experience but also some stumbling blocks that can really spoil your holiday in Thailand. In my half year in Bangkok and the surrounding area I have experienced a lot and would like to give here a few tips what one should better avoid:
1. trust the friendly strangers on the Khao San Road:
Although the Backpacker Street is definitely worth a visit and offers besides bars, restaurants and many merchants also a very nice atmosphere to meet other travellers, but there are also many shady people. One is often asked whether one does not want to make a tour with a Tuk Tuk (native kind of an open taxi) to different temples or boat trips. These tours really exist, but there are many black sheep among them. The prices are exaggerated, the tours are bad or it is stopped at shops and stalls where one should buy something. One often recognizes the extremely friendly Abzocker by their good English.
2. travel by train with false expectations:
Let me say one thing in advance: train journeys in Thailand are not comparable to those in Germany. It is a very good and cheap way to get quickly and comfortably to the south. You can choose different classes, the best of which is a quite simple double cabin in which you can be too far below yourself. The other travellers are then accommodated in the usual sleeping car and share bunk beds. This can be very funny with many backpackers, but you should also take care of your valuables there.
One should also not expect too much comfort. Thus, those who want to have a two-person cabin for a surcharge should buy the ticket at the station early. The cabins are very quickly sold out. If one travels by train to the south, one most likely lands in Sura Thani, from where, for example, one is brought by bus to Phuket and the surrounding area. In Sura Thani there is absolutely nothing to see and one should avoid longer stays. You often have to wait a few hours, but there is not much to do except a few small restaurants and supermarkets. The trip should therefore be well planned.
3. behave carelessly in Pattaya:
Probably one of the most famous places in Thailand is Pattaya – centre for party, sex tourism and nightlife. Although the place itself has many positive sides, it is especially important to be careful as a tourist here. If you want to rent a scooter or jet ski, you should consider this carefully beforehand. The mafia and other dubious providers rent out their vehicles here quite uncomplicated. They sometimes have visible, but mostly also invisible damages that come to light after the trip.
Then usually horrendous additional payments for repairs are demanded. The tourist police can help there only conditionally. Therefore it is best to rent such things from the hotel or the tourist information. This tip is of course valid for the whole of Thailand. If you are a man in Pattaya, sooner or later you will be approached by a few girls or ladyboys who offer their services for money. On the one hand Aids is a big topic in Thailand, on the other hand the ladies often only pretend to be interested acquaintances. Theft, rip-off, etc. are clearly warned here. Who is on the search for the big love, should avoid Pattaya rather.
4. insult the king:
Although few of us come to insult a king unintentionally or not in a personal conversation, but there are a few occasions in Thailand where one can quickly become unpopular and even be arrested. To the understanding: the Thai king is almost admired by most Thais and his birthdays are celebrated elaborately. Although most holidaymakers are more interested in culture, landscape and the food in Thailand, but one quickly notices to what extent the king plays a major role in the local population. Everywhere, one finds portraits or colourful flags that serve as signs of the king or his wife.
In the cinema, a short spot about the life and career of the king is shown before the beginning of the film. It is expected that during this spot one rises from one’s seat and stops eating, making loud noises or talking. Another example are the banknotes depicting the king’s head. If the banknote falls to the ground, one should not step on it with one’s foot, as this is also regarded as an insult to the majesty.
5. Wear the wrong clothes:
Most Thais tolerate that tourists are lighter dressed than the locals because of the usual heat. However, this can be considered disturbing and inappropriate depending on the location. Examples are authorities, temples and palaces. Here it is important to dress and behave appropriately. In the temple there are also some other rules of behaviour, like taking off shoes when entering and the only moderate use of the camera. Since Hinduism and Buddhism are closely connected in Thailand, there are also some stumbling blocks here. Inappropriate photos of Buddha statues, for example, are frowned upon.
