First Timers Seeking Advice

[BonkeyB]

We have our flight booked for Monday the 23rd may 2011, it is our first time for all of us going (5 boys). We have noticed that the weather is very bad in Bangkok and further south Thailand. Does anybody know what the current climate is like in Bangkok, phuket, phi phi? We are not sure what we should be packing to wear?Also, does anybody know what we can do if it's raining constantly???Thanks in advance!!!Ciaran.

[Fookhaht]

A cursory review of the climate of this region will tell any tourist that they will now be traveling in the "monsoon" (rainy) season. It usually involves a thunder shower or two each day, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy normal activities between the squalls. I'm not sure where you're from, but it's not like the constant cold drizzle endured by the soggy residents of the U.K. or Pacific Northwest in the USA.

This continues from May through September. Especially around July and August, the seas get quite heavy and swimming is discouraged at many public beaches due to the seasonal undertow which can put swimmers' lives at risk. A good time to stay in the hotel pool. The heavy seas may also disrupt normal ferry traffic temporarily, so be flexible. The sun won't feel as intense because of more cloud cover, but believe me, you can certainly get a sunburn or tan 10 times quicker than in northern climes. So keep that sun block handy.

At best, the occasional shower sure cools things off. At worst, you might get stuck inside a shopping mall for an hour or two while waiting for the current squall to pass. Grab a Starbucks coffee or catch a movie. No big deal.

These are normal seasonal things you should be aware of before coming to Thailand, but certainly shouldn't be a source of anxiety. Tourists enjoy SE Asia year-round when they come mentally and physically prepared.

My first trip to SE Asia, 10 years ago, was in the middle of the monsoon season. I brought a big golf umbrella, wore quick-dry clothing, always made sure there was a place I could duck out of the rain once or twice a day, didn't freak out if I got wet (because the rain is warm anyway), and stayed out of the surf when the signs were up. Simple preparations and precautions..

And, I thoroughly enjoyed my "monsoon" trip which included Cambodia, Angkor Wat, Bangkok and Phuket.

[jombom]

In Phuket it rains a lot. Check records on wunderground.

Better to go to Koh Samed, Koh Chang or Pattaya ---- re weather

[smokie36]

If you're getting too much rain on the west coast take a bus/ferry to Samui or Koh Phangan. Usually at least one side is dry.......both are warm enough anyway.

Don't worry too much.

[SlyAnimal]

Pretty much pack the same clothes you were planning on taking, when it rains here, it's not the same as in "normal" countries where rain = cold

Raining = Warm & Humid

Sunny = Hot

although the temperature is a little cooler when it rains, particularly at night it's good for when you're trying to sleep, it's still shorts, t shirt & jandals weather.

[Mrjlh]

If I was you I wouldn't pack a lot of clothes. You can buy anything you might have not brought anywhere. You can buy disposable rain coats at 7/11 and umbrellas cost $3! (100 Baht). Too much rain! take a metered cab. Sky train (BTS) is cheap and goes to most places where you can take a cheap cab ride to get to. Rains very unpredictable this time of year....but so what...just come and enjoy! :jap:

[BonkeyB]

Hi, Thanks for your feedback, its much appreciated!

We are from London so the thought of rain being quite warm out there makes us feel slightly optimistic! Its just a shame we were so clueless to book at these times!

If the weather is too bad to sun bath/lounge around the beach would anybody reccommend going Northern Thailand to trek and white water rafting instead, as that way it doesnt matter if its not sunny?! If you think its a good idea can you get flights from bangkok?

Thanks again guys!!

[cdnvic]

If you aren't used to travelling in tropical conditions, remember that the heat and humidity take a toll on your energy, so don't plan too hectic of an itinerary.

On the plus side, monsoon season is my favourite time for photographs. The air is cleaner than it is in the dry periods, and the cloud formations can be spectacular.

[IMA_FARANG]

In Bangkok, at least most of the storms are thundershowers that last no more than an hour or so. May be different farther south of Bangkok.

But in Bangkok you will usually be close to a place that you can run into, get a cup of coffee or a coke, and sit out the rain for that hour. Showers in Bangkok are not cold but actually refreshing and cool the place off somewhat from the heat.

Besides, as young males, you just might enjoy the passing parade of nice looking young Thai girls and their wet and clinging clothes when they are caught in the heavy shower as they run for cover.

I do...but I'm to old to do anything but watch. At least in THEIR opinion.

