Visiting a Buddhist temple is one of the highlights of travelling in Asia, but it is also a working place of worship. A few small habits go a long way to showing respect, blending in, and avoiding a quiet rebuke from the monk in the corner.
Here is the short list we share with every group before their first temple visit.
Before you walk in
- Take off your shoes and hats. There is almost always a sign outside the temple pointing to the designated area. The clump of pairs left behind by other visitors will tip you off.
- Cover your shoulders and legs. It can get hot in Asian summers and tourists often forget. The easy fix is dressing in layers and packing a scarf or shawl. Long skirts or capri pants are better than shorts.
Inside the temple
- Stand when monks or nuns enter the room. Same as standing to greet someone in any formal setting.
- Ask permission before taking pictures, especially when there are statues. If you do take photos, leaving a small donation is a nice gesture.
- Use your right hand when handing a donation, or anything else, to another person.
- Don't point. If you want to indicate something to a fellow traveller, gesture with your right hand open, palm facing the ceiling.
Around statues and monks
- Don't touch Buddha statues and remind any kids in your group not to climb on them.
- Don't touch Buddhist monks, especially if you are female. Women are not supposed to hand items directly to monks. Men passing something to a monk should use their right hand.
- Don't turn your back to Buddha statues. You may notice people walking backwards a few feet before turning around. Follow their lead.
None of these are difficult, and most are habits you will pick up after your first temple visit. A little awareness signals respect, and respect is the universal language at every temple from Chiang Mai to Kyoto.