Travel during Monsoon season?

Bring an umbrella. Preferably one that doesn't fold up in the wind.

If you are an adventure traveler, then I say come! I've stayed in Thailand during the monsoon season and though it might rain for days on end, it can be a bit of a challenge to get through it. That can be quite an experience. My suggestion to you would be to invest in good quality raingear and other apparel that is light and fast-drying. I shop at REI.com and places like that.

I'm in Bangkok now (I live here) and its been raining off and on for the past week. Usually only a large thunderstorm that lasts about 2-3 hours at most. But it will get worse, and in fact, it is unseasonalbe right now for it to rain.

Also, keep in mind that because its raining does not mean its cool or cold in the region you are traveling....and vice-versa. Be prepared with good equipment and you won't notice the rain as much.

I'm also an avid photographer (see my blogs) and I think rainy season in SEA is incredibly beautiful.

Good luck and if you're in Bangkok, give me a shout. We'll have a beer....or two. Reply to this

bring a towel. Reply to this

I'm not so sure that the items mentioned above are all 'necessary' items.

A raincoat can be cumbersome and often in humid weather can make you quite overheated. I suggest an umbrella instead, compact and small. Or a rain-resistant wide-brim hat. But despite what old wives' tales may have you believe, not wearing a jacket or sweater when it's chilly, sitting or sleeping in a draft, and going outside while your hair's wet do not cause colds. You can catch a cold from person-to-person contact or by breathing in virus particles that are spread through the air by sneezing or coughing. Not by having a wet head.

Good shoes, yes, but not sneakers or leather, as they will soak up the rain. Stick to synthetics, like Keen brand sandals or shoes of this type. If you do wear leather, make sure its well treated with weatherproofing.

Towel? Ok. But better get clothing that dries fast, unlike cotton or wools.

Bag with compartments is a no-brainer. Get quality nylon bags that are weather-proof and better yet, get a rain cover for your bag. They sell them at better camping gear stores like REI.com and others.

Keep in mind that it may be raining, but it may not be cold outside. And to be honest, there's nothing more beautiful than a monsoonal downpour. I tend to like being in them! Unless, of course, they wreak havoc like in Uttaradit in northern Thailand right now. Awful situation. Reply to this