Rainy days (some tips from Michael)

When Mother Nature blows showers into Thailand, tropical flowers go on a growing binge, forests turn hunter green and rice paddies form patches of emerald on the landscape. Seasonal rains swell rivers and streams-ideal for rafters, canoeists and kayakers looking to enjoy white-knuckle eco-tourism adventures in the national parks of Thailand.
Packing tip: Leave your heavy fog and mountain raincoats at home. Otherwise, you will slow-bake from the heat. Likewise, leave behind your expensive high heels and leather shoes. When you arrive in Bangkok, purchase low-priced sensibel rubber sandals and enjoy sloshing along the sois the Thai way. Do as the Thais do. Simply ignore the rain. Or you can purchase a cheap emergency rain poncho that folds up into a neat little package that you easily retrieve from your hip pocket. You can leave your rain hats at home, too. Simply run into the nearest 7-Eleven store and come out with a plastic bag over your head.