Chinese tourists in Chiang Mai are walking round in traditional Thai garments during their sightseeing tours. After three years of travel restrictions because of Covid-19, Chinese vacationers have returned to Thailand with a thirst for authentic experiences. This has created a trend in which Chinese tourists stand out of their finery at historic temples and other sights in the northern province.
Entrepreneurs in Chiang Mai have been quick to answer this trend by providing Thai traditional costume packages for rent. Ban Or Chao, a fancy dress rental store within the Mueang district, reports that Chinese vacationers are making on-line bookings for the Thai traditional costume bundle priced at 1,090 baht per particular person for 4 hours. The shop suits the customers with the costume of their selection and even provides a free hair and make-up session. Additionally, the store provides images and transportation companies for an additional payment, Nation Thailand reported.
According to Ban Or Chao’s owner, the store serves 40-50 foreign tourists per day, with most of them being Chinese, although others come from South Korea and Europe. The vacationers take pleasure in sporting traditional costumes to visit points of interest within the province and take selfies to flaunt their “authentic” Thai expertise.
Wanlop Namwongphrom, vp of the Chiang Mai Council of Cultural Affairs, stated that this trend of posing in classical threads on the city’s points of interest helps showcase Thai tourism and tradition to the world. Thought-provoking resulting photographs are sometimes posted on social media websites like Instagram, which helps to promote Thai tourism.
He said…
“This is an effective opportunity to current Thai culture to a worldwide audience and lure them to upcoming cultural festivals like Songkran next month. It might additionally encourage Thais to additionally put on a traditional costume to preserve our culture.”
However, the council can be monitoring for “inappropriate behaviours” while sporting Thai traditional costumes, similar to drinking or visiting entertainment venues. They hope that the development of wearing conventional Thai costumes will continue to develop whereas respecting Thai tradition and traditions..