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how to visit a temple

Temple Travel in Asia: How to Visit a Buddhist Temple the Right Way

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I love exploring Buddhist temples because they combine spiritual tradition and cultural discovery. Travelers follow local customs and show respect while walking through these sacred spaces. Before you step inside a temple on your next trip, learn the basic guidelines; in doing so, you avoid mistakes and, more importantly, show respect for the people who worship there. These actions create a smoother experience and, at the same time, prevent awkward or offensive situations.

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Buddhist temples are unique places of worship and tourists curiosity. And visitors are welcome as long as you display the proper respect and etiquette.

How to Visit Buddhist Temples

One of my favorite things while traveling is to experience the serenity in the Buddhist Temples. Buddhist temples are full of history, intrigue, awe-inspiring architecture, and intricately carved reliefs. Usually peaceful and reticent, I love the chanting and aroma of incense burning. Chatting with the monks who are happy to speak with you. You walk through the temple grounds and lose yourself in thought, which creates a moment for self-reflection. No matter your religious preference, Buddhist temples evoke a sense of peace and tranquility.

Steven and Stacey Buddhist temple

Wear Appropriate Clothing

Most temples require visitors to cover their shoulders and knees. The heat in places like Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia makes that tricky, so I keep a sarong in my bag. Some temples offer loaner shirts or sarongs, either for free or for a small donation. If the loaners don’t match your outfit, don’t worry—shops near the temples sell beautiful sarongs in every color and pattern.

Don’t Be Rude

Remove your hats and sunglasses. Do not talk on your cell phones, run, eat, or drink. Feel free to ask questions. Many temples, especially in Thailand, have a program called Monk Chats. Be aware of your surroundings and act appropriately. Nothing screams ignorance more than inappropriate selfies.

Buddhist temples are unique places of worship and tourists curiosity. And visitors are welcome as long as you display the proper respect and etiquette.

Women and Temples

Please do not touch the monks unless you ask, or they touch you first. This is especially true for women. You should also be aware; some temples are not open to women. Do not be offended. Women were allowed in these temples at one time. Women were banned because they menstruate, soiling the mats. Unfortunately, the modern-day conveniences of tampons have not affected the prohibition. Women are still considered “unclean.”

Keep Your Voice Down

When you visit a temple, respect the people who are there to worship. Keep your voice down. Step out of the way during ceremonies. Look around before you take any photos. Remember, it’s a sacred space—not a set for your next post.

Buddhist temples are unique places of worship and tourists curiosity. And visitors are welcome as long as you display the proper respect and etiquette.

Be Respectful

Thailand’s ornate temples, wrapped in ribbons of incense smoke, draw countless travelers each year. But while guidebooks highlight their beauty, these spaces serve a deeper purpose—they are places for spiritual practice, not tourist attractions. If you stay quiet and respect those who pray or meditate, you’ll already stand apart from the stereotypical Western visitor.

Additionally, you’ll need to follow a few basic customs: wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, choose shoes you can easily remove, and avoid mocking or dismissing what you don’t understand. Even if you don’t share the faith, respect the temple and its protocols. Stay clear of restricted areas and never touch anything marked off-limits.

Photography

Make sure you check for photography signage at the temple entrance. Many of the artifacts are ancient, so turn off the flash on your camera. Flash photography is also inconsiderate for worshippers.

Buddhist temples are unique places of worship and tourists curiosity. And visitors are welcome as long as you display the proper respect and etiquette.

Shoes

Follow the shoes/ no shoe protocols. At the White Temple in Chiang Rai, the dossants hand you a plastic bag at the entrance. Once you get to the main temple entrance, you put your shoes in the bag and carry it with you. At other temples, you leave your shoes at the proverbial front door.

Don’t Turn Your Back.

Remember not to turn your back on Buddhist statues. Back away, instead, to give the proper respect.

Donations are Always Welcome

Many temples operate purely on donations. Monks are not permitted to work. They do have to sing for their supper. If you get a chance, you should get up early to participate in the morning offering.

how to visit a Buddhist Temple

Stacey, nightlife, Daegu, South Korea

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Comments (40)

  2. Thanks for sharing these guide. As a guest, we must always observe proper etiquette in visiting these places. I always bear in my mind, that even i travel far away to visit ancient places, i always think that am lucky that I was given a chance to visit them, so huge respect is a must. We dont want to leave bad impressions, leading to totally closing these beauty to the world.

