Beat the Summer Heat in Bangkok - 5 Ways to Cool Off in the City of Angels

The proof that global warming is right here in Bangkok. Bangkok winters are usually dry and cool with the temperatures averaging 21° and 32°C. What brings down those averages are refreshing cold snaps of 16°C or so. That's when you'll see sweaters and scarves flying off those street vender's carts, just like umbrellas in monsoon.

But not this year--no cold snaps, no, not one. The only bundling up you see here is in air-con blasted department stores and offices.

The high of 34°C started at the end of January, a full 3 weeks early. In Bangkok, the hot and dry summer just rolls into a hot and wet monsoon with no relief in sight until December. So summer arriving three weeks early is a very big deal.

With steamy markets and water evaporating off the pavements by nine am., breaking out the tank tops, short shorts and flip flops spells little relief. So, what can be done to beat the heat of Krung Thep? (other than getting out of Bangkok) First thing you should do is get up early and do your sight seeing before 12. Then, waste away those sweltering afternoons in these ways:

1. Shop in one of Bangkok's giant shopping malls. Air con blasting away while you take in a dose of retail therapy, anyone?
2. Have a light lunch at at one of the many upscale Japanese restaurants at Central World or MBK.
3. See a movie. Think the big 20 mega cineplex in your home town is nice? Think again, Bangkok does movies even better! Though a bit expensive, 700 baht for two, try an upgrade to First Class (depending on location--World Class or Gold Class) which includes exclusive cinemas with comfy sofas or recliners, pillows and blanky and a light meal. You can find it at Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery, Central World and MBK. Bangkok also boasts an IMAX theatre that is inexpensive.
4. Go ice Skating at World Ice Skating Center. Bangkok houses the only full size ice skating rink in S.E. Asia. It is located on the 7th Fl., World Trade Center Complex, Rajaprasong, Radjamari Rd., Bangkok.
5. Take a cruise along the river. Sightseeing is done perfectly via Chao Praya Tourist Boat. It's covered and breezy and all the major attractions like Wat Pho are easily accessible by river. For a 100 baht, you can jump on and off at tourist spots as you like throughout the day.

Urban areas like Bangkok seem to concentrate the sun, so don't forget to protect yourself: lather on the sunscreen, wear a hat, and drink plenty of water/fresh juice. You'll know what I mean when you get here.

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