What to Wear in Thailand Temples – Dress Code and Etiquette

Trying to figure out what to wear in Thailand temples? I’ve got you covered!

If you’re heading to the Land of Smiles for the first time, it can be a struggle to figure out what to pack for Thailand, let alone what to wear when visiting temples in Thailand. Having studied and lived in bustling Bangkok, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring many beautiful temples across the country and learned all the ins and outs of what to wear (and what to avoid).

Here’s what you should know: many of Thailand’s temples (from Chiang Mai to Bangkok to Koh Samui) enforce a dress code and believe me, you don’t want to be denied entry just because of your outfit. This is exactly why I’ve put together this blog post – to provide you with everything you need to know about what to wear when visiting temples in Thailand. In this post, I’ll cover the Thailand temple dress code, temple etiquette, and other valuable tips to ensure you have the best experience possible. So, without further ado, let’s dive into what to wear in temples in Thailand!

This guest post was written by Olivia Loren from Inspired by Croatia

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What to Wear in Thailand Temples: Dress Code & Etiquette

Is There a Thailand Temple Dress Code?

Yes! The dress code in Thailand, especially in temples, contrasts with what you might encounter in European destinations. Thai people have a great sense of fashion, and you’ll come across plenty of trendy and eccentric outfits on the streets of Bangkok. In most places around the country, you won’t need to adhere to a strict dress code, unless, of course, you’re planning to visit a fancy sky bar in Bangkok, where dressing up is expected.

However, there is one significant exception: when visiting a Buddhist temple in Thailand, it’s essential to dress politely and appropriately. Temples hold deep spiritual and cultural significance, and adhering to the dress code shows respect for the local customs and traditions. The dress codes at most temples are similar, and you’ll often find signs posted indicating the appropriate clothing to wear inside the temple grounds.

Main Thai Temple Dress Code Rules:

• Shoulders must be covered: it is important to have your shoulders covered when entering a temple. Avoid wearing tank tops, strapless shirts, or any other type of top that exposes your shoulders.
• Legs should be covered down to your knees: When it comes to your lower body, it is crucial to have your legs covered down to at least your knees. Shorts, short skirts, or dresses that fall above the knee are not suitable for temple visits.
• Avoid overly revealing clothing: This means no low-cut tops, sheer fabrics, or clothing that hugs your body. Remember, modesty is key when visiting temples in Thailand.

By following these guidelines, you’ll show respect for the local customs and ensure you have a positive experience while visiting Buddhist temples, something Thailand is famous for. Below, I’ll go over the best outfits to wear in Thailand while visiting temples for both men and women.

What to Wear to Temples in Thailand for Women

As a woman, when it comes to choosing the right clothes in Thailand for visiting temples, there are several options to consider. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want something practical and stylish, so here’s what I recommend:

T-shirts and tops

First and foremost, t-shirts and blouses with sleeves are best! Opting for tops with sleeves is a safe and respectful choice as they provide coverage for your shoulders. However, if it’s too hot for you or you prefer wearing tops with straps, consider bringing a lightweight shawl or sarong with you that you can drape over your shoulders. This is also a great item to have when sightseeing if you easily get cold, because Thais love to crank up the air conditioning, so a shawl can be a great accessory to have inside the stores and malls.

Unlike at religious sites in places like Italy or Croatia, where you can use a shawl to cover up your shoulders, some temples in Thailand require you to wear a t-shirt. Wat Phra Kaew, The Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok, is quite strict about this rule. For this reason, it’s a good idea to keep a t-shirt in your bag that you can put on over (or under) your top or dress to ensure you are within the dress code guidelines.

Pants

Since you can’t wear shorts in Thai temples, pants can be a great alternative. Call me crazy, but pants are doable and comfortable to wear in Thailand! When considering pants to wear in Thailand, there are a few factors to keep in mind:

• Choosing the right material: Opting for pants made from lightweight and breathable fabrics is essential for staying cool in the tropical climate. Linen is my go-to because of its breathability and ability to wick away moisture. Cotton and rayon are also good options to consider.
• Selecting the right style: Thai temples have a rule against tight-fitting clothing, so it’s best to choose pants that are flowy or loose-fitting. Wide-leg pants, palazzo pants, or short pants like culottes are great options that provide both style and comfort. These styles allow for better air circulation, keeping you cool even in the heat.

By choosing lightweight and breathable materials like linen and opting for flowy or loose-fitting pants, you’ll be able to navigate the Thai temples in comfort while adhering to the dress code. Bonus: Wearing pants will allow you to fit in with a lot of the locals!

Skirts

Midi skirts and maxi skirts are practically made for exploring temples as they offer the perfect blend of modesty, style, and comfort. Since both midi and maxi skirts fall below the knees or even to the ankles, they allow you to show respect while still keeping you cool in the heat due to their flowy nature. Plus, skirts can be easily paired with a comfortable t-shirt or blouse, creating a chic and put-together look.

You can play around with different colors, patterns, and fabrics to showcase your fashion sense while still maintaining cultural sensitivity. If you didn’t pack a maxi skirt before coming to Thailand, stop into MBK shopping mall in Bangkok for a huge and inexpensive selection of skirts to wear while exploring Thai temples.

Maxi Dress

Maxi dresses are a staple item in my bag when traveling anywhere, and they are even more perfect for visiting Thai temples. Because maxi dresses provide full coverage for your legs, they align perfectly with the dress code at Thai temples. I also suggest opting for lightweight and breathable fabrics when choosing a maxi dress, like cotton or linen. This helps to keep you cool and comfortable in the often humid climate, especially if you’re planning to visit Thailand in July or August. Another bonus is that maxi dresses are incredibly versatile and can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion – wear them to the temple and the sky bar!

