This is a fantastic time to visit Ko Chang, an island just off the coast of mainland Thailand, as the weather is wonderful. There is plenty of sunshine and the afternoon temperature averages about 31°C. Even at night, the mercury doesn't drop below the average low temperature of 21°C, which could be uncomfortable for sleeping if your room doesn't have air-conditioning. Those two temperatures remain perfectly constant throughout the month. The overall temperature averages 26°C this time of year. The average sea temperature is approximately 28°C, and the humidity is quite low. The sea conditions are good for snorkelling and diving with the water remaining calm and clear at this time of the year.
February is also one of the sunniest months. Each day enjoys 9 hours of sunshine on average, which is the annual maximum. December, January, March and Aprilost months
Because of the lack of significant cloud cover, this is also one of the driest months in the year. The island receives an average rainfall of only about 53mm. Because this is spread out over 12 days with some precipitation, rainfall generally happens as brief showers. February is the third driest month of the year, after the two previous ones. The probability that you will see some rainfall increases in the course of the month. The first days are the driest with a 15% chance of precipitation; the last days are the wettest with a chance of rainfall of about 25%. Thunderstorms are the most likely precipitation type, occurring on 61% of those 12 days with precipitation. Moderate rain and light occasionally happen as well.
Although this is one of the sunniest and driest months February does have a cloud cover of about 50%. This is a characteristic of tropical destinations. Warmer temperatures do, after all, evaporate water more quickly. With this 50% of cloud cover, this is still one of the clearest months. Only November, December and January have less cloudy skies.
For superb accommodation and fine dining in February, book a room at the five-star resort Amari Emerald Cove. It features comfortable rooms with spectacular views of the sea on one side and forest-covered hills on the other. Take a plunge into the resort's beachfront swimming pool and enjoy a Thai massage at the hotel's fantastic Breeze Spa.
Ko Chang is dotted with boutique resortsmall resorts that have very high standards for accommodation and service. The Gajapuri Resort is one of those, a resort that offers accommodation in teak wood bungalows, interconnected via wooden pathways through gorgeous, lush tropical gardens. People who want to get away from it all and simply relax are advised to take a look at this suggested resort.
The Dewa Resort Koh Chang is also a resort worth checking out. Featuring a particular architectural style, this is a unique place to stay on the island. It is situated perfectly on Klong Prao Beach and has an amazing outdoor pool, restaurants serving both European and Thai cuisine, and a full-service spa.
Younger travellers might want to choose to stay at or around Lonely Beach, Ko Chang's backpacker hub. This fairly small, yet pleasant sandy beach is backed by rocky terrain, lush jungle and budget accommodationsheap bungalows, guesthouses and huts. This is an incredibly laidback beach, a great place to enjoy the 28°C-warm sea water. It is well-known for its fun activities during the day and for its great nightlife in the evening (and until the wee hours). There is also plenty of cheap, but excellent food to be found in this area.
For a taste of fine cuisine, dine by the shores of Ko Chang at Sassi, a charming restaurant that is part of the Emerald Cove and offers delicious Italian dishes. The setting is simply superb as you can enjoy an intimate dinner at one of the restaurant's booths or go alfresco and enjoy your dinner under the stars.
After a hearty meal, unwind with a cool delicious drink at the Macao Club Koh Chang - Discotheque, which offers a broad selection of beers, wines and cocktails and is a classy evening entertainment venue, also on the premises of the Emerald Cove.
For great seafood, you might want to visit the Chai Chet Seafood Restaurant at the Chai Chet Resort, located on Klong Prao Beach on the island's west coast. Its menu consists of various fish and seafood, and Thai and international dishes.
The Chinese New Year is the biggest event in February celebrated by the locals. It is an event celebrated with pomp and colour, the streets filled with lion dancers and adorned with stunning lanterns. One of the sunniest and driest months of the year, February is a wonderful time to immerse yourself in Thai culture, as well as invigorate your taste buds with the mouthwatering local dishes served at the many charming restaurants in the region. Visitors looking to join in the celebrations of the Chinese New Year need to book their accommodation early, as it is the busiest time of the year in Ko Chang and hotels are normally booked out.
Thailand is a nation renowned for its majestic templeso Chang is no exception to this rule. The island is dotted with striking temples, one of the most notable of which is the Buddhist Klong Prao Temple. This landmark is the very centre of Klong Prao Village on Klong Prao Beach, incidentally one of the island's most popular beaches. Anyone who wants to add a splash of culture to their beach holiday is encouraged to visit at least one of those temples.
