Thailand - what to wear in November, and, cosmetics
 

Good evening

The trip is soon upon me. I tried to make the car reservations yesteday but Expedia kept hiccuping. Maybe tonight.

This trip is Bangkok, Chiang Mai, the Mae Hong Son Loop, and Krabi.

At any rate, how hot and humid will it be during November - early to late? Will it be too hot for jeans? It looks like high 80s to 90 during the day, but is that going to be very humid or mildly humid?

Would simply sundresses (sleeveless) be appropriate or is there some kind of dress code I should worry about? Are flip flops OK, or, will I want to have covered feet the whole time (due to safety or cleanliness more than being modest, I mean). Are shorts frowned upon outside of resorts? I don't tend to wear shorts at home but I thought I'd ask.

And as far as going to dinner, what level of dress should I take - would Desigual tops over white pants with sandals suffice, or should I take a few dresses? I am likely to buy clothing while I am there, at least the casual stuff. I have to figure out if I want to take a dress for a tailor to "copy" for me, or not.

As far as cosmetics: I am trying to figure out how much to pack. I am mostly thinking of night cream, sunscreen, and a good day cream like Oil of Olay Complete. I could take enough to last the whole trip but the weight all adds up. If I can find either western products there, or, good local ones, I don't need to load up for the trek. As far as makeup/mascara etc I am covered.

Any other tips from travelers along the above lines would be great.

It is always too hot for jeans in Thailand. November is actually a pretty moderate month in terms of weather. You will want lightweight clothing, and you'll want to cover as much skin as possible to keep the sun off you. I prefer natural fabrics, light cotton, linen blends, silk/linen blends, but some people prefer the synthetic wicking fabrics. For visiting temples, you'll need your shoulders covered. Long shorts are ok, though the Thais generally don't wear them. Flip flops are generally fine, though the dress code for the Grand Palace/Emerald Buddha forbids them.

Lots of interesting clothing available, both ready-made and custom-made. If you want custom-made clothing, do allow enough time for three fittings so you will get a real custom-made garment. Note that if you bring along a dress to be copied - if you actually have them copy it, you will end up with a copy of a ready made dress, not a custom-tailored dress. Do know what you want, but do have them custom-tailor it for you.

I've had quite a number of items made over the years, and I always get compliments on them.

Western goods are readily available, but you'll find wonderful local goods as well. One of the regulars, Smeagol, swears by the moisturizers sold at a shop in Siam Paragon. Sorry, I don't remember the name.

Lightweight, loose-fitting fisherman's trousers, sold everywhere.

Light colours are best, and aren't as attractive to insects.

A good hat, with a rim, for more protection from the heat.

Light, but sturdy shoes. I don't like flip-flops as I reckon they're a trip hazard, and you don't really want to hurt yourself.

Many, many folks wear blue jeans in T'land. And i find many on sale at the big shops. A bit cooler soon and don't forget, most Thais on motorbikes, so that makes sense as jeans offer warmth and protection. Western folks wear them too. It's hot but not humid, in CM. Jeans in Hong Kong are out of the question.
And i find many western ladies, and men, do not care to protect themselves from the sun. Old, leathery ladies, brown as a nut but wrinkled and tattooed. What a sight.
Should write a book 'i'll pass for non-farang'.

Some of my Thai friends wear jeans all the time! I have put on a pair once in a while myself in Bangkok and CM. But if you do take jeans, try to pick lighter weight denim and not something very heavy and stiff. Chiang Mai and the loop will be your coolest locations, and you may want a light sweater to cover your shoulders in the evenings. Weather in November should be quite nice. We will be in Thailand in December and expect fabulous weather!

I live in my Fit Flops everyday in Thailand. If you are trekking you will want something more protective, but for day to day wear, flip flops s/be just fine. You will remove shoes for temples, so flip flops are easily taken off! Your idea of sundresses and flip flops sounds good to me, as do capris and light weight (think gauze) tops. As has been mentioned, there will be dress codes for visiting temples. Shoulders and knees covered. They will rent (loan) you a piece of cloth to cover your legs if you have on something too short, IME.

Regarding cosmetics, you can buy pretty much anything you want in Bangkok! Chiang Mai also has a big mall (near the airport) with a Robinsons department store that will sell many well known brands.

I hope you have a fantastic time on your trip. Your plan sounds very do-able! Krabi is lovely!

I live in flip flops in SE Asia, the only downside is if it rains and gets muddy, you may end up with an interesting pattern on the back of your legs....then again, I have tough feet after a childhood lived largely without shoes in summer.

If you are the size of a typical Thai person, you will have no trouble finding all sorts of interesting clothes to buy. I bought a lovely sundress in Chiang Rai last Feb.

Our trip is coming up in two days, I'm packing one pair of just below knee shorts, one skirt of a similar length, one long wrap around skirt (longyi from Myanmar) three coordinated T-shirts, and a scrunchy silk short sleeved shirt. I'll have a warm hoodie, and light weight long cardigan. All are pretty much mix and match.

On the plane I'll wear my walking shoes.

It's quite the challenge to keep the carryon under the 7kg weight limit, but have bought a small wheeled case today that weighs only 1.7kg.

I never take jeans to SE Asia, it's generally too hot to wear them.

I also don't bother with makeup, it just sweats off. Moisturiser, sunscreen, insect repellent, and maybe lipstick will do for me.

Thank you everyone.

I agree with everyone's suggestions. I would add that I bring water shoes (Tevas, Keens, or similar). I like having them if I'm on a boat somewhere, but if it's raining (and it has a couple times in November when I've been there), it's nice to have shoes that provide support, but won't get ruined if they get wet. I'd opt for them over flip flops, unless you have a pair that offers goo support like Orthoheels.

Shop in Thailand! It's all there.

We were there in December. We travel with carry on only and I was happy I brought jeans - wore them every night in the north. Other than that you'll need 3 day outfits, 3 night outfits, comfortable dressy sandals, good walking shoes and Keens. Bathing suit, cover up, hat, sunglasses. Lots of pashminas there for A/C or a light sweater. Agree with everyone that you can find anything you need, but I would take sample sizes of the cosmetics you like so you don't waste time looking for them.

You are travelling in the "cool dry" season in the North - Actually - in the north up in the hills it can get quite (even very) cold at night and in the morning.
At that time of year I frequently travel around the North - MHS etc and I ALWAYS take a sweater and a jacket, some good socks jeans and boots. Laos is even cooler. I've had as low as 6C in Laos and 9C in Pai.

NB - I travel by car so extra stuff is no real problem........

of course you can always by stuff when you are there.......liocal "OTOP" places or the mega stores in CM & Bkk will have western "outdoor gear"