A Perfect Week in Bangkok and Phuket

With a population of around 70 million, Thailand is shaped by many influences, including: Indian, Lao, Burmese, Cambodian, and Chinese. The traditional Thai greeting, the wai, is generally offered first by the younger of the two people meeting, with their hands pressed together, fingertips pointing upwards as the head is bowed to touch face to fingertips. As with other Asian cultures, respect towards ancestors is an essential part of Thai culture. Taboos in Thailand include touching someone’s head or pointing with the feet, as the head is considered the most sacred and the foot the lowest part of the body.