Best Time to Visit Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia (A Snappy Guide)

Hey there! I’m Mikki—solo Aussie traveller, coffee aficionado and perpetual humidity survivor—here to chat about the best months for exploring Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Nothing bores me more than arriving in a monsoon; my hair’s already punishing enough, thanks. Below you’ll find a friendly rundown of weather windows, yearly rhythms and a few practical tips to plan your trip smoothly. Fair warning: I’ve sprinkled in a few affiliate links. If you click them and book something cool, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Let’s get into it!

Southeast Asia’s Climate Basics

Before we deep-dive by country, it helps to know the general patterns in the region:

– Wet season: Roughly May to October. Expect rain most afternoons; mornings often start sunny.
– Cool dry season: November to February. Sunshine, mild temps, smaller crowds.
– Hot season: March to May. Think daytime highs of 35°C plus relentless sunburn potential.

Variations exist from coast to coast, so let’s break it down.

Thailand

Thailand’s climate can be divided into three zones: north, central (including Bangkok) and south (east and west coasts). Here’s when to go for each.

Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Pai)

– Best months: November to February
– Why: Clear skies, cooler nights (10–20°C), lush rice terraces (post-monsoon).
– Beware: January can get chilly in the mountains. Pack layers.
– Do: Visit the Yi Peng Lantern Festival in November. Book a guided stroll or cooking class—check out GetYourGuide for options.

Central Thailand (Bangkok, Ayutthaya)

– Best months: November to February
– Why: Lower humidity, temps around 25–30°C. Ideal for temples and canal tours.
– Avoid: April to May. It’s burning-hot and the Songkran water fights are messy fun but soaking wet.
– Stay: I usually snag a dorm bed or private room via Hostelworld for a wallet-friendly crash pad.

Southern Thailand (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Tao, Koh Samui)

There’s a west- and east-coast split with offset monsoons.

1. West coast (Phuket, Krabi):
• Best: November to March
• Rain bomb: May to October

2. East coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan):
• Best: January to April
• Rain bomb: October to December

Booking ferries or buses? I swear by 12Go for clear timetables and pretty reliable tickets.

Vietnam

Vietnam stretches 1,650 km north to south, so you can experience multiple seasons in one trip. Plan by region.

Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa)

– Best: October to early December or March to April
– Why: Cool, dry days (20–25°C), misty mountain views in Sapa, emerald waters in Ha Long.
– Avoid: June to August (torrential rains, risk of storms) and late December to February (can be chilly in the north, around 15°C).

Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An)

– Best: February to May
– Why: Warm and sunny, roughly 25–32°C, perfect for beach hikes and tailors in Hoi An.
– Beware: September to November brings typhoons and heavy rains. No one wants their custom shirt drenched before they even leave town.
– Tip: Snag a riverside villa or boutique hotel via Booking.com—often free cancellation.

Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc)

– Best: December to April
– Why: Dry season, temps sit around 30–35°C.
– Avoid: May to November for downpours, but generally the rains are short-lived.
– Activity: A Mekong Delta day tour is a must—check out Viator for boat trips and market visits.

Cambodia

Cambodia’s small size means less regional variation. The seasons are pretty uniform.

Phnom Penh and Siem Reap

– Best: November to February
– Why: Cooler mornings (20–25°C), bearable afternoons. Perfect for Angkor Wat sunrises and city cycling tours.
– Avoid: April and May, the hottest months, when even your suntan feels scorched.
– Tip: Book tuk-tuk tours in advance via GetYourGuide or Viator to lock in a driver who won’t ghost you.

Coastal Cambodia (Sihanoukville, Koh Rong)

– Best: November to March
– Why: Beach weather—sunny, light breeze, 25–30°C.
– Avoid: May to October monsoon, when the sea can get rough and half the restaurants close.
– Stay: Beach huts can be found on Airbnb, but for flexible hostels hop on Hostelworld.

 

Putting It All Together: Multi-Country Timing Tips

If you’re plotting a round-trip through Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia in one hit, the sweet spot is November through February. You’ll dodge the worst of the rains across all three countries. Here’s a sample timeline:

– November: Start in Vietnam’s north. Cool, clear days in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay.
– December: Head southward to Hoi An then Ho Chi Minh City. Holiday vibes in Saigon.
– January: Zip overland or fly into Phnom Penh, then Siem Reap. Experience Angkor at sunrise.
– February: Cross into Thailand via bus into Bangkok, then chill out on southern islands (east or west coast, depending on ferry schedules).

For cross-border buses and trains, I rely on 12Go. No scams, no surprises.

Practical Essentials

Travel Insurance

I’m the poster child for “don’t skip travel insurance.” Heatstroke, scooter dents, wallet pickings—these happen. I trust World Nomads or SafetyWing. Both cover medical, trip interruptions and a few wild card extras you didn’t realise you needed.

Connectivity and SIM Cards

Roaming charges can zap your budget. I pick up a local eSIM via Airalo before I land. Works across multiple Asian countries and saves me rainforest tears.

Booking Activities

Whether it’s a cooking class in Chiang Mai, a motorbike tour around Hoi An, or a sunset cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, I book early with trusted platforms such as GetYourGuide or Viator. Confirmations arrive in your inbox—no surprises.

 

Conclusion: Pick Your Perfect Window

Travel planning in Southeast Asia boils down to balancing weather, crowds and your own endurance for heat and humidity. Generally speaking:

– Cool and dry (November–February): Ideal for most. Peak season, so book early.
– Hot (March–May): Lower prices, fewer tourists, but sweatier selfies.
– Wet (June–October): Jungle green, dramatic skies—just carry a good rain jacket and flexible itinerary.

If you’re chasing beaches, avoid the monsoon belts on both coasts. For cultural experiences and temple visits, prioritise the cooler months. And don’t forget travel insurance, solid hostel or hotel bookings via Hostelworld or Booking.com, plus reliable transport through 12Go.

There you have it—my down-to-earth guide to timing your trip across Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. I hope this helps you dodge the wet T-shirt monsoons and the blazing midday sun so you can focus on noodle soups, street-side fruit shakes and jaw-dropping temple ruins. Safe travels, and may your tan lines only fade when you’re ready.