Unwrapped travel

Pretty much across the board nudity in public is a no-no in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. Those seeking nude beaches like those that exist in the West will be disappointed. Locals in all the countries concerned find public nudity unacceptable — a striking contrast to what is deemed acceptable in the go-go bars and such that exist — particularly in Thailand.

In the past one or two beaches (such as Leela Beach) on Ko Pha Ngan were considered to be nudist havens, but that really isn’t the case any more as development has well and truly arrived even on Leela Beach. If you desperately have to get your gear off, either make the trek out to one of the few remaining beaches that do not have bungalows on them, or else pay the extra money and get a bungalow which has a private fenced in garden — these are becoming more popular at the upmarket resorts, and what you do in there is pretty much your own business.

If you do plan of getting naked under the tropical sun, don’t forget the sunscreen…