[Beating Thailand's Heat] 5 Must-Have Items Recommended by Local Staff for a Comfortable Tropical Summer

Written by: Suzu Osaki / Published: 2025-05-29

Thailand is hot all year round, and temperatures can climb close to 40°C, especially in April and May. So how do locals manage to stay comfortable in such a tropical climate? What kinds of items do they reach for every day?

This time, based on insights from our staff living in Thailand and the voices of locals, we're introducing 5 popular "heat-relief items" that are actually used on the ground. Once you try them, you'll find yourself thinking, "This is so handy!" or "What a clever idea!" It's a lineup that comes in handy when packing for travel or business trips, too.

① Menthol Soap (Nar Chee Soap)#

Often spotted at supermarkets and drugstores across Thailand, "menthol soap" delivers a refreshing burst of coolness. Use it during your shower, and a tingly, cool sensation spreads across your skin.

What's especially great is that the cooling sensation lingers even after your bath. It's perfect for prepping before heading out on a sweaty day or as part of your post-bath care routine. The retro packaging is adorable, too, making it a delightful souvenir choice.

② Cooling Powder (Prickly Heat Powder)#

Sold under the name "Prickly Heat," this powder is a Thai staple for fighting the heat. It absorbs sweat while keeping skin smooth and dry thanks to its menthol-infused freshness.

It works wonderfully on sweat-prone areas like the nape, back, and behind the knees. Ideal for daytime outings or as part of your nighttime body care routine, it's a beloved item among locals. With a wide variety of scents and types available, you can pick one that suits your taste.

③ Shaved Ice Dessert "Nam Kaeng Sai"#

When it comes to classic Thai treats for hot weather, shaved ice is a must!

Among them, the local favorite known as "Nam Kaeng Sai" stands out with its colorful appearance and unique flavors, topped with ingredients like beans, jelly, and corn. Drizzled with condensed milk and syrup, it's the quintessential "Thai-style sweet."

Priced at a wallet-friendly 20–30 baht per cup (around 100 yen), you can easily enjoy it at street stalls. Plus, its colorful look makes it perfect for photos!

④ Portable Mist Fan#

A common sight at tourist spots and markets is the portable fan with a built-in mist function. Palm-sized and easy to carry, it feels wonderfully cool when held up to your neck or face!

Most are USB-rechargeable and can be picked up easily at street stalls or convenience stores in Thailand. It's a summer must-have for outdoor events or long commutes.

⑤ Yadom (Nasal Cooling Stick)#

If there's one thing that defines Thailand, it's this — the nasal inhaler stick "Yadom," which you breathe in for an instant cooling rush. Scents of menthol and eucalyptus spread refreshingly, instantly lifting your mood.

Useful for fighting drowsiness or motion sickness, it's a national favorite deeply rooted in everyday Thai life. Pocket-sized, lightweight, and easy to carry, with plenty of varieties to choose from — it makes a perfect souvenir, too.

Beat Thailand's Heat the Fun Way with "Nar Chee Culture"!#

Rather than simply enduring the heat, Thai people have mastered the wisdom of staying comfortable while enjoying fragrant, cooling items and sweet treats.

From Nar Chee soap and Prickly Heat powder to Nam Kaeng Sai and Yadom — each one is simple, yet remarkably effective!

All of these items work beautifully in Japan's summer, too. Why not embrace the "Nar Chee lifestyle" and make your hot season a little more enjoyable?

Suzu Osaki#

Born in Hokkaido. Studied fragrance analysis as an engineering major in university, and currently works at a marketing firm in Tokyo, where she's involved in data analysis and product development. Her hobby is overseas travel that doubles as market research, and she's so hooked on Thailand that she visits every year. Her favorite Yadom is the herbal type, with its strong, crisp freshness.

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