Local traditions and culture in Northern Thailand

Of course in the hotels and more modern places you find the same toilets as we have, but there are still places you can come around one of these (see pictures).

In Switzerland we call these "plumps-klo".
It is obvious where you have to stand for them.
The problems start afterwards.
There is no toilet paper (although in some places you will get it at the entrance of the toilet).
Thais use their left hand to wash themselves - the water is on the right side.

After you have finished, use the pot that is swimming in the water to flush down whatever is there.

- dress politely, do not wear shorts
(and no spaghetti straps either, the shoulders should be covered): It is as everywhere ... you will also not go visit the Petersdome like that: they would not let you in.

- Show respect in the temple and shrine

- Take off your shoes before entering

- Keep your head lower than Buddha images and Monks (that is a hard one, good that most images are located on a platform...)

- Don´t touch the Buddha images

- Don´t display affection for another person in public (that does also go outside the temples ... openly kissing and holding hands is definitely "out" in Thailand)

- Always keep clean.

On the outside you sometimes find these "money-trees" like in the picture.
They are here, because Monks are (or were) not allowed to take money directly. So these are givings for the temple.

Right next to some traffic lights in the bigger Cities of Thailand (not only the north, but also in Phuket), you may come across these "Countdown-Signs".
They show you how long until the traffic light changes again.
Good for the not so patient automobilist, I think, but take care.
The Thais tend to really start at "0", so if you are there, do it as well.

Changing times can be really short too - sometimes they also have these for the pedestrians - you have 6 seconds to cross the street ... 5....4....3...2....1 ...0 (screeech!).

Tungs are made from Paper, cloth , metals or woods of varying size and styles. They are displayed at the temple during festivals and special ceremonies.
Tungs which made from Paper and cloth are hung on bamboo poles. Wooden or metals tungs called Tung Kradang. All places in or out the building for making merit and bringing a good fortune.

An ornate altar with an enshrined Buddha image inside a chamber.

A typical Lanna and Esan product ,for contains sticky rice. With many variation in design and size. Made from strips of split dry bamboo and weave to a shape.

Northern house style

Songkran