What type of rain gear needed for Beijing mid to late August? Thank you.

A small folding umbrella. It will be hot - you don't want a rain poncho or a rain coat.

hi Kathie,
question....would you suggest just a umbrella for BKK, Siem Reap and Laos also.
I've been looking for a lightweight rain jacket but maybe I don't need it?

Believe me, jasper, you don't want or need a rain jacket. It will be HOT.

the end of January it will be how hot??
really really hot?

i was thinking just a shell/liner with a hood type of jacket. nothing with fleece or anything like that.

something to just keep the rain off.
but if you think an umbrella is the ticket then that's what I'll do.

jasper, January is the "less hot" season in Thailand. But as one of our posters says, Thailand has two temperatures "hot and Hell hot."

For actual temperatures take a look at www.weatherbase.com which gives average highs and average lows and rainfall for every month. Remember that it is quite humid as well.

You can certainly wear a jacket/sweater in the evening if you are headed for Luang Prabang in January.