Joanna James
With over 41,000 temples scattered throughout the country, temples in Thailand are inescapable. Whether in a busy urban centre or a quiet island town, these sacred sites are pockets of serenity, rooted in centuries of spirituality. Explore Thailand's iconic temples, with a guide to dress code and essential etiquette tips.
The most important part of your temple wardrobe should be modest attire that follows the golden rule. Make sure your clothing covers your shoulders and knees, and is not tight-fitting. If you're unprepared, some popular temples may offer cover-ups or a spare change of clothes. Or, to save the hassle, bring a shawl or scarf wherever you go, just in case of impromptu temple visits — a very likely situation, considering it's one of the best things to do in Bangkok.
Thailand's climate is almost always humid and warm, so it's also important to keep comfort in mind. Wear lightweight clothing made from breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen. Loose-fitting cuts are also beneficial — you won't have to break too much of a sweat as you wander through temple courtyards and enclosed prayer halls.
When entering sacred sites or temple buildings, you will need to remove any hats or sunglasses. It's seen as a sign of respect for both the space and the resident monks. Plus, some temples are stricter than others, so you may need to remove jewellery and go through security checks before entering. To save time, leave your accessories back at your hotel, and for your peace of mind, be sure to select a stay like Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel that's safe and reputable.
Remember to wear comfortable footwear that's suited for long walks and can easily be removed. Most prayer halls require visitors and worshippers to remove their footwear before entering. Ditch the complicated gladiator sandals and opt for cushioned sneakers you can easily slip in and out of.
Encounters with saffron-robed monks are inevitable during any temple visit. Greetings should hold the utmost respect; always make sure you are bowing at a lower level than the monk, and place your hands together to form a wai — a traditional prayer-like gesture — when doing so. Additionally, avoid physical contact and eating food in their presence, as both these actions are considered disrespectful.
Temple complexes often house several buildings and pavilions, and some have restricted access. To make sure you do not enter private spaces, look around for telltale signs: check if there are donation boxes, signs in English, and other worshippers present (apart from the monks).
In addition to extending your respect to the halls and monks, you will also need to be incredibly mindful of Buddha images and statues. In Thailand, any depiction of Buddha is highly revered, and rules around interacting with these relics are very stringent. For one, you should never turn your back on an image, nor should you touch sacred relics. Do not get in the way of worshippers either, and never point at a statue.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
