Shoes in Thailand
 

I've been perusing some of the messages on this board, and I've seen a few people mention that they were given a hard time for wearing sandals at the Oriental. On the other hand, many people have recommended only taking sandals because of the heat. We will be staying there for a night while we're in Bangkok, and I was wondering if sandals are still taboo. If so, what would be more appropriate? Thanks!

I have never had a problem wearing sandals in the Oriental, and I was only eating or just passing thru. I was wearing nice outfits though, and my sandals were not Tevas either.

If you're a guest, you can wear whatever, but they are not thrilled with the backpacker look and may not be as welcoming if that's your style.

You can wear sandals with back straps just about anywhere (you will have to take them off anyway to get in the temples). Save your flip flops for around your room and swimming pool.

its what sometimes goes along with the sandals that the oriental has objected to sometimes....sloppy dress, short shorts, certain T shirts....tourists looking around at an icon....

you should be fine....for the last two trips my wife has only taken sandals and had no problem...

So we're not supposed to look like tourists? I have some sandals that are more dressy but my kids only own Tevas and would balk at having to dress up in the heat.

I've told the boys they need long pants and short sleeve shirts for the temple/palace visits. They have khaki colored hiking pants which I'm assuming will be OK?

Can teenagers look like teenagers? They are obviously American tourists and will no doubt look like it.

Deb

Thais are more conservative in dress than Americans are. They consider being too uncovered or too sloppy as signs of disrespect. Thus, the very clear and conservative dress guidelines for the Grand Palace/Emerald Buddha complex. Dress with consideration of the cultural norms of the place you are visiting and you will make yourselves welcome anywhere you travel.

You might consider purchasing zip-off pants. You'll usually find them at outdoor stores. We leave for Bangkok tomorrow and purchased a few pairs at REI: http://www.rei.com/online/store/Sear...t=REI_SEARCH:C

Does anyone know what is meant by "private butler service" at the Oriental? We're staying there one night and don't know what to expect. Also, I have read that tipping is not expected in Thailand; does this mean we should not to tip someone if they carry our luggage to our room?

the butler is a person available on your floor to assist you with anything you might want...more towels, shoe shinnng, simple directions, draw a bath for you, freshen up your flowers, walk your dog or husband....

Contrary to some people's opinions here, one can look quite stylish in Tevas!! Joke alert.....(This comment is meant as a joke! I am joking!) I am not being nasty here. I am joking!

Mine cost a lot of bucks and I've worn them "everywhere" without anyone threatening to evict me. If one dresses stylishly (even stylishly impoverished) one will fit in, even at the Oriental.

I guess they have an image to uphold and my $US500 travelling outfit might not impress them, but if I wore my US30 cheap frock and my US30 super-cheap Gucci-copy pumps, (purchased in Sri Lanka) they might be more impressed and allow me to visit their estemmed establishment and maybe rent me a room!

Don't worry queen, just dress neatly and tidily, (i.e iron your clothes!!) & you should be fine!

As for tourists just looking around-we might even stay there if the mgt & staff related well to us, instead of looking down their noses at people who cannot pack for every occasion. Top hat & tails & diamond tiaras just don't travel well in a backpack and weigh us down!

I thoroughly enjoyed visiting both the Peninsula and the Oriental. The concierge was exceedingly generous with his time telling me a great deal of the history of the Oriental Hotel. I was casually dressed in cotton pants and a collared short sleeve shirt. Lunch at Le Normandie, prix fixe, while not your usual Thai menu was probably the meal I enjoyed most while visiting Thailand.