Famous Thailand Food

To Wai you put your hands together on your chest and bow your head a little towards the tips of your fingers. There are different reasons to Wai in Thailand. It is used as a greeting, a thank you, to say goodbye, to apologize and to pray to Buddha.

As a tourist you'll hear many people tell you not to wai because you are not Thai, but I believe thats an ignorant way to think. This is a Thai custom that has meaning and feeling in it and as long as you wai in the right circumstance you will be sure to make a Thai smile and even if you did it wrong or it seemed awkward the Thais love to see someone try aspects of their culture.

At first giving a wai may seem awkward and it may very well be a less than perfect attempt, it's not as natural to a westerner as a handshake, but the Thais know this and will respect you for trying. In the end to wai or not in Thailand as a visitor is of course up to you.

Born and raised in Baltimore Maryland I finally set out to discover the world in 2006. South East Asia has always been a beacon for me and Thailand its crowned jewel.

Thais do not wai everyone, it is usually a sign of respect to someone who is older or wiser such as a Monk. You should not wai a younger person but you should return the wai if they wai you. Likewise you would not wai every shop owner when you make a purchase or a maid when she cleans you room.

The Thai Wai