Thailand’s best summer destinations

A palm tree stretches out to water in Koh Phangan. Image credit: Chris Bird/Creative Commons

Although Thailand isn’t the typical summer holiday destination, with the climate traditionally being hot, humid and in mid-monsoon season at that time of year, there are some destinations which manage to maintain ideal weather conditions year-round.

Late August to early September provides a window of opportunity with fantastic deals available for departures during this time. Summer visitors will also be able to take advantage of the Thai low-season in other ways, with fewer tourists meaning quieter beaches and shorter queues at major attractions. Here are three Thai destinations which would fit the bill for your next summer holiday.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui’s popular ferry. Image credit: Jutta M. Jenning/Creative Commons

Lying in the Gulf of Thailand, Ko Samui, the country’s second-largest island, is a destination rich with natural beauty. Exploring this island paradise will make you feel a world away from the densely-packed streets of Bangkok.

Koh Samui’s beaches are globally renowned for their fine white sands and alluring, crystal clear waters. Bordered by coconut-bearing trees and offering peace and relaxation, the beaches of Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut and Lipa Noi offer perfect isolation throughout the day. At one of these beaches, you’ll be able to get your hair braided, enjoy a massage, chow down on barbecued food or get to know the locals.

There’s also plenty to see and do on the island including colourful Buddhist temple Wat Plai Laem and Wat Phra Yai, also known as the Big Buddha Temple. Those with an adventurous side will love the hike up to Na Mueang Waterfall, while Koh Taen is a haven for snorkellers, boasting a coral reef and plenty of fish.

Hua Hin

Hua Hin’s beaches are great for relaxation, hence why they’re also used by monks.

Just a short distance from capital Bangkok, this idyllic fishing village-turned-Royal retreat is Thailand’s original beach resort, providing a blend of cosmopolitan ambience with coastal beauty.

In addition to soaking up the tropical sun along the sandy coastline, there are plenty of leisure activities for you to discover such as watersports like kiteboarding, or playing a round of golf on one of several manicured courses across the region.

In the evening Hua Hin comes to live with a great variety of shops, restaurants and bars welcoming patrons into the early hours. There are also seaside eateries built on stilts into the sea, which offer superb, fresh seafood and sumptuous Thai cuisine.

Less hectic and more laid-back than Pattaya, Hua Hin is great for those who simply want to sit back and relax.

Koh Phangan

The sunsets of Koh Phangan are not to be missed. Image credit: Jutta M. Jenning/Creative Commons

Although famed for its Full Moon Parties, Koh Phangan is so much more than a party paradise. In addition to a selection of incredible sandy beaches, visitors can go on a hike through the island’s lush tropical jungle interior or rent a boat and row out to one of many fantastic surrounding snorkelling spots.

Ko Phangan has 20 dive sites, offering you the chance to get up close and personal with a bevy of colourful fish. There’s also Thong Sala Night Market where you can sample some of the island’s best food, or even learn to make you own Thai fare at the C&M Study Centre.