I have been to Thailand several times over the years but never in July. A friend wants me to go with him this coming July so can anyone comment on what I can expect as I know it is the rainy season. Does it rain all the time and how will this affect sightseeing? We will be in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Lampang. Many thanks.

The rainy season is not necessarily a bad time to visit. It is the 'low' season for tourists, so hotels are cheaper and the sights are less crowded.

The rain *usually* falls in the late afternoon, so plan your days around getting your sightseeing done in the morning and being back in the hotel by 3:00 or 4:00. Take a shower, maybe a siesta, and by dinner time the rain will probably be over.

I go in late July and August each year (used to go in June) and find it good. Yes you do get a bit of rain but not outrageous although I didn't particularly like Phuket at that time of year. We've been up north and have had some really heavy rains in the area. Didn't much affect us really but once the rivers came up a lot from rain to the north and we only just got out before the floods. This was right up by the Burma border and not in the main areas. This last year CM has had flooding but then the weather has been over the top all around the region. I certainly wouldn't let it stop me and the bonus is that there are less people around and hotels are a lot cheaper.

the really bad rain usually comes in september, so you should be ok...watch the reports the day before when planning activities..

Great! Thanks to you all for that information. We will take our chances then and I am looking forward to it.