By IvicaS 
Skip the Souvenirs, Savor the Soul of Thailand
So, you’ve landed in Thailand, and you’re holding a coconut in one hand and your Lonely Planet in the other. But wait – do you really want to follow the crowds to overcrowded temples and overpriced elephant shows? If your answer is a firm “nah”, and you want to experience Thailand like a local, then keep reading.
This is your no-BS guide to living (and loving) Thailand like a local. Whether you’re backpacking through Bangkok or beach bumming in Krabi, these tips will help you go deeper, connect more, and avoid being just another sweaty tourist in flip-flops.
Let’s get into it.
1. 🍜 Eat Where the Locals Eat (Hint: It’s Not on TripAdvisor)
The first rule of local life in Thailand? Follow the smells, not the stars.
If there’s a plastic stool, a laminated menu with faded pictures, and an auntie cooking with a wok the size of a satellite dish – sit down. That’s your spot.
Local Food Hacks:
Order like a pro: Learn these basics – Pad Kra Pao, Khao Man Gai, Som Tam, and Gai Yang.
Spice level: “Mai pet” = not spicy. “Pet nit noi” = a little spicy. “Pet mak” = call the fire department.
Pro tip: Morning markets are goldmines for authentic dishes – especially for regional specialties.
2. 🛵 Ditch the Taxi—Rent a Scooter or Use the Songthaew
Want to see Thailand the way locals do? Rent a scooter and zip through traffic like a noodle-fueled daredevil. Just wear a helmet, yeah?
If scooters aren’t your thing, hop on a songthaew (those red trucks in Chiang Mai or blue ones in Phuket). They’re cheap, social, and come with a side of local flavor.
3. 🧘♂️ Learn Basic Thai Phrases (Even if You Butcher Them)
Speaking a few Thai words goes a long way. Locals appreciate the effort, and it often unlocks smiles, discounts, and better service.
Start with these:
Sawasdee krub/ka – Hello (male/female)
Khob khun krub/ka – Thank you
Aroi mak – Very delicious
Mai ao krub/ka – I don’t want
Tao rai? – How much?
Bonus: Use wai (palms together in front of chest) to greet elders – it’s both respectful and charming.
4. 🏘️ Stay in a Homestay or Guesthouse (Not a Resort)
Swap the infinity pool for a family-run guesthouse where grandma makes you breakfast and uncle tells you about ghost stories from the rice fields.
Look for homestays in places like:
Pai (for bohemian mountain vibes)
Sukhothai (for culture and temples)
Isaan region (for true off-the-beaten-path charm)
You’ll gain insight into Thai daily life and maybe even get invited to a wedding or funeral. (Yes, that happens.)
5. 🏮 Time Your Visit Around a Local Festival
Thailand throws festivals like it’s an Olympic sport. Plan your trip around one of these for a full-on cultural immersion:
Loi Krathong / Yi Peng (November): Floating lanterns and riverside magic.
Songkran (April): A national water fight disguised as a New Year celebration.
Phi Ta Khon (June/July): A ghost festival in Loei that’s bizarre and brilliant.
Local festivals = food, music, costumes, chaos. In the best way.
6. 🐟 Visit the Wet Markets—Not the Malls
Skip the air-conditioned malls (seriously, they’re everywhere) and head to a bustling morning market.
You’ll find:
Live fish trying to escape buckets
Mysterious fruits you can’t name
Grandmas bargaining like Wall Street brokers
Street snacks like kanom krok (coconut pancakes) and moo ping (grilled pork skewers)
Plus, they’re a photographer’s dream.
7. 🙏 Visit Temples the Right Way
Yes, tourists can visit temples. But locals do it differently – with intention, respect, and a quiet mind.
Temple Etiquette 101:
Cover your shoulders and knees
Take your shoes off before entering
Never point your feet at Buddha images
Avoid loud convo and selfies near monks
Want to go deeper? Wake up early and offer alms to monks – you’ll see a different side of Thai spirituality.
8. 🌾 Explore the Countryside (Where Time Slows Down)
You haven’t really seen Thailand until you’ve stayed in a village surrounded by rice fields, chickens, and mango trees.
Regions to check out:
Nan – A sleepy northern province with epic mountain views
Buriram – Ancient Khmer ruins and zero tourist crowds
Udon Thani – Home to Red Lotus Sea and killer street food
The countryside reveals a slower, richer rhythm of life – one that Instagram influencers rarely show.
9. 🧑🍳 Take a Thai Cooking Class (But Not in a Hotel)
Sure, you can book a fancy hotel class. But the better move? Join a cooking class run by a local chef in their home.
You’ll shop at the market, learn grandma’s secret curry paste recipe, and eat like royalty.
Even better? You’ll understand Thai cuisine beyond “Pad Thai.”
10. 🧖♀️ Get a Massage… at a Wat
Forget spa chains. For a real Thai massage, head to a temple massage school, like Wat Pho in Bangkok.
It’s:
Affordable (under $10/hour!)
Deeply relaxing (and sometimes painful)
An ancient art passed down by monks
Bonus: They usually teach classes too, if you want to learn the basics yourself.
11. 🤝 Make Thai Friends (It’s Easier Than You Think)
Thais are famously friendly. Smile, show respect, and be open – and you’ll often be invited to eat, drink, or even crash a karaoke party.
Apps like Tandem or HelloTalk can help with language exchange, or just strike up a convo in a café or bar.
Friendship is the ultimate travel souvenir.
Final Tips: Blending In Without Selling Out
Dress modestly (especially outside tourist zones)
Don’t lose your temper – “saving face” is big here
Respect the monarchy and religion – always
Be curious, not judgmental
You don’t need to be Thai to appreciate Thailand deeply – you just need to be present, polite, and genuinely interested.
✈️ Ready to Go Local?
Thailand is more than beaches and bucket drinks. It’s a land of hidden corners, quiet kindness, and stories waiting to be lived – not just photographed.
Have you had a local-style adventure in Thailand? Share your favorite memory (or hilarious culture shock moment) in the comments below. Let’s swap stories!