Quick Tips to Dress Appropriately in Thailand

Dressing appropriately while I was in Thailand was a big concern for me as I prepared for my trip. I knew it would be incredibly hot and humid, but I also knew there are some expectations when it comes to covering skin, especially when visiting temples. I did a lot of research before I went, and now that I have experienced it all firsthand, I have come up with these general guidelines to make it a little easier for you to feel comfortable and appropriately dressed in Thailand:

Temples (read about temple hopping here)

If you're planning to visit temples on your trip, it's important to follow a few rules.

1. Your shoulders and the majority of your legs should be covered. I went during the summer, so I found it best to wear comfortable, flowy pants and a short sleeve blouse or shirt. I also wore a long dress one day. However, another tip that I learned when I visited the Vatican in 2014 was to wear a sleeveless shirt for more breathability and to bring a scarf to throw over your shoulders when necessary. It all depends on what you're more comfortable with! Do you, but be respectful.

2. You should take off your shoes before entering a temple. This is a sign of respect that you're not tracking dirt and street grime into the holy place you're entering. You can leave them at the door and put them back on when you leave. The single best piece of advice I can give you is to wear shoes that slide on and off or are easy to take off and put back on. Don't wear shoes with lots of buckles, laces, or straps, because you will hate yourself for wasting so much time and energy, especially if you are visiting a lot of temples at once.

Out and About

What you can wear on the streets of Thailand is largely dependent on what you're doing and where you're going. You won't get into trouble for dressing inappropriately, and I saw a little but of everything in places like Bangkok. But I always like to keep in mind the culture and expectations of locals when I'm traveling, especially when I'm planning to do things like see temples or holy places. I mostly only brought clothes for daytime trips and exploring the streets that would be appropriate to wear in a temple. I didn't want to be put in a situation where I felt uncomfortable doing something because I wasn't wearing the right clothes, and there was always a chance we would see a beautiful temple and want to go inside. However, I did bring a few sleeveless dresses and such for the nights we went out to markets and bars.

There are no hard and fast rules here, but I like to err on the side of caution. I also highly suggest bringing a lightweight jacket or scarf with you in your bag, as I mentioned above, just in case!

The Beach

At the beach, and in most beach cities (like Phuket), pretty much anything goes. In Phuket and the Phi Phi Islands, I walked around a lot of the time in a swimsuit and sarong or coverup. It was hot, we were usually wet and sandy, and everyone pretty much wears whatever. However, if you are planning to visit the Big Buddha or any other holy places, make sure to bring clothes that are appropriate and cover your shoulders and legs. Planning ahead is key here.

Here are a few links to come of my favorite items I brought on the trip that helped me complete my outfit, while being culturally appropriate for what I was doing:

• Scarf: to cover your shoulders at a moment's notice. I looped mine through the strap of my backpack so I wouldn't have to open and close my backpack every time I needed it.

• Sandals: Make sure they are easy to slip on and off but also comfortable for walking, as you will be doing a lot of this.

• V-necks: I brought a lot of simple, summer V-necks and Ts that I could mix and match with a variety of skirts and pants.

• Lightweight pants and skirts: It was hot hot hot in Thailand when I was there, so the thought of having to cover my legs and be out in the heat was horrifying. But as long as you find some breathable, comfy pants you should be fine.

• Backpack: Having a good bag is essential when I travel. I always have a random assortment of things with me, including my GoPro and my sometimes my camera. Having a backpack makes it easier to carry around than a purse.

As always, send me any suggestions or stories on your Thailand adventures. Happy travels!