[jimbeam1]

Hi Chaps. As others have said don't worry. The storms can be rather spectacular and short, then it is back to the sun and hot. As someone else said travel light, a visit to a market can get you some good, cheap clothes. Today Bangkok hot and round about 90% humidity. So plenty of water, if you are out in the sun. Enjoy.

jb1

[BonkeyB]

THANKS!!!

Wow, it looks like we will be replacing the beers for waters, but if it means staying hydrated then thats good with me!!!

You guys have made us feel so much better about the trip, i invisioned RAINbathing for two weeks, so if we get to see the sun once in a while then thats good!! :-)

We are probably going to leave going to Puket. But we wondered if someone would be able to assist out plans please...we look to stay in Bangkok for a day or two then head south to either samui or pattaya? Is this easy to catch internal flights from bangkok? Also, how much do you think it costs to travel by plane (i dont want to be ripped off when we go, not that we would be but i have been warned?).

Obviously like most, we want to travel to where the sun lays his hat, so if anyone has advice on where we can catch some, please let me know!

Thanks for everything, your great!

[beano2274]

THANKS!!!

Wow, it looks like we will be replacing the beers for waters, but if it means staying hydrated then thats good with me!!!

You guys have made us feel so much better about the trip, i invisioned RAINbathing for two weeks, so if we get to see the sun once in a while then thats good!! :-)

We are probably going to leave going to Puket. But we wondered if someone would be able to assist out plans please...we look to stay in Bangkok for a day or two then head south to either samui or pattaya? Is this easy to catch internal flights from bangkok? Also, how much do you think it costs to travel by plane (i dont want to be ripped off when we go, not that we would be but i have been warned?).

Obviously like most, we want to travel to where the sun lays his hat, so if anyone has advice on where we can catch some, please let me know!

Thanks for everything, your great!

Check out Nokair, or Bangkok airways, Orient Thai, or Airasia for tickets.

[tw25rw]

I often go in rainy season. I take a wide brimmed hat to keep the rain and sun off. On a hot day, the rain feels good.

Take mosquito repellent though.

[sarahsbloke]

Pattaya is only a few hours drive from Bangkok.

Taxi or Minibus should do it, book from you Hotel.

I think it was about 300bht per person, when I did it in a minibus.

(90bht on the coach)

The taxi fare to the airport is almost the same as the taxi fare to Pattaya (central BK to airport 900bht).

Just looked it up, private taxi to Pattaya 1200bht (up to 3 people), minibus to Pattaya 2000bht (up to 10 people).

That's for the entire vehicle hire.

[smokie36]

THANKS!!!

Wow, it looks like we will be replacing the beers for waters, but if it means staying hydrated then thats good with me!!!

You guys have made us feel so much better about the trip, i invisioned RAINbathing for two weeks, so if we get to see the sun once in a while then thats good!! :-)

We are probably going to leave going to Puket. But we wondered if someone would be able to assist out plans please...we look to stay in Bangkok for a day or two then head south to either samui or pattaya? Is this easy to catch internal flights from bangkok? Also, how much do you think it costs to travel by plane (i dont want to be ripped off when we go, not that we would be but i have been warned?).

Obviously like most, we want to travel to where the sun lays his hat, so if anyone has advice on where we can catch some, please let me know!

Thanks for everything, your great!

If you want to fly to Samui there are two options. Bangkok Airways fly direct to the island with prices starting from around 3300 Baht. They do have a promo running at the moment for 2000 Baht however that's each way.

Alternatively fly to Surat airport and take a ferry. Takes a bfew hours longer and saves you around 1500 Baht pp each way usually. Check on the Air Asia website for flight details.

[yippz56]

The weather in Phuket, though it's raining but will last for 1-2 hours .... Same here in Bangkok and other part like Pattaya.

To go to Samui from Bangkok, you may take airline like bangkok airways and thai airways. Or you can fly to Suratthani (Thai Airways or One To Go). From the airport there are minibuses which shuttle up to Donsak's port, the ferry boats place of departure.

The price of the air ticket starting from THB 3000.

To go to Pattaya you may catch a bus available at the airport (agent call Bell Travel) which will drop you to the destination. Or you may hire van / car to be there. This will take approximately 2 hours to reach Pattaya.

No matter where you go, which part of Thailand, you can still enjoy the sunny weather during noon time. If, in case, you are stuck with the rain, you may go for some other activities like massaging, enjoy thai food, enjoying floating market, or visit Noongnuch village etc.