June marks the turn of the rainy season in Southeast Asia, and it seems the rain clouds are right on time. The grey clouds are accumulating outside as we speak, and it will most definitely be a familiar vision until October, especially for Southeast Asian hot spots such as Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Philippines, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. While most people would choose to travel during the summer months, there is beauty in traveling 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 cold, 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 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).
Check the weather forecast
For countries such as 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 it altogether and explore the city instead. Not only is traveling 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.
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 the raining 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 theater. You can also brighten up those gloomy days with a little retail therapy in Southeast Asian shopping complexes or chill with a warm cup of cappuccino or tea at any of the hip, Instagram-worthy third wave cafés all over the region. Happen to be heading to Jakarta? Here are the best coffee spots.
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 (available in drug stores such as Guardian or Watson’s) can work wonders.
Share your own suggestions in the comments.
Main image: istockphoto/mauro grigollo
