I'll be going to Japan on business this month than vacation in Bangkok. I would like to pack light for THailand in order to purchase clothing while there. I'm 6' and wondering if that is possible. Will I be able to buy off the rack or will my height require that I have everything custom made?

Depends what you want to wear. If you are happy in flip flops, shorts and t-shirts you will be able to buy it all in Thailand. If you want real Hugo Boss shirts you may find it more difficult in Bangkok but will be fine in Tokyo.

Business ends in Japan, I will strickly be looking for casual clothing while in Bangkok. Altho I may have a suit/shirts custom made, I would like to take advantage of the cheap clothing to purchase a new summer wardrobe.

I'm 6' 1"(185cm) and I find clothes easy enough in Bangkok especailly in western type shops. Waist size is more important as most store will not carry anything larger than a 36" waist.

i am a big guy...mostly around, although i too am 6'...you will find the sleeves short for you if you buy long sleeve (and if you have custom made shirts, allow plenty for sleeve shrinkage, at least an inche)<BR>you will find lots of knock off stuff...very, very cheap say $3-$5 for nice polo shirts with most any designer name on it....i had two pair of wool blend grey slacks made this fall for about $36 pair....leave plenty of time for fittings...at least 2 or more for the best fit...don't buy the cheapest package deals (3 shirts, two suits, two pairs of slacks for $199.) select what you want early in your trip and allow the time for them to be made or you may be disappointed....one to two weeks is best, with the accent on 2 weeks...they can be done much sooner but that is when you have trouble...i like monet on the 2nd floor of the mall in front of the marriott resort and spa...his 6 shirts for $80 are great...i am on my 3rd set....not because they wore out...they haven't..<BR>you can have anything made...top coats, tux, suits, blazers, bathrobes, etc....bring pictures of what you like and/or a sample of something you like and they will copy it...they also often have fashion mags to look at<BR>i have trouble with my waist but not my height in ready made...have a blast it is unbelievable

Thanks for the help. <BR><BR>Bob, I'm at the JW Marriott in between Siam Sq and Sukmuvit. Is that the sam hotel you refer to? <BR>

ken...no that is the jw marriott...a very nice upscale hotel in a great location, but the one i am referring to is the bangkok marriott resort and spa which is on the river....we much prefer it although we always stay at the jw for a few days too...last fall we stayed there a total of 6 nites in two stays between hops to cambodia and to myanmar....<BR>the pool is small and not deep...only good for refreshing yourself...only 4 feet deep, same all over...good for laps and that is all.<BR><BR>at the resort and spa it is a freeform pool, 4 times bigger than at the jw and in a beautiful landscapped garden...we often spend the whole day there or most of it....the spa also tends to be cheaper, but not always...we paid $104 at the spa this year and $90 at the jw---i book way in advance...<BR>there is a free shuttle boat from the spa to the skytrain and to river city shopping center...<BR>the jw has a great location in the center of the city...it depends what you want...<BR>jw could just as well be in nyc or chicago or in munich...its a typical luxuary, high rise with beautiful public rooms and furnishings....nothing thai about it...<BR>the spa on the other hand is more thai, although owned by an american ex-pat, and more laid back...<BR>any questions my e is above.<BR><BR>enjoy <BR><BR>bob

I'm staying at the JW as I was able to reserve a week thru their &quot;frequent&quot; program. It appears that everyone has suits, jackets and shirts custom made however, has anyone had more casual clothing made. Thlings like shorts, short sleeve shirts and can therefore give prices.

I've read that the JW is near several department stores, any preferences as far as clothing?

we found that the gaysorn plaza on plenochit (a continuation of sukumvit) was very nice..very upscale however...not cheap like other places..the restaurant on the second floor was very good for lunch(called Senses)...<BR>malls in general there are quite expensive... even more than in the usa...you will find your bargains in the markets and along the streets: sukumvit, silom, patpong---afternoons and at night ...haven't been to the new &quot;night market&quot; on wireless road or in that area but it may be good as well..<BR>thais like designer stuff so there is a lot of it....<BR><BR>directly across the street from the main entrance to the world trade center in a 2-3 story store called, something like narayana, which has very good buys on clothes in the basement<BR><BR>further up the main drag from the world trade center, past siam square is a whole building called, MBK....it is not to be believed...more cheap stuff of every description than you have ever seen--skytrain stop: national stadium...a must for you to shop<BR><BR>restaurants near jw: soi 12 (i think) 2 restaurants side by side: cabbages and condoms (reasonable) average thai food...crepes and co---more expensive but excellent food..we went 3 times this past trip<BR>harmonique, soi 34 from new road near the river, near oriental and shangra-la hotels..<BR>gourmet gallery--off a side street off soi 39, sukumvit road...medium price western food...you must have the onion soup with the &quot;hat&quot; (pastry cover)...we also went there 3 times--great deserts--<BR>indian restaurant in rembrandt hotel, soi 18, sukumvit rd--also the mexican restaurant is excellent...indian restaurant is up high and has great view and a fabulous indian sunday brunch<BR>bob