mandelieu

It's time to plan our summer trip and we're once again thinking about Thailand and Siem Reap. We'd probably want to visit Bangkok, Chiang and maybe Koh Samui. I understand the weather issues and I'm willing to deal with the heat and potential rain, but I'm concerned about the mosquitoe situation in light of the risk of dengue fever. For those who have visited during the rainy season, how bad are the bugs? Thanks.

KimJapan

We spent the month of August in Singapore, Siem Reap, Phuket, Bangkok and near Chiang Rai. This year, dengue fever and malaria were more prevalent than usual. Mosquitos were an issue, but not too bad. We used DEET, and got some bites. We were able to enjoy everything outdoors that we wanted...neither rain nor mosquitos bothered us enough to cause a change in plans.

mandelieu

Thanks for the info. My big concern is that the trip won't be relaxing if we are constantly worrying about mosquitos and dengue. I haven't noticed many postings about this concern, so maybe I'm obsessing about it more than I should. Just wondered if others had similar concerns or advice.

Kathie

I've never had a time in Thailand when the mosquitoes were really bad. I just use deet and cover up in the evening. If I'm somewhere I think will have more mosquitoes, I spray my clothing with premethin. Remember that worrying does nothing to prevent either dengue or malaria...

By the way, many areas of the world are experiencing a surge in dengue cases... even Hawaii has some dengue.

Jayna

I was in Thailand this past August...Bangkok was the only place in SE Asia (I was there for almost three months) that I couldn't escape the mosquitoes. Well, just really the only place I was bit every time I didn't put on repellent.

Jayna
travels at www.ususbaby.com

Kathie

Janya, where do you stay in Bangkok? In 20+ visits to Bangkok over 20+ years, the only place I was ever bitten by mosquitoes in Bangkok was at the Amari out at the old airport.

Gpanda

Never saw a mosquito in BKK in six trips. We stay by the river, but walk everywhere. Not a one.

SirHalberd

I don't think there is a vaccination against Dengue Fever, there are some trial tests in Thailand that I read about some where.

Some people are "mosquito magnets" I don't know why, perhaps their body chemistry is attractive to the little buggers! If you are routinely bothered by mosquitoes where ever you go - you have to take more precautions than other travelers.

Deet works pretty good, you may also have to go with long sleeves and long pants if you are one of the bug magnets.

I have been in and out of South East Asia for many years, I rarely ever get a bite.

If you stay in cheap hostels where you have to leave the windows open for ventilation you may attract more bugs. One reason I stay in air/con hotel rooms is to keep flying bugs and street noise out!

Link for Thailand and mosquitoes.

http://www.thailandguru.com/dengue-f...-thailand.html
http://www.thailandguru.com/

I do get the JEV shot, but my meds are free anyway.

Good luck

gard

Hi

I have had some nice trips to Thailand in the wet season and I have never found it to be a problem. But you have to expect some rain more or less daily. Here is my report from 2002 http://gardkarlsen.com/thailand2002.htm

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

mandelieu

Thanks to all for the insights. We'll have to decide soon whether we're going to tak ethe plunge and head to Thailand in August.