I've booked a one month trip to Burma, Thailand and Cambodia leaving Oct 25 but can change to January 2011. Would there be much difference in weather? Heat, rain?

This will be my first time in Southeast Asia and I am avidly reading trip reports for background and tips and finding lots of useful information.

Thanks for any suggestions on the best time.

Yes January will be much, much better IMO. Less chance of rain, cool pleasant temperature with low humidity and it can even get cold in some area but much more preferable to October.

As Hanuman says, January will be much better. How much time do you have for this trip?

Yes, January would be much better. We first went to Thailand in October and, in Chiang Mai, there was so much rain the Ping River flooded. We were only detained a day or so, and our B&B owner helped us thru the knee high waters to get to the elephant conservatory camp -- so it turned out to be a great experience. However, the next time was late December and the weather was cooler and dryer. So, yes, January. Happy Travels!!

since you specified late october then i think either would be fine....october is the end of the rainy season...

Even in late October, I've had a lot of rain in that area. I'd definitely opt for January. You'll have much better weather.

Thanks for the quick responses. I like the sound of this:

"Less chance of rain, cool pleasant temperature with low humidity"

I'm in Florida and after an exceptionally cold winter, it's getting warm and humid fast, so cool with low humidity is appealing.

Back to reading trip reports for me -- and making lists for my trip.

Thanks again.