I'm planning a trip to Thailand but can't seem to decide on which dates yet, Nov, Dec or Feb. I understand that if we want to travel after Xmas (12/26), it's probably good to reserve air/hotel as soon as possible? Would it be the same urgency if we go in late Nov or middle of Feb? Should we book now or wait until a month or so before the trip for better fares and such?

Thanks for all your expertise and help!

i always feel the earlier you book the more selection you have....with the exception of dec 15- jan 15 the prices will all be the same for the times you mention i believe...

weather will also be about the same, slightly cooler the earlier you go...november and december are perfect really...

Hi Bob, Samui would be good too, weather-wise, Nov or Dec?

November and early Dec. is perfect -- cooler than in February and less crowded than in mid Dec to mid Jan.

Samui is going to be a bit rainier in November and early December, as the winter monsoon is leaving the area. November could be quite rainy, and while December may not have big downpours, you could get cloudy days and rain. If you are a diver or a snorkler, this is not a great time, as the monsoon will have been in the area for the past 3-4 months stirring up the water and affecting visibility. Samui is better from late December onwards. Take a look at weatherbase.com and worldclimate.com, use Surat Thani as the locator.

sorry---my weather focus was on bkk not on samui at that time of year...i think you have to rely on others for samui weather...