Thailand in June

In June, Thailand is thick in the middle of the low tourist season, as well as its warmer and wetter season.

Despite it being hot and humid, June can actually be a good time to visit Thailand. Prices for accommodation are at their lowest, which means you can splurge for much-needed air-conditioning, as well as venues that might normally be out of your budget range. The rains often only come in the form of heavy showers rather than all-day gloom, so as long as you’re prepared for an afternoon shower with an umbrella and back-up plans for the beach, your days most likely won’t be spent staring forlornly out the window.

(For more information on when to go to Thailand, read our full post here.)

Tip: Most accommodations’ websites list high, low, and shoulder season prices. If not, consider (gently) bargaining for your room. Bargaining works especially well if you’re traveling in a group — therefore renting more than one room — or staying longer than a night or two.

Access to smaller islands can be fairly limited in June. Some spots, especially in the south Andaman on Thailand’s west coast, suspend ferry service entirely. Be sure to do some research to make certain you don’t plan to visit any spots that are closed, or that have very limited weekly service.

Tip: Ko Chang and the surrounding islands receive more rain than anywhere else in Thailand in June – you might want to avoid this area during that month.

June festivals in Thailand

Be sure to check out some of the festivals held around Thailand in June; here are two of the main ones. Note that some June festivals overlap with the month of May.

Phi Ta Khon Festival
This very unique festival is held solely in Loei province (450 kilometers north-east of Bankoki) in the Dan Sei district, Phi Ta Khon is festival all about ghosts — think of it as the Thai version of Halloween, or, better, yet, the Buddhist version. During the three-day festival, villagers dress up as ghosts, wearing intricately carved spirit masks, and children play tricks. A masked procession marks the first day, and competitions are held for the best costumes, masks and dancers.

Siam Tulip Festival

Held in the northeastern province of Chaiyaphum, this festival celebrates the blooming of the Siam Tulip. The purple-pink flowers (see photo above) cover the hillsides and make great photos. Also part of the festival is mountain biking and rock climbing contests.

Chaiayphum in on Thailand’s northern rail route, so it’s possible to take a train there from either Bangkok or Chiang Mai.

More information on Thailand in Summer
More information on Thailand in May

[Photo credit: theerawat, Flickr]