Travelling to feast on amazing local Thai food is one of the main reasons that tourists flock to Thailand year after year for their holidays. If you're making your way to the Kingdom to eat, we feel that it's crucial to share with you the do's and don't of Thai etiquette.
When in Thailand, you should eat as the Thais do. It's essential to follow the proper food etiquette of any country you travel to, this ensures you fully respect the local culture.
Most table manners in Thailand stem from the fact that Thai's usually eat their meals communally with friends and family. Dining in Thailand is always a social affair, and the status of the people dining often dictates how the meal will go.
Many western-style restaurants in Thailand have adopted western philosophies when it comes to dining, but if you are planning on going local (which is how you'll find the most authentic food), you'll want to take a look at our top tips guide for eating out Thai style.
Where You Should Sit
In the west, the most important person, or the 'head of the family,' will usually sit at the head of the table. In Thailand, however, the senior member of the group will sit in the middle.
For a western diner, it can be a little confusing at first, so we would suggest you wait until you are shown to a seat by a member of your party, rather than choosing a place yourself. This will save any awkward moments later!
If you are dining alone at a restaurant or street stall, it's common for the staff to ask you to sit with another group if the restaurant or shophouse is busy. Don't be alarmed; it's perfectly normal in Thailand to dine with people you don't know.
Thais are extremely friendly and welcoming, especially when they see you eating and enjoying the local food! If you are dining in the countryside, you could well find yourself sitting on a mat on the floor. In this situation, it's important to make sure you don't point your feet at anyone. Showing someone your feet is considered extremely rude in Thailand.
10-Day Best of Thailand with Koh Samui:
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
|
My husband and I are planning a 3 week…
Alisa was a great listener to all the things we wanted to incorporate into our trip. We discussed everything throughly, and when I had questions, she had answers the next day. I really appreciate her responsiveness and detail with me. I feel like we are in the best hands with Alisa and Asia Highlights. More
, Mar 2024
|
Very great experience our driver D was…
Very great experience our driver D was never late and always had waters and a cold towel for us and our tour guide Som was very informative and had amazing English I recommend them both highly for anyone else traveling More
Rylan Coache, Feb 2024
|
Excellent guide in Siem Reap
Our recent time spent in Siem Reap was made even more memorable by our expert guide, Som Piseth. Som was knowledgeable, attentive, flexible and super helpful - we learnt so much about Siem Reap and Cambodia in our 3 days with him. His English was excellent and his knowledge of, and pride in, his country was outstanding. We would highly recommend Som for anyone wanting an excellent guide in Siem Reap! More
Sharon Townshend, Feb 2024
|
Asia Highlights trip to Thailand
Our first tour guide in Bangkok, Marie, was great to tour around with. She was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and spoke wonderful English. Our next stop in Chang Mai we were greeted by our new tour guide, Rafael. He too was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and spoke wonderful English. He made it feel as if we were traveling around with a long time friend. Every time we arrived at a new destination, we were greeted at the airport by someone with a sign with our name making our travels easy. I would definitely recommend Asia Highlights to anyone looking for a well planned trip of a lifetime! More
Tricia, Feb 2024
|
Amazing Thailand experience
The tour guides were all knowledgeable and accommodating, especially Mayuree in Bangkok- absolutely wonderful. We felt taken care of and every step of the way was catered to our needs. More
Ashley White, Feb 2024
|
Private tour perfect for our times
Asia highlights organized a private tour with our requests. Everything was perfect ?? the driver Tom and the guide Ying were always on time with a smile in their face. Always willing to help and make our trip perfect. Bangkok is a very hot city so we minimized the time outside. The driver always had cold towels for us in the van and cold beverages. More
Virginia, Feb 2024
|
Thailand
We loved Chiang Mai and Susie did a great job showing us several temples, taking many pictures of us with the elephants at the sanctuary (a definite highlight of the entire trip!), and making sure we were well fed, which became a running joke between us.We had a very relaxing few days in Phuket enjoying the beautiful beaches. Kai was great, answering all of our questions and giving us a nice tour of the old town. The all-day speedboat tour of the Phi Phi islands started off a little shaky as the sea was quite rough so if you’re at all uncomfortable bouncing around in a speedboat, you might want to skip that tour. Things did calm down as the day went on and some of the areas they took us to for swimming, snorkeling, etc were really beautiful. A couple of the islands were too crowded with people. More
Andrea Roberts, Feb 2024
|
What a Wonderful Trip
What a Wonderful Trip! We booked with Sharon and our trip was great - guides were waiting for us at each stop, and they were all very nice and helpful. I cannot stress how amazing the guides were - they made the trip. More
Rachel, Feb 2024
|
Ask for Victor!
