Thailand is a fascinating and often surprising place especially if you are arriving from the West. At times, it can feel as though the rules have been turned upside down, and everything you encounter is the opposite of what you know from home. From everyday routines to cultural customs, Thailand invites you to let go of expectations and approach life with an open heart.
As you move through Bangkok—a city that is fast-paced, gritty, elegant, and endlessly alive—you’ll quickly realise that both excitement and calm coexist here. Many visitors expect either a whirlwind adventure or a laid-back holiday, but Bangkok offers both, often at the same time, if you’re willing to surrender control.
I’ve learned this through small, everyday moments. When I hop into a Grab car (Thailand’s version of Uber) and the driver confidently follows his GPS yet still asks me to guide him the entire way, I no longer resist. I go with the flow. When I see a family of four balancing effortlessly on a single motorbike, I don’t question it—I accept it. Every day in Bangkok feels extraordinary once judgement is removed.
Below are some everyday observations, Thai customs and travel tips that may help you when visiting the Land of Smiles—small cultural nuances that help you understand the rhythm of daily life in Thailand.
Table of Contents
1. 7-Eleven: A True Hero
7-Eleven stores are everywhere, open 24 hours, and have good air-conditioning. You’ll find everything from toiletries to ready-made meals, including Thai, Korean, and Japanese snacks.
7-Elevens are constantly restocking. Every time you walk in, you will find a new, interesting snack to try. There is a 7-Eleven on each block—sometimes two stores right next to each other. They are plentiful! Just step over the soi dogs (usually at the front door), walk into the comfortable air-conditioned store and buy sim cards, shampoo or sushi—almost anything. You can even pay your bills at 7-Eleven. I will tell you about this later.
Insider Tip: Cash only. Many branches don’t accept cards or QR payments, but cash is king.
Fun fact: 7-Elevens are the Holy Grail for breaking large bills. If you are at a small, local shop and they only accept small bills, find a nearby 7-Eleven store.
2. Eat like a Thai person – fork and spoon
Thai dining customs are influenced by British table manners by using a utensil in each hand, but with a twist. Meals are eaten using a fork and spoon—the fork is used to push food onto the spoon, and the spoon is brought to the mouth. Knives are uncommon unless you’re dining in a more formal restaurant.
For Westerners, this can feel challenging when eating tougher foods, as you may find yourself cutting with a spoon or fork. Thai food, however, is thoughtfully prepared so that most dishes are already bite-sized and perfectly suited to spoonfuls. As far as Thai customs and travel tips, this goes a long way.
Insider Tip: You are in Thailand. Enjoy Thai foods. You can ask for it to be not so spicy.
3. Thai style beach culture
Thai beach culture differs greatly from Western habits. While many tourists flock to the beach at midday to sunbathe, locals tend to avoid the sun during peak hours. Late afternoon and early evening are the preferred times.
Rather than tanning, Thais gather with friends or family, share food, chat, and take photos. Many wear long sleeves and trousers to protect themselves from the sun. The beach is a social space—not a place for sunbathing.
Interestingly, despite the heat, spicy dishes such as tom yum and som tum are favourites at the beach. How Thais manage this without overheating remains a mystery.
4. “Did you eat yet?” The Thai way of caring
In Thai culture, greetings are deeply connected to care and nourishment. Instead of asking, “How are you?”, Thais often ask, “Did you eat yet?” Food is central to well being, and asking about it is a genuine expression of concern. Out of the Thai customs and travel tips this is an important one to remember.
If you reply that you haven’t eaten, someone will likely offer to share their food or help you find something to eat. It’s a small gesture that reflects a beautifully generous and nurturing culture.
5. Wai zebras, chickens and spirit houses
Most visitors are familiar with the wai, the respectful gesture used to say hello or thank you. What many don’t realise is that Thais also wai places and objects believed to hold spirits like small houses said to hold the the spirit of family members. Or, sometimes shrines with a lot of mini statues of zebras or chickens are respected as well. Do not be alarmed. This is normal.
It’s common to see someone pause mid-conversation to wai a small shrine, a tree, or a spirit house outside a building or even a 7-Eleven. Over time, you may find yourself doing the same, a quiet nod of respect woven into daily life.
6. Spirit houses and fanta soda
Spirit houses are small, ornate shrines found outside homes, businesses, and buildings throughout Thailand. They are believed to house guardian spirits or ancestors, and offerings are made to keep them content.
You’ll often see bananas, flowers, incense, or bottles of bright red Fanta placed carefully beside them, a striking and meaningful part of Thai spiritual life.
7. Shoes off, please
Removing your shoes before entering a Thai home or temple is essential. Shoes are considered dirty and should never be worn indoors. If you do not remember any Thai customs and travel tips, do keep this one in mind as most important.
It’s also important to remember that in Thai culture the head is sacred, while the feet are considered the lowest part of the body. Avoid pointing your feet at people, resting them on furniture, or placing them on tables. Respect this, and you’ll immediately stand out as a considerate guest.
Insider Tip: If you are unsure if you need to take your shoes off, just do it.
8. Tropical fruits you can only enjoy in Thailand
Thailand is home to some of the world’s most delicious tropical fruits—many of which simply don’t taste the same elsewhere. Durian is the most famous (or infamous). Loved by some and avoided by others, it has a powerful aroma so strong that it’s banned in many hotels and condominiums.
Its soft, creamy texture is surprisingly filling, but durian should be eaten in moderation, especially if you have certain health conditions or have been drinking alcohol. If durian feels too intense, try mangosteen, longan, rose apple, or rambutan—all uniquely Thai, sweet, and refreshing.
9. Bathroom Butlers and Bum Guns
Public bathrooms in Thailand often have attendants who clean continuously while you’re using the facilities. I affectionately call them Bathroom Butlers. Due to humidity and bathroom design, floors can become wet and slippery.
Some toilets are squat-style, requiring manual flushing with water, while others feature the much-loved bum gun, a handheld spray used for cleaning. Bring tissues, watch your step, and don’t be surprised if an attendant mops around you, it’s all part of keeping things spotless.
10. Canal Culture and Floating Markets
Before roads dominated Bangkok, canals were the city’s lifelines. Trade and transport once happened almost entirely by boat. Visiting a floating market offers a glimpse into this historic way of life.
Boats filled with food and goods glide along the water, and you’ll likely sample some excellent Thai dishes along the way. Floating markets are both scenic and deeply rooted in Thai culture.
11. Markets: The Heart of Daily Life
Markets are everywhere in Thailand and play a vital role in daily routines. From fresh produce to ready-made meals, everything can be found there.
When out with Thai friends, expect frequent stops as they gather food for the day. Markets are loud, colourful, and full of energy.
Insider Tip: A handheld fan is your best friend once the heat rises.
12. Motorbikes and Thai Traffic: Expect the Unexpected
Traffic in Thailand follows its own logic, and motorbikes move with particular freedom. While there are official rules, they are often treated as flexible guidelines rather than strict regulations. You’ll see motorbikes weaving between cars, riding on pavements, and coming from unexpected directions.
As a visitor, the most important thing to remember is to be alert when crossing the street. Even when traffic lights say it’s safe, motorbikes may still pass through. Look twice, cross slowly, and never assume vehicles will stop as they might back home.
Once you adjust, the system begins to make sense — a kind of organised chaos that somehow works, as long as you stay aware and move carefully. Here are some links for helping you get around:
