Should I bring a rain jacket?

No. A heavy rain jacket will make you sweat instantly. Bring a compact, lightweight poncho or a small travel umbrella instead.

How do I deal with wet clothes?

If you don't have access to a dryer, hang clothes in front of an air conditioning unit or in the sun. They will be dry within 4-6 hours due to the climate.

Packing for Family Travel in Tropical Asia

Stick to lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics and pack exactly one week's worth of clothing regardless of the trip length. Use laundry services available on every street corner to keep your luggage light and manageable while moving between locations.

Select the right fabrics. Avoid heavy cotton or denim, which stay wet for days in high humidity. Choose synthetic blends or merino wool that dry overnight after a quick hand-wash.
Adopt a modular packing system. Use packing cubes for each family member. This prevents 'suitcase explosion' in small hotel rooms and makes finding a clean outfit for a child a 10-second task.
Account for conservative sites. Pack one lightweight sarong or pair of linen trousers per person. These are mandatory for entering temples (Wats) in Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia to cover knees and shoulders.
Minimize footwear. Limit each family member to two pairs: one comfortable pair of walking sandals (like Keens or Tevas) and one pair of lightweight sneakers for travel days.

Should I bring a rain jacket?: No. A heavy rain jacket will make you sweat instantly. Bring a compact, lightweight poncho or a small travel umbrella instead.
How do I deal with wet clothes?: If you don't have access to a dryer, hang clothes in front of an air conditioning unit or in the sun. They will be dry within 4-6 hours due to the climate.