If you are traveling to Bangkhok you need to request Victor. He made our trip amazing! My family completed bucket list items with his guidance. He knew exactly how to get us places, kept us on time, made us feel safe, educated us on history, spoke excellent English and was genuinely a nice man! Everyone we encountered was awesome- but Victor is the reason for my 5 star review! More
Sandy, Jan 2024
|
Thank you Alisa for helping us plan a…
Thank you Alisa for helping us plan a wonderful trip to Thailand. We had a great time. The tour guides were wonderful as were the hotels you booked for us. We will definitely contact you to plan our next trip More
Carol Yeung, Jan 2024
|
Ying was the best
Ying was the best. She was really knowledgeable and kind. Thank you Ying for wonderful experience in Thailand! More
Sylvester Yeung, Jan 2024
|
Very well organized
Very well organized. Our tour guide, Ying, was amazing! She had full knowledge of every location we visited and made sure our itinerary was fulfilled as expected. She was extremely helpful for our airport experiences, and made sure we arrived at an appropriate time. More
David M. Kang, Jan 2024
|
Family trip to Thailand
We were lucky to be greeted by Marie and her driver.In Marie, we have made a friend for life. She is incredibly smart and knowledgeable about her home country. From the vast number of temples to safely traversing Chinatown.She helped give us tips on our free days, locate left behind lost clothing and arrange for pickup. She even helped check us in for our flight to Chiang Mai.She prepared us ahead of time for every event we had scheduled and bonded with our kids, 3x 13 year olds. More
Justin Levenbrook, Jan 2024
|
Thailand with and amazing tour guide Ying
I highly recommend Ying as a tour guide in Thailand. Her expertise in Thai culture, combined with her passion for food and genuine love for her country, made the tour an exceptional experience. If you're looking for a guide who will not only show you the sights but also immerse you in the local culture and help you discover delicious Thai cuisine, Ying is the perfect choice. More
Diana Irizarry, Jan 2024
|
Asia Highlights Thailand trip
Asia Highlights provided us with a great travel trip. They made it very easy to navigate through Thailand with everything going very smoothly. From the easy transportation to the great day itinerary everything was awesome. Will definitely look to use this agency again in the future. More
Taylor Jones, Jan 2024
|
Perfect 2 WK Thailand Trip for a Solo Female Traveler
Bank was our guide in Bangkok and he showed us around the city with ease and we were able to see and try things I never would have planned on my own. After Bangkok, our small group flew to Chiang Mai for Yi Peng lantern festival and that was a breathtaking experience that I will never forget! Pop was our guide in this city and she was knowledgeable, kind and caring which made our experience even more memorable. More
Tia, Dec 2023
|
We recently have just returned from Thailand
We recently have just returned one from a 5 week trip to Thailand through Asia Highlights. We had a wonderful time and Asia Highlights went beyond our expectations. They truly tried their best to make sure everything went smoothly and we were taken care of! Everyone was amazing and we would definitely use them in the future!! Many thanks to everyone that helped to make this an incredible once in a lifetime experience!! More
Karen Rocque, Dec 2023
|
Indochina Experience
On our 5th day of our trip with Asiahighlights. We felt well taken care of before and it hasn’t changed since we started from Bangkok to Hanoi (guide Kim was verrry knowledgeable!) to Halong Bay (spectacular scenery) to Hoi An (guide Nhieu Tran, giving great local (shopping) tips and insights). More
Stefan Eisenhut, Dec 2023
|
What to Do when Ordering
All group meals in Thailand are communal affairs. By all means, order anything that you like the look of, but be mindful that you will be sharing the dish with the rest of the table. Never order a dish in a group situation and eat it all yourself.
It won't go down well with the other diners. If you order a plate of something and enjoy it, you can always order another portion or two for the table later.
A communal Thai meal will typically consist of rice, sticky or Jasmine, which can be individually portioned or served in a big bowl in the middle of the table, a soup, which can be sour, spicy or both, a curry and a vegetable dish or salad of some description.
On the side, you'll find condiments such as shrimp paste and chilli dips, fresh herbs, and raw, crunchy vegetables. It is also common to order a fruit plate for the table after a meal or at least one kind of Thai dessert, such as the famous and much-loved mango and sticky rice.
The Table Setting and Eating Utensils
Contrary to popular beliefs, Thai people don't use chopsticks nearly as much as people think they do. You will only be given chopsticks if you are eating noodles, either in soup or fried form.
Don't ask for chopsticks if your eating rice or meat dishes. The only time it's acceptable to ask for chopsticks is if you are eating noodles, and the server hasn't given you a pair because they think you can't use them!
