Almost half (47 per cent) of MENA nationals who visited Thailand during 2018 chose to travel during the green season in 2018. The green season, also described as the ‘rainy season’, runs from June to October and is one of the most vibrant times of the year in Thailand, bringing with it picturesque tones of blues and greens.

During the rainy season, the temperature ranges from 89º F (32º C) to 78º F (25º C). April and May are typically the hottest months of the year in Thailand with August and September usually getting the most rain.

Although the green season in Thailand brings with it unpredictable weather, there are still plenty of activities that travellers can do during the rainy season such as temple visits, exploring Thailand’s incredible food scene, museums, malls and famous markets.

Travelling to Thailand during the green season also has the added bonus of being much cheaper than during high season, with flight fares costing less and many hotels and retreats offering discounts.

Here is a round-up of some of the best places to visit in Thailand during the green season:

Bangkok

With many of Bangkok’s most famous sights being indoors, it’s the perfect city to visit during the rainy season. For a dose of culture visit the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, which is free entry for all; shop until you drop at the famous MBK Centre, the high-end EM District (Emporium and EmQuartier) or ICONSIAM; or visit the former home of Jim Thompson, who is credited with starting the Thai silk industry after World War II.

Chiang Mai

The northern city of Chiang Mai is home to several museums including the Tribal Museum, Chiang Mai Contemporary Art Museum and Chiang Mai National Museum. There are also a number of cooking schools to spend time learning the art of preparing authentic Thai dishes. Due to its location in the north, Chiang Mai is typically much dryer and tends to only experience downpours for a few hours in the late afternoon.

Phuket

Typically, Phuket experiences the most rain during September and October. The rest of the green season sees some rain but most days are dry. On the days that it does rain, Phuket has a number of activities to keep visitors entertained including the Thai Hua History Museum and the Seashell Museum.

Isaan

The Northeast of Thailand features much less rainfall than other areas during the green season. Korat is the driest province and the major cities function as usual during the monsoon season, though some of the mountains and trekking attractions may close until the rain passes.

Koh Samui

Unlike the rest of the country, the monsoon season doesn’t hit Koh Samui until the end of the year, with the rain coming from October until December and tailing off in January. Temperatures remain high and the rain is unlikely to come every day.

Alongside cultural and ecological excursions, visitors to Thailand can also spend time at hundreds of wellness retreats, which focus on physical and mental wellbeing. Specialised meditation and healing yoga sessions can all help to re-energise the mind as well as the body. For those looking for something more hard-core, Thailand’s famous Muay Thai retreats can help you get into shape fast in a fun, social and supportive environment.

It is important to stay prepared in case you do get caught in the rain. Pack breathable clothing, waterproof garments and mosquito repellent to have as comfortable a trip as possible and keep apps such as Uber on hand for when you need to escape the rain quickly.

Remember to keep your plans flexible – when there is a sudden chance of rain, do not falter; make multiple plans, all which take into consideration the possibility of rain.