best time to visit Thailand
 

I'm planning a 2 week trip to Thailand for January or February of 2007. We plan to visit the north, Bangkok and Phuket. All the guidebooks agree that the best time to visit Thailand is from November to February, but some claim that it is too cool in the north in January and that February is better.

Our present departure date is set for January 9, but we are still flexible. What's the opinion here?

Thanks in advance...

Too cool? at least..it's not for me..
I think it's very romantic time in the North. I think Jan is better than Feb...just my opinion.

there is never such a thing as too cool in thailand...it is a tad cooler then, but that probably means that it will be 88 degrees F instead of 96 degrees... you will be plenty warm...!!

any time during that timeframe you will be very happy with the weather...

and btw jan 9 is my birthday so i think it is a splendid day to go...

We were there in February. The weather was extremely hot in Bangkok and hot in the north - but not unbearable (wore a sweater to breakfast [outdoors] in Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai). The downside to going later is that the hilltribes begin burning fires in February and there's a bit of smokiness in the air. It gets worse the later you go. It wasn't too bad when we were there (worse in Laos), but it's worth keeping in mind.

Sounds like Jan 9 will be just fine!

Thanks.

Bob has a birthday? This must be a mistake. Who would celebrate his entry into the material plane?

I think January would be perfect. We were there last February. In Phuket we were in and around water so much and with the breeze off the ocean we were warm but comfortable. Bangkok was ridiculously hot and humid. Chiang Rai was warm (shorts and t-shirt weather) and muggy, cooler in the evenings.
BTW I highly recommend the John Gray Kayak "Starlight Tour" in Phuket :)

Happy Birthday to Bob the Capricorn in January. One of the most intellectual signs :)