Bangkok Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew Dress Code
If you go to Seoul, you have to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, and if you go to Chiang Mai, you must see Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. So, what about Bangkok? The answer is the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. The entrance fee is a steep 500 THB, but I highly recommend spending a little extra to hire a guide who can explain things in your language. There is just so much to see, and every single building has an incredible story behind it. The biggest mistake of my trip was going to the palace alone without a guide. (Losing my phone is a memory I want to forget, so let's skip that...) Let my mistake be enough!! Make sure to hire a guide!!
One thing to watch out for when entering the Grand Palace is that you need to pay some attention to your outfit. Because it's so crowded, they don't check every single person meticulously, making the exact standard a bit blurry, but officially the rules are as follows:
1. No tank tops (sleeves are required)
2. No crop tops
3. No see-through clothing (underwear must not be visible)
4. No shorts or capri pants
5. No ripped jeans
6. No tight pants/leggings
7. No miniskirts (below the knee is fine)
8. No T-shirts with profanity or obscene graphics
9. No unkempt hair (e.g., dreadlocks)
10. No piercings, and no earrings for men
11. No flip-flops/slippers
The problem is that these standards are judged quite subjectively, so it's hard to know exactly where the line is. In this case, it's best to absolutely avoid anything that might be controversial. Just dress conservatively enough that you don't have to ask yourself, "Is this okay?" In Thailand, the King and Buddha are viewed as almost equals, so you definitely don't want to cause any offense regarding anything related to royalty. I've heard the current King is highly respected and has the absolute trust of the people. Whether that stems from conditioning or genuine love, I don't know, but you should refrain from criticizing the King and the royal family.