What to pack: Thailand edition
Bangkok, Thailand By Sonja Bjelland
As I was preparing to go to Thailand several full moons ago, I started looking at the labels of some of the clothes I was going to buy. All said “Made in Thailand.”
I figured I’d just buy it when I got there.
That proved a good model and an easy option for when in Thailand. My biggest problem was donating the clothes I had that didn’t fit me because I took more than I should have.
On the road though, clothes just get trashed so the only things worth real money to have on you are a pair of cargo pants for trekking and good shoes. Aside from clothes, I never had trouble finding other items either. Always a Seven-11 or a Boots nearby unless you head to more remote areas.
There’s definitely a “traveler” look. Some of that comes from buying clothes at the country you’re in. In Thailand the cheapest options were in Bangkok and the north with the southern islands asking Western prices. Occasionally, like the short pants I bought in Chiang Mai for $6 and the shirt I got for 75 cents, you return surprised that those are now for sale at Target and you can actually wear them.
But being comfortable and respecting local culture requires a little balance.
Some folks assume that just because you can purchase any vice imaginable, and I mean any, that it’s OK to dress like you’re at a Vegas nightclub when in Thailand.
Reality is, shorts are a very new concept in Thailand and you won’t often see Thai women wearing them or bikinis. Westerners can get away with it, but that’s not the point. Is it respectful of local customs?
Me sporting one of my Thailand purchases
My dress code always leaned more toward frumpy than sexy. I needed to protect my skin from the sun and stay cool. Loose athletic fabrics worked for that and they dried quickly when hung outside at laundry places.
Attendees at most yoga classes will be Western so unlike India, feel free to wear whatever you want. Guys sometimes take their shirts off but I almost never saw women sporting just an athletic bra, no matter how hot. And don’t feel the need to limit yourself to yoga pants and an appropriate tank top. On the road, anything goes. Shorts and a T-shirt will be fine. As long as you can do a downward dog you’re in good shape.
You don’t even need to take your own mat in Thailand. Teachers there even had students clean the mats and most were in good shape. A novel concept after India.
Then there’s the “yoga babe” element. Tan, trim yoginis sporting the latest in yoga fashion and a lower back tattoo. The ones that made me feel frump-o-licious in my cargo pants and T-shirts. They some how managed to keep up on their maintenance routines while living on a remote island. Obviously, not changing hotels every three days and lugging their life’s possessions in a backpack.
So Thailand isn’t quite as restrictive as India, but thinking it’s South Beach might not be the best plan either. Normal summer clothes mixed in with some Capri pants would be ideal. What else is on your list?
To keep in mind:
- Clothes that dry quickly: Yes there are washing machines but not dryers. The faster your clothes dry, the greater the likelihood they’ll be done before the rain comes.
- Respectful clothing: Temples and royal locations require sleeved shirts and covered knees, occasionally ankles too. Plan your day accordingly.
- Headlamp or flashlight: Always good to have a for dark walks home but power outages are more rare than India.
- SteriPen: Fill up a bottle, shake and it’s ready to drink.
Thai banana pancake By Sonja Bjelland
- Lots of stomach meds. I didn’t get sick in Thailand but many people can’t handle the spicy food. When in doubt, you can always order coconut-mango sticky rice or a banana pancake.
- Convertible cargo pants: For rafting, hiking or outdoor adventures.
- Jeans and a light fleece: What? You said it’s hot. Well it is. But depending on the time of year the north can get a little brisk in the evenings.
- Earplugs: Parties in Thailand get going at 1 a.m. And no, they don’t end when the sun comes up.
- Headphones and an mp3 player: 12 hours in a bus can only be salvaged by listening to music, a book or a comedian.
- Tennis shoes and sandals: Not every beach has a boat dock so you may be getting barefoot to get to your next destination.
