Traveling Southeast Asia (SEA) for the first time is a rush as everything from the historic sites to the pungent smells are widely different from other continents.
Our survival skills for Southeast Asia help you conquer culture shock, leaving more time for fresh beer and relaxation.
Be Patient With People
In SEA, the culture is relaxed with a high priority on family rather than on productivity and time. People work extremely hard, but with a small return, there is little motivation to be in a rush. This relaxed energy can mean that things run less efficiently and patience is critical.
Be Assertive When You Need Something
Queuing, or standing in line, is not a cultural strength for SEA. It’s not rude if people head to the front of a line upon arrival at banks, office buildings, markets or in traffic. It’s a self-centered mentality, but it's not hostile or Darwinian. To get things done, you have to step up and speak up without being offended at the persistence of others.
Acknowledge Street Vendors Rather Than Ignore Them
We’ve found it easier to acknowledge street vendors, smile say hello and then politely decline rather than ignore their presence altogether. It is uncomfortable and disheartening to pretend that vendors don’t exist (they’re just trying to make a living) and often they’ll follow you around if you don’t confront them. Saying no right away is more straightforward.
When Walking Across the Street Maintain Your Pace
Traffic won’t stop for you to cross and even at a stoplight, you can count on someone advancing on a red. The most significant rule as a pedestrian (or even a motorist) is to maintain your pace when you are crossing a busy street, hopefully with a crosswalk. If you stop or speed up suddenly, it’s hard for oncoming motorists to calculate a way around you. Keep calm and be confident.
Assume Every Vehicle Will Merge
The culture promotes motorists to merge without looking no matter the size or speed of the vehicle. If you’re aware that vehicles will merge whether you’re in their way or not, you have the upper hand to avoid a collision. It’s also an offensive driving cultural. You’re only responsible for traffic in front of you so allow lots of space when driving and take it slow.
Barter When There is No Price Tag
In local shops, markets, and even some tour companies, you can barter over the price. Find out what is overpriced and what is too cheap to begin working your way toward a rate that is comfortable for both parties. You can ask your hotel (or Tripadvisor) what the standard price for something is before heading to a market and bargaining. It's acceptable to barter unless a price tag or a sign indicates otherwise.
Don’t Order Food That You Know
The food that you're comfortable with at home won’t be the same abroad. It’s different ingredients and different quality. Mac & Cheese in Cambodia or a Club sandwich in Laos is not going to taste like Panera Bread. Just as chips at convenient stores will be seafood flavored and pretzels will somehow taste like Cheetos. Western food is high priced, and unless you research the recommended locations, the price isn’t worth the food you get. So save the money and try the local cuisine.
Trash On The Floor of A Restaurant Doesn’t Mean It’s Dirty
Local restaurants in Vietnam have a system of throwing trash on the ground to keep tables clear and customers in a rotation. Rather than continually sweeping, they may only sweep up at the end. Don’t let this method detour you from trying a restaurant. A dirty floor (unlike in the states) is not an indication of the cleanliness of the kitchen not a statement of the food. Think of it this way: the restaurant is so busy because people are continually flowing in and out for good food, that they don’t have time to sweep up the floor.
Choose Street Food Based on Popularity
In SEA, people utilize all parts of animals for food, and there are some creative (perhaps disgusting) looking foods to try. Eating street food is part of the experience, and the best practice for choosing the right location is by observing where the locals are eating. If a street cart or restaurant is empty, keep moving. If a place is full or there’s a line, it’s worth a shot.
Don’t Pet Street Dogs Unless They Come To You
There are street dogs everywhere in SEA, and the relationship between dogs and humans is more primal than in the West. Tom is a sucker for dogs of any kind and when it comes to street dogs, he’s learned the hard way to let dogs approach him rather than reversely.
Cover Up at Religious Sites
It can be incredibly hot in SEA, but wearing spaghetti straps and cut-off jean shorts to a 500-year-old Buddhist temple is disrespectful despite the heat. Luckily, you can purchase a lightweight sarong, cardigan or shawl to bring with you while sightseeing or cover up before you head out. Some temples offer rentals upon arrival. The dress code for most temples in SEA prohibits tank tops, halter tops, shirts with cleavage, and shorts or dresses above the knees.
Don’t Initiate Political Conversations With Strangers
We found ourselves in a strange situation in Thailand when the King died, and we visited during the year of mourning. We were fascinated but the whole process (a year of mourning?) and we wanted to talk with locals, but we quickly found out from our friends that it was “forbidden” to talk about the King. We also found in Myanmar, that it’s not welcome to discuss the government and specifically the refugee crisis in the north. In Vietnam, it’s best to observe government and mind your business rather than report. To understand more about the politics of a place, get to know some locals, make friends and build a relationship before you ask about politics.
