Southeast Asia is one of the best places for tropical travel experiences. That’s probably why it’s such a popular backpacking and tourist destination, with countries like Malaysia and Thailand welcoming upwards of 20 million visitors each in 2023 alone. So, if you want to explore unique natural wonders and even historical landmarks, this region should definitely be on your bucket list.

However, be warned: Southeast Asia is currently in its dry summer months and experiencing unprecedented heat levels. If you don’t take the proper precautions, you may experience conditions like dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke—as well as long-term issues like cataracts and skin cancer. That’s caused the Vietnamese government to declare a state of emergency and hundreds of schools in the Philippines to suspend face-to-face classes indefinitely.

Yet, though this heat isn’t expected to go away anytime soon, travellers to the region don’t need to let it ruin their vacation experiences. With head-to-toe sun protection, you can safely enjoy a trip to Southeast Asia. Here’s what you need to pull that off.

Sunglasses

The sun’s UV rays are linked to various eye issues. One is photokeratitis, a short-term eye sunburn that can cause temporary vision loss. However, sun exposure can also cause cumulative damage that leads to cataracts and age-related macular degeneration—both of which can progress into blindness. With UV levels in Southeast Asia at dangerous levels, sunglasses should thus be on your packing list. Make sure they come with a UV400 or “100% UV protection” label. That’s especially vital for the pairs kids will use, as toy sunnies will not shield their eyes adequately even if they have dark lenses.

You can also consider getting specialised add-ons for additional protection. Sunlight reflecting off water can cause glare and worsen UV exposure, so you may want to buy polarised sunglasses. You can check if your lenses have polarised coatings if you look at a reflective surface, tilt your head, and experience more intense glare. Many brands also offer prescription sunglasses that can be especially convenient for glasses wearers. Ray-Ban, one of the leading manufacturers of sunglasses globally, offers its classic Aviator and Wayfarer models with prescription lenses, as do Oakley and Prada. There is an additional cost for fitting such lenses, but doing so ensures you look good and see well. Those with stronger prescriptions should choose sturdier frames that can accommodate thicker lenses.

Sunscreen

This product is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of sun protection. It can shield against UV overexposure that can cause not just sunburn but also premature ageing and even skin cancer. The FDA recommends using broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher, even on cloudy days. That should protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. Slather it liberally on uncovered skin and reapply it every two hours—or more often if you get sweaty or just finished swimming. Consult a doctor before putting sunscreen on babies younger than six months old.

Since you’re likely to hit the beach on your trip—after all, Southeast Asia boasts some of the best in the world at islands like Phuket and Boracay—you’ll probably want to do your part and preserve it by using an eco-friendly product. That’s because no sunscreen is waterproof. Those that contain octinoxate and oxybenzone can wash off while you swim, damage coral reef DNA, and potentially affect food sources for local marine life. You may thus want to opt for reef-safe sunscreen. Ensure it still uses ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that can protect you from UV rays.

Sun-protective clothing

Despite their effectiveness, sunglasses and sunscreen aren’t completely foolproof. Your eyes can still be exposed to the sun if it’s overhead, and no sunscreen provides 100% UV protection. That’s why you’ll want to up the ante by wearing protective clothing. When possible, cover up as much of your skin as you can. That’s easily done through long-sleeved shirts and pants made of lightweight material. That way, you can stay cool even in current Southeast Asian temperatures soaring above 107 degrees, even if you’re wearing more. You’ll also want to wear sun hats with brims at least 3 inches wide to shield your face, eyes, and even the back of your neck. If you’re out and about, make sure all these items have a UPF factor of at least