Just checking to see if you were paying attention! Ok, I'm getting an ex-officio shirt or two for Chiang Mai & elephant rides, but what is the mossie situation like in Bkk, Phuket & Koh Lanta in January? Can I wear sleevless tops & dresses or will I be bitten to death?

I haven't been to Koh Lanta, but I was never bitten by mosquitos in Bangkok or Phuket. Nonetheless, do take some deet-based repellant just in case. Note that for visiting the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, you'll need short sleeves - your shoulders must be covered.

I have never had problems with mosquitos in Bangkok. I only pack Ex-Officio long-sleeved shirts.Then I can just roll up the sleeves when I'm warm or roll them down when I'm in the freezing air conditioning.I have at least 8 of their shirts. It's usually artic frost inside of buildings in BK and on the skytrain.I've worn Ex-Officio clothes since the mid-90s.Love them.You can buy the Buzz-off shirts/pants that are treated with mosquito repellent. They are excellent I've heard.As for mosquitos,my best friend's daughter was eaten alive by mosquitos in BK.I guess it depends on one's body chemistry. We had to go to a pharmacy to buy some creme for her. Happy Travels!

For the beaches I would suggest very loose pure cotton with long sleeves.

I hate the thought of wearing long sleeves in a beach area. Is the purpose of the long sleeves to protect against mosquitos?

and to protect against the sun.

there are not that many mosquitos...usually only at dawn and dusk

I second Guenmai's recommendation of the Ex Officio shirts. They are very light and the sleeves roll up to a button that turns them into short sleeve. You can check their website or REI.com (in the sale portion).

Yes, yes, we will bring ex-officio shirts, but can't I wear lightweight sleeveless sundresses too? GPanda, ask your wife for me, please.

I assume you've read the info on sleeveless and Wat visiting. Other than that, you can pretty much decide whatever you want. However (I bet you knew there would be a but or however), whatever is not covered by cloth should be covered by sunblock and, if needed, mosquito repellent. Comfort rather than fashion is our guide. Bonne chance.

I live in Phuket and have been to Kho Lanta many times,mosquitoes are not a major problem here,your biggest problem on some deserted beaches are the 'no see ems'(sand flys)they have a bite which causes a bump to form on your skin and can last for up to two weeks,and itch like crazy.The best thing to do to avoid being bitten by them is to buy a combination sunblock and mosy repellent,put it on when you go to the beaches and you'll be fine,it keeps most bugs away and protects you from the sun aswell.Don't worry about the long sleeves unless your visiting a Temple or going into a moslim village,there are a few in Lanta.
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