Thanks for much for all the information on Thai islands!

My boyfriend and I and my parents are heading over to Thailand from June 4th – June 29th. We are planning on starting in bangkok, heading up to Chiang Mai, heading down a south island and then over to Songkhla/ Hat Yai area to visit some friends.

I am wondering… if we should head to the islands first since June is the start of the rainy season, the beginning might be less rainy than the end of june.

I am also wondering what would be the best island to go to for that time of year. I am looking for:

Great scenery
great snorkeling (off shore and day trips to other islands)
authentic thai food and culture
and not as crowded as samuii or phuket

Thanks for anyone’s help in advance!

Susannah

Can anyone provide first hand experience of the weather conditions at this team of year in the South West. Hoping to hit Phi Phi for a week and then further south to Ko Bulon or Ko Lipe.

I understand that this is the start of the “Rainy Seasons” but what exactly does this mean?? Should I expect rain the majority of the time or does it come in short burst with glorious sunshine the remainder of the day?

Also as Ko Bulon and Ko Lipe are relatively remote, are the Ferries/boats likely to be effected by the seasonal weather.

Best Regards,

Paul

As you probably saw, Ko Phi Phi is our pick for Thailand’s best family island. We’d definitely suggest that over any beach destination near Hanoi.

I’m not sure how locked in you are to your itinerary and how much time you have but one alternative to consider: end your trip by traveling from Siem Reap down to Sihanoukville via Phnom Phen. Sihanoukville has only slightly-above-average beaches but is an interesting place for other reasons. And from there you can take a great boat trip to Trat, Thailand and then stop by Ko Kood and/or Ko Chang on your way back to BKK.

Weather wise, you are going to face the chance of some rainy hours no matter where you go in July. Generally Ko Phi Phi is drier than Ko Chang that time of year.

Hope that helps.

We found a nice island to stay in vietnam(nha trang) but are looking for a nice finish island near hanoi or bkk for about 4/5 days.

key words:
July
Snorkling
easy to reach

i would love to get some ideas?
Koh chang in trat is bad weather or?
would phi phi be better?

best regards Patrick

I’m putting up a review of each island on my blog which you can find at http://adateatthetate.blogspot.com/

Wherever you go in Thailand you’ll have an amazing time – I’ve been twice now and havent found a bad island yet

i need help! travelling to bangkok on 24th decemebr and looking to take a flight out to an island same day. i will have 5 nights to spare as on the 6th day need to get back to bangkok.

we are a young couple who love clear blue waters for snorkelling and other water activities, prefer long strolls on the beach, great food lovers, high end resort/ hotel users, the place should be a commercial place filled with tourists yet not too crowded and we are not hardcore party animals.

can you advise which island(s) to go to,areas to stay in and which hotels? i prefer koh samui but i hear the water is dirty and swimming is not recommended, but even then it is a place most tourists go to and should not be missed.

My friend and I are planning a two island trip around end December to celebrate New year too – have looked at Koh Samui / Koh Tao or Koh Chang plus one other. Could you let me know which side will have the better weather and clearer seas, nicer beaches please

Maybe little bit night life, good for chilling, good for singles not like Phuket although that was about 10 years ago since I went – not sure where koh lipe is. Any help and recommendations on what beaches in these places would be great.

Thank you

Sarah

We would be extremely grateful of any opinions from people who have visited the area.

Many thanks,

Daphne