Visiting Bangkok's Gilded Temples - Proper Attire and Customs

Bangkok's "Marble Temple"

One of the highlights of Southeast Asia are the numerous Buddhist temples, ranging from the rugged and earthy Angkor Wat (in Cambodia) to the polished architectural wonder of Wat Benchamabophit (in Thailand).

Thailand's population is roughly 95% Buddhist, and as a result, Thailand is dotted with Buddhist temples - Bangkok alone is home to hundreds of temples, or "wats," throughout the city. According to CNN Travel, the 7 Best Bangkok Temples are:

1. Wat Arun - the iconic temple on Thai currency
2. Wat Phra Kaew - located on the grounds of in Bangkok's Grand Palace
3. Wat Pho - adjacent to the Grand Palace and home to Thailand's largest reclining Buddha
4. Wat Benchamabophit - the magnificent "Marble Temple" from Thailand's 5-baht coin
5. Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit - one of Thailand's most religiously significant temples
6. Wat Saket - located on a prominence offering great views of the city
7. Wat Traimit - home to one of the world's largest gold Buddha statues

Wat Phra Kaew in Thailand's Grand Palace

As a world traveler, cultural sensitivity is always paramount, no more so than when visiting revered religious sites. Here are a few important items to keep in mind when visiting Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia:

• Keep your legs and shoulders covered (cover below the knees and past the elbows) - despite the heat, beach attire is inappropriate
• Take off your shoes in and around the temple complex
• Refrain from any public displays of affection
• Do not point/show the bottom of your feet toward monks/nuns
• Do not touch the head of any of the statues or monks/nuns

Add Thailand to your list of world travel destinations - jungle treks in Chiang Mai, scuba diving the islands, and of course, the impressive temple structures in bustling Bangkok.