Tips for Visiting Buddhist Temples in Southeast Asia

If you’ve traveled in any Buddhist country, you’re probably familiar with the main rules for visiting Buddhist temples. In case you haven’t or need a quick refresher, here are a few tips for visiting Buddhist temples in Thailand, Laos, Myanmar or Cambodia and in other countries in Southeast Asia. These rules are valid throughout these countries, whether you’re visiting Wat Pho in Bangkok or Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, the ancient city of Ayutthaya (although most of inactive temples have less strict rules), Pha That Luang in Vientiane, Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon or even Angkor Wat in Siem Reap.

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Tips for Visiting Buddhist Temples in Southeast Asia: Dress Code

1. Dress Appropriately for Buddhist Temples

Avoid short skirts or shorts as well as tank tops, yoga pants or generally revealing clothing. Alternatively, bring a scarf or something similar to cover yourself upon entering.

2. Remove Your Shoes, Hat and Sunglasses

This works differently in different temples or even areas within the temple, but generally, prayer areas require you to remove your shoes. You’ll usually find a space to leave your shoes. Wearing sandals, crocs or other easily removed footwear will make your life easier when visiting temples in Southeast Asia!

Remove your hat and sunglasses upon entering the temple.

3. Avoid bling

Luxuries and overly flashy outfits are generally not well regarded at Buddhist temples. Think jewellery, excessive makeup or ostentatious clothing.

Tips for Visiting Buddhist Temples in Southeast Asia: Interacting with Monks

3. Greet them with a “Wai” and Three Bows

As a sign of respect, be the first to greet them with a “Wai” and bow three times: one for Buddha, one for Buddhism and one for the monks. This only applies if you’re interacting with them.

4. Keep your Body Lower than the Monk’s

During your interaction, keep you body lower than the monk. They usually sit on a raised platform, so you can sit on the ground and be lower than them.

5. Do not Touch the Monks

This is a general rule, but is especially important for women.

Tips for Visiting Buddhist Temples in Southeast Asia: Interacting with the Temple

6. Face Forward

Do not turn your back to Buddha images or monks. Do not take selfies!

7. Step over the Threshold

Do not step on the wooden threshold of the temple. It is thought to be home of protective spirits. Step over it instead.

Tips for Visiting Buddhist Temples in Southeast Asia: Body Language

8. Avoid PDAs in Buddhist Temples

Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon in worship places (and in general in Southeast Asia), so avoid them while visiting temples.

9. Do not Point

Don’t point at monks or Buddha images, especially with your feet. Therefore, do not sit pointing your feet forward. Instead, cross your legs kneel sitting on your calves.

Closing Statement

I hope you find these tips for visiting Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia helpful when planning your trip. If you’re thinking of visiting Southeast Asia, here are some posts that may interest you!

Chiang Mai Travel Guide: Top 12 Must-Do Activities

What to do in Bangkok: top 10 activities

Ayutthaya: a day trip from Bangkok, Thailand

What to do in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Ultimate 3 Weeks Malaysia Itinerary for First Timers

What to do in Singapore: Top 11 things to do in Singapore

Ultimate 3 weeks Vietnam Itinerary: North to South

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