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Bhutan - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
Don’t just see the sights—get to know the people.
Often called the "Land of the Thunder Dragon," Bhutan was secluded for much of its history, its towering mountains and lush green valleys virtually unvisited, evoking a sense of mystery and wonder. A sovereign country throughout the ages, Bhutan is now establishing its place on the world stage. It is determined to maintain its Buddhist culture and unique way of life as it evolves and adapts to political change and economic challenges.
Culture Smart! Bhutan will give you a deeper insight into the country's history, values, customs, and age-old traditions. It highlights changes in people's attitudes and behavior as the country modernizes, and provides practical guidance on how to get to know the Bhutanese on their own terms, paving the way for a more meaningful experience of this fascinating and beautiful country.
Have a richer and more meaningful experience abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on history, values, attitudes, and traditions will help you to better understand your hosts, while tips on etiquette and communicating will help you to navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.
Often called the "Land of the Thunder Dragon," Bhutan was secluded for much of its history, its towering mountains and lush green valleys virtually unvisited, evoking a sense of mystery and wonder. A sovereign country throughout the ages, Bhutan is now establishing its place on the world stage. It is determined to maintain its Buddhist culture and unique way of life as it evolves and adapts to political change and economic challenges.
Culture Smart! Bhutan will give you a deeper insight into the country's history, values, customs, and age-old traditions. It highlights changes in people's attitudes and behavior as the country modernizes, and provides practical guidance on how to get to know the Bhutanese on their own terms, paving the way for a more meaningful experience of this fascinating and beautiful country.
Have a richer and more meaningful experience abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on history, values, attitudes, and traditions will help you to better understand your hosts, while tips on etiquette and communicating will help you to navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.
- GenresTravel
200 pages, Paperback
Published March 4, 2021
22 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 8, 2024
I took a trip to Bhutan earlier this summer, reading this filled my heart with bittersweet nostalgia and I can confirm the country is as lovely as the book describes.
June 2, 2023
A very accurate and useful summary to give travelers a modicum of background before traveling to Bhutan. Hits the major points
May 18, 2025
The Land of the Thunder Dragon and The Last Shangri-La are some of the titles bestowed upon this small country nestled up in the eastern Himalayan foothills.
I picked this book up a week before I was supposed to go on a 5-day ad-hoc trip to Bhutan. It does a good job of painting a picture of this exotic and unique nation. Its rich history is entangled between Tibet, India, and Nepal, with many of its founding figures migrating from the neighbouring region. They have—predominantly Buddhist—deities looking after various aspects of one's life, similar to Hinduism, and I'm sure many other religions. It's said that Buddhism was brought to Bhutan by an Indian Tantric who helped the then king to subdue a demon, who, in return for this favor, converted to Buddhism, leading to its widespread adoption amongst the people.
It's a constitutional monarchy, and honestly, quite lucky for Bhutan, the king is as humble and devoted to the populace as the populace is to him. So much so that a vast majority of people have the king's photo up in their homes or on themselves in the form of badges. I also found the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) extremely well targeted; the locals talk fondly about it, they live it, and the administration drafts their policies while keeping the GNH principles in mind. A nation geared towards happiness, it's got a nice ring to it. It was also surprising how the government has regulated the tourism industry, prioritizing the welfare of the locals, the habitat, and the tourists.
The people are sweet, approachable, and very humble. The king preaches humility, and so it's no wonder that when everyone talks to you in a submissive, borderline servile manner, it's part of their culture, and very much apparent. They talk highly of Bhutan, don't shy away from talking about its problems, but at the same time, don't spare a moment appreciating the paradise they call home. No traffic lights, no honking, barely any litter, and pleasant weather, Bhutan might just be the last Shangri-La.
I picked this book up a week before I was supposed to go on a 5-day ad-hoc trip to Bhutan. It does a good job of painting a picture of this exotic and unique nation. Its rich history is entangled between Tibet, India, and Nepal, with many of its founding figures migrating from the neighbouring region. They have—predominantly Buddhist—deities looking after various aspects of one's life, similar to Hinduism, and I'm sure many other religions. It's said that Buddhism was brought to Bhutan by an Indian Tantric who helped the then king to subdue a demon, who, in return for this favor, converted to Buddhism, leading to its widespread adoption amongst the people.
It's a constitutional monarchy, and honestly, quite lucky for Bhutan, the king is as humble and devoted to the populace as the populace is to him. So much so that a vast majority of people have the king's photo up in their homes or on themselves in the form of badges. I also found the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) extremely well targeted; the locals talk fondly about it, they live it, and the administration drafts their policies while keeping the GNH principles in mind. A nation geared towards happiness, it's got a nice ring to it. It was also surprising how the government has regulated the tourism industry, prioritizing the welfare of the locals, the habitat, and the tourists.
The people are sweet, approachable, and very humble. The king preaches humility, and so it's no wonder that when everyone talks to you in a submissive, borderline servile manner, it's part of their culture, and very much apparent. They talk highly of Bhutan, don't shy away from talking about its problems, but at the same time, don't spare a moment appreciating the paradise they call home. No traffic lights, no honking, barely any litter, and pleasant weather, Bhutan might just be the last Shangri-La.
March 11, 2025
Este não é bem o tipo de livro que leio, mas tive muita dificuldade em conseguir um livro de autoria butanense. Então, resolvi ler este guia turístico. Devo confessar que fiquei com vontade de visitar este país que mede o progresso da nação a partir do bem-estar de sua população. Achei isso realmente fascinante.
December 13, 2023
Good overview of Bhutan - history, culture, religion and some tips for tourists.
April 24, 2018
A useful introduction, with helpful and interesting chapters on culture and religion.
November 18, 2023
A bit outdated
This book gives a good overview of Bhutanese culture. Some of the advice for tourists should be taken with a grain of salt. Best just to be polite and respectful.
This book gives a good overview of Bhutanese culture. Some of the advice for tourists should be taken with a grain of salt. Best just to be polite and respectful.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews