Page 69 - Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam

Etiquette

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expected to know every detail. Much of what is considered polite in this region is similar to
bSL_ɪ^ [ZWT_P TY _SP @ > -`_ L^ L XL__P] ZQ TY_P]P^_ SP]P L]P L QPb ɭʭYP] [ZTY_^ɮ _SL_ XTRS_
surprise you:

• Body posture is important. Sprawling, resting your feet on furniture or chairs, or
pointing your feet at someone are seen as impolite.

• 4Y _PX[WP^ dZ` XLd YZ_TNP WZNLW^ ^T__TYR ZY _SP ʮZZ] bT_S _SPT] QPP_ _`NVPO `YOP]
them or in a cross-legged position. This it to avoid pointing their feet at the Buddha,
which is rude.

• A woman may speak to a Buddhist monk, and a man may speak with a Buddhist nun, but
generally the correct thing is to let them approach you.

• You may see people greeting one another with a bow of the head, and in some countries
this will be accompanied with hands pressed together as in prayer. Traditionally, the
deeper the bow, the more respect one is showing, with the greatest respect being towards
elders and clergy. For you, a gentle western-style handshake is an acceptable greeting,
but if you wish to try the more traditional head bow, that’s OK too.

• ,aZTO bPL]TYR NWZ_STYR TX[]TY_PO bT_S L -`OOSL WZRZ Z] TXLRP L^ _ST^ XLd ZʬPYO ^ZXP
of the locals.

Language Barrier

You can have some great ‘conversations’ with local people who do not speak English, even if
you don’t speak a word of the local language. Indeed, this non-verbal communication can be
a highly rewarding part of travel. To break the ice, bring along some family photographs, or a
few postcards of your hometown. If you want to meet kids, bring a puppet or other interactive
toy. Your Trip Leader can help get the ball rolling.

Taking Photographs
The etiquette of photographing most people is about the same as it would be on the streets
of your hometown. You need permission to take a close-up, but not for a crowd scene. Be
especially polite if you want to photograph an older person. If you want to shoot a great
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sign language to inquire if a picture is OK. Your Trip Leader can help.

Please do not take photographs of military personnel, military compounds, or other official
institutions/personnel (such as police). This may result in the confiscation of your camera.

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