Weather in southern islands in May onwards

[starship]

My niece wants to come to the southern islands at the start of May. Not totally sure of her plans yet but I wanted to get some info for her about what to expect here this time of year.

I think this is getting towards the rainy season and I recall reading sometime in the past that Samui in particular experiences something of a 'micro climate'. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who's been here during this time or indeed anyone who lives there. Also interested in the weather this time of year in the other southern islands/beaches, (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Phangan etc as she will probably go thee also. I know the boats to Samui are cancelled sometimes when the weather is bad. Just don't want her to go all the way there if it's regularly pouring with rain and high waves etc.

One other thing. Can you get a flight from any of the beach areas to Malaysia/Myanmar or do you have to go there via Bangkok.

Appreciate all comments

Thanks

[saobaht]

I have been to the southern islands (samui and phuket) during June and even though it does rain, the rain doesn't usually last all day. It would rain hard for say 2 hours and then clear up. It really varies because I have also been to samui during the rainy season (may to oct) and it didn't rain once. I have also been to the southern islands in November/December and discovered rain. What I would suggest is not take rain into account into the decision making process on when you should go because no matter what month you may discover rain.

I can't comment on Myanmar but regarding going to Malaysia there are a couple flights between Phuket and Malaysia depending on where you want to go. Another cheaper option is to get yourself to Hat Yai and take a van across the border (no more than 20 USD per person). I did this about a month ago taking a van from Hat Yai to Penang. I didn't run into any issues at the border.

[phuketrichard]

live in Phuket and april may are HOT!!!! I far prefer low season and it might rain but not all day.

but since we are on the sea there is a breeze and its low season so plenty of choices for accommodation

its on shore breeze than as well so waves rather than glass type sea.

Phuket has flights to Pennag so easy to get to Langkawi and kl, singapore

Or u could hop a bus/flight to Hat yai/satun than ferry over to Langkawi

No flights to Burma so would need transit Bangkok

just look on the air asiai site

[starship]

Thanks. It's interesting to hear that. That was my experience also, traveling during the rainy season many years back. It still seems as though it might be reasonable in Samui from what you say. Good to hear there are flights from Phuket to Malaysia. Interesting to hear that you crossed the border near Hat Yai. I was not really recommending this to them as I know there's been trouble in the south for a long time - I thought flying south would be safer. Did you encounter any military checkpoints etc on the way there out of interest?

Additionally, as you've been to Phuket did you yourself, or did you hear of others going to Myanmar from here. I think there's a boat crossing somewhere near Ranong north of Phuket. Indeed are there companies from Phuket that offer a travel service to here that would save a lot of hassle? She want's to go to Myanmar as well.

Thanks

[keeniau96]

I have been living in Phuket for 12 years and confirm what Phuketrichard says. I have gone to Langkawi many times from here by taking bus to Satun (about 8 hours) and the excellent ferry to Langkawi.

No flights to Burma from here; the Ranong crossing is used by local visa runs and the Burma side is a very unpleasant little village. Border restrictions on Burma side do not allow further travel.

[phuketrichard]

i have driven a few times to Malaysia and crossing over near Satun rather than Sadao, not much trouble as its more over near Pattani , yala and further west.

In Oct came up from Malaysia thru Betong and into Yalla,went thru about 40 unnamed checkpoints an 3 maned ones. Would not drive that road at night and its a pity as its a beautiful drive.

2 weeks ago my gf needed to do her visa run so we drove up to Ranong and took the boat across to Burma, not much to see

BUT it is an entry point for Burma IF u have ur Burmese visa in advance ( issued in Bangkok ) but u need to fly out as no land travel allowed from the town but there are a few boats to distant beaches.

Internal flight from Victoria point in Burma to Yangoon are $192.

cheaper to fly to bangkok from Phuket ($50-100) and than fly to Yangoon or Mandalay ( $60-100) one way on Air Asia

so best is to fly to bangkok,early morning, take taxi to Burmese embassy, put ur passport in for same day ( 1,200 baht) pick it up in the afternoon and than next day fly to Burma

PS, been living here for almost 30 years and still love it :-)

[Ricardo]

I spent two weeks down South in June, a couple of years ago, Koh Lanta was fairly windy & wet & stormy, while Ao Nang (Krabi mainland) was much better, only 40-50 miles away. Go figure !

Also I believe that May onwards is low-season on Koh Lipe, a bit further South, with reduced-ferries & heavy seas at times ?

[starship]

Thanks for the extra useful info. As you mention, the weather can be unpredictable. I've suggested to her to island hop if the weather's not great on one island, as this is what I did many moons ago. Good to hear the western side seems to be OK. I have mentioned the Langkawi ferry to her as I think this would be a good option. I'd actually done it years ago but forgotten about it.