January in Sri Lanka

It would be best to visit Sri Lanka in January  right after the new year celebration. Travelers can experience one of the best weather conditions during this month. Temperature in January is about 20 to 30 degrees Celsius.  January is a month  filled with excitement and festivals such as Dipawali celebrated by the hindus.  There are some great destinations you should not miss out on, some of them are specified below.

Places to visit:

• Mirissa is the ideal destination if you’ve been dreaming of a vacation between swaying coconut trees, hamrocks, and shimmering golden beaches. You would be able to go whale watching and have a fun filled surfing experience, a moment where unforgettable memories are made.
• Yala National Park is located in the district of Take a trip to this amazing wildlife sanctuary. Enjoy a safari experience where you would be able to have a unique experience with the animals.
• Nuwara Eliya is a city known as Little England and the weather is best suitable during this month. The lush greenery of tea plantations, mountains and waterfalls shows off the beauty of nature.
• Anuradhapura is also known for historical ruins and is also a city you could explore to learn about SrI Lanka’s ancient buddhist culture and history.

February in Sri Lanka

February is also known for its pleasant weather for traveling since it is a rain free month. Few rainfalls are felt occasionally, normally a rare occurrence. The best place to visit during this month are: 

Places to visit:

• Beruwala and Bentota beaches, these golden sand beaches are famous for turtle conservation, delicious foods and exciting night lifes. Beruwala is also known for its gem trading fairs.

• Hikkaduwa is a small town located 68 km away from Colombo. This place has various fun activities such as surfing and snorkeling. The nightlife, food and parties are pretty exciting here. Also make sure you don’t miss out on the Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary if you are planning a visit.

• Sigiriya has also been a tourist spot for centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a proof of the rich historical values in Sri Lanka. The weather is moderately cool during this month making the climb easier. Sigiriya garden at the top is a breathtaking site. This rock fortress tells the story of ancient times and a place loved by many tourists. Colombo, Nuwaraeliya, Kandy are also some of the other interesting places to pay a visit to.

March in Sri Lanka

During March you can make the best out of your trip, the weather is good during the entire month and there is little possibility of rain. There are various activities and places to do during this month.

Places to visit:

• You could surf to your heart’s content in the beautiful beaches like Hikkaduwa. Pasikuda, Bentota and Beruwala are some of the beautiful beaches to enjoy a vacation.
• Explore wildlife at Wilpattu National Park and Yala National Park and bond with nature.
• If you’re in for an adventure of your own, go Trekking at Horton Plains or Adams peak and have an adventure of your own!
• The cities Colombo, Kandy and Galle also provide various activities and places to enjoy a vacation so make the most out of it.

April in Sri Lanka

April is also known to be a good month to visit Sri Lanka but when it gets closer to May there could be rainfalls especially in the hill country of the island.  The south coast and west coast would still enjoy sunshine with a temperature of 30 degree celsius.

Places to visit:

• Since the hill country temperature is about 20 degrees it would be convenient for hiking in Knuckles Mountain.
• The best beaches to be enjoyed are the Negombo and Colombo beaches where you would be able to relax and be yourself.
• Colombo and Kandy also offer various enjoyments, at Colombo you could visit the Dehiwala zoo, Galle face green, Gangaramaya Buddhist temple and try out the delicious street foods. Kandy is a cultural city a place where you can learn and observe the islands Buddhist cultural values and even visit the sacred tooth relic temple.

May in Sri Lanka

Colombo, Galle, and the hill country are all affected by the Yala monsoon between May and August, which invades Sri Lanka in May. The temperature is  29 degrees Celsius on average at the time, making it pleasant to move about and explore. However, tourists are normally not allowed to swim in the sea along Sri Lanka’s west and south coasts in May due to the possibility of hazard.

Places to visit:

• Pinnawala Elephant orphanage where you can observe and interact with these gigantic creatures.
• Pay a visit to the Temple of tooth relic in Kandy and the pettah floating market to enjoy some delicious foods. If you are looking to have some fun at the beach.
• Bentota beach is an ideal place to relax and have some fun.

June in Sri Lanka

June’s  monsoonal rains are erratic and typically don’t last all day. Less rainfall is felt during this month.  To take advantage of the moderate temperatures and tranquil ambiance, visitors could venture to these places.

Places to visit:

• Trincomalee and Batticaloa on the island’s east coast. These less-traveled areas provide an escape from the crowds that can be found on Sri Lanka’s southern beaches. They provide quick access to neighboring beach communities and are home to historical buildings and hotels from the colonial era.
• Yala safari is also the best during this time due to the less number of tourists.

July in Sri Lanka

While the end of the monsoon rains is impossible to predict, the south and west of Sri Lanka experience less precipitation and brighter skies as July goes on, while brief, sharp showers should still be anticipated.  Temperatures are about 29 to 30 degrees Celsius on the entire island. 

Places to visit:

• Trincomalee and Batticaloa situated in the island’s east coast offers its visitors some enjoyable activities such as whale watching, tour the historic forts of the city, and relaxing on the secluded golden beaches.
• Both Yala National Park to go on safaris and the religious town of Kataragama host festivals where you could be part of.
• You can explore the northern part of the island and visit Jaffna where you can learn about the tamil culture in the city of Jaffna.

August in Sri Lanka

August is one of the rare months when beach lovers have their pick of Sri Lanka’s beaches due to the favorable weather forecast for the north and the east coast. From Negombo northward, to the north-west shore can not disappoint as well. While Kandy is about 84°F , Colombo experiences temperatures around 86°F.

