How to Hack Your Thailand Itinerary for the February Peak

If you have ever arrived in Bangkok in mid-February, you know the feeling. You emerge from the airport, and instead of a pleasant tropical breeze, you are greeted by a wall of humidity and a horde of humanity. It is the height of the peak. Every must-see temple has a line, and the trendy islands are drowning under the weight of selfie sticks.

But the truth is that February is actually the best time to be here if you know how to avoid the crowds. The sun is always a deep blue from a postcard, and the winter temperatures are far more tolerable than the boiling oven of April. If you are seeking that legendary golf weather that Thailand is so famous for, which is low humidity, cool mornings, and fast greens, you have come to the right time. You just need a better plan than the average tourist.

We all adore Phuket and Samui, but in February, they are absolutely mobbed. If you yearn for the same white-sand beaches without the crowded beach chairs, you should head to the Trang Islands. Destinations such as Koh Kradan were recently ranked as having some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, but they are blissfully free of the crowds found in Patong.

Up north, everyone heads to Chiang Mai. It is a lovely town, of course, but if you yearn for the same misty mountain experience without the congestion, you should head to Mae Hong Son or Nan.

The biggest mistake tourists make in February is keeping the same time as the crowd. Most people go to the Grand Palace at 10:00 AM. Don’t. Get there first when the gates open at 8:30 AM, or an hour before closing time.

The same goes for eating. If you try to get a table at a popular riverside restaurant at 7:00 PM, you’ll be waiting for an hour. Have an early dinner at 4:30 PM while watching the sunset, and then spend the peak hours of the evening exploring the local markets like Talat Phlu in Bangkok instead of Khao San Road.

February is the Goldilocks month of the Thai climate. It is not too wet, not too hot, just right. That is why outdoor enthusiasts, and golfers in particular, consider this month the holy grail.

The golf weather Thailand during this period means that you can actually walk the course without melting by the fourth hole. The coastal areas of Hua Hin enjoy a cooling sea breeze, while the highlands of Chiang Rai may even call for a light sweater during an early morning tee-off. The dry ground translates to a longer ball flight, and the greens are at their best. Even if you are not a golfer, this is the best time to go long-distance trekking in Khao Yai National Park or biking through the ancient ruins of Sukhothai.

During the low season, you can wing it. In February, winging it means sleeping in a sub-par hostel because everything else is booked. So, you need to plan everything in advance.

• Trains: If you want a 1st-class sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, you have to book it weeks in advance through the official D-Ticket website.
• Domestic Flights: The prices go up significantly as you get closer to the dates. Use Thai Lion Air or AirAsia, but watch out for the cost of baggage.
• Ferries: If you are going to the smaller islands, check the ferry times. Some private speedboats only operate if they have enough people, and in peak season, they get full quickly.

Bangkok is crazy in February. To retain your sanity, find the green lungs. Instead of battling the crowds at Lumphini Park, take a river boat to Bang Krachao. It’s an island of trees and fruit orchards in the middle of the city. You can rent a bike for 50 Baht and ride for hours through the elevated walkways with nothing but the sound of the wind in the palms.

Another tip? Make use of the malls for more than just shopping. When the sun gets a little too intense in the middle of the day, Thai malls like IconSiam have world-class air conditioning and indoor food markets (SookSiam) that are like a street food party without the heat.

Avoid the restaurants with signs that say "We speak English" and menus that feature giant pictures of Pad Thai. Instead, find the stalls where office workers are gathered around plastic tables. February is also the beginning of the fruit season. Look out for the first crop of mango and sticky rice. It is the perfect way to fuel up for a busy day of sightseeing.

February in Thailand doesn’t have to be a fight for your patience. If you are ready to put up with the early mornings, look for the alternative islands, and make the most of the incredible weather, you will understand why everyone wants to be here.

Are you going to stick with the popular islands, or are you ready to head off-grid?

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