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Cultural etiquette: what are the biggest 'don'ts' when traveling to Southeast Asia?

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Stoyan_Tech
Joined:
09.01.2023
Posts: 386
Topic Starter
09.02.2025 11:18
I'm planning a three-week backpacking trip through a few countries in Southeast Asia next month, and I want to make sure I don't accidentally offend anyone. I've read about things like not touching people's heads or pointing with your feet, but I'm worried about missing some of the less obvious social norms. Are there specific behaviors that locals find particularly rude or disrespectful that aren't mentioned in the typical tourist brochures? I want to be a respectful guest, so any advice on how to handle temple visits or local interactions would be greatly appreciated.
17 replies in this topic
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Iva_R
Joined:
12.02.2020
Posts: 2114
17.02.2025 18:30
Honestly, the biggest thing is just keeping your cool. Never raise your voice or get angry in public, especially in countries like Thailand. 'Saving face' is huge there, and losing your temper just makes you look like an idiot and solves nothing.
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Oskar_Z
Joined:
23.05.2023
Posts: 334
24.02.2025 22:52
In reply to a previous post
Totally agree with the 'no shouting' rule. Also, dress codes for temples are strictly enforced, so always keep a sarong in your bag just in case.
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Maya_L
Joined:
11.11.2022
Posts: 1288
16.03.2025 00:42
Don't underestimate the importance of modest clothing. Even if it's hot, covering your shoulders and knees isn't just about temples; it shows you respect the local culture in rural areas too.
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Kaya_J
Joined:
13.12.2020
Posts: 429
02.04.2025 11:34
In reply to a previous post
Exactly. I saw a group of tourists walking into a small village in Vietnam in bikinis and it was super awkward. Just be mindful of where you are.
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kamilo
Joined:
18.05.2021
Posts: 777
10.05.2025 06:24
One thing people forget is how you handle money or business cards. Always use both hands when giving or receiving something. It’s a small gesture that locals really appreciate.
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Bg_Pechba
Joined:
11.03.2021
Posts: 924
24.05.2025 06:05
In reply to a previous post
Great point! I practiced that in Cambodia and people were visibly friendlier once they saw I was making the effort.
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Alisa_K
Joined:
27.08.2021
Posts: 1745
13.06.2025 04:54
Don't touch the monks. Seriously, just keep your distance. It’s a massive taboo.
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Kevi_M
Joined:
23.08.2020
Posts: 34
21.07.2025 08:22
In reply to a previous post
This! And women should never sit right next to a monk on public transport. Always leave a seat gap.
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Znaesht
Joined:
12.06.2023
Posts: 136
05.08.2025 21:56
Make sure you learn how to do a proper 'wai' in Thailand. Don't feel like you have to do it all the time, but a polite nod goes a long way.
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Yana_P
Joined:
30.07.2025
Posts: 1426
31.08.2025 13:10
In reply to a previous post
Actually, don't worry too much about the 'wai'. As a tourist, people don't expect you to get it perfect. Just be polite and smile, that's universal.
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redoven
Joined:
18.12.2024
Posts: 1194
27.09.2025 15:27
Avoid talking about politics or the monarchy in Thailand. It's a legal minefield and definitely not a good topic for casual small talk.
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Iva_R
Joined:
23.07.2024
Posts: 751
06.11.2025 23:01
In reply to a previous post
Agreed. Just keep the conversation light and focus on the food or the scenery.
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Marius_C
Joined:
14.03.2021
Posts: 1986
06.01.2026 14:35
Always take your shoes off when entering a home or even some smaller shops. If you see a pile of shoes outside the door, follow suit.
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Yavor_K
Joined:
17.08.2025
Posts: 2052
19.01.2026 18:48
In reply to a previous post
That's a good habit to get into. I started doing it everywhere and it actually kept my room much cleaner too!
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Denis_P
Joined:
20.03.2022
Posts: 1682
10.03.2026 11:25
Be careful with your feet. Don't point them at people or statues, and definitely don't put them up on tables. It's considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body.
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Bobi_J
Joined:
20.07.2022
Posts: 272
30.03.2026 22:16
In reply to a previous post
I've heard this a lot, but does it really matter if I'm just sitting on a train?
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chicho_savet
Joined:
06.12.2025
Posts: 542
02.04.2026 22:45
Just be humble, smile a lot, and don't assume your way of doing things is the 'right' way. If you make a mistake, just apologize with a smile and move on. Most locals are incredibly forgiving if they see you're trying.

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