I am planning a trip to Thailand in late September with my girlfriend.

Koh Kood is a remote island and second biggest in the Koh Chang archipelago in Trat province, with an unspoilt beach and calm atmosphere. However, September is not a promising month for good weather and it tends to be very wet. If you are looking for good weather, you will have to head south to Koh Samui, Koh Pha-ngan or Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand. You will find many romantic spots for your purpose on all three.

If you have your heart set on Koh Kood, you can still go. Some years, there are some sunny days during the wet season. That said, the island will be very quiet and activities like scuba diving, snorkelling or boat trips may be suspended and the ferries and speedboats operate according to the weather conditions. The sea can be very rough with furious waves and winds, making the crossings very unpleasant. From June to the end of September, many hotels are closed, though some on the coast do remain open. Do check in advance. 

I would recommend that you come in October if you can change your plans. The weather is usually good for holidays in Koh Kood from October through May. High season runs from November and February, which is the best time to enjoy the deep blue skies and lovely tropical temperatures.

 

 

My wife and I are visiting Myanmar in November as part of my Southeast Asia trip. Is it okay to book a flight from Bangkok to Yangon as well as our first night in a hotel? We have no fixed date for our return yet but are thinking of flying from Yangon on to Kuala Lumpur. Is that feasible? Mittal

 

Two airlines operate a direct flight between Yangon and Kuala Lumpur- Myanmar Airways and Malaysia Airlines. If you don’t mind travelling via Bangkok or Singapore, you may look at Thai Airways, Silk Air, Jetstar Airways and AirAsia too. It seems you have a number of airlines to choose from. 

If you prefer to buy your return ticket at the last minute, you are unlikely to get a good deal but you should find seats available for you. If you’re travelling all over Myanmar and leaving Yangon until last, it’s probably worth staying in the city for a few days until you can get a direct flight to KL. There are many travel agencies in Yangon so just contact one and ask them to look up for flights to Kuala Lumpur for you.

Do remember that you will only get 28 days on your Myanmar tourist visa, so your trip will be limited by that period. Travel in Myanmar is slow, unless you fly everywhere you go, so you will have to bear this in mind when you plan your trip as well.