What to Do At the Wat: Advice for Visiting a Buddhist Temple

Ryan Farley | March 4, 2016

No Footsy at the Temple

Next up are those dirty, sandal-tanned feet. In Thai culture, feet are considered both literally and figuratively the lowest part of your body. Regardless of whether you’re in the temple or Burger King, NEVER move anything with your feet, and never show the bottoms of your feet to anyone. Just think of your feet as extended middle fingers and try to avoid directing them toward anyone, exponentially so for monks.

If you’re lucky enough to receive a water blessing, or a simple conversation with a monk, make sure to sit with your feet tucked underneath your butt (facing away from any Buddha images or other monks). Monks will sit cross-legged and above you. But hey, they’re not allowed to after noon and must walk everywhere barefoot, so don’t be jealous of their lax foot etiquette.

Ryan Farley / Own Work

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