CAMBODIA
Cambodia's climate, like that of the rest of Southeast Asia, is dominated by monsoons, which are known as tropical wet and dry because of the distinctly marked seasonal differences.
Cambodia has a temperature range from 21 to 35 °C (69.8 to 95.0 °F) and experiences tropical monsoons. Southwest monsoons blow inland bringing moisture-laden winds from the Gulf of Thailand and Indian Ocean from May to October. The northeast monsoon ushers in the dry season, which lasts from November to April. The country experiences the heaviest precipitation from September to October with the driest period occurring from January to February.
Cambodia has two distinct seasons. The rainy season, which runs from May to October, can see temperatures drop to 22 °C (71.6 °F) and is generally accompanied with high humidity. The dry season lasts from November to April when temperatures can rise up to 40 °C (104 °F) around April. Disastrous flooding occurred in 2001 and again in 2002, with some degree of flooding almost every year.
SUMMARY: The best time of the year to travel to Cambodia is October through March; the dry season, when temperatures are more moderate
National public holidays of Cambodia
Remarks
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Name |
Date |
Remarks |
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January 1 |
Celebrates the beginning of the Gregorian New Year |
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January 7 |
To commemorate the end of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979 |
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moveable |
To commemorate the spontaneous gathering of monks to listen to the Buddha's preaching |
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March 8 |
To commemorate the brave history of women around the world |
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April 14-16 |
Celebrate the New Year in Cambodia. The holiday lasts for three days and is considered to be the most important festival on the calendar. |
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moveable |
As a Buddhist observance commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha. |
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May 1 |
To celebrate the economic and social achievements of workers. |
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moveable |
Corresponds to the start of the planting season. |
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May 13-15 |
To celebrate the birthday of HM King Norodom Sihamoni on May 14, 1953. |
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June 1 |
To celebrate the memorial and try to keep the children safe |
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June 18 |
To celebrate the birthday of Queen Mother Norodom Monineath on June 18, 1936. |
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September 24 |
To celebrate the signing of the Cambodian constitution by King Sihanouk. |
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moveable |
For buddhist to pay their respects to deceased relatives by cooking meals for monks and making offerings to the "ghost" of deceased relatives. |
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October 15 |
For Commemoration Day to the Royal Soul of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, Preahmahaviraksat, King-Father of the Cambodian National Independence, Territorial Integrity and Unity on October 15, 2012. |
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October 23 |
This holiday is to commemorate the Treaty of Paris on October 23, 1991. |
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November 9 |
This national holiday was established to celebrate Cambodia's independence from France in 1953. |
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Water Festival |
moveable |
This national holiday was established to celebrate the time when the water in the Mekong and Tonle Sap river changes course. |
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December 10 |
This national holiday was established to commemorate the United Nations General Assembly's adoption and proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. |
Laos
Laos has two distinct seasons: the wet and the dry -- each of which has advantages and disadvantages for travellers to the country.
The wet season in Laos runs from around May to October, and as with many Southeast Asian countries, the monsoon is characterised by a downpour for a few hours each day, rather than all-day torrential downpours. While the rainy season tends to strike Laos pretty much uniformally, there are a couple of regional oddities. Laos' wet season tends to hit Phongsali a little early due to it catching a bit of rain from southern China, while Hua Phan and Xieng Khuang tend to get a little early rain from Vietnam.
As with Cambodia, the most obvious effect of the wet season is damaged infrastructure. Landslides are common, as are severely rutted roads. While the road network is generally far better (that is, sealed) than Cambodia's, the topography of Laos (pretty mountainous) lends itself to landslides, some minor, some not-so-minor. Also, with all this rainfall, the rivers can become beastly and delays due to bridges being down are not uncommon. Don't be surprised if your trip takes longer than expected.
All in all, land transport during Laos' wet season can be slow and soggy.
Other advantages of this season are lower temperatures, cleaner air and smaller crowds.
Laos' dry season has two distinct sub-sections -- first comes the cool dry season and then comes the hot dry season -- the former is one of the most popular times to visit Laos, the later less so. The cool dry season runs from November to February and the hot dry season from March to April.
What makes the hot season even more unbearable is the smoke factor -- from March to May farmers set fire to rice stubble and degraded (and not-so-degraded) forest to improve soil fertility in preparation for a new rice crop. The resulting fires cover most of Laos (including Luang Prabang) in a layer of smoke which, aside from ruining views and photos, can become really irritating to the eyes.
The cool, dry season on the other hand is an excellent time to go. Temperatures are relatively low, the air is cleaner and, particularly in November and December, the rivers are high enough to make river travel a breeze. Not surprisingly, this period in Laos is the peak season for travellers.
SUMMARY: Dry season runs from November to April. November to February are cooler while March and April are blisteringly hot. April is the hottest month.
Wet season runs from May to October, though it may start a little early in a couple of Laos' northern provinces. August is the wettest month.
