Around the City
For a casual stroll in Bangkok, there's no strict dress code. Just keep in mind that your attire should be “appropriate”. In this context, “appropriate” means avoiding overly revealing clothes. Other than that, feel free to wear whatever makes you comfortable.
Streetwear should prioritize comfort
What to wear for women:
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Tank tops, crop tops, t-shirts
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Shorts, skirts, harem pants, jeans
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Sundress
What to wear for men:
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T-shirts, liner shirts (preferred)
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Trousers, track pants, or jeans
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Capris, Bermuda shorts or cargo pants.
Accessories to wear:
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Choose the shoes that make you feel comfortable during your stroll. It can be flip-flops, sandals, or sneakers.
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Make sure to wear a hat and sunglasses to stay cool and protected from the scorching sun.
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Opt for a crossbody bag to carry all your essentials conveniently while exploring the city.
In Regions Places
If you're thinking of visiting the many temples in Bangkok, be mindful of your clothing choice. You should not wear off-shoulders, crop tops, mini-skirts, and shorts. So, go for an outfit that covers you up completely. If you're not dressed appropriately, you can rent long skirts or sarong skirts at the temple entrance for 200 baht (~6 USD).
Travelers wear trousers that extend beyond the knees in the temple
What to wear for women:
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A top fully covers your shoulders or at least covers them
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A maxi dress that covers your shoulders
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Harem pants or fully-covered loose pants for comfort
What to wear for men:
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Buttoned t-shirts
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Trousers
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Capris
Things to carry:
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In Bangkok temples, it's common to take off your shoes. In Buddhist culture, the feet are considered the lowest part of the body and are often regarded as impure. Therefore, removing shoes before entering sacred spaces is a way to maintain cleanliness and reverence in those places.
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Feel free to wear your hat and sunglasses when visiting temples. You can also use a scarf to cover your head if you'd like.
What not to wear:
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Girls should not wear revealing clothes when they're heading to temples. You can also avoid off-shoulder tops, sleeveless tops, and tank tops.
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You might be denied entry if you wear a short dress or a mini skirt to a temple.
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If men wear shorts, go for long ones like capris. Importantly, your pants should be above knee-length.
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Avoid wearing sports shoes with laces to the temples. Dealing with tying and untying them can be quite inconvenient.
In the Beach
The beach is a fantastic place to unwind and soak up the sun. In Bangkok, there are no strict guidelines for beach attire, so you are free to choose any swimsuit you like. If you're sunbathing, consider a two-piece, but be sure to choose a fabric with a moderate thickness.
You are free to wear beach attire according to your preference
What to wear for women:
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Bikinis
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Shorts and crop top
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Cover up shrugs
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Sarongs
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Kimonos
What to wear for men:
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Shorts
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Tank tops, t-shirts or singlets
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Swimming trunks
Things to carry:
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For the beach, slip into the ease of flip-flops – they're perfect! Easy to slip on and off, so you can dip into the water stress-free.
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Remember to always apply sunscreen, and don't go out without your hat and sunglasses.
In the Club
Bangkok's nightlife and club scene is lively and full of vibrant hues. Bangkok is famous for world-class rooftop bars, poolside parties, and much more. So, each venue has categorized dress codes as follows:
Polite Vibes
Experience top-notch partying in Bangkok, especially at rooftop bars like Sky Bar Bangkok and Octave Bangkok Rooftop Bar. What should wear are:
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A shirt or a stylish blouse, tailored trousers, or a classy skirt
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Polished shoes or elegant heels
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Minimalistic jewelry, such as a wristwatch or subtle earrings
Elegant and sophisticated attire
Formal Affairs
Private parties in Bangkok typically adopt a formal dress code. If you have an invitation with a specified dress code, make sure to adhere to it.
What to wear for men:
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Crisp dress shirt
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Tailored suit or blazer with pants
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Elegant tie or bowtie
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Polished dress shoes
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Classic wristwatch
What to wear for women:
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A cocktail dress or elegant blouse with a pencil skirt
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High heels or stylish flats
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A statement necklace or elegant earrings
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Clutch or small handbag
A shirt or a vest is the dress code at one Bangkok bar
Backpacker Chill
For a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, some places in Bangkok embrace casual dress. You should wear:
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Lightweight and breathable tops like T-shirts or long-sleeved shirts
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Comfortable shorts or convertible pants, and leggings
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Sturdy hiking boots or sneakers, with flip-flops
Comfortable and casual clothing
To gain more insights, navigate to our post about Bangkok travel guide!
Deciding what type of clothes and accessories to wear to Bangkok is a concern for many tourists. But with this guide, we assure you that you can easily choose what to wear in Bangkok suitable for each location. To enhance your journey, contact New Asia Tours to explore unique travel experiences and stylish tour packages. We always try our best to serve you with practical and helpful advice.