I'm going to backtrack and say that I would not get convertible pants. I never zipped the legs off mine, ever. My wife got use out of hers, but for me, just plain long pants are better. I'm not comfortable in shorts in SEAsia, anyway.

Also, there is one photo of me on the Mekong with my bush style Ultimate Hat that makes me laugh for all its safari dorkiness, so I know what parasky is referring to. My wife calls the photo the "Bwana shot." I am not a big wearer of hats, but I can honestly say I don't regret buying it and wearing it.

Sometimes it can be a good idea to buy clothes in the region, but I am big enough these days that it isn't a great option for me. When I lived in Northern Thailand, I dressed in light cotton pants and silk shirts and it felt appropriate, but I was also staying in one place, and had plenty of changes and access to daily laundry.

For travel, I will take synthetics for the comfort, light weight and fast drying qualities.