National public holidays of Cambodia
Public Holidays
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Date |
English Name |
Remarks |
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January 1 |
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March 8 |
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April 14-16 |
The Lao New Year, starts from 14 to 16. 3 days in total. |
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May 1 |
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December 2 |
Lao National Day |
The establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in 1975. Parades and dancing at That Luang temple. |
Lunisolar holidays
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Date |
English Name |
Remarks |
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Late January - Early February |
This holiday is celebrated after the rice harvest. A ceremony takes place to give thanks to the spirits of the land and make good luck for the next harvest. |
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February |
Chinese and Vietnamese New Year's |
Fireworks and celebrations take place at Chinese and Vietnamese temples. |
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February |
Takes place on the full moon to commemorate the speech given by the Lord Buddha to 1,250 enlightened monks who had gathered with no organization or prior warning |
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Late February |
Special offerings of sticky rice coated with eggs are made to monks. It is associated with Mahka Bousa. |
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Late March |
Lasting 3 days and 3 nights, this religious festival celebrates Buddha's previous incarnation before being born as Prince Siddhartha. |
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April |
Lao New Year |
Celebrated for 3 days, this is the most important celebration of the year. Throwing buckets of water to passersby. |
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Mid May |
Rocket Festival |
Held just before the start of the rainy season. Huge homemade rockets are fired into the air to prompt the gods to create rain for the upcoming rice-growing season. There are music, dancing, performances, and processions. |
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15th day of 6th lunar month (Late May) |
The birth, enlightenment, and death of the Lord Buddha. Candlelit processions take place in the evening. |
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Mid July |
At local temples, worshipers in brightly colored silks greet the dawn on Buddhist |
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Late August or early September |
Paying respect to the dead. |
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Mid September |
People make offerings to the monks. These include practical items such as books, pens, sugar, and coffee. Laypeople also give wax flower candles to the monks in order to gain merit. |
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Mid October |
Buddhist Lent and the rainy season both end in this holiday. Monks are liberated to perform their normal community duties. It is celebrated with boat races and carnivals. |
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Late summer / early fall |
Dragon Boat Races |
Held at different times in late summer or early fall in every riverside town. Celebrates the end of Buddhist Lent. |
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Full moon in early November |
That Luang Festival |
Pilgrimage to That Luang Stupa in Vientiane. Before dawn, thousands join in a ceremonial offering and group prayer, followed by a procession. |
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Late November / early December |
Hmong New Year |
Not a national holiday. Celebrated among the northern hill tribe. |
MYANMAR (BURMA)
The climate in Burma features three main seasons: the hot season from March to May, the wet season from June to September and the cool season from October to February.
Although it is a year-round destination, the best time to holiday in Burma is the cool season when the temperatures are more moderate and there is little or no rain. It can become extremely busy during this period and your choice of hotel may not be available, so if you plan to visit Burma at this time, it is advised that you book well in advance.
Holidaying during the hot or wet season has the benefit of fewer tourists and therefore lower prices. The wet season brings brief but heavy showers, mainly in the afternoon, which rarely affect touring and brings the lush landscapes to life.
SUMMARY: The best time to visit Burma: December - March
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Date |
English name |
Remarks |
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4 January |
Marks independence from British Empire in 1948. |
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12 February |
Anniversary of the Panglong Agreement in 1947. |
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27 March† |
Tabaung Pwè Pagoda Festivals. |
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2 March |
Peasants Day |
Anniversary of Ne Win's coup. |
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27 March |
Formerly Resistance Day (against the Japanese occupation in 1945). |
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13–16 April |
Celebrates and brings in the Burmese New Year. |
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17 April |
Burmese New Year |
Marks the New Year of the Burmese calendar |
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1 May |
Worker's Day. |
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24 May† |
Full Moon of Kason |
Anniversary of the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha celebrated by watering the Bodhi tree. |
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19 July |
Commemorates the assassination of Aung San and several other cabinet members in 1947. |
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22 July† |
Festival of Lights. |
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19 October† |
Festival of Lights. |
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17 November† |
Full Moon of Tazaungmon |
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27 November |
Anniversary of the first university students strike in 1920. |
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25 December |
This Christian holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. |
† Date varies; determined by the Burmese calendar.
THAILAND
The best time to visit Thailand is from November to February when the northeast monsoon is blowing cool, dry air that serves as a respite from the heat. During this cool season, the temperature ranges from 18 to 32 degrees Celsius in Bangkok, while in northern and northeast Thailand, temperatures can get quite cool with morning temperatures as low as eight to 12 degrees Celsius with the occasional 20 degree day. Nights can be particularly chilly and at high altitudes the temperatures can and do drop below freezing.
The summer period, or hot and dry season, is from March to June. At this time temperatures in Bangkok average around 34 degrees, but can often reach 40 degrees with humidity levels of 75%.
Try and avoid April, unless you plan to be permanently submerged in the ocean, because this is the hottest month across the country.
From July to October is the monsoon, when most of Thailand's annual rainfall is accumulated and flooding can ravage the country. The humidity averages just under 90%, with temperatures averaging around 29 degrees Celsius in a very wet and rainy Bangkok.
The monsoon finishes when the wind direction changes, bringing dry weather from the northeast. At best this season can be described as unpredictable and not the constant downpour of rain like you may expect. The middle months of this season may hold particularly heavy rains for the north of the country.
