Chiang Rai Culture Travel Guide

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Thai art consists of contributions to visual art, literature, and dance. Visual art pieces tend to lean towards Buddha images with distinctive styles depending on the time during which it had been created. More contemporary visual art tends to use contemporary techniques to create pieces with traditional Thai elements. Literature has primarily Indian influences, and the most notable work exists in that of the Kings Rama I and Rama II, who wrote the Ramakien based on the Ramayana. There has been no history of acting in Thailand, and therefore traditional dance remains the thing to see on stage. Choose from any one of the three gorgeous styles - khon, lokhon and likay. [more]

Thai food creates a fusion of the four fundamental tastes (sweet, spicy, sour, and salty) in every dish. Herbs and fruit have a heavy use in creating these tastes, including chilli, garlic, ginger, basil, lime, coriander, and turmeric.

Western culture differs immensley from Thai culture. Many Thai people have become more Westernised with the influx of tourists and foreign business people, there still exists a very strong link to the traditional way of life.

For example, smiling in Thailand can mean a myriad of things not necessarily linked to feeling happy. Smiling may mean: hello, thank you, I'm sorry, or it may show embarrassment. Guests tend to be very welcome in Thailand, and Thai people make pleasant and tolerant hosts, as long as you give respect to their beliefs, including towards the Royal family to the religious temples.

Anger creates an unacceptable atmosphere in Thailand, so it's important to remain calm and polite at all times.

Thai people do take the view that foreigners have more wealth than they do, and therefore you may see many pricing double standards. With one price for the locals, and a higher price for the travellers, you may get hot under the collar. However, convert that difference into your home currency and you may find the difference isn't worth your energy. It remains your choice as to how offended and upset you get, but do a few cents matter for the sake of politeness?

Much of Thai culture has evolved around Buddhism, including a respect for seniority. Seniority may be seen in terms of age, wealth, or status. Top of the ranks comes the Buddhist monks. An elderly person must give up their seat on a bus for a young, healthy monk. As seniority ranking often comes from an age perspective, you may find that you get openly asked about your own age.

Thai people will stand for the national anthem that plays twice daily at 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. Foreigners will be expected to stand as well. The anthem will also be played before every film at the cinema.

In Thai culture, the head remains sacred. Therefore, never touch anyone on their head. The top of the body lives high and sacred, but the bottom half of the body means low and dirty to a Thai person. Therefore, you must also always be aware of your feet in Thailand. Do not point with your feet, especially to another person. Do not step over another person, do not show the soles of your feet, and always remove your shoes before entering a temple or house. Never put your feet on anything but the ground. The left hand also gets viewed as being dirty, so always use your right hand to pass objects.

Wai represents the term for the traditional greeting given by the Thai people. It consists of pressing your palms and fingers together at chest height. At the same time, slightly bow your head. A wai may also mean several things: hello, respect, or asking for forgiveness. Unless the wai had been given by a child, it should always be returned. As a foreigner, though, you won't necessarily be expected to return a wai. You do not want to give offence to anyone by accident, so sometimes the best thing to do equals a big smile in response.

For a unique experience in Chiang Rai, try out a few of the following phrases and suggestions for a travel encounter worth writing home about:

• Use the phrase "Mai pen rai." Loosely translated, it means "it's nothing", "no problems", or "keep smiling". Basically, it covers the Thai philosophy of life. Go on, keep smiling!
• Use "khrap" as a male speaker or "kha" as a female. This word cannot be translated literally, but it's the polite word in Thai - like ending your sentences with sir or ma'am. However, say the word based on your own gender, not on whoever you're talking with.
• In fact, try "Sawadee khrap" or "sawadee kha" - a greeting for hello, good evening, goodbye or goodnight.
• "Arroy" means delicious. Use it profusely and watch for your host's delight!
• If you're not game to taste the full on spices of Thai, use "Mai phet". It means not spicy. Be aware that most restaurants will normally reduce the amount of chilli and spice for Western customers without being asked.
• Chill out with a full traditional Thai massage
• Eat a durian (if in season). This fruit comes known as the worst smelling, best tasting fruit in the world.

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