Clothing Needed for Asia - Thailand Living and Traveling

June 16, 2009

Now that my itinerary is set for my living and traveling abroad experience in Thailand starting in July, I have finally started consolidating my lengthy to-do lists so I have no excuse not to get a moving on my preparations.

Particularly, packing and choosing clothing to bring to Thailand is somewhat tricky.  Nearly every source I’ve read says ‘don’t pack a lot of clothes for Asia and Thailand‘ Good quality clothing that will fit your needs is plentiful and very affordable in Thailand, so in reality it’s easier and best to pack lightly on clothing and just buy your clothes in Thailand.

Clothing to pack for Asia and Thailand

Then, however, disclaimer time comes along: Be aware that Asian and Thai clothing and footwear is obviously smaller due to the physical difference between Thais and Westerners…

But How much smaller?

That is the question I have as a normal 6′3″ build with size US 14 feet.  How large does Thai clothing really get? Well, I think it’s safe to say I’m one of those that would have problems finding the quality, widespread, affordable clothing that is the rage in Southeast Asia.

Clothing to bring to Thailand and Southeast Asia.

When choosing and packing clothing to take to Asia and Thailand especially. Keep a few themes in mind when selecting all your items: Light, breathable, cotton. So for oddly large sized people as myself (according to Thai and Asian standards, anyways), here is what I’m thinking will be a good idea to bring.

And for some miscelaneous things to accompany your wardrobe [or lack their of]:

  • Toiletries - just the ones you need as name brands they are plentiful
  • Quick dry towels
  • Birth control
  • Sunscreen - Thais and Asian sunblock often has a white dye or bleach in it since the culture prefers being light skinned
  • Bug Spray - Both spray or lotion with DEET for skin, and the spray for clothing which lasts 2 weeks/application.

Suggestions? Thoughts? The list is more than amendable..

3 Comments »

  1. Thailand is very cheap so its a bets place to travel and to settle down...what you think?

    Comment by Chris Campos — June 17, 2009 @ 2:33 am
  2. that is a lot of shoes for se asia. a good pair of sport sandals (chacos, keens) that you can walk a lot in will serve you well. you can pick up flip-flops here (even size 14 - hanoi is the best place to look) but I would bring a pair, there is a reason most of the locals are wearing them. I suppose if you know dress shoes are going to be necessary bring them along, but you can have those made in Hoi-an, how very posh! I lead tours in the region and am a girl and survive with a pair of chaco flips and keen newport h2s. I would think that most people find that they don't need much more than something they can walk a lot in and a pair of sandals. plus birks with rot in the monsoon.
    that was a lot of words for just a little advice. sorry. oh and non-whitening sunscreen as well as bug spray are both plentiful here.
    oh and one final word i promise on quick dry towels: get the super thin papery ones, anything thicker will mold and stink up your pack.

    Comment by Gemma — July 4, 2009 @ 4:41 am
  3. As I mentioned above that Thailand is a wonderful place for traveling but now am planning to travel few attractive places of Asia, like, China, Vietnam, etc. There I would like to explore Mekong River, Saigon and Ha Long Bay. These days am seeking out a cultural tour or any of the luxury travel tour. If you guys get to know then plss tell me. One of the tours I already found is: http://www.ekoventure.com/trips/asia-china-mekong_river-cultural_tours-historical-education-exploration-soft_adventure-trails-of-indochina-18622
    What you think about it?

    Comment by Chris Campos — July 17, 2009 @ 4:06 am

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