Chon Buri is a coastal province on Thailand's Eastern Seaboard, best known for the resort city of Pattaya and its string of sun-drenched beaches along the Gulf of Thailand. The province blends vibrant beach tourism with industrial heritage, traditional fishing villages, and lush tropical landscapes just 80 km from Bangkok.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Greet locals with the 'wai' — press palms together at chest level and bow slightly; a smile works just as well for tourists
The head is sacred in Thai culture — never touch anyone's head, including children
Feet are considered the lowest and least sacred part of the body — never point feet toward people or Buddha images
Thai people value 'sanuk' (fun) and 'mai pen rai' (no worries) — maintain a relaxed, good-humored attitude
Dress modestly when entering temples: covered shoulders, knees and shoes removed at the door
The Thai royal family is deeply revered — criticism of the monarchy is illegal and deeply offensive
Remove shoes before entering anyone's home or many traditional restaurants with floor seating
Bargaining is acceptable at markets and small shops but not at malls or restaurants with printed menus
Thai people rarely say 'no' directly — 'may be' or silence often means no; read context carefully
Anger and raised voices are very poorly received — stay calm in any dispute and smile; it resolves issues faster
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Wai (press hands together) to greet monks, elders and people in positions of service
- Remove shoes before entering temples, homes and many traditional restaurants
- Dress modestly at temples — long pants/skirt and covered shoulders required
- Always show respect at royal monuments and images — stand still during national anthem at 8 AM and 6 PM
- Carry small notes (20, 50 THB) for songthaews, market vendors and temple donations
- Accept food or drinks offered by locals with both hands — a sign of respect and good manners
- Compliment Thai food enthusiastically — 'aroi mak' (very delicious) will delight any cook
Don't
- Don't raise your voice or show anger in public — 'losing face' is deeply shameful in Thai culture
- Don't touch a monk (especially if you are female) — even accidental contact requires a purification ritual
- Don't point your feet toward Buddha images, altars or people while seated
- Don't photograph monks or religious ceremonies without permission
- Don't criticize or mock the Thai royal family — lèse-majesté is a criminal offense with imprisonment
- Don't smoke on beaches — a ban is enforced at designated Chon Buri beaches with 100,000 THB fines
- Don't haggle at 7-Eleven, malls, restaurants or fixed-price shops
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Songkran (Thai New Year Water Festival)
Celebrated April 13–15, Songkran is Thailand's biggest festival where water-throwing signals the cleansing of the old year. Pattaya hosts one of Thailand's biggest Songkran celebrations on Beach Road.
Loy Krathong
On the full moon of November, Thais float small lotus-shaped baskets (krathong) with candles and flowers on water to honor the water goddess and release bad luck. Spectacular on Pattaya Bay.
Wai Kru (Teacher Day)
Thai students pay respect to teachers with offerings in a ceremony held in June. Visitors may observe ceremonies at local schools.
Buddhist Sabbath (Wan Phra)
On lunar calendar Buddhist holy days, some restaurants and venues may not serve alcohol and monks are often seen receiving alms in the early morning — a respectful time to observe this tradition.
Alms Giving (Tak Bat)
Monks walk through communities at dawn collecting offerings of food from devout Thais. Visitors may observe quietly but should not disrupt the ritual or take intrusive photos.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- The 'wai' (palms pressed together, slight bow) is the standard greeting; a smile is always appreciated. Handshakes are acceptable in business settings with foreigners.
- Dining
- Wait to be seated; sharing dishes family-style is common at Thai restaurants. The eldest person is often served first at group meals. It's polite to leave a little food on the plate.
- Dress
- Beach attire only on beaches — cover up when walking into markets, temples or restaurants away from the beach. Smart casual is sufficient for most restaurants.
- Gifts
- If invited to a Thai home, bring quality fruit, cakes or imported goods as gifts. Present with both hands. Gifts are typically not opened in front of the giver.
- Business
- Business cards are exchanged with both hands and a slight bow. Read the card before putting it away — do not write on it or put it in your back pocket.
- Tipping
- Not mandatory but appreciated: 20-50 THB at local restaurants; 10% at mid-range; 15% at fine dining. Tipping spa and massage therapists 50-100 THB is standard.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Sawadee krap (male) / Sawadee ka (female)
Hello / Goodbye
sa-WAH-dee krap/ka
Khop khun krap/ka
Thank you
KORP-koon krap/ka
Chai krap/ka
Yes
chai krap/ka
Mai krap/ka
No
mai krap/ka
Tao rai?
How much?
tao-RYE
Phaeng pai
Too expensive
PENG pai
Aroi mak!
Delicious!
ah-ROY mak
Mai ow
I don't want
mai ow
Chuay duay!
Help!
CHOO-ay doo-ay
Hong nam yu tee nai?
Where is the toilet?
HONG-nam yoo tee nai
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Chon Buri.
Main: Theravada Buddhism (approximately 95% of Thai population); also Chinese Taoist temples, mosques (Muslim community near Soi Khao Noi Pattaya) and Catholic churches
Sites: Wat Yansangwararam (royal temple), Wat Khao Phra Bat (hilltop temple), Sanctuary of Truth (Hindu-Buddhist), Saan Jao Phaw Khao Yai (Taoist cliff temple on Ko Si Chang)
Holy Days: Visakha Bucha (May, Buddhist), Asalha Bucha (July), Khao Phansa/Ok Phansa (Buddhist Lent, July-October), Songkran (April), Loy Krathong (November). Alcohol sales may be restricted on major Buddhist holy days.
Conversations: Avoid any criticism of the monarchy or Buddhism. Religion and royalty are deeply intertwined in Thai identity — respectful curiosity is welcome, criticism is not.