Buzz
Here are some invaluable insights from Tinh, a seasoned tour guide at Buffalotours – a premier domestic tour operator and destination management company in Southeast Asia. He shares some savvy hacks to help travelers stay cool whether they're exploring Vietnam or venturing further into Southeast Asian countries. Let's dive in with Mytour!
Secrets to Staying Cool on Your Southeast Asia Adventure
1. Pack a Handy Towel or Wet Wipes
Each Southeast Asian nation boasts its own brand of scorching heat, with soaring temperatures and stifling humidity. The heat in these countries can leave you feeling utterly drained. To ensure maximum comfort and freshness during your excursions, always carry a trusty towel or some wet wipes. These essentials will come in handy for wiping your face and cooling off whenever necessary.
2. Stay Hydrated at All Times
High humidity and temperature make you sweat more than usual, causing your body to lose water rapidly. Therefore, it's best to carry more water than you think you'll need. And if you're engaging in activities like hiking, trekking, or cycling, opt for mineral-enriched water specifically designed for these pursuits.
3. Indulge in Refreshing Cold Beers
Similar to other regions around the world, people in Southeast Asia have a penchant for beer. However, most beers in Southeast Asian countries are sold at roadside stalls, and when enjoyed, drinkers often add ice. What could be better than savoring a crisp, cold beer amidst the sweltering heat? If you're traveling to Hanoi, be sure to try 'bia hơi,' a popular and inexpensive beer sold throughout the Old Quarter.
4. Bring Along a Hat
While sunglasses can shield your eyes from the sun, they only cover your face and not your neck and shoulders. Therefore, when traveling to any Southeast Asian country, it's advisable to bring along a hat. It's a simple accessory but incredibly useful for sun protection.
5. Avoid Carrying a Backpack
Backpacks take up quite a bit of space, so when worn on your back, heat and sweat from your body can't escape, therefore, it's best to carry small crossbody bags when engaging in outdoor sightseeing activities.
6. Choose Suitable Sightseeing Spots
Many destinations in Southeast Asia, such as Hanoi, boast numerous lakes, parks, and gardens. However, most Southeast Asian cities are densely populated, with many high-rise buildings and narrow streets, resulting in high daytime temperatures due to heat absorption. Therefore, to avoid the heat, opt for visits to parks or lakes during the day. If you want to explore the streets, go early in the morning or in the evening when the weather is cooler and more pleasant.
7. Eat and Drink Like a Local
The food and drinks in tourist hotspots of Southeast Asia such as Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, or Hanoi are prepared to help you cool off in the summer. If you're traveling to Hanoi, you can enjoy 'chè' – a popular summer dish. There are many different types of 'chè,' but during the summer, tourists often add ice when enjoying it. Conversely, in the winter, locals enjoy hot 'chè' to keep warm. When traveling to Southeast Asian countries, a handy tip to effectively beat the heat is to observe and see what locals are eating to cool down, then follow suit.
By Ha Mi (Source: Buffalotours)
***
Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourJune 19, 2015
