We're going to Thailand, Myanmar and Laos in August. We want to take the bare minimum. 2 guys here. What are the musts we need to have? Rainy season mean we need anything special?

Waterproof sandals! Travel light. It will be plenty warm. Rain may pour down but it won't last all day. I bought a plastic poncho for $1 at Dollartree but have not yet had to use it. I've been in Bangkok during a number of rainstorms.

I much prefer a small umbrella to anything plastic to wear. You can bring one or buy a cheap one when you get there.

I wouldn't worry too much about the rain, if you get wet it's no biggie as it will still be very warm. Flip flops work extremely well for me, you will need to barefoot at temples and monasteries in Myanmar. You will also need to have knees and shoulders covered, so no short shorts or tank tops.

I had a plastic rain jacket that folds into a pouch for our 3 weeks in Myanmar last August. It saw the light of day once.

Keep in mind that if you aren't a large person, you can find things you need, like flip flops, on the spot. Larger sizes are often hard to find.

P.S. Like Sartoric, I use flip flops pretty much exclusively as footwear in SE Asia. I have some good ones, Chacos, that have arch support and I always have 2 pairs with me.

I love my Olu Kai flip flops. Good support, doesn't matter if you have to wade in the streets. You might want an umbrella - no way would I use a plastic poncho - I'd stream to death. I only use an umbrella in a downpour. Otherwise, I'm drip dry.

Kathie amd Mme Perdu mention a v.good point about footwear having good support. Wearing flip-flops, or any footwear that can slip-off or get tangled, in any weather, while clambering over monuments or temples is asking for trouble. But, if underfoot is wet then it'll also be slippery, and the possible consequences could seriously 'dampen' the rest of your holiday.

It's also best and safest to have both hands available in case you stumble, so if you wear a day-pack make sure it's over both shoulders. Wear a waterproof hat with a rim. If you wear spectacles, get some with a wiper, but I don't know where you can buy them!

I live in Fit Flops when in Bangkok. Best to step inside a shop or 7-11 if it's really pouring rain. Sois can flood quickly but it doesn't take long for the water to drain when the downpour stops. I have dealt with ankle deep water a couple of times, when there was no place to get out of the rain. The good news is that it clears up pretty fast.

Step inside a 7-eleven for more than a couple of minutes and you'll wish you had a fur coat on!

Lancaster lad. Why do you always have to be so negative? Sometime cool is a good thing

go as you would go at other times... should not be that wet in much of august... light cotton clothing: t shirts and shorts... a couple of pairs of sandals, a hat, a large collapsible umbrella

Kmkmn. Have a sense of humour! If we all retreated to a 7-eleven whenever the heavens opened, there'd be no room in there for people to buy anything (wink)!

If you're in BKK, there's some sound ideas on this link...

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTop...g-Bangkok.html

Singing in the rain in Lumphini Park, is my favourite.

I pack a light waterproof jacket and that is it.

Dont need anything else. Can buy a 50 baht umbrella over there if needed.

When it rains, if caught out in it, you will get wet, umbrella, rain coat, poncho, or not. Personally, during rainy periods, I wear light, quick drying clothing.

When out and about, if you sense any weather change - darkening skies, wind, or a drop or two, keep an eye out for shelter. It can go from bone dry, to pouring buckets, is just a minute or two.

Can you run in fit flops? And do they have a heartbeat monitor built in?

Umbrella, Water jackets, rainy shoes.

Holy clap (two palms striking each other's), are you guys serious? When it rain, just like anywhere else in the world, get the frack and find shelter!

hey, its only rain