I'm planning on conservative clothing for most of our trip to Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia (no shorts, etc.). But what about at the pool or swimming at a waterfall? My daughter needs a new bathing suit and asked if she should go conservative - as in, a one-piece. I told her I didn't know, but would see what I could find out. So - what say you?
Thanks,
Karen

(Surely you didn't think I was done with my questions, did you?)

Two piece bathing suits are okay but I would stay away from tiny bikinis, although I have seen people wearing them, but, these are modest peoples and out of respect, I think it's best to cover up a little more than you might in some other places. I would definitely stay away from those thong jobs.

I concur with Laurie on this. If you are thinking about swimming in a waterfall in Northern Thailand, I'd be more conservative than at a pool at a hotel.

Thanks for the responses. I'll have her get either a one-piece or a modest two-piece. (And I'm all about modesty! Definitely a one-piece for me.)

karen---you are allowed to skinny dip late at nite....

No Bob, in Southeast Asia, you are only allowed to skinny dip in Crocodile infested waters... Crocodiles don't really digest bathing costumes
Modesty is indeed the key in Southeast Asia! Far to often tourists think that because the locals don't say anything it's okay... but it's not!

Oh, so I can only skinny-dip late at night in crocodile-infested waters. Gee, it's hardly worth going!

THAT'S IT CANCEL THE WHOLE TRIP....IT LOOKS BORING ANYWAYS....

You guys really want the crocodiles to be hungry?

Pandas eat crocodiles for snacks. Hence, we wear enticing swimming costumes.

Me Panda, I usually wear nothing at all on the beach... but I usually only go to the beach here in Europe! ;-)
In Thailand, I even went swimming once with a short and T-shirt (together with some Thai students who were wearing the same)

Thierry-exactly how fierce are the infamous European crocodiles? When we're in Europe, we follow the same minimalist form. In my case, it's not so pretty. If you have the time and inclination, you could review the Fodors archives for endless discussions on shorts, sandals and othet informa attire. It seems all posters have a very firmly held opinion (all different) on exactly what the Thai people think is appropriate. It's somewhat amusing.

Me Panda? You do me great honor.

I guess when it comes to attire in Asia it’s always best to look at the “rich” locals. Although many of us, including myself ;-), do not consider ourselves as rich, as a tourist spending a local year income on a trip, you just can’t convince the locals of anything else.
As a male (who can usually do in just shorts) I have easy speaking but I would say that in some very off-the-beaten track places in Cambodia and Laos, it might even be worth considering to wear a sarong on top of a one or two-piece swimsuit.
The more off-the-beaten track you go, the more conservative it gets from my experience!

And for your information : Although I never regretted being dressed to conservative (usually 2 long trousers and 2 shirts is all I pack on a trip where no beach is included), I did sometimes feel sorry for other tourists I met on the road….
eg. Western backpackers (yes I am travelling with a convertible travel pack to and not a suitcase) dressed like poor Thai farmers travelling around Thailand, my fellow European citizens walking in just Speedo’s and sandals on the STREETS of Khao Lak, a French lady bathing topless in a thong on a crowded beach in Ko Samet where the two of us (me bathing in shorts and t-shirt) where the only Farangs….

I find that story about the beach in Kho Samet being crowded with Thais a bit over the top. Thais don't go near the beach except to sell stuff to the farangs. Are you sure they weren't just farangs with a good tan? And BTW "vivent les Francaises!"

To underline the modesty of the Thais, even the girls sitting waiting for custom behind the glass wall in a massage parlour are dressed as if for a day at the races. Mind you, once alone with you in the private sphere of the massage/bath-room it is a different matter. Even body-hair is then seen to be an encumbrance - WOW

Harzer

No, they were certainly no Farangs! It was back in 1997 during a weekend and that particular beach (not Ao Pai which the Thais already called something like “white ass beach” at that time but if my memories are right it was only a 20 minute walk from there) was very crowded with Thai people and I was playing soccer with a bunch of Thai students from Bangkok when miss white ass went for a swim in the above described attire.
We went for a swim afterwards too with t-shirt&shorts and I got drunk with my new friends in the night… I haven’t been back to Ko Samet since then, so I don’t know how it is today!

Harzer - you obviously frequent upmarket kind of places! I can't see any of the Thai girls waiting for custom that I have seen at Royal Ascot

I had no idea this post would end up being so amusing.