Rainy Season

Contrary to popular belief the best time for hiking is the rainy season in Thailand.

It doesn't get too hot, the forests are lush and green, the trees have leaves for sun cover, and people don't slash and burn the fields, so the air is clean.

During the rainy season comes a sunny morning, a massive downpour in the afternoon, and a beautiful sunset. Then follow the night rains.

If you enjoy spending your holiday in wet rain clothes, then this season is for you. Bring quick drying clothes with synthetic fibres that feel soft on your skin. Damp cotton can get smelly. Save it for dinner.

Rain Forest Adventure Hike

by Troy

Soon after my 18th birthday I headed out to a rain forest camp with my waterproof friend Tom, who enjoys any wet fun just like me. Living by a lake during the rainy season we got soaking wet every day in spite of our long rain capes. We've been swimming in clothes for years together, but this trip took it to a new level.

We were told that we should prepare for seriously wet weather and take quick drying clothes, like robust shoes, nylon trekking shirts with cargo pants, anoraks, and hiking capes. This sounded like a lot of fun was coming our way. We packed all the kit and were ready for many good soakings.

On Saturday noon we arrived at the base camp. While we checked in and went to our room big clouds piled up around us. By the time we'd settled in, it started pouring down. Tom suggested we should wear our hiking clothes in the rain and try them out in the sea.

Off into the Rain

Moments later we were out in the heavy rain. The wet forest smelled beautiful, intense with flower fragrances.

Rain clothes don't work well with the hood down, or when you swim in them like we did all day long. I kept my hood up at first because I like the cosy feeling, but after a while put it down and loosened the short zip because it got too hot. Now the rain came in through the collar and quickly soaked my clothes. No problem, I knew we were going to get wet.

We walked up a small path and reached an open space where we sat down in the wet grass. We put our hoods back up to enjoy the sound of the rain drops. It was relaxing to watch them run down over our rain capes and fun to play with the little puddles in our laps.

Waterfall

The rain got heavier as we walked towards a small waterfall. We put our hoods down so we could see and hear the forest better. As soon as we arrived, we went right under the waterfall to have some fun.

The cool water gushed down into our clothes and we were soaked to the skin in moments. Then we sat down in a small hole and let the water rush though our wet clothes. Very refreshing.

Swimming

The sun came out for a short while as we went into the lake by the forest. We jumped into the water fully clothed and splashed around for a good while. It soon started to rain again. The drops created a fair bit of spray as they hit the water. Time to put the hood back up.

It's amazing how easy it is to swim in lightweight hiking clothes and rain capes. They feel really good in the water and dry fast in the heat after we come out. No need to get changed. We spent most of the day in wet or damp clothes to keep cool. This worked out really well.

Forest Hike into a Lake

by Fung from Chiang Mai

What an adventure! It was a hot and humid day in the mountains of northern Thailand, but we were determined to tackle the challenging forest hike alon the base of Doi Suthep mountain, near Chiang Mai. The trail was steep and rocky, with dense jungle vegetation closing in on us from all sides.

As we ascended higher, dark clouds rolled in, bringing with them a torrential downpour. We quickly pulled out our trusty ponchos, hoping they would keep us dry. But little did we know, these ponchos had seen better days and were more like leaky sieves than waterproof barriers.

Within minutes of donning the ponchos, water was pouring in from every seam and hole. Our wet clothes clung to our bodies as we trudged on through the rain-soaked underbrush. We laughed and joked about how ridiculous this situation was. Who gets soaked to the bone while hiking? We do!

As we crested the summit, the rain picked up, soaking us even more. Visibility was poor, but we could see that our ponchos had given out completely. We looked at each other, shrugged, and decided to just enjoy the moment. After all, what's a little extra water when you're already soaked?

I turned to my friend and said, "You know what? This is actually kind of fun!" He grinned in agreement. We stood there for a few minutes, taking in the misty panorama of Huay Tueng Tao Lake below while our clothes dripped with rainwater.

And then it hit us: why not take advantage of this impromptu swim opportunity?! Let's swim in our ponchos and hiking boots, and our soggy trail gear underneath. W, we plunged into lake in all or clothes.

The cool rainwater enveloped us like a refreshing hug as we splashed around in our hiking clothes with whoops of excitement. Yes, you read that right! We laughed and played, feeling invigorated by the sudden change from rainy to gleeful fun. Who needs a fancy spa day when nature can provide such an unexpected treat?

As we emerged from the lake, dripping wet but exhilarated, we couldn't help but high-five each other (or rather, give each other soggy hugs). "That was AWESOME!" I exclaimed. My friend nodded vigorously in agreement.

We spent a few more minutes basking in the rain-soaked atmosphere before reluctantly making our way back to Chiang Mai. As we descended into the valley below, the sun began to peek out from behind the clouds, just enough to leave us with an unforgettable memory of that crazy, wonderful day hiking in the rain in Thailand.

And let this be a lesson: never underestimate the power of embracing chaos and finding joy in unexpected moments!