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Top 10 ways to beat the heat in Thailand

It’s humid most of the year in Thailand and it can feel almost impossible to escape the heat at times but here are some of our top tips to keep you feeling cool and fresh…

1. Drink plenty of water

If you come from a colder climate then you’re going to need to drink double your usual water intake. It’s recommended that in higher climates a minimum of 3 litres a day will help to keep you hydrated and happy. It will reduce the risk of headaches, nausea and dizziness.

2. Eat light/healthy foods

Try to avoid eating your usual diet of pasta, bread and potatoes. Reduce the amount of stodge and replace it with light salads and lots of tropical fruits. Eating local Thai food will help your body to acclimatise a lot quicker and your stomach will thank you as it won’t need to work as hard in the heat.

3. Eat more salt than usual

When you sweat you lose a lot of natural salts that need replacing. Thai food usually has more salt than western food. Make sure you try to eat 2 or 3 Thai meals per day. Drinking mineral water can also balance your salt and electrolyte levels or even taking a good multi-vitamin.

4. Wear lightweight loose-fitting clothes

Thais don’t appreciate seeing too much skin so invest in light weight, loose-fitting clothes that will keep you cool but covered. Think of cottons and linens as your best friends while visiting Thailand. It’s important to protect your skin from the intense sun so long sleeves and shawls to cover up can save you a trip to the hospital too.

5. Get yourself a nice hat

Not only can you show off your favourite sports team or beer it’s a great way to keep the hot midday sun from getting to your head. Fashionable and useful a cheap baseball cap or sun hat for the ladies will definitely help to reduce the heat and the likelihood of sunstroke.

6. Exercise during the cooler times of the day

Don’t be a hero and try to go for a run in the midday sun. From 12-4pm it’s the hottest time of the day and the heat can be killer if you’re trying to do some exercise. Most Thais will wake early to do exercise first thing in the morning or wait until sunset in the evening.

7. Chillax

Adjust your lifestyle to a slower rhythm of life. Sit and watch the world go by. If you copy the locals pace you’ll find that staying cooler is much easier when you go slow. There’s no rush in Thailand so try to be patient and relax your body and mind.

8. Avoid AC

One of the best ways to control your body temperature is to avoid using AC. You’ll find that most Thais don’t use AC and stick with finding shade and a light breeze or when indoors using an electric fan. Using AC can dry out your skin and can make your body unnaturally cold, which means changing locations can increase your body heat and sweat.

9. Stay dry

If your prone to sweating grab yourself a handy face cloth or small towel to wipe away the perspiration this will help to keep your skin clear and you’ll look and feel a little fresher rather than feeling wet and uncomfortable. At many of the convenience stores here there are handy cooling towels available in the fridge area, they’re cold and scented and can really help to relieve the heat of the day.

10. When in Rome…

As the old phrase goes “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”. This is the perfect way to experience real Thai life and see first-hand just how amazing this country is.