Tips for First Time Visitors to Thailand – Getting the Best Out of Your Vacation

When travelling to a new country, it's always a good idea to understand the etiquette rules of the region, so that you won't unnecessarily offend the locals. Thailand, like most Asian countries, places great value on the concept of face. As such, acts such as being unnecessarily confrontational, losing one's temper and showing intense negative emotions in public are looked down upon. Modesty is also treated as a virtue here, and as such, it is best to wear relatively simple clothing during your time here. If you're visiting someone's home, you're expected to remove your shoes at the doorstep. Public displays of affection – such as kissing or hugging – are considered to be a rude practice, so keep that in mind when walking Thailand's streets. With the basic rules of etiquette known, you'll be able to have a far better time interacting and making friends with the local populace. With most Thai people being a friendly bunch who are fluent in English, don't be afraid to strike up a conversation!

Thailand is renowned for its exquisite cuisine – Thai flavours exude inimitable aromas and tastes that'll leave you constantly coming back for more. That being said, there are few rules you need to follow when dining in Thailand. Firstly, most restaurants and cafes will ask you to remove your shoes prior to entering. A fork and spoon are the general cutlery items used to consume food with chopsticks only being used sparingly. Cleaning the plate of all food is an indication that you're still hungry. So, if you are full, it's best to leave a few bites on the plate. As a side note, be sure to check out the amazing street food Thailand has to offer – it's a culinary adventure all on its own.

When most travellers think of Thailand, they think of Bangkok. This isn't that surprising considering that Thailand's capital city has transformed into a bustling metropolis over the past few years. This does mean, however, that Bangkok is on every traveller's radar, so a trip here will mean having to deal with massive crowds and persistent traffic. Because of this, you might want to limit the time you spend in the capital and consider exploring all the other great regions that Thailand has to offer. For example, you could be enjoying the scenic sights that Chiang Mai has to offer, or you could be relaxing at a Phangan beach resort, say for example the Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas.

Thailand's weather can be somewhat temperamental and not every season is ideal for visiting the country. If your schedule permits it, try to time your trip in between October and April. During this time the weather is stable and the temperatures are pleasant.

There are a number of ancient temples scattered all across Thailand. These can be an absolute treat to explore but there are a few rules associated with visiting them. Most importantly, you'll have to dress modestly to get into a temple. Generally speaking, long sleeves and pants that reach your knees are a safe bet. Try not to make too much noise while you're in there too and only take photos after asking for permission.