Tips for Women Travelers

Women travelers face no particular discrimination or dangers in Thailand. Women should, however, be very careful when dealing with monks: Never touch a monk, never hand anything directly to them (it should be set on the floor in front of the monk or given to a man who will hand it to them directly), and don't sit next to monks on public transport or in the monk-only designated areas in waiting rooms. Some parts of temples do not allow women to enter; look for signs indicating this.

Thais are extremely modest, almost prudish, and though Thai bar girls dress in scanty fashions, that's not recommended, if you want respect. Women should avoid tank tops and short-shorts (the equivalent of wearing nightwear outdoors for Westerners, though strangely for Thais there is no taboo about this). Going topless on beaches is illegal in many areas and considered a public obscenity. At all temples and mosques, be sure to wear a long skirt or trousers and have your shoulders covered. Your head should be covered in mosques, but headwear (caps, sun visors) must be removed in Buddhist temples.

When dressing for a night out, be very careful that you do not give the wrong message to Thai men. Wearing clothes that Thais would deem immodest (short skirts, low-cut shirts exposing cleavage, or bra tops) is regarded as a come-on.