Mid-year Visit to Thailand

Q: My husband and I want to visit Bangkok and Phuket in June/July 2012 as this is the only time we can get leave and it is his 40th birthday. Is this a good time visit and how many days would you recommend in each place? If this is not a good option at this time of year, where would you recommend? - Nalani Madurai

A: The months of June and July are mid-summer in Thailand, but it is considered the low season because of the higher temperatures and possibility of rain. The upside, though, is tourist spots are not as busy and prices can be as little as half of what they are in the high season (November - April). Unless you are diving fanatics and want perfect sea conditions and access to some of the dive spots which are closed during this season, I don't think you should be concerned about travelling to Thailand in June/July. It can rain, but this is usually in the form of a shower or two and then you can go back to the beach. The humidity is high, but most places have air conditioning and you soon adapt anyway. Most tourists spend three or four days in Bangkok and the rest of their holiday in Phuket, with a sidetrip to the Phi Phi Islands if time permits. There should be some excellent packages to Thailand available from South Africa, so check with your travel agent and book early. If you really don't want to take the chance of rain, you could opt for Bali, which has great weather during this season. Or you could head for the European resorts, but the cost is likely to be much higher there. (21/8/11)