Clothing for Thailand trekking?
Discussion
mikeyr said:
Going to Thailand later this year and doing a fair amount of trekking/kayaking. Knowing that PH is full of adventerous millionaire explorer types I though this would be the best place to look for advice! 
Not having been to Asia before I'm guessing that lightweight cotton is the way forward but has anyone got any recommendations on websites/firms that specialise in that sort of clothes?
I managed to pick up some Craghoppers stuff in the Debenhams sale (Kiwi trousers and light t-shirts) but wondering where else would be good to look? In particular - any recommendations on this style of walking sandal/shoe - are they comfortable?
I've got some keen sandals just like that. they're comfortable until they collect gravel and/or leeches!Not having been to Asia before I'm guessing that lightweight cotton is the way forward but has anyone got any recommendations on websites/firms that specialise in that sort of clothes?
I managed to pick up some Craghoppers stuff in the Debenhams sale (Kiwi trousers and light t-shirts) but wondering where else would be good to look? In particular - any recommendations on this style of walking sandal/shoe - are they comfortable?
ETA: should've read the other comments.. doh
Edited by tom g on Monday 30th March 17:14
Cpn Jack Spanner said:
turbobloke said:
... My constitution is strong but not at Chuck Norris levels so others need not panic. Unduly.
Which reminds me of a few experiences of Thai foods. Whoever said the line "When in Rome etc etc" was clearly a complete idiot. The more apt line would be "Anything that doesn't kill you..." On my first trip several years ago, eating a meal with some Thais, I noted they dipped food into a spice bowl and then removed it using tongue and top teeth, not the British way with lips sealed around the spoon puddi angrit and all that
Less than a minute later, using a fork and spilling some, all feeling had been removed from my lips and mouth and the sensation on my tongue suggested localised nuclear fusion.
turbobloke said:
Cpn Jack Spanner said:
turbobloke said:
... My constitution is strong but not at Chuck Norris levels so others need not panic. Unduly.
Which reminds me of a few experiences of Thai foods. Whoever said the line "When in Rome etc etc" was clearly a complete idiot. The more apt line would be "Anything that doesn't kill you..." On my first trip several years ago, eating a meal with some Thais, I noted they dipped food into a spice bowl and then removed it using tongue and top teeth, not the British way with lips sealed around the spoon puddi angrit and all that
Less than a minute later, using a fork and spilling some, all feeling had been removed from my lips and mouth and the sensation on my tongue suggested localised nuclear fusion.
I liked the MacDonalds alternative desserts over there, hope they still offer pineapple or coconut flavour hot pies - rather than apple - the next time I head over which will be after Thaksin's T-shirts have dispersed. The synthetic pastry is almost acceptable with the right filling.
In 1981, I trekked deep into the Golden Triangle. One afternoon, we came across a small Keren village in a clearing in the forest.
That night, we shared a hut with the village Opium addict. My friend and I were invited to recline and join him in a couple of pipes.
What was your question again?
That night, we shared a hut with the village Opium addict. My friend and I were invited to recline and join him in a couple of pipes.
What was your question again?
Nobby Diesel said:
Tried to book State Tower roof top for dinner, but couldn't due to having the kids with us.
Anyone got a recommendation of a roof top restaurant that will allow kids (well behaved ones, I might add)?
We stayed at State Tower recently for a friend's wedding. It is a fantastic hotel, although probably a bit OTT in fact. Reason I say this is £15 for a drink tends to grate a bit when its a quid or so down the road... we didn't eat in the hotel (for the same reason, fantastic food available everywhere) but I did get a few late night drunken room services and they were top quality!Anyone got a recommendation of a roof top restaurant that will allow kids (well behaved ones, I might add)?
Nobby Diesel said:
turbobloke said:
Update on the Red T-shirt Occupation. The latest news on Thai websites is that the pro-Thaksin anti-Government protesters are still occupying the area around the parliament buildings in BKK - which is good, as that means they're nowhere near the airports. However a news story today has the Thai equivalent of Chief Wiggum using the public address system to tell the protesters to stop blockading parliament and disperse - with threats of shield toting cops barging them out of the way...this is the LoS equivalent of riot police action. He's promised no guns, as previously some shooting or other has been suspected as being a deliberate Red T-Shirt act, an own-goal to foment more anger and more protest, so Khun Wiggum is making sure the PR win is scored this time. The Red T-shirt leader responded by urging more people to join the blockade.
Anybody travelling now may face, at worst, the drenching to be expected during the Thai songkran festival. Officially 13 April for 3 days but Thais like to get moist early and late. However, the best advice is, duck. Playful Thai youths sometimes drop a cube or two of ice in, and others aren't too choosy where the 'water' comes from.
Hope it goes well for any travellers now and future
PS whatever you do, don't arrive and wander about in a yellow T-shirt right now.
Thanks Turbobloke.Anybody travelling now may face, at worst, the drenching to be expected during the Thai songkran festival. Officially 13 April for 3 days but Thais like to get moist early and late. However, the best advice is, duck. Playful Thai youths sometimes drop a cube or two of ice in, and others aren't too choosy where the 'water' comes from.
Hope it goes well for any travellers now and future
PS whatever you do, don't arrive and wander about in a yellow T-shirt right now.
Hopefully all will be ok.
My 2 kids are looking forward to Songkran. We'll be on the islands by then, so it won't be as hectic as in BKK or up north.
I tell you, some of you guys are flash bastids, talking about spending THB200 on a bottle of whisky!!!! 
To whoever is going to Vertigo in BKK, its a very cool restaurant with some fantastic views ... if you can, get there just on Sunset, then you see Bangkok waking up for another night!
To whoever is going to Vertigo in BKK, its a very cool restaurant with some fantastic views ... if you can, get there just on Sunset, then you see Bangkok waking up for another night!
I have done some jungle trekking in borneo ( probably similar or more hot/humid than thailand ? )
In extremes of heat and humidity - whatever you wear will be saturated from sweat in a few minutes : you just need 2 changes of clothing : wet for during the day and dry for the evening ( change back into wet for each day trekking ).
I would recommend a thin "coolmax" or similar wicking t-shirt top , plus quick drying baggy shorts.
(cotton is useless as it is v slow to dry out )
I would recommend walking boots , NOT sandals - as you would be more susceptable to leeches and other things biting your feet. however - a pair of sandals for the evening are useful.
In extremes of heat and humidity - whatever you wear will be saturated from sweat in a few minutes : you just need 2 changes of clothing : wet for during the day and dry for the evening ( change back into wet for each day trekking ).
I would recommend a thin "coolmax" or similar wicking t-shirt top , plus quick drying baggy shorts.
(cotton is useless as it is v slow to dry out )
I would recommend walking boots , NOT sandals - as you would be more susceptable to leeches and other things biting your feet. however - a pair of sandals for the evening are useful.
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