When you sit down, the server will hand you a plate or bowl of rice, another bowl for soup, a spoon and fork, and a soup spoon. If you are eating a noodle dish, you will be given a fork, as well and a pair of chopsticks so you can choose which suits you best.
You'll find a container full of napkins on the table, as well as an array of condiments to flavour the food to your own taste. These include fish sauce, dried chilli flakes, chilli vinegar and sugar…. Thais love sugar.
You will have the choice between free filtered water by the cup or a bottle of water that you can pay for if you prefer. If you are dining in a group, there should be a separate serving spoon, so you don't have to use the spoon you are eating with.
7-Day Bangkok and Chiang Mai in Yi Peng Festival:
Table manners
Unlike many western countries, you are not expected to finish all of the food on your plate (although it's not rude to do so). Finish whatever you can and only stop when you're full. It's never a good idea to waste food, but it's not seen as much of an issue in Thailand when compared to other places you might visit.
In Thailand, the locals eat slowly, so it's a good idea to take your time. Dining is a time for Thais to enjoy catching up with friends and family, which should never be rushed.
Take your time to savour each dish and take in the whole experience of traditional family-style Thai dining. Remember to wait for someone to serve you; this will usually be one of the youngest people at your table.
If you do decide to help yourself, be sure to take a small amount of rice, followed by a small number of your desired dish. Thais don't pile food on their plates as we do in the west, they take a little at a time amount and keep going back for more.
Remember always to serve yourself using the large serving spoon, not with the spoon you're eating with, and never help yourself with your fork.
If you are serving yourself, It is polite to serve the person sitting next to you first. Make sure the people around you are well fed.
Eat with your spoon, never put the fork into your mouth. Instead, use the fork to push the food onto the spoon. Thais even put noodles onto their spoon with chopsticks when eating noodle soup.
It would be best if you never rest your chin in your hand or your elbow on the table while talking to the other people in the group. This is considered very disrespectful in Thailand.
Tipping in Thailand
The tipping culture in Thailand changes vastly depending on what sort of place you decide to dine in. If you are ordering street food, it's uncommon to tip, and even more unusual for them to accept it.
If you really enjoy your meal, make sure to say 'aroy' (the Thai word for delicious ) with a big smile on your face. Knowing you've enjoyed the food is usually tip enough for them. If you really want to give a tip, leave it on the table out of sight or give it to a younger member of staff.
If you are eating in higher class restaurants or cafes, tipping is a good idea. Although some tourists feel uncomfortable tipping on top of the already added 10% service charge, it's worth noting that most Thai wait staff work extremely long hours for very little pay when compared with western workers. Leaving your 20 or 40 baht change as a tip can make all the difference to their day.
12-Day Thailand Family Holiday:
Paying the Bill
In Thailand, it's the oldest member of the wealthiest person in the group that pays for the bill, regardless of how many people are dining. Don't offer to pay for the bill unless you are eating with people that are poorer than yourself; you might end up insulting someone!
A Quick Summary of the Do's and Don'ts about Thai Dining Etiquette
Do's
- Do eat slowly. Savour every part of the meal. Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint.
- Do wait for someone to invite you before sitting. And don't sit in the middle of the table.
- Do use the fork to push food onto the spoon. Never put your fork into your mouth.
- Do serve the person sitting next to you before you help yourself. Make sure the people around you are well fed.
- Do compliment the cook by saying 'aroy,' which means delicious in Thai. This is always much appreciated!
- Do allow the oldest member of the group to pay for your dinner.
Don'ts:
- Don't talk with your mouth full. Thais don't appreciate people that eat and speak at the same time.
- Don't take more food than you can eat at one time. You can always come back for more later.
- Don't order a dish to eat by yourself. Always make sure you share your dish with the other diners in your group.
- Don't serve yourself using your own spoon or fork; use the serving spoon provided.
- Don't talk with your mouth. Wait until you've swallowed your food before speaking.
- Please don't put your elbows on the table; it's not good manners.
- Don't ask for chopsticks unless you are eating noodles.
Tour Thailand with Us
Why not let us take the hassle out of your next holiday and help you plan your trip to Thailand. We can put together your dream trip, giving you a tailor-made itinerary to suit your interests. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. We're here to help.
Why Asia Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)
- Save Your Time:
- Less research, more enjoyment!
- Real-time 1V1 expert planning
- Maximize Your Flexibility:
- Personal local guide and ride
- Explore at your own pace
- Celebrate Your Journeys:
- Specially-crafted family adventures
- Celebrate milestones with style!
