I usually lurk/post on the Europe board but I am going on my first trip to Thailand this April. I am the independent traveler who spends months researching every little detail and planning, planning, planning. Well, this trip is different. I am going on a tour. Gadzooks! It was too good to pass up and unfortunately none of my travel buddies wanted to go to Thailand.... so off I go on the tour. I have been reading about what you can/cannot wear to the Grand Palace in Bangkok. I'm going to take four pair of capri's but don't think I'll be able to get into the Grand Palace wearing them. I always wear my fav jeans on the plane because I get cold. So, my question is (finally), can I wear jeans to the Grand Palace? They fit nicely, have no holes but are a bit faded. What do all you fashionistas think, can will it work or do I need to take something else? Thanks Barb

hi Barb we are going to Thailnd in April for the first time too....It seems to me that the people here on the board say it's very hot in April (like august in south florida)....so I plan to go as cool as I can and still have all the parts like arms and legs covered...now if we can just find a lightweight top with sleeves and a long skirt all in cotton that you cant see through...

Yes, April is very hot and very humid in Bangkok. Loose-fitting clothes made of natural fabrics seem to be best, even though you will see many young Thai women in jeans.

As far as the Grand Palace goes, you must have on full length pants (or a skirt) and your shoulders must be covered. If the guard thinks your clothing is inappropriate, there is a counter that can lend you a wrap-around skirt or a shirt, if needed. If I remember correctly, no flip-flops on foreigners are allowed.

I find skirts cooler than pants, and wear sleeveless or short sleeved t-shirts and carry a long sleeved gauze shirt to put on in temples and indoors (where the air con is too cold for me). I've bought lightweight wrap skirts on the street in past trips and they are great. Easy to pack - they roll up small - and dress up or down depending on shoes and tops.

Rather than cotton, I find that I like the moisture wicking sports fabrics best for hot and humid climates. All the big sports names have a wide variety of clothing made from this type of fabric. I never feel sticky, and as an added bonus, the things handwash with ease and dry in an hour.

hypatia, I understand your search. I have been checking our various stores and travel clothing web-sites, but unfortunately, all I see to find is snow gear on sale or last seasons leftovers. I may take one skirt that I have but only for dress-up, I don't really like to wear a skirt for daily wear as I am just not comfortable in it.

OJudy, thank you about the tip about flip flops. I will probably wear my Rockports that look like snazy tennis shoes because I need more support than sandals or flip flops provide.

KimJapan, I like your suggestion of bringing along a long sleeve gauze blouse, now I just have to find one. I tried on several moisture wicking tops and pants today at a local travel store but found the sizes and fit were kind of weird. OH, maybe it' me that's shaped weird!

So, is the consensus skip the jeans, or take the risk?

Thanks Barb

I have been to Bangkok twice this year, once in Feb. and once in November. Both times I visited The Grand Palace and both times I wore capris, no problem! I also wore semi fancy flip flop type sandles on my last trip.

I was in Thailand both times during the "cool" season and it was hell hot. I can't imagine what it will be like in April.

Did you already book your tour? I just returned from a 5 week solo trip in SE Asia and felt perfectly comfortable and safe at all times.

Let us know how the tour turns out, ok?

Cheers!

Hi Barb-

I always take jeans to Europe, but never to Thailand, it's just too darn hot! You will probably be sweaty and uncomfortable in them. Even leightweight chinos (Dockers) would be better.
If you're not comfortable in a skirt, then try to find some lightweight cotton pants. There may not be anything in the stores right now, but you should be able to find something before April. Or, you could wait until you get there and buy something on the street there very cheap.
As for "travel" clothes, I agree, they do have an awkward fit, especially on women. While I like the concept, I almost never buy them because of they way they look (bad!) on me.

The signs at the Grand Palace/Emerald Buddha clearly say no capris and no flip flops. That said, some people have been allowed in with either flip-flops or capris. The question is whether it is worth the hassle if they won't let you in...

I reallt think jeans are too hot any time in Bangkok. Some locals do wear jeans but they are acclimated to the weather.

My capris tend to be long, not the ones just below the knees but a coupel of inches above the ankle.

Hi eurotraveler, Yes I booked the tour already with SmarTours. So cheap I figured I couldn't aford not to go. LOL. First tour I have planned to go on as I love to wing it myself. I'll let you know how it goes. I understand that it will be Hot, Hot, Hot. I live near Sacramento, CA so I know what hot is, but the humidity may be an issue.

Kristina, you are right. If I am patient the spring clothes will start showing up in the stores and I will be able to find what I need. I wear dockers now and wore them for a trip to Italy a few years back and absolutely sweated to death in them.

It was funny, I tried on a name brand travel t-shirt today, size L and I had to pour myself into it. It was ridiculously small. Then I tried on a pair of travel slacks and I would have to be 6'6" for them to be the correct length. So picture a very tall female basketball player with no chest! Good grief.

Kathie, I don't want to be turned away as I have a tight itineary and don't know if I'll ever make it back to Thailand. I am typically a rule follower, it makes life easier. My capris are long also, maybe 6 inches above the ankle. Hey, how about if I wear kneesocks with them!!!! LOL

Thanks Barb

Oops! That would be couple, not coupel. Wish we could edit our posts!

Babs, we were just in Sacramento for Christmas. Actually, in Rancho Murieta. We hit the Amador Wine Country. Yummy!

Check out www.sierratradingpost.com. They are an outlet type place and I can nearly always find some appropriate travel and/or activewear quick drying items there at very good prices.

Julies, we have a lot in common! I also shop there!

Eurotraveler, we love going to the Amador wineries. In fact we love Montevino winery so much we joined their wine club and they ship us wine direct! Hope you had a nice Christmas. We actually live in Elk Grove so we are not to far from Rancho Murieta.

julies, I checked out sierra trading post and they do have great bargins. Do you have problems with fit/sizing when you order from them or do the sizes follow the chart pretty well? I may have to try them out.
Thanks Barb

Small world. I spent Christmas in Elk Grove. But I like Bangkok better!

OJudy, I have a small world story for you. Several years ago I was standing in the hotel lobby of La Mamounia in Marrakech Morocco with my sister. Across the lobby she spied a girlfriend she had not seen in awhile. Neither knew the other would be there. Half way around the world we run into someone we know. Go figure.