6 Things You Shouldn ‘t Do When Traveling in Phuket
Disrespect Local Customs and Culture:
Dress Inappropriately: When visiting temples or religious sites, avoid wearing revealing clothing. Cover your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.
Disrespect Sacred Sites: Always show reverence at religious sites. Avoid loud behavior, and never touch or climb on religious statues.
Ignore Safety Precautions:
Reckless Driving: Traffic in Phuket can be chaotic. If you rent a scooter or car, drive cautiously and always wear a helmet.
Swimming in Unsafe Areas: Pay attention to beach safety flags. Avoid swimming in areas marked with red flags, indicating dangerous conditions.
Littering and Polluting:
Leave Trash Behind: Help keep Phuket beautiful by disposing of your trash properly. Don’t leave litter on beaches, streets, or natural areas.
Use of Plastics: Reduce your plastic use. Opt for reusable bags, bottles, and straws to minimize environmental impact.
Engage in Animal Exploitation:
Animal Shows and Rides: Avoid attractions that exploit animals, such as elephant riding or animal shows. Support ethical wildlife sanctuaries instead.
Buy Wildlife Products: Do not purchase products made from endangered animals or plants, as this fuels illegal wildlife trade.
Overlook Scams and Rip-offs:
Ignore Your Belongings: Be mindful of your valuables. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended, especially on the beach or in crowded places.
Accept Unverified Offers: Be cautious of overly friendly locals offering unsolicited advice or services. Stick to reputable businesses and verified tours.
Disrespect the Environment:
Coral Damage: When snorkeling or diving, avoid touching or standing on coral reefs. Coral is delicate and takes years to grow back.
Wildlife Interference: Don’t feed or disturb wildlife, both on land and in the sea. Observe animals from a distance to avoid disrupting their natural behavior.
