How to Dress Appropriately for Visiting Temples in Thailand: A Guide to the Right Attire

Buddhist and Hindu temples are some of the top attractions in Thailand and every first-time visitor will find themselves in these sacred locations. While most temples in the country offer free entry, there is a strict dress code imposed on visitors. Although not all temples turn away tourists who are inappropriately dressed, it is best to avoid unsavoury encounters with the temple staff or security due to this regard. Here's what every tourists should know about attire options for temple visits.

Gender Neutral Rules

While female visitors have a longer list of dress code-related rules to follow when choosing clothing for a temple visit, there are certain rules that apply to everyone across the board. Whether you are male or female, it is necessary to wear clothing that covers the shoulders. This means sleeveless shirts and t-shirts are not allowed even if you are male. A basic t-shirt with sleeves and a neckline that does not descend too low is acceptable although those who are wearing a low-cut top can use a scarf or a shawl to cover this exposed area.

Dress Code for Women

Those of the fairer sex must cover not only their shoulders but as well as their knees. This means skirts and shorts that are above knee length are not suitable for a visit to a Thai temple while mini-skirts are definitely unacceptable. Long skirts and pants are your best option to avoid causing offence although jeans are not an option due to the humidity in Thailand. Those who are wearing long pants must ensure that they are not too tight or made from a transparent material that accentuates various areas of the body. Loose-fitting pants and tops are more appropriate as these are not considered provocative. Men are allowed to wear shorts to the temple and expose their knees, however.

What to Avoid

When choosing an outfit for a temple tour, it is best to avoid wearing clothing that's made from flimsy or see-through materials. Tops and pants that have holes or fashionable sleeves with apertures and other cut-out effects that expose the shoulders and the knees are also not suitable. Those with tattoos may also want to conceal these areas of the body when visiting a Thai shrine, especially if there are religious and spiritual motifs in the tattoo design.

Accessories and Head Gear

Although it is acceptable to wear prescription glasses and sunglasses when visiting temples in Thailand, it is important to remove sunglasses when entering the indoor sections of each place of worship. This means that those who are roaming the temple grounds can keep their glasses on but must take sunglasses off in the inner sanctum of the venue. Hats, caps and other head gear must also be removed before entering the temple grounds as covering the head is seen as a sign of disrespect.

Footwear

There aren't any rules regarding what type of shoes one must wear to the temple mainly due to the fact that all footwear must be removed prior to entering the premises. Travel groups who are heading to a local temple from SAii Phi Phi Island Village or any one of the other family hotels on Phi Phi Islands may want to leave their shoes in the car or rental vehicle or pay a fee to the shoe minders located outside most temples. Those who are uncomfortable with the idea of walking around barefoot inside a temple can keep their socks on or wear a pair instead of going barefoot.

What to Expect When Inappropriately Dressed

It is not uncommon for Thai temple officials to deny entry to those who are not properly dressed to enter the temple. Some venues will charge the tourists for a shawl or sarong they provide or insist that tourists go and purchase a cover-up garment from a nearby store.