Need help on what to wear and pack for Bangkok around this time of the year
May 4th, 2009, 05:07 AM
#21
And as an older woman I find the suggestion that I should wear a long skirt instead of trousers totally bizarre! I've worn trousers all round SEA, and will continue to do so, and I certainly don't feel I'm violating local mores by doing so. (On the other hand, I wouldn't consider wearing a tank top.) Does this poster perhaps belong to some religion that has dress codes that he's trying to inflict on others?
May 4th, 2009, 08:21 AM
#22
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Vientianeboy, what part of my post do you maintain is simply not true?
I have visited Bangkok 20 + times. In the last few years, I do occasionally see a few Thais wearing shorts in Bangkok, but it is by no means the norm. Carol is reporting that she is seeing more Thais wearing shorts. This may be a seasonal issue as I am typically in Bangkok in October-November-December-January. I could count the number of Thais I saw on the street or in the skytrain wearing shorts on both hands in the 8 days I was in Bangkok in November. One does see westerners in all sorts of clothing... which is not necessarily a good thing.
While no one would ever mistake me for being Thai, I prefer to follow the norms of the places I visit. And I stand by my statement that "you won't be allowed into wats, royal properties, the Oriental Hotel, or a number of nice bars and restaurants" while wearing shorts. Take a look at the signs at the Grand Palace/Emerald Buddha entrance - even capris are indicated that they are not allowed (though a few people have reported being allowed in wearing capris, others have been turned away).
I have visited Bangkok 20 + times. In the last few years, I do occasionally see a few Thais wearing shorts in Bangkok, but it is by no means the norm. Carol is reporting that she is seeing more Thais wearing shorts. This may be a seasonal issue as I am typically in Bangkok in October-November-December-January. I could count the number of Thais I saw on the street or in the skytrain wearing shorts on both hands in the 8 days I was in Bangkok in November. One does see westerners in all sorts of clothing... which is not necessarily a good thing.
While no one would ever mistake me for being Thai, I prefer to follow the norms of the places I visit. And I stand by my statement that "you won't be allowed into wats, royal properties, the Oriental Hotel, or a number of nice bars and restaurants" while wearing shorts. Take a look at the signs at the Grand Palace/Emerald Buddha entrance - even capris are indicated that they are not allowed (though a few people have reported being allowed in wearing capris, others have been turned away).
May 4th, 2009, 05:05 PM
#23
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Kathie, you may have visited about 20+ times. However I live here permanently. Amongst the younger set shorts and tank tops are common. The statement you made "Thais do not consider shorts to be appropriate city attire," is just not correct. In fact the Bkk Post had an article a few weeks ago railing against the inappropriate clothing of university students - not that uni students wear shorts, but they wear very short skirts and tight tops. If you re read my original post you will find that I said if you wear knee length, or just below knee length, shorts you will have no problems.
Should you go to work or go to a government office on business, (even visa renewal for westerners), the situation is, of course, different. Business attire is required or the government officials will think you are disrespectful of the office.
Should you go to work or go to a government office on business, (even visa renewal for westerners), the situation is, of course, different. Business attire is required or the government officials will think you are disrespectful of the office.
May 5th, 2009, 12:51 AM
#25
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Mango7, thank you for your insight into the Thai fashion trend. You are quite correct that Thailand have only recently been exposed to North American culture and fashion and in no time we will look and behave like Americans. In the near future(you predicted 5 years right?) we will all be wearing clothes from the Gap, Old Navy(probably made in China or Thailand as it has been for over 25 years) and no one will "wai" each other anymore. Shorts will be the norm and gone will be the street food and only fast food franchises will be left. Come to think of it you will no longer need to travel to Thailand!
May 5th, 2009, 06:21 AM
#26
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Hanuman, I cringe to think of what Thailand will morph into in the very near future. It makes me very sad to see such a wonderful culture begin to dissolve away with its youth. It is slowly and tragically becoming America. This was especially evident on this most recent trip. This is the way of the world I'm afraid. I'm sure the food will always be good, if nothing else!! :]
May 6th, 2009, 12:25 PM
#27
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Hi Ken... didn't you say you are going back to BKK right after Brad gets home in a couple of weeks? Be sure to say hi to Maeng when you go.
BTW, did you see that DEGAS stopped by to see Maeng about a month ago? She told me that someone from the internet came in and asked about me. She showed him the pictures on the wall of DH and me. I was trying to figure out who it might be! I would never have guess it was Degas, as I know he has been staying close to home, fighting illness. Good to know that he is able to travel again. He says he did Maeng's and Via vai (soi 8 pizza place).
This thread on what to wear has turned rather bizarre, IMO. My concern is comfort. I do wear tennies and the small ankle high socks because my feet burn on the bottom if I wear flip flops. No one is laughing at me (that I know of).
Carol
BTW, did you see that DEGAS stopped by to see Maeng about a month ago? She told me that someone from the internet came in and asked about me. She showed him the pictures on the wall of DH and me. I was trying to figure out who it might be! I would never have guess it was Degas, as I know he has been staying close to home, fighting illness. Good to know that he is able to travel again. He says he did Maeng's and Via vai (soi 8 pizza place).
This thread on what to wear has turned rather bizarre, IMO. My concern is comfort. I do wear tennies and the small ankle high socks because my feet burn on the bottom if I wear flip flops. No one is laughing at me (that I know of).
Carol
May 7th, 2009, 08:00 PM
#28
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Getting back to the original topic, I always pack a few linen shirts and lightweight cotton polo tops and t-shirts and a few shorts. 1 pair of slides and a pair of canvas shoes.
I tend to buy alot over there and I am of medium/large build and have no trouble finding clothing to fit.
Places like the Grand Palace will always give you a sarong type wrap to cover your legs so if you dont want to wear long pants you certainly dont have to. I will generally get some pants made in my first few days, so if we end up at a high end restaraunt (unlikely with kids) I can always use them but I have never ended up needing too. I have never been knocked back anywhere in Thailand in nice shorts and a polo top, but then I dont stay at the Oriental.
Anyway, you have probably already returned from Bangkok by now so this will be of no use to you at all,just like most of this thread.
I tend to buy alot over there and I am of medium/large build and have no trouble finding clothing to fit.
Places like the Grand Palace will always give you a sarong type wrap to cover your legs so if you dont want to wear long pants you certainly dont have to. I will generally get some pants made in my first few days, so if we end up at a high end restaraunt (unlikely with kids) I can always use them but I have never ended up needing too. I have never been knocked back anywhere in Thailand in nice shorts and a polo top, but then I dont stay at the Oriental.
Anyway, you have probably already returned from Bangkok by now so this will be of no use to you at all,just like most of this thread.
Jan 26th, 2017, 06:09 PM
#29
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Hi to all!! I'm planning to visit Bangkok from feb 27 to March 9. It will be my first time so I have been reading a lot of what to and not to bring and/or do... however the trip although it's a fun one, it will be with my husband's coworkers and colleagues including management. We will have a welcome dinner at the Peninsula Hotel in Bangkok and a farewell dinner at the JW Marriott in Phuket so I was wondering if someone could help with proper attire for a less "personal vacation" and a tiny bit more "business fun" because we will be going with management and clients. Other than the 2 dinners the rest of the time will be for exploring and 1 or 2 excursions. Also, could I bring hair dryer/straightener? I have heard I will need a converter to plug?
Thank you!
Thank you!
Jan 26th, 2017, 06:17 PM
#30
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gvmatthews, you have pulled up a very old thread to add to. If you start a thread of your own you are more likely to get useful answers to your questions. Click the orange button at the op of the page to start a new topic.
