What To Wear In Thailand
To sum it up - This is a conservative country - dress respectfully
- There is an amazing choice of very smart hotels, bars and restaurants often with a very western feel and it is easy to forget that whilst the hotels may look the same as in the west the Thai people are conservative people.
- They are quite modest dressers and it's an integral part of their culture, not a fashion statement.
- No matter how hot it is, don't wear sleeveless tops or short shorts when in public areas.
- Showing cleavage is also a bad idea and is thought to be in bad taste.
- Neat, clean clothing makes you look good and is the best bet for good respect from the Thais'.
- If you are staying in an hotel it's as well to take a light weight cardigan or shawl as the air conditioning can at times be fierce.
- People seem to make more of an effort to dress smartly for dinner in the hotels and a smart top or dress and shoes will be useful.
- If you are going to visit any temples wear shirts or blouses with sleeves and carry a sarong or wear a skirt. Also remember that you will have to take off your shoes. Wear shoes that can be easily removed because you cannot wear shoes in the Buddhist temples. Socks are considered poor form and tacky. Comfortable flip flops or sandals work well if trainers or walking shoes don't appeal.
- Northern Thailand enjoys a hot daytime temperatures throughout the year although evening temperatures are a good deal lower from October - March when you will need to pack warmer layers or a pashmina for the evenings. Good sturdy walking shoes are vital. Make sure you take plenty of sun cream and bug spray with you as it is very difficult to buy locally in the north and if you do happen to find some - it will be expensive.
- If you're planning Elephant trekking or even a short ride on one – make sure you have long trousers because you will get dirty and dusty – if not wet.
- If your trip includes Thailand's islands the key word here is ‘relaxed'. All types of dress are acceptable here and you'll see a huge variety. The weather's always hot, so you really don't need much and if you're backpacking, it pays to pack light. Our advice is to take a day pack with you and buy everything there – clothes and toiletries are just so cheap that it's really not worth carrying them from one country to the other and then back again.
- If you're here on business then a smart suit is the order of the day, Thai women would normally where a skirt suit rather than a trouser suit.
Your thoughts
Thanx so much for the very helpful email, will take take your advice on board! Angela UK
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