Traditions and customs in Bangkok

1. Wai greeting and temple etiquette

The palms-together wai is the standard greeting and thanks. In temples, remove shoes, never point your feet at a Buddha image, and never climb on a statue for a photograph.

• Tip: You are not expected to initiate a wai with staff or children; returning one is enough and is always well received.

2. Songkran water festival

Thai New Year in mid-April turns into a nationwide, days-long water fight, layered over its original meaning of washing away the old year.

• Best time: 13–15 April
• Tip: Everything you carry will get wet. Phones go in a sealed bag, and no exceptions are made for tourists.

3. Traditional Thai massage

A firm, stretching, fully-clothed discipline that has little to do with the spa version — it developed alongside temple medicine.

• Where: Wat Pho runs the best-known teaching school
• Cost: 300–600 THB per hour at an ordinary shop
• Tip: Say 'bao bao' for lighter pressure. Thai massage is meant to be intense but never actually painful.

4. Making merit at a temple

Locals offer lotus buds, incense and gold leaf, or release caged birds, to accumulate merit. Visitors are welcome to take part respectfully.

5. Long-tail boat through the Thonburi klongs

The canals on the west bank are the remains of the city that earned Bangkok the 'Venice of the East' label, with stilt houses and canal-side temples.

• Where: Thonburi canals
• Tip: Agree the route and the price in writing before boarding, and be specific about how long the trip lasts.