Bangkok Temples: Dress Code, Actual Prices, and Which Ones Are Free

You'll find lists of Bangkok's most beautiful temples everywhere. What's missing from all of them, however, are the four things that really determine how your morning goes:the dress code required at the entrance, how much each site costs,which ones are free, and the best order to visit them so you don't have to retrace your steps.

In a nutshell: shoulders and knees must be covered, without exception; there are three major paid sites along the river, dozens of free neighborhood temples,and a single morning is enough if you start when they open.

Seen on site

Appearance—the only valid reason for denying entry

Shoulders and knees must be covered. This applies to both women and men, and it’s not just a courtesy—it’s a requirement for entry. Tank tops, shorts above the knee, and sleeveless dresses are not permitted at major attractions.

The Grand Palais has the strictest policy and enforces the rule without exception. You can rent clothes on site, but the line for that adds to the line at the ticket office—all under the sun. Packing a pair of lightweight pants and a long-sleeved T-shirt in your bag takes care of it for the whole morning.

You should take off your shoes before entering buildings, but never in the courtyards. Sandals that are easy to take off are better than lace-up shoes when you're going from one room to another.

The Big Three, and How Much They Cost

Prices as of August 2026, given as approximate figures: they are updated regularly, and the official websites of the two main providers are listed in the sources.

The ones that cost nothing

This is the part that ticket sellers don't highlight—and for good reason.The vast majority of temples in Bangkok are free to visit.

Wat Saket, the Temple of the Golden Mountain, is reached by climbing a spiral staircase that leads to a 360-degree view of the city. A small fee is charged for access to the top; there is no charge for the rest of the site.

Wat Traimit, in Chinatown, houses a massive golden Buddha weighing several metric tons, which was long covered in stucco to conceal it. There is an admission fee to enter the main building, but there is no charge to visit the site.

And all the neighborhood temples, where you can walk right in and run into people who are there to pray rather than take pictures. That’s often where the visit really comes alive—and it doesn’t cost a thing.

A Morning That Works

The best way to get there is by boat, not by taxi: the temple district is poorly served by the elevated train and is congested with cars. The Chao Phraya shuttle boats run up the river all day long. Details are on the "Getting AroundBangkok" page ( coming soon).

Two things to know before you go

“The temple is closed today” is a lie. People will approach you near major tourist sites to tell you this and offer you an alternative tour by tuk-tuk. It’s the oldest scam in Bangkok, and it always ends up at a gem shop or a tailor’s. The major temples are open every day, and this information is available on their official websites.

These are active places of worship. Do not turn your back on a Buddha statue to take a photo with it, do not point with your foot, and keep your voice down inside. A complete guide to etiquette will be posted on the “Tips andEtiquette” page soon.

In summary

Shoulders and knees must be covered—without exception and for everyone—with the Grand Palace enforcing the strictest dress code. There are three major temples that charge admission—around 500, 200 to 300, and 100 to 200 baht, respectively—and dozens of neighborhood temples that are completely free, including Wat Saket and its view. One morning is enough—visit the Grand Palace first, followed by Wat Pho and then Wat Arun—arriving by river and starting as soon as they open. And if someone tells you a temple is closed today, they’re wrong. The complete city guide is on the “Visit Bangkok” page.