Although it varies throughout the region, you can wager that if travelling to Southeast Asia during the last few months of the year, you’ll likely end up in a thunderstorm or two. This time of year is the rainy season, so visitors to Southeast Asian hot spots such as Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Philippines, Taiwan, and Hong Kong should expect some showers. While most people would choose to travel during the summer months, there is beauty in travelling on rainy days. Besides enjoying the unceasing petrichor that emanates post-rain, there are fewer crowds during the off-peak season, not to mention flights and accommodation are usually cheaper!
If you take advantage of rainy season travel, here are some tried-and-tested tips on how you can weather through the wet season.
Follow the waves
Southeast Asia is home to some of the best surf spots in the world and booking a trip anytime from July through to March makes for an excellent chance of catching some real good waves. Swells in the beaches of Phuket, Thailand, Da Nang, Vietnam, and Silhanoukville, Cambodia, are perfect for people travelling from June until October, while famous surf spots such as Bali, Indonesia, Siargao and Baler in The Philippines, and Cherating, Malaysia, dish out world-class waves later in the season (from November to March).
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Check the weather forecast
For countries such as the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Vietnam, the August to September period can bring in some pretty heavy downpours. Try to follow each’s respective local weather bureau on social media for updates, or simply download a weather app to see if the sun’s up or a storm’s brewing on your travel dates.
Be on the safe side
If you’ve checked the weather report and there is indeed a storm during your dates, travel to beaches and islands with caution, or simply forgo them altogether and explore the city instead. Not only is travelling by sea on strong currents unsafe, but flights are also likely to get cancelled, so having travel insurance that covers accidents and travel delays caused by natural disasters like typhoons or hurricanes is recommended.
Top tip: Ferries in Thailand generally operate as usual during the rainy season, although there may be some delays and cancellations. If you’re thinking of visiting more unexplored islands such as Koh Lanta, Trang Islands or Koh Chang, ask your hotel about other travel methods for reaching them. Most tour operators will be able to arrange alternative means of transport, such as speedboats… although on certain days, you may be in for a bumpy ride!
Research flood-free zones
Just because you are in the big city doesn’t mean you are safe from the effects of persistent rain. Isolated cases of flash floods do happen, albeit not very often. But if you don’t want to end up stranded or walking ankle deep in water, research the area where you are going and the hotel you are staying at to make sure you stay high and dry throughout your holiday.
Two words: indoor attractions
Just because it’s raining, it doesn’t mean your holiday is bust. There are other ways to enjoy a destination during the rainy season, and one of them is to plan indoor activities such as visiting museums, historic temples and cathedrals, or catching a show at the theatre. You can also brighten up those gloomy days with a little retail therapy in a Southeast Asian shopping complex or by chilling with a warm cup of coffee or tea at any of the hip, Instagram-worthy third wave cafés all over the region.
Pack weatherproof clothing and accessories
The most obvious advice for travelling during the rainy season is to pack appropriate attire. Waterproof clothes such as raincoats, sweaters and ponchos are a must, as is a portable umbrella. Roads and streets can also be slippery when wet, so remember to bring rubber-soled footwear.
Have a healthy holiday
The monsoon is not just known as the season with the biggest rainfall, but also the season when mosquitoes breed, and flu and cold viruses spread. If you’re feeling a little bit under the weather, boost your immune system by adding Vitamin A and C to your diet. Apart from supplements, indulge in fresh vegetables, fruits and juices, which are widely available in groceries or local fresh markets across Southeast Asia. As for warding off mosquitoes, spraying on insect-repellent or applying mosquito patches can work wonders.
Pack sun lotion
So, you think just because it’s rainy season you won’t need any sun protection? You’re wrong. Even during the dreariest of months you’re still guaranteed some sunshine. Yes, some days there will be endless showers, but usually (in the likes of Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia) you’ll get more sunny days than rainy ones. Believe us, it’s all about SPF during the rainy season.
- Looking for more travel inspiration? Why no try, “6 reasons the Philippines should be on your radar“
- Or are you a Southeast Asia aficionado? Why not read, “13 lies we’ve all told while travelling Thailand“