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  3. Thank you for these tips. I would have seriously butchered the visit or got kicked out. I always wanted to visit a Buddhist temple.

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    1. Lol. I highly doubt it. I havent seen anyone get kicked out. But I have seen a few make an ass of themselves.

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  4. It’s so important to be respectful in places like this. We want respect in our sacred spaces then we have to show respect in other people’s sacred spaces.

    Ellie

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    1. True that. Can you believe I actually overheard someone say the opposite because it wasnt THEIR religion.

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    1. So true. It all starts with respect, something the world could definitely benefit more from these days.

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  6. I’ve never visited a Buddhist temple but would love to. It is a little insulting they think women are “unclean.”

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    1. I wanted to ask a local woman if they felt the same way, but I never got around to it. Steven said I didn’t miss much, and I only saw 2 temples with the signage.

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  7. these are such great tips! we should always be respectful of other cultures
    xo
    jen
    effortlesseverydaystyle.com

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    1. Thank you. It rally does start with respect, regardless of whether we agree or understand. Its something the world could definitely benefit more from these days.

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    1. They aren’t just located in Asia, there is probably one much closer, check out google and let me know.

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  9. It has been a long time since I visited a temple. There will always be different practices and rules and it’s not that difficult to follow them unless you’re in the place just to mess around. I think these are great tips.

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  10. I think it’s a very enlightening experience and it’s important that you act appropriately. It’s really important to observe all the rules especially since it’s such a sacred place. This is a great guide!

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    1. Thank you Elizabeth, sometimes its not clearly marked and no one is around to provide guidance. These tips are relevant no matter what country you are visiting. I always appreciate your comments.

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  11. It’s amazing just how different temple etiquette can be not only in different countries but also at different temples in the same country. You’re so right to stress respect and show how what’s respectful is flexible and it’s our responsibility to know and show the appropriate respect.

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    1. I agree to a certain degree, I think all of these tips are applicable to “active” temples all across Asia.

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  12. Great tips!! I’ve been to so many temples during my time in Japan and Thailand – they’re so beautiful and all so different, but definitely a common etiquette to follow to not be “that guy” 😉

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    1. There is a beautiful Buddhist temple in Oahu. My girlfriend took me to when I went to Hawaii a few years. So you may be surprised when you get there.

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  14. This is so very helpful for those who want to visit temples, it’s really a responsibility to know the etiquette for places where you are a guest and shows respect.

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    1. Yes, that can be said of visiting any religious site. I would try to conform no matter what religion. Its just the right thing to do.

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  15. here are so many temples on my bucket list – including the White Temple and also of course Angkor Wat. This was a great list of tips to keep handy … Now I’ll know to check shoe rules and dress codes (and whether or not I’m allowed in!) before setting plans.

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    1. I had a similar issue at the Vatican. Girl in front of me was not dressed appropriately and I tried to tell her. You have to cover your shoulders. She rolled her eyes at me and ignored me. We stood in line for over two hours and when she got up to the front they turned her away. I just looked at her as she walked away.

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  17. Wow, I didn’t realise that in this day and age, women could be considered ‘unclean’. I thought Buddhism was all about acceptance and inclusion

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    1. Yeah, Asia is a special place. Its a pretty patriarchal society still. Not saying they don;t exists, but the only country where, I’ve met female monks was in China.

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  18. This is a great write up. I think sometimes forget that these are real functioning institutions and not tourist created entertainment facilities. It’s great that people have been allowed in to take a peek, but it’s always helpful to be reminded of some of the proper etiquette.

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    1. Exactly, we need to be reminded we are guest and should act accordingly. It can be an amazing spiritual experience no matter what religion you practice if we don’t treat it like DisneyLand.

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  19. I love this so much. There is actually a Buddhist temple near me. It’s the biggest one in the US and I have been wanting to visit since it’s been built.

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    1. Thank you Mackenzie. I love the temples and I watched s many people embarrassing themselves or being “corrected” when it wasn’t necessary because they were ignorant to the etiquette.

      Reply

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