A Buddhist temple, called a "wat" in Thai, is often the most memorable stop on a trip to Thailand. This guide covers what to wear, how to behave, what the famous temples cost to enter, and one important point for 2026: the national mourning for Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. Fees and dates were checked in September 2026.
Thai Temples in Numbers
In the 2018 census, about 93.5% of people in Thailand were Buddhist, 5.4% Muslim and 1.1% Christian. The constitution names no state religion, but it promotes Buddhism. In 2016 the country had 39,883 temples, or about 40,000, and close to 300,000 monks.
There are two main types of temple:
- Royal temples (phra aram luang) are founded or supported by the king or the royal family. There were 310 of them in 2016.
- Public temples (wat rat) are founded by private citizens and are open to everyone. All other temples belong to this group.
The famous temples charge foreign visitors an entrance fee, and Thai nationals usually enter free. At a small neighbourhood temple, you simply walk in quietly and can leave a donation if you wish.
Visiting in 2026: The Mourning Period for Queen Sirikit
Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, died on 24 October 2025, aged 93. Civil servants wear black mourning dress for one year, until 24 October 2026. The public was asked to wear subdued colours for 90 days, and that request ended on 23 January 2026. Visitors do not have to wear black, but dark, sober clothes are the respectful choice around the Grand Palace.
The royal cremation ceremonies take place in Bangkok from 15 to 19 December 2026:
- The cremation is on 16 December 2026 at 16:30, at the royal crematorium at Sanam Luang, next to the Grand Palace. The funeral procession leaves at 07:00 that day.
- On 17 December the relics are taken to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew).
- The ceremonies will be broadcast in full on Thai television.
The official sources do not say whether the Grand Palace or nearby roads will close. Large crowds and road closures around Sanam Luang are likely, so plan your visits to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho for other days.
Never joke about or criticise the royal family, in person or online. Under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, defaming, insulting or threatening the King, the Queen, the heir apparent or the Regent carries 3 to 15 years in prison for each count, and the law has been used against foreigners.
What to Wear
Temples expect modest clothing. This is a custom, not a law, but Thai people notice it.
| Part of the body | Acceptable | Not acceptable |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulders | Sleeves, or a shawl over a sleeveless top | Tank tops, bare shoulders |
| Legs | Long trousers, skirts below the knee | Shorts, short skirts |
| Feet | Shoes you can take off easily | Shoes inside temple buildings |
| Head | No hat inside buildings | Hats or caps inside buildings |
At the big temples you can usually borrow or rent a sarong or a cover-up if you arrive unprepared. There is no fixed price, so it is easier to bring your own.
How to Behave Inside the Temple
Do
- Take off your shoes before you enter any temple building.
- Keep your voice low and switch your phone to silent.
- Sit with your feet tucked behind you or to the side, pointing away from Buddha images and monks.
- Return a wai (hands pressed together, with a slight bow) when someone greets you this way. Raise your hands higher for monks and elders.
- Follow what local visitors do, or stand quietly at the back.
Do not
- Point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk, or touch anyone on the head. In Thai custom the feet are the lowest part of the body and the head is the most respected.
- Climb on a Buddha image or a temple wall for a photo.
- Touch a monk or hand him something directly, if you are a woman. Give the item to a man nearby, or place it where the monk can take it.
- Show anger or raise your voice.
- Hug or kiss your partner on temple grounds.
Making Merit
Making merit ("tham bun" in Thai) means doing good deeds, often at a temple. Visitors are welcome to take part quietly:
- Make a donation. Put money in a donation box. Any amount is fine.
- Light incense and candles. Many temples sell them near the main hall.
- Offer flowers. Lotus buds and garlands are sold at many temple entrances.
Prices for these offerings vary, so carry small notes and coins.
Entrance Fees at Famous Temples
These are the fees for foreign visitors, checked in September 2026. Fees and hours change, so confirm them at the temple.
| Temple | City | Fee (approx.) | Opening hours (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) | Bangkok | 500 THB | 08:30-16:30, tickets sold until 15:30 |
| Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) | Bangkok | 300 THB | From 08:00 until early evening |
| Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) | Bangkok | 200 THB | 08:00-18:00 |
| Wat Phra That Doi Suthep | Chiang Mai | About 30 THB | About 06:00-18:00 |
| Wat Chedi Luang | Chiang Mai | About 40 THB | Check on site |
| Wat Phra Singh | Chiang Mai | About 20 THB | Check on site |
| Wat Suan Dok | Chiang Mai | Free | Check on site |
| Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) | Chiang Rai | 200 THB | About 08:00-17:00 |
| Wat Mahathat | Ayutthaya | 50 THB | About 08:00-18:00 |
| Wat Phra Si Sanphet | Ayutthaya | 50 THB | About 08:00-18:00 |
Notes on the table:
- Grand Palace. The site stays open until 16:30, but ticket sales stop at 15:30. The ticket also covers the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles inside the palace. Details are on the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles page of the official Grand Palace website.
