Traveling to Thailand During Monsoon (Rainy Season)

Thailand is located in a geographical area exposed to the monsoon and experiences a period when rains occur more oftengenerally between the end of May and the beginning of November. However, a trip to Thailand during this season is entirely possible: the country reveals lush nature and tourists looking for authenticity will be in paradise. So, does a trip during the rainy season in Thailand tempt you? Let's see this in detail 😉

What to do in Thailand during the monsoon?

To understand why Thailand can be an interesting destination during the monsoon, you first need to know that the intensity of rain varies depending on the month and region. If the rains are relatively intense from the end of August to the end of October, they are often moderate at the start of the season. Showers only last a few minutes to a few hours, allowing the beautiful sunshine to illuminate the rest of the day.

Take advantage of the moderate rains in the north and the hinterland

As the rains are not very intense in June, it is entirely possible to take a trip to the north of the Kingdom of Siam, where nature is adorned with all shades of greenwhile the locals, more inclined to meet people, are easily approached. Visiting temples such as Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, or hiking in Mae Salong in Chiang Rai are among the activities not to be missed.

On the other hand, climatic conditions become extreme in Chiang Mai and the Golden Triangle between July and October. It is therefore not uncommon to see flooding as rivers overflow their banks. The rains are intensifying and can last for days in certain regions, such as Isaan for example. However, this period, calmer in terms of tourist influxis more conducive to romance, a stay to recharge your batteries and to discover the splendid Thailand during the monsoon. You simply need to have a flexible schedule and know how to take advantage of the clearings, ideal for cultural discovery.

Choose the right period for a successful stay

For fans of beautiful beaches and sunny weather, the clearings still allow you to visit the superb beaches of the southern islands of Thailand, at the very beginning of the rainy season.

But, from the end of July to October, the showers which occur at any time of the day affect the smooth running of your stay in Thailand during the monsoon, especially if you want to go to the islands of the Andaman Sea. They suffer the ravages of nature and, even if it is possible to take advantage of the clearings to tan, certain activities such as scuba diving and swimming should be avoidedespecially when intense rains are accompanied by strong winds, because sea currents can become dangerous in places.

Some regions like Pattaya and the megalopolis of Bangkok, however, benefit from relatively moderate rainscompared to those which characterize Phuket and the islands of the Andaman Sea, during the rainy season. Which means that you can have many hours to have fun, visit temples, discover tourist sites such as the majestic Buddhist temples or the curious Damnoen Saduak floating market in Bangkok.

Adapt your activities to the rainy season in Thailand

Whether you are keen on cultural discoveries, nature lovers or fans of sporting activities on vacation, all you will have to do is make a judicious choice of activities that appeal to you for discover a more authentic side of Thailand during the monsoon. Indeed, the temples are more accessible thanks to the scarcity of touristswhile sports enthusiasts and adventurers can organize activities such as river cruises, rafting or kayaking.

As for people looking for peace and quiet to enjoy the serenity of the countryside, the rainy season, which also corresponds to the low season, is perfectly adequate. It is then enough to choose your destination, depending on the intensity of the rains, depending on the region and opt for those that allow you to experience unique adventures, far from the beaten track.

For take full advantage of the beachthe ideal is to go there in the morning, when the sky is clear. In fact, rains are more frequent at the end of the day and at night. You will then be free to swim and snorkel in the calm waters.

And if you're in town and a downpour comes, take the opportunity to treat yourself to a massage. Renowned around the world for their benefits on the body and mind, Thai massages will offer you a relaxing break while the rain falls outside.

Prepare your trip to Thailand during the monsoon

From a financial point of view, a stay in Thailand is more affordable during the rainy season. And that’s a significant advantage, especially if you have a small budget! In fact, most hotels and guesthouses lower their prices, even if transport and catering prices remain relatively constant throughout the year. Likewise, the hotel staff, less overwhelmed, will do everything possible to make your stay as pleasant as possible.

But nothing beats an adventurous mindset for a successful stay in Thailand during the monsoon. Whatever destination you choose, one thing is certain, intense showers can appear at any minute. Which means you risk getting soaked to the skin, in just a few minutes. So to prevent this from spoiling your pleasure, simplyadopt a very flexible scheduledepending on the appearance of the sun and good clearing periods. So plan activities to do within the 4 walls if the weather is really bad and always be ready to jump at the opportunity as soon as the weather is conducive to outdoor activities.

Also have on hand suitable clothing in the rainy season such as raincoats (long-sleeved cycling capes for example, technical clothing that dries very quickly, etc.). The same goes for shoes: the ideal is to wear flip-flops, or to wear sandals that dry quickly.

The monsoon in Thailand is also conducive to the proliferation of mosquitoes. Take care to protect yourself by sleeping under a mosquito net and wearing light but long clothing after dark. Also pack a repellent suitable for tropical areas, as well as mosquito repellent sockets, in your luggage.

It is also important to find out about bus lines or other means of transport so as not to be caught off guard. It happens, in fact, that due to flooding, certain roads are impassable. So, be prepared to give up on some plans such as exploring parts of Thailand by bike, even if you've been dreaming of doing so. Have a plan Bin case the intensity of the showers does not allow you to practice other activities planned in advance.

Summary of how to best experience the rainy season in Thailand

• The monsoon spreads from June to October : bad weather consists of large, short but intense storms.
• Globally the weather remains sunny most of the timeexcept in the north where the rainy season is more pronounced.
• Temperatures are approximately constant throughout the year, but the humidity level makes the heat more stifling during the rainy season in Thailand.
• It was during this period that the vegetation is the most luxuriantoffering visitors grandiose panoramas.
• The monsoon is most marked in the Andaman Sea islands.
• The arrival of the rains is later in the Gulf of Thailand : between October and December.
• In the south (in the province of Phuket or Hat Yai), rains are frequent, regardless of the season, but never last long.
• It is entirely possible to go to Thailand during the monsoon, provided youadapt your trip : avoid the western islands, accept changes of plans and choose your activities according to the weather conditions.