Can I Wear a Bikini in Thailand?

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If you’re headed to the stunning beaches of Thailand, you’re likely wondering: Can you wear a bikini in Thailand?

I’ve been all around Thailand, spending weeks living on the small island of Koh Tao and the bigger islands of Phuket and Koh Samui. I’ve spent time on some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, cooled off in many hotel pools, and a lot of days on scuba diving boats. And I’ve worn a bikini in all of these places.

Thai culture is much more conservative than many other places in the world, including the United States and most of Europe. Women tend to dress much more modestly than we are used to. 

But because most Thai locals are used to seeing tourists in different beach fashions, tourists get a lot of leeway when it comes to what they wear.

It won’t cause a stir to wear your bikini in Thailand (with some exceptions). 

As a solo female traveler who has been to over 50 countries, I’m always mindful of the culture around me, and attempt to dress respectfully, while still feeling a little sexy! For the most part, a bikini in Thailand is acceptable, with some things to keep in mind.

So, if you’re wondering what to wear when visiting Thailand beaches, you should consider the country’s cultural norms and etiquette. I’ll share some tips on what to wear on Thailand beaches and other cultural norms you may not have heard of!

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Can I Wear a Bikini in Thailand?

Yes, you can wear a bikini in Thailand when you’re on the beach or at the pool. 

While Thailand is a conservative country where women dress quite modestly, popular beach towns are used to tourists from all around the world, and won’t be offended by most bikinis. 

This is different from countries in the Middle East like Jordan, where I did not feel like wearing a bikini in public was acceptable, for the most part. I didn’t even wear a bikini while scuba diving in Jordan!

Swimsuits in Thailand should be worn at the beach or pool, and tourists should change or wear cover-ups when not at the beach or pool. It would be considered strange and even disrespectful to wear beachwear while walking on the street or eating a meal.

I’ve talked to locals who told me they find it disrespectful when they see young backpackers running around town in super short, cut-off shorts or tops with too much skin showing. So you do want to keep in mind the conservative culture when packing your bags for Thailand.

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Respect for Local Culture on Beaches in Thailand

Bikinis in Thailand are very common among tourists. 

That being said, you may want to leave your skimpiest bikinis at home. 

It’s rare that you’ll see the locals wearing a bikini in Thailand. So, wearing super tiny bikinis in Thailand is probably not the most respectful move. If you want to wear a bikini in Thailand that’s on the skimpier side, save it for when you are surrounded by tourists rather than locals. 

Thai swimsuits tend to be more modest. I’ve seen Thai women wearing one-piece suits or even t-shirts and shorts while swimming at the beach. It’s important to remember that modesty is highly valued in Thai culture, so skimpy beachwear isn’t always appreciated.

Additionally, white skin is considered more beautiful here, so women often cover up to prevent accidental skin tanning, which contributes to the modest beach culture.

Where Bikinis in Thailand Are Discouraged

While most tourist hotspots are bikini zones, there are some places in Thailand where you shouldn’t wear a bikini.

There are 9 different islands that are under the Thai Navy’s jurisdiction. These are pretty off-the-beaten-path destinations, so it’s unlikely you would happen upon them by chance.

These beaches in Thailand are attempting to persuade tourists to cover up at the beach!
Chon Buri called Koh Samae San island in Chon Buri is part of Thailand’s Navy’s territories, and they post “no bikini” signs. 

While bikinis in Thailand are not banned, in naval territory, it’s strongly preferred that you cover up.

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Where to Buy a Bikini in Thailand

Fortunately for tourists, there are plenty of places to buy a bikini in Thailand. 

Shopping malls in the cities tend to have larger selections of both local and international brands, giving visitors a great variety of choices for what they’re looking for. 

In many beach towns, boutiques offer a more unique selection of swimwear along with great prices. Whether you’re looking for something basic or something more stylish, you can find it in Thailand without any problem.

I was initially worried about finding a bathing suit in Thailand that would fit my curvy shape. 

