Tourists in bikinis in front of Chiang Mai's temple: a scandal sparked!

Tourists in bikinis in front of Chiang Mai's temple: a scandal sparked!

On January 7, 2025, an incident in Chiang Mai caused a stir on social media. Foreign tourists were seen relaxing in bikinis in the moat in front of Wat Ratchamonthian temple. This thoughtless action quickly gained traction on various platforms and gained the attention of the local community.

An alert website administrator witnessed the event while driving through the city center on January 5, 2025 at around 1 p.m. His displeasure with the behavior of the tourists, which was considered inappropriate in a culturally and religiously important center like Chiang Mai, did not go unnoticed. Of particular concern was the fact that one of the women pointed her feet towards the temple, which is considered disrespectful in Thailand.

A call for sensitivity

Numerous users expressed their opinions about the incident on social media. While many showed understanding for cultural differences, the question arose as to whether tourists are sufficiently informed about local customs and customs. The discussion about respect and sensitivity to cultural values ​​is particularly important considering that Wat Ratchamonthian is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a central religious site.

The temple, built in the 19th century during the reign of King Rama V, houses many historical and cultural values. Visitors are invited to visit daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - entry fee is 50 baht for adults and 20 baht for children. If you want to take photos, you should plan an additional 30 baht.

Rules for visiting

Anyone making their way to Wat Ratchamonthian must adhere to certain dress codes. Discretion is the order of the day: shorts, sleeveless tops or revealing clothing are not permitted. To ensure that all visitors are dressed respectfully, some temples provide sarongs that can be donned before entering the prayer area.

These events remind us of the importance of respect and understanding, especially in a world that is so diverse and diverse. Every visitor should take the time to appreciate the culture and respect the values ​​of the places they travel to. While the incident has caused great excitement, it also offers an opportunity to reflect on cultural differences and raise awareness. In Chiang Mai, a city full of history and tradition, it is even more important to appreciate the cultural and historical context and act with respect.

For more information on this topic and temple visitation numbers, visit coverage at Vietnam.vn.