what is the weather like in thailand at night (around mid January)? Is it still v. humid--or can one wear pants/jeans at night?
cheers

Where in Thailand? It's obviously cooler in the north hill country than in Bangkok or the south beaches.

While I would never wear jeans in Thailand (just too heavy), I wear pants all the time. Long, loose cotton or linen pants are better looking and cooler than shorts.

BKK and the beaches...you're right we probably won't wear jeans..although they'll be in our suitcase since we'll be living freeeezing temps in NYC

I've been cold since I got back from Asia 10 days ago. My body wants to be back in the heat of Thailand and Borneo!

hot and humid generally

Thanks for info, does anybody know anything about her other drivers ?

Hi,

I'm heading to Bangkok mid January too. Do you think I need to purchase tour packages or do you think that I can go around by myself with a map for 3-4 days. Is that enough time to visit most things in Bangkok because I plan to go to Koh Samui after Bangkok. Is it easy to get around myself in Bangkok and speaking english? Please advise...i'm need help.

There is absolutely no need to purchase tour packages. You can do it yourself with a map and a plan of what you want to see. Public transport (water taxis, sky train) are easy and taxis are cheap and readily available. A great many people speak English.

Three to four days will be enough for a brief sample. Read some of the many threads here about Bangkok to get an idea of what you want to see.

There's no need to purchase a tour package for Bangkok.Get a good map. As for the climate that someone asks about...well...there are...as far as I'm concerned...three climates in Thailand...hot...hotter...and hottest. I've been in the north...in Dec/Jan and it was hot. Folks said it would be cool in the north. That was not my definiton of cool. It felt like Los Angeles in July and August...just more humidity. I would never wear denim there. Personally denim is just too hot for me. Happy Travels!

thanks for the info! Ok denim is way out. What are the best items of clothing to bring? shorts? skirts? thx

In the city, you'll want skirts or light long pants. At the beach you may wear shorts, but be cautious - the sun is very hot and burns you quickly.

You want light cottons or linens. Some people swear by the synthetics made for hot weather.

Hi,

Thanks so much for the information. I will get a map and go around Bangkok to see what there is the city can offer. Is Koh Samui a good place to visit besides Phuket? Things to do there are spas I hope, sun, beach and maybe elephant ride?

I agree...skirts or long pants in Bangkok. Go on journeywoman.com and Nima Chandler...Nancy's daughter has written something on appropriate clothing in Bangkok. Happy Travels!

Oh, I forgot to mention that when you go into the journeywoman.com website...go down to the bottom and click on...Gal-Friendly City Sites...and then click on...Thailand-Keeping the Experience Female Friendly. This is where Nima has written on safety and clothing in Bangkok. Happy Travels!