What to wear-culturally speaking
 

Hi,
I'll be in Cambodia and Laos in November. I'm wondering what clothing is culturally acceptable for women travellers? i.e. will shorts and t-shirt do it? or should knees be covered?

Thanks!

Knees and shoulders should be covered. Buy cotton! Oh - and that's for both sexes.

For protection from sun and mozzies, you should cover as much as possible. You won't be that much cooler in shorts, although modestly short pants and shirts are culturally acceptable.

Frankly, I'm always a little bemused by the modern Southeast Asian preoccupation with modesty, considering that less than 100 years ago most of the women went around bare-breasted.

Thanks!

I often wonder if the synthetic ("wick-away") materials really are better than good ol' fashioned cotton in hot places like Laos and Cambodia.

I am a fan of the wick away type products & so is my hubby. Ever since we bought some for a trek in Nepal years ago that type has now become our standard travel attire! We find them very comfy in Asia, Africa all in hot hot weather.
Have a fantastic trip.
J

I may be in the minority, but I find natural fibers more comfortable than the synthetic wick-away fabrics. I'd suggest you try both so you know what you like best.

Thanks for the quick reponses!

Kathy, I have to say that I wasn't surprised by your response. Having read your responses to other questions, I sensed that you'd prefer the cotton. I'm that way inclined too, but am trying to convince myself to try the "new" stuff!

I wore a linen shirt and khaki pants. It was totally fine for the trip. I still did get some intense looks in Vientane which made me a little uncomfortable.

MichaelBKK-It's my understanding that in areas where women go bare-breasted, the breasts aren't really seen in a sexual context like they are in the west.

My guess is now that SEA has been exposed to Western mores (and Islam), the practice is no longer socially acceptable. There are a few places women still go about bare, but this is usually off the beaten path.

If you want to the locals to think well of you it would be best to wear slacks and a long-sleeved blouse. This attire will also shield you from insects and dirt. Regarding synthetics or cotton, which do you prefer at home in Summer?

My wife and I have been to Southeast Asia several times. For details and photos of our last two trips to Laos and Cambodia see the "Thailand & Laos" and "Indochina" sections of Our Travel Journals: www.evcal.org .