Jumpsuit

Jumpsuits are also a comfortable and fashionable option when it comes to Thai temple clothing. They offer a sleek and polished look without the need for extensive outfit coordination, which means more room in your suitcase for any items you buy in Thailand. Overall, they are a convenient and effortless option when deciding what to wear to Thailand temples. Just make sure to avoid any tight-fitting or revealing styles and you should be good to go!

Shoes

I highly recommend wearing shoes or sandals that can easily be slipped on or off when visiting temples in Thailand. Most Thai temples will require you to take off your shoes (more on that below), so wearing shoes that can be effortlessly slipped off makes the process much more convenient. Generally, opting for shoes or sandals that are comfortable and breathable is best. You will likely be temple hopping or doing a lot of sightseeing to tick off your Thailand bucket list, so you’ll want to make sure that you wear sturdy and durable footwear.

What to Wear in Thai Temples for Men

When it comes to how to dress in Thailand temples, men have a bit more flexibility than women. Usually, a T-shirt and knee-length shorts will suffice. However, as mentioned earlier, certain temples are more strict and may require pants. Here are a few Thailand temple attire tips for men:

Cotton or linen pants

When figuring out what to wear to Thai temples, you can’t go wrong with cotton or linen pants. They keep you cool, look stylish, and adhere to even the most strict temple rules.

Short sleeve shirt

Covered shoulders are a must when it comes to Thailand temple outfits, so a short-sleeved cotton shirt is always a solid option.

Linen button down

When it comes to selecting appropriate tops for men visiting Thai temples, long-sleeved shirts or linen button-downs are the most respectful choices. Long sleeves provide proper coverage and adhere to the dress code. Choose lightweight and breathable fabrics to ensure comfort in Thailand’s tropical climate while still maintaining a polished appearance. Linen button-downs are a great item to have while traveling in Thailand in general. They not only keep you comfortable but are extremely versatile and also offer a sophisticated and put-together look.

What Do You Wear to the Temples in Bangkok?

Your Bangkok itinerary will likely include visits to a few of the country’s most iconic temples like Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Arun. When it comes to Bangkok temple’s dress code, many of the more important temples enforce stricter rules. As mentioned above, the Wat Phra Kaew dress code requires your shoulders to be completely covered along with long pants or a long skirt. If you don’t abide by these rules, you can either rent appropriate attire for a 300 baht deposit or be denied entry. If you’re unsure about your temple outfit, you can view examples of what is appropriate on the official website of The Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew).

Basic Thailand Temple Etiquette

Thai Buddhist temples are sacred places, so being respectful when visiting is of utmost importance. Here are some essential do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Dress politely

Wear modest attire that covers your shoulders and knees. If you follow the Thailand dress code for temples that we covered earlier in this article, you should be fine!

Take off your shoes

Before entering the temple buildings, take off your shoes. This is a customary practice to maintain the cleanliness and sanctity of the space. Some temples provide reusable cloth bags in which you place your shoes to carry with you through the temple. You’ll have to return the bag upon exiting. Not all temples are this organized, and for many of them, you will just leave your shoes out front. This is normal practice and you don’t have to worry about someone else stealing your shoes! Also, if you are not comfortable with walking barefoot inside the temples, bring a pair of socks that you can put on after slipping off your shoes.

Be quiet and mindful

This doesn’t mean you can’t speak. But you should keep your voice down and refrain from loud conversations or disruptive behavior. Doing so is basic courtesy and a sign of respect to others who have come to the temple to worship and reflect.

Make a donation

Temples in Thailand often rely on donations to support their maintenance and community activities. If you did not pay for admission to the temple (which usually covers this cost), consider making a voluntary donation to support the local community.

Respect Thai culture

You are in Thailand after all, so you should observe temple customs and rituals. If you see a ritual or practice taking place, be respectful and observe from a distance. If you want to learn more about Thai temples and the Buddhist religion, I highly recommend hiring a tour guide who can give you more insight and answer any questions you might have.

Take off your hat

You can wear a hat while on temple grounds. But you should remove it before going inside the temple itself. You can either hold it in your hand or put it in your bag.

Don’t point with your feet

This is generally seen as disrespectful in Thai culture, but especially in temples. Do not use your feet to point at Buddha images, monks, or other sacred objects.

No public displays of affection

PDA is not appropriate within the temple premises, so just don’t do it.

FAQs

Can you wear leggings to temples in Thailand?

Thai temples do not allow tight-fitting clothing, therefore, you should not wear leggings to temples in Thailand.

Can you wear jeans to a Thai temple?

You can wear jeans to a Thai temple as long as they are loose-fitting jeans.

What shoes do you wear to the temple in Thailand?

It is best to wear sandals, or other shoes that can be easily slipped on and off when visiting a temple.

Final Thoughts: Thailand Temple Dress Code

Dressing appropriately when visiting temples in Thailand is not only a matter of adherence to rules. It is also a way to show respect for the local customs and traditions. By following the guidelines in this post and choosing the right Thailand temple clothing, you’ll have a more comfortable and meaningful temple experience. So whether you’re getting ready for your first trip to the Land of Smiles, planning a solo trip to Bangkok, or returning for another visit to Thailand’s offbeat destinations, bookmark this guide on What to Wear in Thailand Temples to have it handy when you begin packing for your trip!