Cover shoulders and knees before entering a temple

Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees before visiting a Buddhist temple, and remove your shoes at the entrance — the dress code is stricter at major or royally connected temples like Wat Phra Kaew.

Thailand TravelstrictUpdated September 2, 2026

Wear a top with sleeves and bottoms that go past the knee, for men and women alike, before heading to a temple. Sleeveless shirts, tank tops, shorts, and short skirts are the most common reasons visitors get stopped at the entrance.

Take your shoes off before stepping inside any temple building, leave them with the others at the entrance rather than looking for a special spot.

Bring a scarf or light wrap if you’re not sure your outfit will pass — many temples sell or lend one at the entrance, but having your own saves time and avoids relying on availability.
Major, royally connected temples enforce this most strictly — Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) at the Grand Palace in Bangkok is the standard example; smaller local temples may be more relaxed, but it’s safest to dress the same way everywhere.

Why it matters

Temples are active religious sites, not tourist attractions first, so the dress code reflects the same modesty and respect expected in any place of worship. Shoulders and knees covered is the baseline for both men and women, sleeveless tops, shorts, and short skirts are the most common reasons visitors get turned away or asked to cover up with a provided wrap. Shoes come off before entering, the same indoor-cleanliness logic that applies to Thai homes. Enforcement varies by temple, some of the most visited and significant sites, like the Grand Palace's Wat Phra Kaew, apply the dress code more strictly and consistently than smaller local temples.

Cover shoulders and knees before entering a temple

Why it matters

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