Buddhism is the official religion of Thailand, and you will find spectacularly embellished temples (called wats) everywhere you go. Buddha images (statues and paintings) may not be exported from the country without special permission. Most shops can supply you with the necessary paperwork.

          Temple etiquette requires women and men to cover their legs and arms, so keep this in mind if you plan to visit a temple. Some temples will provide a sarong or other covering for tourists caught unprepared. Keep your head lower than the Buddha’s head and never point the soles of your feet to the Buddha or to anyone else if you can avoid it.

          Southern Thailand has a large Muslim population and mosques can be found throughout the region. Thai Muslims and Buddhists get along quite well despite the troubles in the far southern provinces bordering Malaysia.