Temple etiquette and dress codes

Temples (wat) are active religious sites. Dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered for both men and women; sarongs are often available to borrow at the entrance. **Remove your shoes** before entering temple buildings (and many homes and some shops — follow the pile of shoes at the door). Women must never touch a monk or hand him anything directly; pass items via a man or place them down. Don't point your feet at Buddha images or people, don't climb on or pose disrespectfully with Buddha statues, and lower yourself rather than standing over seated monks or images.