- Wat Pho. Children under 120 cm enter free.
- Doi Suthep. Some guides give the fee as up to 50 THB.
- Wat Chedi Luang. Some guides give the fee as 50 THB.
- Wat Rong Khun. The fee for foreigners doubled from 100 to 200 THB on 1 January 2026. It includes the temple's Cave of Art. Visitors aged 70 and over and children under 120 cm enter free.
- Ayutthaya. A combined ticket for 220 THB covers six temples: Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Phra Ram, Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Wat Maheyong. It is valid for 30 days and is paid in cash at the gate. It saves money if you visit five or more of these temples.
Temples in Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai collect their fees in cash at each gate, so carry small notes.
When to Go
- Early morning is cooler and quieter, and the light is soft for photos.
- Buddhist holidays bring ceremonies and many local worshippers. The next one is Ok Phansa, the end of Buddhist Lent, on 26 October 2026. Alcohol may not be sold on the five main Buddhist holidays (Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asanha Bucha, Khao Phansa and Ok Phansa), except in duty-free shops at international airports.
- At 08:00 and 18:00 the national anthem is played in public places such as parks and stations. Stop and stand still until it ends.
Getting to the Temples
Smile Taxi Service fares are fixed, per vehicle (not per person), with expressway tolls included and no meter. Transfer fares are one way.
| Trip | Sedan | SUV | Van |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok to Ayutthaya (transfer) | 1500 THB | 1700 THB | 2000 THB |
| Ayutthaya to Bangkok (transfer) | 1200 THB | 1500 THB | 2000 THB |
| Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai or back, for the White Temple (transfer) | 2500 THB | 3000 THB | 3800 THB |
| Bangkok full-day tour (up to 10 hours) | 2700 THB | 3000 THB | 3700 THB |
A sedan takes up to 3 passengers and 2 bags, an SUV up to 5 passengers and 4 bags, and a van up to 7 passengers and 5 bags. The fare is the same for 1 passenger or a full car. A VIP van for the Bangkok full-day tour costs 4000 THB.
- Book a sedan from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
- Book an SUV from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
- Book a van from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
- Book a sedan from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
- Book an SUV from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
- Book a van from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
- Full-day tours on the tours and day trips page
You pay the driver in cash (THB) at the end of the trip. If you can only pay by card, message the team for a PayPal payment link (a 5% fee is added). Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before pickup. After that, a cancellation or change costs 25% (less than 24 h), 35% (less than 12 h) or 50% (less than 2 h) of the price, and a no-show 100%, also when you pay the driver in cash (details). An English-speaking driver can be requested when booking, subject to availability. For other ways to get there, read how to get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya and how to get from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.
Useful Thai Words
| English | Thai | Say it as |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | สวัสดี | sawatdi |
| Thank you | ขอบคุณ | khop khun |
| Excuse me, sorry | ขอโทษ | kho thot |
| Temple | วัด | wat |
| Monk, Buddha image | พระ | phra |
Men add "khrap" and women add "kha" at the end to sound polite.
Photography
Some temple halls do not allow cameras, so look for signs. Never use flash near old murals, and ask before you photograph monks or people praying.
Emergency Numbers
Save these before you arrive: 1155 for the Tourist Police (English-speaking staff), 191 for the police and general emergencies, and 1669 for a medical emergency.
FAQ
How much does it cost to visit the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun? About 500, 300 and 200 THB for foreigners (September 2026). The Grand Palace stops selling tickets at 15:30.
Are the temples in Chiang Mai free? Not all of them. Wat Chedi Luang (about 40 THB) and Wat Phra Singh (about 20 THB) charge foreigners a small fee, and Wat Suan Dok is free.
What should I wear to a Thai temple? Cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes before you enter the buildings. Big temples usually have sarongs to borrow or rent.
Can I visit the Grand Palace during the royal cremation in December 2026? The official sources do not say whether it will close. The ceremonies run from 15 to 19 December 2026 next to the palace, so expect crowds and plan your visit for other days.
To visit the temples of Ayutthaya, Chiang Rai or Bangkok by private car, book on the Smile Taxi Service booking page or message the team on WhatsApp or LINE.