When is it best to travel?

If you want to visit the beautiful coconut islands in the southern Gulf of Thailand - Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao - the best time to go is during the hot and dry season from February to late June. From July to December, the islands experience sporadic rain showers, though these tend to pass quickly. Late in the year, there are sometimes strong winds, so that good conditions for boat trips, snorkelling and diving can't be guaranteed.

For the islands of the Andaman Coast, the best time to visit weather-wise is between December and March, though accommodation tends to fill up quickly at this time of year. The rainy season runs from April to October, though there are still windows of sunny weather.

In Thailand's central and northern regions, it's recommended to travel between November and February when the weather is generally cooler and dryer. Like all tropical countries, the climate is warm all year round, but there's less humidity, making it a good time for sightseeing. Temperatures begin to rise in March and by the end of April, exploring the country's attractions can be uncomfortable in the sweltering heat.

Festivals

North-east Thailand, also known as Isaan, is a great place to go if you want to experience traditional Thai festivals. Time your trip to coincide with one of these colourful and lively celebrations and you will get an instant hit of Thai culture and spectacle that few visitors get the chance to see. The Bun Bung Fai rocket festival in May sees the launching of myriad home-made rockets accompanied by traditional music, dance and costumed parades. Dating back to the pre-Buddhist era, the festival started as an ancient fertility rite and is most famously celebrated in Yasothon.

Every July, Loei province celebrates the intriguing Phi Ta Khon ghost festival, when towns and villages all over the region hold various games and processions. Later in the year, Surin province hosts the annual elephant round-up, usually on the third weekend of November. The tournament showcases the local tradition of catching and training wild elephants, and there are staged battles, games and parades celebrating the elephants' power and skill.