In my earlier post I explained that I will have a business trip to Chonburi, Thailand after which I can take about 5 days of vacation in early August.

Everyone has been helpful suggesting places to visit around the area, but little has caught my interest . The suggestion for a destination that may be drier was Koh Samet . I will look into it.

Maybe I should think differently. Instead of trying to stay around Chonburi or even Thailand (this is my third visit) during the wet season when visiting the national parks and other destinations I would like is not practical, maybe I should be asking, "Where can I get to with a relatively short flight from BKK that would be an interesting destination for 3-4 days during August and would be drier?" I could fly roundtrip via BKK (I need to spend a day in Bangkok anyway to visit friends) before returning home.

I haven't been to SIngapore, but looked into once. Would it likely have better weather? I think it is a short visit type of place. Kuala Lumpur that time of year? I'm not as familiar with what to see/do there. Other ideas?

bali for sure...direct flts with air asia and thai air from bkk.

it is high season there.

but honestly early august will be quite nice, but hot, in parts of thailand... its sept. that usually proves to be not so nice

Bali is lovely, but I don't know that I would recommend it for just 5 days (more like 4 days when you take travel time into consideration). I think Bali needs a week or more.

August isn't rainy season everywhere in Thailand. If you want a beach, Koh Samui is dry then.

For me, five days in KL is too long. There just isn't enough to do there for me.

On the other hand, Georgetown, Penang would be perfect for 5 days. There are quick non-stop flights from Bangkok. Stay right in Georgetown - The E&O is our favorite. This is a world Heritage site - the wonderful multicultural atmosphere, the old fort, the Chinese shophouses and the world famous Hawker food.

Singapore is a fun city - lots to do and see. You will get afternoon thunderstorms, just plan to be indoors during those times.

If you're interested in visiting a city, then the weather won't be the determining factor. You can get just about anywhere from Bangkok -- Singapore, Hong Kong, Saigon would be good choices.

If you're looking for beach or other another type of "outdoorsy" environment, then Bali would be good from a weather standpoint, though as mentioned, August is high tourist season.

Siem Reap / Angkor would be another good option.

Bali would be my choice

Thanks again for all the help.

I would prefer an outdoorsy Thai destination (birds, animals, scenery) with history/culture activities/tours mixed in. Unfortunately, everything I read on the birding sites says that during rainy season the shorebirds are the only sure sightings and leeches are a possibility on the trails in forests, so I'm not finding much that sounds appealing there.
I only like beach for a day or so, so the suggested drier islands are not for me.
I started another post asking about NE Thailand. Drier? I read so, but then also read how muddy Khao Yai gets, so unsure. Will Siem Reap/Angkor be same weather?

That's why I'm looking at outdoorsy destinations that may not be as rainy or urban destinations that may not be as wet, though not my preference. Singapore is still in the running since I have not been there and have friends. Really like Hong Kong as a tourist city, but I have visited several times. I will check out Georgetown, Penang--not familiar.

k/l is relatively boring but the cameron highlands might hold some interest..

i might just pick a nice hotel with a great pool in bkk, like the anantara riverside or royal orchid sheraton and stay there and hire tong to take you out to the "secret place" for a day