The first thing you notice when you get off the plane after traveling to Bangkok, Thailand is the temperature and humidity. It’s stifling, compressing around you like a wet shirt. Actually, that is your shirt, drenched with sweat almost instantly from the oppressive heat. 90 degrees is average year-round across the country, 100 degrees is expected for those living in the concrete jungle of the country’s largest city.
The second thing you notice once immersed in the sights and sounds of the city is that most Thai people carry with them a small white tube. It looks like chapstick, but when they put it in their nose and inhale deeply, it’s clear the product isn’t for your lips.
27 Likes, 5 Comments – Takeshi Nagata (@nagata1takeshi) on Instagram: “頭スッキリ? #ヤードム #ยาดม #yadom”
“What is it that the Thai people won’t stop sniffing?” many visitors wonder.
The answer is quite simple. Like any city, Bangkok is rife with activity. Street vendors selling food and trinkets, scooters whizzing through the streets and incessant car horns make for an eye opening experience to the virgin traveler. With the good comes the bad, however, and the midday heat combined with all the activity can offer up some ripe smells.
RELATED:Star Clippers in Thailand: Girls just want to have fun
Trash is a major problem for city-dwellers as it’s very expensive to have removed. Instead, the cheaper, far more illegal option is to burn it. Burning trash, as one might expect, smells terrible. Sometimes these trash fires burn for days and pollute the air to the point where masks are necessary to even go outside.
Traveling to Bangkok? You Need ya dom
7-Eleven in Bangkok, Thailand is a tourists best friend
Ya dom, as the little white tubes are called in the Thai language, help the people of Bangkok make itthrough the day without having to suffer the consequences of all the nasty smells wafting into their noses. The small inhalers are filled with something pleasant; usually menthol, eucalyptus, peppermint or something similar. A long sniff from a ya dom provides instant relief from the fetor.
Much like Vicks Vaporub when you’re sick, the inhalation offers congestion relief along with masking the odors of the city. When traveling to Bangkok, you can pick up a nasal inhaler at any of the thousands of convenience stores which line the streets of Bangkok. Many of them are a chain you might recognize; 7-Eleven. A morning trip to 7-Eleven is a must for any traveler to Thailand, as they’re often the only place which can break the 1,000 Baht bills dispensed at the ATMs. That’s around $30 USD, for those keeping track at home. While you’re there, grab one of the little Thai energy drinks with yourya dom and get ready to explore!
Let us know your comments!
FAQs
Ya dom, as the little white tubes are called in the Thai language, help the people of Bangkok make it through the day without having to suffer the consequences of all the nasty smells wafting into their noses.
Is it safe to visit Bangkok now? ›
Is Bangkok safe to visit right now? The very first step to planning a vacation should be making sure that the country you're about to visit is safe. Overall, Thailand is a safe place with a rank of 113 on the Global Peace Index, although in 2023 it is currently displaying a travel advisory due to political tensions.
Why do Thai people use Yadom? ›
If you've ever tried sniffing Thai herbal inhalers, you will see why it is so popular. The natural hot and strong, yet clean scent of herbs helps cure nasal congestions, relieves stress, and makes you feel relaxed, especially in tropical Thailand where people need constant freshness to combat heat.
How can I avoid getting sick in Thailand? ›
Here are my 5 tips on how not to get sick in Thailand.
- Don't Drink the Water. This is a rule of thumb for traveling in many parts of the world, including Thailand. ...
- Avoid Pork and Shellfish. ...
- Ask Yourself, “How Long Has This Been Sitting Out?” ...
- Assess How Popular the Stall Is. ...
- Take Note of What You're Eating On.
affection, in an endearing fashion. It's an expression of. love, warmth and care. It's also used to show gratitude.
Why do Thai people sniff when kissing? ›
The act of sniffing each other as a sign of affection is a way of making sure your loved one is clean. It is a way of showing how much you appreciate that from them. Thais not only take two or three showers or washes (with pots and buckets) a day but also cover their bodies in powders or creams to always smell fresh.
Is it safe for Americans to go to Bangkok? ›
Bangkok is generally a safe city, and most tourists enjoy their visit without problems. However, things like scams and pickpocketing do unfortunately happen here, so it's essential to stay vigilant and use your common sense.
Is Bangkok safe for US citizens? ›
The U.S. State Department considers Thailand to be a level-1 (exercise normal precautions) country. Awarded low marks for its principal city. The global safety app GeoSure ranks cities instead of countries, and gives Bangkok relatively low marks, particularly for nighttime safety and basic freedoms.
What vaccinations are needed for Thailand? ›
Courses or boosters usually advised: none. Other vaccines to consider: Diphtheria; Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Rabies; Tetanus; Typhoid. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Japanese Encephalitis.
What is disrespectful in Thai? ›
Pointing at another person with one's index finger or feet is considered rude. The soles of one's feet should never be pointed at another person. One should sit in a way that avoids this. Feet should also not be rested on tables or pillows that people sleep on.
In most parts of Thailand you will also see people with a white powder or paste on the faces. This is another ritual to ward off evil spirits and to give protection to the wearer. Thai people normally mix a white powder with water and wipe it across your cheeks; leaving a white smear.
Is kissing in public OK in Thailand? ›
Thailand is a conservative country, so hugging and kissing in public places is considered impolite in Thai society.
What is Thai tummy? ›
What causes Bangkok Belly. Generally known as traveler's diarrhea, this digestive tract disorder is caused by ingesting food or water that have been contaminated with organisms stemming from feces. These are most often caused by bacteria such as E.
What foods to avoid in Thailand? ›
Food and drink to avoid in Thailand
Generally speaking, pork and shellfish are regarded as higher-risk meats in Thailand due to how they're prepared. Pork often isn't cooked thoroughly (even when grilled), and shellfish is often eaten raw or not cooked thoroughly.
What medication is not allowed in Thailand? ›
This is applicable for drugs including:
- Codeine.
- Dihydrocodeine.
- Diphenoxylate.
- Fentanyl.
- Hydrocodone.
- Hydromorphone.
- Methadone.
- Morphine.
₹77,000.00
Helps clear the throat, nose and sinuses. Invigorates the body from congestion and can also be used for general relaxation and aromatherapy.
What does poysian do? ›
POY-SIAN 2-in-1(Incense+Oil) Nasal Inhaler,6 Pack- Great for Cold,Vertigo,Anti Fatigue,Refreshing,Heatstroke and Mosquito Bites.
What are the benefits of Thai inhalers? ›
Traditional Thai herbal inhalant relief for nasal congestion, stuffy nose & dizziness made from various Thai herbs known to improve blood circulation and help with nasal congestion, dizziness , motion sickness, relieve stress, alleviate headache and clear airways.
Do Thai people use Deoderant? ›
One odor that all Thais find disagreeable however is body odor, which is why the average Thai will shower at least twice a day. You would be wise to do likewise, as well as use deodorant and a baby/body powder liberally.
