Teaching In Thailand During Summer: How To Stay Cool And Keep Your Energy Up

Thailand is hot. There’s no two ways about it. Stepping outside can feel like you’ve walked into a sauna and running for shade may not bring the relief you desire. 

The realities of a tropical climate are buckets of sweat, monsoons, pesky bugs and stuffy classrooms. Yet, Thailand’s islands are the stuff of dreams and a cinematic paradise. 

The bustle of Bangkok and the beauty of Phuket and surrounding blissful beaches are just the right combination for the adventurous TEFL teacher. The fact that you can get paid to move to Thailand and experience teaching in one of the world’s most captivating destinations is incredible!

Read more: Teach English in Thailand

A few simple adjustments is all it takes to beat the relentless humidity and make your stay more comfortable. 

Beat the Thai heat: simple tips for staying cool 

• • Plan outdoor activities around mornings and evenings when the temperature has cooled.  
  • Sun block. The UV rays in Thailand are intense so bring a few tubes of sunblock along as it can get quite pricey. Aim for an SPF of 30+.  Wear UV resistant sunnies to protect your eyes.  Avoid the outdoors between 10am and 3pm whenever possible to reduce the risk of sunburn and eye discomfort. 
  • Protect your head. A sunhat or peak cap adds an additional layer of sun protection. Remember to remove these when entering a temple to show respect. 
  • Mosquito repellant. Mosquitoes thrive in Thailand’s humid conditions, so apply this daily to avoid getting bitten. The last thing you need is to be hot and itchy!
  • Hydrate. This can be eating watermelon to drinking fruit smoothies or iced lattes. Water should always be carried around so invest in a good water bottle. Peppermint and hibiscus teas have cooling properties to keep you extra-chilled. 
  • Eat (or drink) more salt. Sweat causes a loss of electrolytes, so drink coconut water or take a multivitamin to keep your electrolytes in check. You can also add more salt to your home-cooked meals.
  • Wear light-coloured,  breathable clothing. Opt for linen or cotton so your skin can breathe and sweat can evaporate. Lighter colours reflect sunlight. 
  • Eat the right foods. Spicy Thai food will make you sweat and kickstart your body’s natural cooling system. Swap carbs for lighter meals like fresh salads and tropical fruits. Not only is Thai food fragrant and delicious, but it helps you adjust to the tropical climate faster. 
  • Take a lukewarm shower. Get used to showering several times a day. A lukewarm shower may seem counterintuitive, but it cools you down better than a cold one, which is a shock to the body. Lukewarm water gets rid of heat without the discomfort leaving you refreshed. 
  • Wear a damp towel on the back of your neck. This helps lower your body temperature. Don’t worry about looking weird. This is common practice in hot climates. 
  • Carry a small foldable umbrella in your bag. These help block out harmful sunrays, keep you dry in a sudden downpour of rain and double up as a handy “shoo” tool for over-friendly stray dogs.
  • Beat indoor heat with a fan. As tempting as air conditioning is, it leads to dry skin and nasal passages. A common technique is to run the AC for about an hour and then change to a fan for the rest of the time. Remember to keep windows closed to trap the cool air inside. 
  • Try cooling powder. This wonder powder has a cooling effect and is also called “prickly heat” powder. There are various brands such as Protex or the popular Snake Brand. Ingredients like talc, camphor and menthol absorb heat. Apply it on damp skin after shower for maximum effect. It doesn’t block pores and can help prevent or relieve heat rash. 
  • Slow down. Walk at a relaxed pace to save energy and keep from overheating. Rushing around will only leave you dripping in sweat and dehydrated. 

Adjusting to a new climate takes time. Find the perfect combination of techniques that work for you and take your queue from the locals. 

Teaching in Thailand is a fascinating country steeped in beauty. Don’t let the weather dampen your spirit in the Land of Smiles. 

TTA alumna Anastasiia found a job teaching English in Chaiyaphum, Thailand, through The TEFL Academy’s Jobs Board:

Teaching here has been both humbling and exhilarating. With 16 hours of teaching per week, I work with 16 groups of students aged 10 to 12. That’s roughly 720 kids! Initially, the class sizes—45 students per group—felt overwhelming. I wondered how I could possibly connect with so many young minds.

Each class is a whirlwind of energy, laughter, and occasional chaos. Some days, the challenge lies in keeping their focus, while other days, I’m blown away by their eagerness to learn. My 5th graders, for example, have a knack for turning vocabulary lessons into mini performances, complete with hand gestures and giggles.

Outside the classroom, I’ve embraced local culture through Muay Thai boxing, weekend markets, and trips to nearby waterfalls. These experiences make me appreciate how much teaching abroad is about more than just the classroom—it’s about connection, growth, and embracing a new way of life.