Gear and equipment forum

Closed toed shoes any(one/more)

  • caseyprich

    As an addition to 'travel footwear?' what is the word on closed toed shoes for temples. At this point I've seen countless folks wearing flip-flops (thongs) and sandals at temples throughout Thailand and Laos.

    Do the locals not care anymore or are tourists just being insensitive and they're letting it go because of consideration for our ignorance? It seems covered shoulders and long pants are still necessary (especially at important sites in BKK). I'm just curious.

    #1 Posted: 21/2/2011 - 09:06


  • wanderingcat

    never heard of any requirement for closed toed shoes for temples.
    palaces in Thailand & Wat Phra Kaew are strict about footwear but they do not insist on closed toed shoes - they just want footwear that has at least a strap around the heel (i.e. not flip flops), & so open toed sandals like Teva sandals are acceptable.

    have been going to temples in Thailand since i was 6 y/o & have never worn closed toed shoes there, even when attending ceremonies.

    #2 Posted: 21/2/2011 - 10:41

  • MADMAC

    I don't know - I only wear closed toe footwear, visiting temples or otherwise.

    #3 Posted: 21/2/2011 - 14:15

  • caseyprich

    MADMAC - Just watched The Fighter. I think you'd like it. let me know what you think.

    On the footwear - I must be mistaken. Often times I will hear something and then generalize it in my mind - so when I heard strapped heel, I must have visualized a full shoe . . . I still see a lot of flip-flops.

    #4 Posted: 25/2/2011 - 22:54

  • wanderingcat

    apart from Wat Phra Kaew in BKK, i go to all other temples in Thailand, Laos, Malaysia & Singapore wearing flipflops...just like what the monks, nuns, temple staff & many local laypeople wear.

    #5 Posted: 26/2/2011 - 12:57

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