Well technically, you could never, ever spend too much time in Thailand. The country is chock-full of intricate temples, pristine islands, and mysterious caverns.
Here's how to tell if you're turning the corner from Thai tourist to Thai local.
1. You prefer motorbikes to minivans.
In Thailand, you don't have soccer moms: you have fearless and intrepid moto-moms who fit their entire families (babies included!) onto one gas-powered bike. No seatbelts? No problem.
2. You're counting the days till the next full moon.
On the island of Ko Phangan, “full moon parties” are fire-throwing, trance-music-playing ragers that last till the sun comes up. ...you’ve never seen a country watch the sky this hard, just waiting for the next full moon.
3. The menu is your new favorite guessing game.
What’s a “grilled carb meat?” Or “fried spaghetti?” You’ll usually only halfway know what you ordered -- but oh, that’s what makes it fun.
4. Fish sauce is simultaneously the grossest and best condiment on Earth.
Technically, fish sauce is made from the runoff of fermented anchovies. But it’s best to just shove that idea out of your head and savor the deliciously enhanced flavor of your fried rice.
4. Fish sauce is simultaneously the grossest and best condiment on Earth.
Technically, fish sauce is made from the runoff of fermented anchovies. But it’s best to just shove that idea out of your head and savor the deliciously enhanced flavor of your fried rice.
5. “Fun” on vacation now consists of watching tourists jump over (and run through, and limbo-dance under) flaming ropes of fire.
At the “fire shows” on Thailand’s party islands, skilled fire dancers perform tricks and then invite tourists to imitate them. People work up the courage to (sloppily) jump into the flames after a few drinks -- it's like watching an intoxicated parade. Or a train wreck.
6. You freak out when you find sunscreen without “whitening” compounds.
Thais favor fair skin, so naturally almost every bottle of sunblock on the shelf is designed to both block the sun and bleach you a desirable shade of pasty, milky white. Want a tan? You’re gonna have to pay more for regular sunblock.