Virgin Holidays to Thailand

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In Europe we shake hands, hug and air kiss. And in Thailand they hold their hands together as if in prayer, and Wai. And while it can be a little confusing to first-time visitors, the Wai is in fact a customary greeting and sign of respect in the Thai culture.

So if you’re planning to visit the Land of 1, 000 Smiles, make sure you read our essential guide on how to master this graceful and fascinating greeting.

The main thing to remember when carrying out the Wai is to start by placing your hands in prayer. The Thai culture then says to hold the tips of your fingers to a certain part of your face, depending on the age and social status of the person you are greeting. Then depending on the situation, you may then give a slight bow of the head (men) or curtsey (women).

1. Lowest level

Who? Shopkeepers, equals, people of ‘lower social standing’
How? Hold the tips of your fingers below the chin

2. Common level

Who? Anyone your age or of similar social status or someone you respect
How? Hold the tips of your fingers against the tip of the nose. Women should bend their head or knees slightly. Men should bend their heads in a bow.

3. Higher level

Who? Anyone older than you, or of higher social status
How? Hold the tips of your fingers against the area between the eyebrows. Men should bow and women should curtsey at the same time

4. Highest level

Who? Monks and royalty
How? Hold the tips of your fingers against the hairline and touch your nose with the base of your thumb. Men should bow and women, curtsey, with one foot stepped backwards.

DO:

• Wai back to someone who is of lower level social standing than you, but make sure you do so with a lower level of wai than the one received
• Always wai monks

DON'T

• Be the first to wai people younger than you or of lower social standing than you such as shopkeepers or servants.