Northern Thailand Local Customs

  Fishing near the north gate.
by IreneMcKay
 
  • Fishing near the north gate.
      Fishing near the north gate.
    by IreneMcKay
  • Flower basket out of banana leaves
      Flower basket out of banana leaves
    by iammon
  •   Local Customs
    by Willettsworld
  • one of the little rascals
      one of the little rascals
    by HasTowelWillTravel
  • One of the participants of Miss Krathong
      One of the participants of Miss Krathong
    by Tedsocoa
 

Most Viewed Local Customs in Northern Thailand

1.

Correct behaviour   Chiang Mai

Correct behaviour, Chiang Mai

 21 Reviews  To take off your shoes is extremely important when visiting temples. At the massage rooms, it was also necessary to do so. It was even requested at one of the restaurant I went to. So, it is helpful... 

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2.

Local people   Chiang Mai

Local people, Chiang Mai

 17 Reviews  This flower market is located along the western bank of the Ping River, to the north of Nawarat Bridge. Here you can see stalls and shops selling the offering garlands that people take to temples plus... 

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3.

Excursions   Chiang Mai

Excursions, Chiang Mai

 7 Reviews  Interested in different kinds of Fruits and Plants not found in your country? Then there is a good chance of seeing something entirely different in an Akha & Lisu village. I saw a Longan Fruit tree,... 

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4.

Song Kran Festival   Chiang Mai

Song Kran Festival, Chiang Mai

 8 Reviews  Songkran Day has been celebrated as New Year's Day in the Thai solar calendar since ancient times. The date coincides with the day the sun leaves Pisces and enters Aries, usually falling on April 13... 

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Wat to do? in the Wats

by spitball

While in the country of Thailand, you should respect their rules, such as taking off your shoes and boots when visiting any temple or (Wat), never having your head any higher than the buddah's image, this includes statues and/or paintings. Do Not, under any circumstance, touch anyone on the top of their head, this is thought to be disrespectful. They will most times, let you know. But sometimes they will not, they might think poorly of you after you've gone. Help them to think that you and most foreigners are okay. That way, we can all go back there without many problems.

Tip Photo
using a Thai Toilet

by Myndo

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.

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Do´s and Don´t s in the temple

by Myndo

- 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.

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Traffic light countdown

by Myndo

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!).

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Tung Banners

by pattayaraj

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.

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Kuu

by pattayaraj

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

Kratip

by pattayaraj

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

by pattayaraj

Northern house style

Tip Photo
New year or Songkran in Northern Thailand

by pattayaraj

Songkran

Tip Photo
Various seasons

by victorwkf

A rough guide to the seasons is as follows:November to February (Drier and cooler season).March to October (warmer and wetter season).

Local traditions and culture in Northern Thailand

Top 3 Hotels in Northern Thailand

Rimping Village  Chiang Mai

 1 Review and 528 Opinions  Perfect - hotel, people, service, food, room EVERYTHING, highly recommend - LOCATION LOCATION... 

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Dusit Island Resort  Chiang Rai

 4 Reviews and 68 Opinions  We stayed at the Dusit in April 2007. The hotel facilities were 5 star but the best thing about the... 

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Tharaburi Resort  Sukhothai

 2 Reviews and 65 Opinions  The Tharaburi Resort looks like it has seen better days. The political problems in Bangkok has not... 

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826 Hotels in Northern Thailand
 
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Reviews and photos of Northern Thailand attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Northern Thailand sightseeing.

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Local Customs: Cities in Northern Thailand
  1. Chiang Mai Local Customs
  2. Chiang Rai Local Customs
  3. Mae Sai Local Customs
  4. Sukhothai Local Customs
  5. Pai Local Customs
  6. Phitsanulok Local Customs
  7. Mae Hong Son Local Customs
  8. Lampang Local Customs
  9. Chiang Dao Local Customs
  10. Umphang Local Customs
  11. Mae Sariang Local Customs
  12. Ban Mae Salong Noi Local Customs

More Cities in Northern Thailand

 

Questions and Answers

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Q:  Aloha, I'm visiting this January and would like to explore Chaing Mai, as well as, Pai. I was hoping to check into a place and... 

xymmot profile photo

A: If you know the exact dates that you will arrive in Chaing Mai, it is best to make a reservation so that you know exactly where you are going . After two days, get your... 

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