kacollier

Our trip will take us to Luang Prabang, Siem Reap and Hanoi. Can someone give advice on appropriate dress for these trips. Since I am not a conservative dresser, I don't own much in the way of long skirts (knee length or shorter) nor items from Travelsmith. Any input as to what your wore or what the majority of tourists are wearing would help.

lcuy

if you keep your knees covered (capris, long pants, skirts), your shoulders covered (any type of short sleeves), and your cleavage covered you'll be fine.

I find that lightweight cotton pants and tops are cool and easy to wash/dry overnight. Dark colors won't show the dirt as easily.

thursdaysd

I second lcuy's advice - definitely cover knees and shoulders - and back and front - I once saw a woman wearing a totally inappropriate backless top in LP. Please don't. Definitely cotton - artificial fibers don't work well in the heat & humidity. Pants are fine, you don't have to have a skirt, just no shorts.

I usually take a long skirt or sarong to wear in the evening while my day clothes drip dry - you could plan to buy a sarong when you get there.

Kathie

You'll be more comfortable in pants than in short skirts. Especially in Siem Reap, there is lots of climbing. Also, avoid tank tops or similar tops, as those are considered too revealing.

kacollier

Thanks for the great info....but in the evening (when not temple hopping, etc) can I be a little more casual or dressy for dinner/bars? Thinking of a knee length or slightly above dress/skirt but not a mini. Something like an Ella Moss dress with cap sleeves or cotton skirt with tee. Or is that too "ugly" American?

Kathie

You can certainly wear a short dress/skirt in the evenings. And something sleeveless, but with a wrap is fine for evenings. The point is to be not too revealing. If you've been to Bangkok, note that all three places you are going are more conservative in terms of dress than Bangkok is.

impacked

Luang Prabang has killer shops as well as Hanoi you can find very fitted outfits that do no reveal skin.

Especially if you are in a tourist restaurant in the eve you can dress a little more funky and feel ok

Kathie

Luang Prabang now has killer shops? sigh.

impacked

Well, maybe I should rephrase that my saving there are shops with beautiful things. It would be easy to find a suitable outfit you would enjoy wearing while in Laos as well as back home.