- 9-Day Thailand Family Tour
- 10-Day Best of Thailand Tour
- 10-Day Thailand Lantern Festival Tour 2024
- 12-Day Thailand Family Holiday
- 12-Day Thailand Wonders Tour
- 12-Day Best of Thailand and Cambodia Tour
- 12-Day Essential Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
- 14-Day Classic Vietnam and Thailand Tour
- 14-day Thailand and Vietnam Family Tour
- 15-Day Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
- 19-Day Highlights Tour of Southeast Asia: Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam
- 3-Week Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour for Couples
- Awesome 10 Days in Thailand: 5 Itineraries (with Map)
- 3 Best Thailand Itineraries for 12 Days 2024
- 2 Weeks Thailand Itinerary 2024: Top 4 Itineraries with Maps
- Perfect 3 Weeks in Thailand: 3 Itineraries with Costs 2024
- How to Plan Your First Trip to Thailand — 7 Easy Steps
- A Guide to Thailand Lantern Festivals: Yi Peng & Loy Krathong
- 8 Best Destinations to Combine with a Visit to Thailand
- How to Plan a Thailand and Vietnam Trip (2024/2025): 10 Days, 2, 3 Weeks Itineraries
- How to Plan a Trip to Thailand and Cambodia (2024/2025)
- How to Plan a Trip to Singapore and Thailand 2024/2025
- How to Visit Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam 2024: 10, 14 and 21-Day Itinerary Ideas
- How to Plan a Trip to Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore 2024
- Thailand Weather in January 2025: Which Island/Best Places to Visit
- Thailand Weather in February 2024/2025: Which Island/Best Places to Visit
- Thailand Weather in March 2024/2025: Temperature, Places to Visit, Travel Tips
- Thailand Weather in April 2024: Temperatures, Places to Visit, Songkran Festival
- Thailand Weather in May 2024: Too Hot & Rainy? Best Places to Go and Travel Tips
- What's the Weather Like in Thailand in June?
- Thailand Weather in July 2024: Tips for a Family Vacation
- Thailand Weather in August 2024: Temperature and Best Places to Go
- Thailand Weather in September 2024: Temperature, Best Places to Visit
- Thailand Weather in October 2024: Still Rain? Where to Visit?
- Thailand Weather in November 2024: Places to Go, Costs, and Crowds
- Thailand Weather in December 2024: Places to Go, Costs, and Crowds
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
Our guide lele is a wealth of information, Lele is very professional and very attentive to our needs. Lele is amazing. Lele got everything spot on. It probably helps that Guilin is a brilliant place to visit so Lele has great material to work with but that doesn't take anything away from how much Lele helped make it a great trip.
moreOur guide for Beijing was super knowledgeable and experienced and able to help us to achieve as much as we wanted within the time given. We had a fun time guided by him as he is also super humorous and you can see how he interacts with the vendors and people whom he comes by. Thank you for a very enjoyable time in Beijing and accommodating to all our needs!
moreOur China Highlight guide. Michael, was attentive, thoughtful and knowledgeable. He narrated many interesting historical events about Chengdu while touring around the city and having afternoon tea with us. He was thoughtful to provide us with snacks during long hikes at Leshan or walks around the city.
moreShe was very flexible and added extra time when we needed it and we felt extremely well taken care of. She also chose the best restaurants for us,
moreOur tour guide Helen, was excellent, she was very kind, professional and passionate for her work and she also loves Pandas! She will take you to take the best panda photos and to know more about Chengdu city. Our tour was great, she took us to all our destinations always with the best spots: Temples, pagodas, famous streets, theaters, pandas...you name it! Everything was great.
moreHe picked up our pre-booked boat/other excursions tickets so we were able to avoid all the long lines and chaos. He is knowledgeable of the places we visited, courteous, fun to travel with and well-versed in Chinese classics.
moreTom is the guide that will take you to where no other guide will. We pushed for the experience and Tom and the team delivered more than what we could have ever asked for. His English speaking ability and his Chinese history knowledge is second to none.
moreTom is the guide that will take you to where no other guide will. We pushed for the experience and Tom and the team delivered more than what we could have ever asked for. His English speaking ability and his Chinese history knowledge is second to none.
moreOur day trip to Hangzhou was phenomenal. Derek, our guide, was impeccable. By far the best guide we have had so far. He is extremely knowledgeable about the country’s history and geography and was always excited to share his insights.
moreXian es encantadora, el hotel Eastern house boutique muy buena elección por parte de la agencia, los desayunos muy completos para complacer todo tipo de gusto, lo recomiendo 100%, el itinerario fue muy acertado fueron 2 días en la ciudad xian, compartimos con la guía Susana, la atención, la amabilidad y sobre todo su profesionalismo fue lo que marcó la diferencia, sus detalles, estaba siempre en el lugar y momento correcto para hacer de xian un lugar inolvidable.
moreGet Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.