Despite the tropical heat and humidity, resist the urge to shed layers of clothing. Minimal attire may be appropriate at the beach but generally not in public. You will observe that local residents are rather conservative in this regard. Thai men wear collared shirts and long trousers and women are dressed modestly. Visitors may sport skimpy tops and shorts in tourist areas but this is not acceptable at sacred sites such as temples and palaces.
Just past the guards, at the entrance to the Grand Palace grounds, you will see a board illustrating exactly what constitutes respectful clothing for visitors touring the extensive complex. Anyone with bare shoulders, exposed midriffs and bare legs will not be admitted. I had read that knees also had to be covered. This was not quite correct. Ankle length pants or skirts are expected.
I thought I was prepared. The “fashion police” eyeball all visitors. I am tall and my capris were deemed not long enough so I had to rent a sarong. Apparently, this is an ongoing issue so they are ready with temporary fixes.
There is also a measuring stick at the turnstile to double check length of garments. I didn’t pass this test either. A female attendant came over to assist me. We ended up tying the piece of fabric around my hips to get an extra inch or so. Meanwhile, I was thinking about several full length garments back at the hotel in my suitcase that would have avoided this problem. I was becoming a little irritated and wondered if I would even get in.
I was finally approved to enter. So, here I am in my top and a borrowed bottom, layered over my own bottoms. Only a hat, gloves and socks would have provided more complete coverage.
Once inside, I did notice that these rules were NOT applied consistently. Just come prepared.