Phase 01 · Japan — Hokkaido
Daily Life & Public Behaviour
DoBow slightly when greeting — a small head nod is enough; deeper bows show greater respect.
DoAdd "-san" after someone's name when addressing them (e.g., Tanaka-san) as a mark of respect.
DoBe punctual. Japanese culture values timeliness; arriving early to sessions and meetings is expected.
DoMaintain silence on public trains and buses — keep voice low, phone on silent or vibrate.
DoSort waste carefully — Japan has strict separation rules for burnable, plastic, cans, and glass.
DoUse both hands when giving or receiving items (business cards, gifts, documents) as a sign of respect.
Don'tDo not eat or drink while walking in public thoroughfares — consume food only while stationary.
Don'tDo not tip. Tipping is not customary in Japan and can be seen as rude or confusing.
Don'tDo not speak loudly in public spaces, trains, or queues.
Don'tDo not stick chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice — this resembles a funeral offering (立て箸).
Don'tDo not pass food directly chopstick-to-chopstick — place it on a dish first (this mimics a funeral rite).
Onsen & Traditional Facilities
DoShower and wash your body thoroughly with soap before entering any onsen (hot spring bath).
DoRemove shoes before entering traditional Japanese spaces — look for the elevated floor (tataki) as a cue.
DoCarry a small towel — many public washrooms and gyms do not provide paper towels or dryers.
Don'tDo not bring a towel into the main onsen bath — fold it and place it on your head or set it aside.
Don'tDo not take photos inside onsens or changing rooms under any circumstances.
Dining
DoSay "Itadakimasu" (いただきます) before eating — it expresses gratitude for the meal.
DoSay "Gochisousama deshita" (ごちそうさまでした) after finishing — thank the chef/host.
DoPour drinks for others before pouring your own; hold your glass with both hands when someone pours for you.
Don'tDo not waste food — take only what you can finish, especially at buffet settings.
Phase 02 · Thailand — Bangkok · Ayutthaya · Thanyaburi
Daily Life & Social Conduct
DoGreet with a Wai (ไหว้) — press palms together at chest level and bow slightly. Say "Sawasdee" (สวัสดี).
DoMaintain a calm, composed demeanor at all times — Thais value emotional restraint in public.
DoShow respect for the monarchy and national symbols at all times; this is protected by law.
DoStand still during the national anthem, which plays at 8:00 am and 6:00 pm in public spaces.
Don'tDo not touch someone's head — the head is considered the most sacred part of the body in Thai culture.
Don'tDo not point feet toward people, sacred images, monks, or altars while seated on the floor.
Don'tDo not raise your voice, display frustration, or argue in public — losing composure causes loss of face.
Don'tDo not disrespect the monarchy in any form, publicly or privately.
Temple Visits — Dress Code & Behaviour⚑ Required on Days 4, 6
Dress Code — All Temples
- ✓ Shoulders must be covered — no sleeveless tops, tank tops, or spaghetti straps
- ✓ Knees must be covered — no shorts, short skirts, or skirts above the knee
- ✓ Men: long trousers preferred at royal temples (Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew standard)
- ✓ Women: below-knee skirt/dress or long trousers
- ✓ Shoes removed before entering any building with a Buddha image inside
- ✓ Remove hats and sunglasses when entering temple buildings
- ✓ Light elephant pants or sarongs are ideal — protect legs from sun and meet dress code
- ✓ Sarongs can be rented on-site at most temples (฿20–50)
DoWalk around sacred structures (chedis, stupas) in a clockwise direction.
DoSit with your legs folded to the side or cross-legged — never pointing feet toward Buddha images or monks.
DoSpeak softly and turn off phone sounds inside temple buildings.
DoAt Wat Mahathat (Ayutthaya): keep your head lower than the level of the famous Buddha head in tree roots — do not stand over it.
Don'tWomen must not touch monks or hand objects directly to them — place items within reach instead.
Don'tDo not climb on ancient ruins or sacred structures at Ayutthaya — this is both disrespectful and prohibited.
Don'tDo not photograph religious ceremonies or monks without permission.
Don'tDo not turn your back on a Buddha image when leaving — face forward or step back slowly.
Ayutthaya — Elephant Riding (Day 6)
DoChoose ethical, reputable operators that allow the elephant to behave naturally and are not chained between rides.
DoWear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and secure any loose accessories before mounting.
DoFollow all safety instructions from the mahout (elephant handler) at all times.
Don'tDo not feed elephants items not provided or approved by the operator — some foods are harmful to elephants.
Don'tDo not tap, poke, or shout at elephants — they are sensitive and can be startled.
Food & Markets
DoSay "Aroi maak" (อร่อยมาก) to compliment the food — Thais appreciate it greatly.
DoHaggle politely at markets (JJ Market, Ayutthaya) — it is expected and part of the culture.
DoWash hands before eating; street food is generally safe but choose stalls with high turnover.
Don'tDo not block pedestrian flow at Night Markets or on Yaowarat Road — keep moving or step aside.