SUMMARY: The best time to visit Thailand: November to April.
National public holidays of Thailand in 2014
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Date |
Name |
Remarks |
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1 January |
Celebrates beginning of the solar and Gregorian year. From 1889–1941, this was held on 1 April. |
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Full moon, 3rd Thai lunar month (February) |
Buddhist observance commemorating the Buddha's teaching of Ovada Patimokkha. |
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1st day of the Chinese calendar (February) |
Observed by Thai Chinese and parts of the private sector. Usually celebrated for three days, starting on the day before the Chinese New Year's Eve. |
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6 April |
Chakri Memorial Day |
Commemorates the establishment of the Chakri Dynasty and the founding of Bangkok by King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke in 1782. |
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13 April – 15 April |
Songkran Festival |
Traditional Thai new year, and prime holiday of the year; many people return home for family reunions during this period.. |
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1 May |
Coincides with International Workers' Day. Observed as a holiday by most of the private sector. |
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5 May |
Commemorates the coronation of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1950. |
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May, arbitrary date |
Royal Ploughing Ceremony and Farmer's Day |
Ceremony giving blessing to the country's farmers. |
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Full moon, 6th Thai lunar month (May) |
Buddhist observance commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha. Also observed as National Tree Day. |
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Full moon, 8th Thai lunar month (July) |
Buddhist observance commemorating the Buddha's first discourse, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta |
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First waning moon, 8th Thai lunar month (July) |
Beginning of Vassa |
Buddhist observance marking the beginning of Vassa, also known as Buddhist Lent |
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12 August |
HM the Queen's Birthday |
Commemorates the birthday of Queen Sirikit in 1932; also observed as National Mother's Day |
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23 October |
Chulalongkorn Day |
Commemorates the passing of King Chulalongkorn in 1910. |
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5 December |
HM the King's Birthday |
Commemorates the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1927. Also observed as National Day and National Father's Day. |
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10 December |
Commemorates the promulgation of the first permanent constitution in 1932. |
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31 December |
New Year's Eve |
Final day of the Gregorian year. |
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1 Shawwal in the Islamic calendar |
Muslim holiday celebrating the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Observed by government units in Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Satun Provinces. |
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10 Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar |
Muslim holiday commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to Allah. Observed by government units in Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Satun Provinces. |
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25 December |
Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Religious for Christians and widely observed commercially. |
VIETNAM
The North (Hanoi, Halong Bay) is monsoonal with hot and rainy season from April to September and cool dry season from October to March. October and November are the best months to visit since you avoid the domestic tourist flow and also experience a more comfortable temperature and humidity compared with other months.
The Central part of Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An) receives dry and hot Southwest wind which makes it strenuous for any brisk walk during the day. Closer to the beach, the level of severity reduced and the dry wind is replaced by cool ocean breeze. Because of the limited land area, central Vietnam is also most susceptible to natural disasters such as hurricane or flooding. The paradox is, it is also where most beautiful beaches lie.
The South (Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Mui Ne) is typically hot all year round with two main seasons: rainy and dry. It is also the most predictable region in terms of weather. Summer months from May to August might not be the best time to hit the road since most tourists destinations are packed with tourists and downpours happen quite frequently.
The mountain area in Northwest and South central Vietnam see little fluctuation in weather condition. It is fairly cool all year round and a great place to escape the heat from cities. The rainy season is also from May to September. At the extreme you can see snow or flurry in December or January in Sapa.
SUMMARY: Best time to visit Vietnam: December to April
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Vietnam weather chart |
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Month |
Hanoi (North) |
Danang (Centre) |
Saigon (South) |
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Av.Temp (C) |
Av. rainfall (mm) |
Av.Temp (C) |
Av. rainfall (mm) |
Av.Temp (C) |
Av. rainfall (mm) |
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January |
17 |
18 |
22 |
101 |
27 |
15 |
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February |
18 |
28 |
22 |
31 |
28 |
4 |
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March |
20 |
38 |
24 |
12 |
29 |
13 |
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April |
24 |
81 |
27 |
18 |
30 |
42 |
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May |
28 |
197 |
29 |
47 |
29 |
221 |
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June |
30 |
238 |
30 |
42 |
29 |
331 |
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July |
30 |
322 |
30 |
99 |
28 |
314 |
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August |
29 |
343 |
28 |
117 |
28 |
268 |
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September |
28 |
252 |
26 |
447 |
27 |
334 |
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October |
26 |
98 |
24 |
530 |
27 |
268 |
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November |
22 |
42 |
22 |
221 |
27 |
114 |
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December |
19 |
21 |
21 |
208 |
27 |
56 |
National public holidays of Vietnam
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Date |
English Name |
Remarks |
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January 1 |
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From last two days of the last lunar month to 3rd day of the first lunar month |
Tết (Vietnamese New Year) |
Largest holiday of the year, occurs around late January-early February |
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10th day of the 3rd lunar month |
Hung Kings Commemorations |
New holiday since 2007, around April (adopted by the government on March 28, 2007) |
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April 30 |
Fall of Saigon and reunification of Vietnam in 1975 |
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May 1 |
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September 2 |
Vietnam declares its independence, forming the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam) |
