When to Go

The best time to visit the Gulf Coast is between December and March, when the seas are mostly calm and the skies generally clear. On the Eastern Gulf, Pattaya and Koh Samet are year-round destinations. Many places in Koh Chang and nearby islands used to close down during the rainy season, but no more. The big car ferries continue to run on a limited schedule during the rainy season, and most resorts and hotels stay open, offering cheaper rates. On the Western Gulf, Cha-am and Hua Hin are busy year-round. Flying to Koh Samui is still convenient in low season, and the island and its neighbors are beautiful even with cloudiness and rain.