The Ultimate Thai Temple Dress Code Guide: What to Wear (and What to Avoid)

Visiting a temple (Wat) is the highlight of any trip to Thailand, but it can quickly turn into a disappointment if you are denied entry by the "Fashion Police" at the gate. Unlike churches or shrines in other countries, Thai temples, especially the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, enforce a strict dress code based on centuries of tradition.

Whether you are planning a photo shoot at Wat Arun or a quick prayer at a local shrine, knowing the rules shows respect to the culture and saves you from the hassle of renting overpriced sarongs. Here is everything you need to know about the Thai temple dress code for men and women.

The Golden Rule: Cover Shoulders & Knees

If you remember nothing else, remember this: Shoulders and knees must be covered at all times. This applies to everyone, regardless of gender.

For Women: How to Dress

Women are often scrutinized more strictly than men at temple entrances. The goal is modesty.

Tops: Wear shirts that cover your shoulders completely. T-shirts, blouses, or shirts with sleeves (short or long) are perfect.

• Avoid: Tank tops, spaghetti straps, tube tops, and see-through mesh shirts.

Bottoms: Long skirts, maxi dresses, or loose trousers are ideal. If you wear a skirt or dress, it must cover your knees even when you sit down.

• Avoid: Mini-skirts, short shorts, and leggings (leggings are often considered too tight/revealing for strict temples like the Grand Palace).

The "Scarf Hack": Always carry a lightweight scarf or shawl in your bag. If you are wearing a tank top, you can wrap the scarf around your shoulders before entering. Note: The Grand Palace sometimes does not accept scarves as a permanent cover-up; a proper shirt is safer.

For Men: How to Dress

While men have slightly more flexibility, the "beach vibe" is a definite no-go.

Tops: A simple T-shirt, polo shirt, or button-down shirt is best.

• Avoid: Singlets, basketball jerseys, and sleeveless muscle shirts.

Bottoms: Long pants (jeans, chinos, or "elephant pants") are the safest option and required for the Grand Palace.

Can men wear shorts? At general temples, knee-length shorts are usually acceptable. However, "short shorts" (above the knee) are prohibited. At the Grand Palace, men must wear long pants.

The Shoe Rule: Off at the Door

In Thai culture, the head is the highest (most sacred) part of the body, and the feet are the lowest (dirtiest).

Remove your shoes before entering the main chapel (Ubosot) or prayer hall (Viharn).

Socks are okay: You can keep your socks on if you don't like walking barefoot on the floor.

Don't step on the threshold: When walking through the doorway, step over the raised wooden threshold, not on it. It is believed that guardian spirits reside there.

Strict vs. Relaxed Temples

Not all temples have the same rules. It helps to know where you are going:

1. Strict (The Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Doi Suthep): Zero tolerance. No shorts for men, no leggings for women, no scarves as makeshift shirts. You will be sent to the rental booth.
2. Moderate (Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Chedi Luang): Knees and shoulders must be covered, but they are generally okay with scarves covering shoulders and knee-length shorts for men.
3. Relaxed (Local/Village Temples): As long as you aren't in swimwear, nobody will stop you. However, dressing politely is still expected as a sign of respect.

What if I'm dressed wrong? (Where to buy/rent)

If you arrive at a major temple like Wat Phra Kaew or Wat Arun and realize you are underdressed, don't panic.

Rental Booths: Major temples often have a booth near the entrance where you can rent a sarong or a cover-up shirt for a small fee (usually 20–50 THB plus a deposit).

Buy "Elephant Pants": You will almost always find street vendors outside popular temples selling lightweight, patterned "Elephant Pants" for 100–150 THB. They are cheap, airy, and slip right over your shorts—perfect for a quick temple fix.

Summary Checklist

DO wear T-shirts or shirts with sleeves.

DO wear pants or skirts that cover the knees.

DO take off your sunglasses and hat when entering the prayer hall.

DON'T wear sleeveless tops or tank tops.

DON'T wear short shorts or mini-skirts.

DON'T point your feet at the Buddha image when sitting.