Many Asian brands tend to focus more on petite body shapes, so I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to find something. However, when I visited the mall in Bangkok, I was pleasantly surprised. 

It took some searching but eventually, I found a store that had a variety of swimsuits for curvy girls like me. Even though the prices were comparable to those in Western countries, it was great to finally find something that fit me perfectly and made me feel confident on the beach.

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Do’s and Don’t’s: Thai Etiquette

While Thailand is used to welcoming tourists from all around the world, there are some cultural rules you should follow to ensure you are a respectful traveler.

Do’s:

• Do wear a bikini at the beach or pool, except for on islands under naval jurisdiction where “no bikini” signs are posted.
• Do wear a modest cover-up when walking to/from the beach or pool.
• Do cover your shoulders and knees when visiting a temple.
• Do remove your shoes before entering temples, homes, or massage parlors.
• Do keep public conversations low volume and respectful.

Don’t’s:

• Don’t wear beachwear away from the beach or pool.
• Don’t wear your skimpiest bikini in Thailand, especially when locals are nearby.
• Don’t go topless at the beach (or anywhere).
• Don’t smoke on the beach, at night markets, or anywhere where a no-smoking sign is posted.
• Don’t drink alcohol in public or on the beach unless you’re at a private beach club.
• Don’t show too much physical affection with your partner in public, although hand-holding is usually fine.
• Don’t do or say anything disrespectful about the Thai Royal Family – it’s illegal.

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What to Pack for Thailand

• Lightweight and Breathable Clothing – especially in Thailand’s hot and humid climate. I mostly wear athleisure-style clothes.
• Modest clothing for Temple Visits – This should cover your shoulders and knees. I often just wrap a sarong around my waist for temple visits.
• Swimwear – but make sure you have a sarong or shorts to wear on the way to and from the beach or pool. It is considered disrespectful to wear immodest clothing in public.
• Comfortable footwear – A good pair of sandals for beaches, pools, and hostel showers, and a comfortable pair of shoes for exploring cities.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, a sunhat, insect repellent, and after-bite cream if needed. You can always pick up extra when you need it.
• Travel Towel – This comes in handy for beach days. 
• Daypack – I prefer to bring a daypack when traveling so I can carry all the essentials with me during my explorations.
• Handheld Fan – one of the best ways to keep cool in Thailand’s hot and humid climate.
• Filter Water Bottle – Make sure you stay hydrated while exploring Thailand!
• Raincoat or Poncho – it can rain at any time during the wet season.
• AirTag – a must-have for keeping track of your belongings while traveling.
• Kindle – perfect for reading when you’re on the go.
• Power Bank/Portable Charger – essential for keeping your devices charged while abroad.
• Earplugs and Eye mask – these will help you get a better rest at night, especially in hostels.
• Travel Insurance – This is essential for any traveler. I don’t go anywhere without my travel insurance.
• International Driver’s Permit (IDP) – a legal requirement if you plan to rent or drive a vehicle in Thailand. You’re required to have a motorcycle designation for renting a scooter (although I don’t have mine yet).

Read my complete packing list for more of my favorite items!

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Thailand Bikini FAQs: 

Wrap Up: Can I Wear Bikinis in Thailand

When visiting Thailand, it is perfectly acceptable to wear a bikini on the beach or at the pool. 

However, it is important to remember that Thailand is a more conservative country with modest dress codes. Many locals will stay fully covered up while at the beach. 

It’s best to avoid wearing your skimpiest, sexiest bikini and look for something with a little bit of coverage. 

When leaving the beach or pool, you should cover up and not walk around town in immodest clothing. 

Walking around a big city like Bangkok in a bikini would be equivalent to walking around a city like London or New York in a bikini – it would be so strange!

Even if you can wear something more revealing than what locals would typically wear at the beach or pool area – it doesn’t mean that you should! 

Now that you’ve packed your bikini, let me tell you why Chiang Mai, a city in the north that doesn’t have any beaches, is still worth visiting!

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