Etiquette in Southeast Asia

It’s essential to be aware of the etiquette in Southeast Asia because, despite western tourism influences, many traditions remain strong in Southeast Asian culture. Religion is a big part of daily life in Southeast Asia, so it plays an important role in the culture. The religions vary from Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Christianity and more.

Familiarize yourself with the following basic rules of etiquette in Southeast Asia below. Also be sure to research the rules, culture and etiquette specific to the countries you’ll be traveling. For example, chewing gum is banned in Singapore.

BUDDHA TATTOOS AND BUDDHA CLOTHING ARE DEEPLY DISRESPECTFUL

The teachings and images of Buddha are sacred and holy, so they’re not meant to be decorative or ornamental on the body. At the arrivals at the Bangkok international airport, it explicitly says this is deeply disrespectful so you must cover your Buddha clothing and Buddha tattoos. Sri Lanka, another Buddhist country, has even deported tourists for their Buddha tattoos.

etiquette in Southeast Asia — Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar

REMOVE YOUR SHOES BEFORE ENTERING A HOME OR TEMPLE

As well as some hostels and guesthouses. Shoes are considered very dirty and they carry bacteria, like E. coli. However, sometimes your shoes go missing or a dog eats them (I’ve had both happen a few times), so I recommend carrying your shoes inside with you. It’s helpful to wear shoes or sandals that are easy to slip on and off.

FEET ARE NOT A VIBE

Feet are also considered very dirty. Never show the soles of your feet to anyone while you’re sitting. While sitting on the floor at a temple, make sure your feet aren’t pointed at the religious statues or their images. And never step over someone.

THE LEFT HAND IS CONSIDERED UNCLEAN

The left hand is used in the washroom and therefore considered unclean. Use your right hand for greetings, paying and eating.

MIND WHAT YOU SAY

For example, it’s a criminal offence to bad-mouth Thailand’s king and Myanmar has heavy surveillance. It’s best to avoid discussing politics and religion in general, unless the locals bring it up.

NEVER TOUCH A MONK

This includes handshakes or accidentally brushing up against a monk on the street or in a tuktuk. And this is especially true if you’re a woman because monks must avoid temptations.

Shwedagon Pagoda Yangon Myanmar — Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon

NEVER TOUCH SOMEONE’S HEAD

In Buddhist culture, the head is the most sacred part of the body. This includes avoiding patting a child on the head.

AVOID SHOWING AFFECTION IN PUBLIC

Southeast Asian cultures are quite conservative, so hugging and kissing in public is extremely taboo.

SAVING FACE

Southeast Asians are incredibly friendly, warm and welcoming people. And they highly value harmonious social interactions, especially in Buddhist cultures. Avoid getting visibly angry, raising your voice or getting into an argument as it will cause embarrassment. Keep your cool and smile during interactions.

vietnam Rehahn precious heritage museum — Hoi An, Vietnam

BARGAIN RESPECTFULLY

Southeast Asia operates on bargaining, but you must bargain fairly. A few extra coins is nothing to you, but everything to a vendor. I’ve seen travelers argue to the death with locals over the equivalent of $0.50-1, which is embarrassing and deeply disrespectful. Make sure you “save face” during bargaining transactions.

LEARN A FEW PHRASES IN THE LOCAL LANGUAGE

A simple “hello” and “thank you” in the local language goes a long way.

TIPPING

Wages are extremely low in Southeast Asia, so help locals out by tipping waiters, tour guides, masseuses, porters, drivers, cleaners, bartenders, etc.

CHOPSTICK ETIQUETTE

While eating at restaurants, never leave your chopsticks vertically stuck in your bowl of rice. Instead, lay them across the top of your bowl horizontally.

WHAT TO WEAR

SOUTHEAST ASIA IS CONSERVATIVE

When you think of Southeast Asia, you likely think of beaches and bikinis, but most Southeast Asian cultures are quite conservative. Therefore, what you wear (or not wear) contributes to etiquette in Southeast Asia. Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and Laos are very conservative cultures. And Brunei and most of Indonesia and Malaysia are extremely conservative due to the Islamic culture. So for the most part, you’ll notice that Southeast Asians dress conservatively as well. Aside from religious places, it’s not mandatory for tourists to dress modestly, but it’s more respectful if you do.

DRESS MODESTLY AT TEMPLES

Men and women must have their shoulders and knees covered while visiting temples. This means shorts are not acceptable for men or women. Women must avoid low cut and backless tops

At the popular temples, you can often borrow or rent a covering. You can also buy a cheap, lightweight scarf in Southeast Asia.