Places to visit:

• Normally the Kandy Perahera occurs in August, being a part of it would be an exciting experience.
• It’s a wonderful month for observing animals at Trincomalee or Yala National Park.
• One of the major temple festivals on the island is taking place during this month in Jaffna, which is the best venue to learn further about Sri Lankan Tamil culture.

September in Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, September is recognized for its frequent and occasionally torrential rainfalls. Even though this month experiences less sunshine travelers can freely explore the nation and discover its wonders.

Places to visit:

• There will be less crowd than usual at tourist destinations like the city of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, and Dambulla, and the weather will be pleasant.
• Visit the cities of Trincomalee and Batticaloa on Sri Lanka’s east coast for their beautiful beaches, as well as Jaffna near the island’s northernmost tip.

October in Sri Lanka

In October  temperatures are below their average and rainfall continues to be extremely heavy on Sri Lanka’s southern and western coast (average temperature: 28 °C). By the end of the month, full sunny days are expected, however some beaches are still not safe for swimming.  Heavy rainfalls are expected in hill country during this month.

Places to visit:

• October is the month to explore the underwater world in Pasikuda.
• Visit Hikkaduwa and snorkel for a more leisurely experience with marine life.
• Unawatuna beach is known as surfers paradise. Take the chance to have a thrilling adventure here.
• Explore wildlife at the national parks such as Yala National park, Wilpattu national park. If you are a nature lover these places have a story of their own to tell.

November in Sri Lanka

Rainfalls are common throughout the island at this time including strong winds and thunderstorms.  While Kandy typically has around 84°F in November, Colombo sees temperatures around 86° F. The mountainous town of Nuwara Eliya is very cold during this month.

Places to visit:

• The best time to visit the well-known tourist destinations in and around Galle and Colombo is now, before more tourists start to come in December.
• Enjoy beach life at Unawatuna beach where the weather is best in the latter part of November.

December in Sri Lanka

The northeastern part of the island experiences the Northeastern monsoon in December, which provides stormy, rainy weather. However, the dry season is only just getting started in the southwest of the island. In December, places are filled with beautiful Christmas decorations and exciting activities with seasonal offers making your vacation even more exciting.

Places to visit:

• Discovering Colombo’s urban attractions and Kandy’s significant religious sites is best done in December.
• The well-known beaches in southwest Sri Lanka are also a great time to visit because the weather is pleasant.
• Visitors staying in the neighboring city of Galle frequently visit Unawatuna Beach, Talalla Beach is well-known for its peace and quiet, and Mirissa Beach is a popular option for those seeking facilities without crowds.

Sri Lanka offers its travel something exciting all year around. Make the most of your stay here and enjoy the calm weather as you explore. Tourists visiting this island will not leave disappointed no matter what time they visit.

Now you know best time to visit Sri Lanka, Contact Travelco Leisure a Sri Lanka travel agency to arrange Sri Lanka tour.

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But there’s this one question that is swirling around the head of anyone who is planning for a vacation: which country is better: Sri Lanka or Thailand?.

Here’s the story in brief of both countries to give you an idea of each place that will bring you another step closer to making your decision. Read along and unveil everything about Sri Lanka and Thailand. You’ll be definitely thrilled to hear them all out!.

Tourist Attractions

Both the countries have some great tourist attractions that vary from beautiful outdoor locations to many famous landmarks. There are a lot of places to choose from.

Sri Lanka owns Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is popular among tourists and is a must visit place. It has amazing views and water fountains and a history to explore.

If you need to get a little wild, Yala National Park is the best place. It’s a home to many kinds of animals and birds.

The charming coastline around the island is another destination that anyone would enjoy. You can go surfing, watch whales or even dive into the sea if you’re a lover of the ocean. The breathtaking sunsets might leave you wanting to sit for days in front of it.

Thailand on the other hand is also packed with many places to explore. Ayutthaya, which used to be the capital of Thailand, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains impressive artifacts from the past.

If you want to escape the city life and get into nature, Doi Inthanon National Park is ready to take you on a journey to the top of a mountain along a trail filled with waterfalls and beautiful greenery that you have never seen.

Phuket is Thailand’s most popular beach destination that has stunning beaches with crystal clear waters. There are plenty of hotels that offer you a stay along the coastal area.

The bustling capital of Thailand, Bangkok is popular for its street life, shopping and nightlife. And the place also has some cultural attractions.

Food

When it comes to food in both countries, it plays a huge role emphasizing the traditional cuisine. Both countries have vibrant and tropical dishes to choose from.

Sri Lanka is famous for its authentic and spicy flavors. Rice and curry is the main food here and there are also so many other dishes like kottu, hoppers and string hoppers. The locally produced spices add up more flavor to all these foods and it will be an unforgettable treat. The most iconic beverage here is ceylon tea. The island is famous for the aromatic brew of tea.

Thai cuisine makes sure that every flavor is well balanced. They have a combination of flavors that will activate every part of the tongue. Pad thai, green curry, and tom yum soup. This has therefore become an internationally known cuisine.

Thailand is also famous for its local beer brands. There are also some street based food and drinks including tropical juices and Thai iced tea.

Nightlife

Sri Lanka and Thailand offer a nightlife experience to their visitors occupied with vibrant food, drinks and music. Both the countries have different experiences when it comes to the nightlife.

Sri Lanka’s nightlife is somewhat centered to its capital, Colombo and beach sides. Colombo offers great deals of nightclubs and pubs as well as casinos and restaurants that are open during the night.

Thailand is popular for its nightlife. If you’re looking for a place to party all night, this place has a huge range of places. Bangkok is so far the best city that offers different types of bars and nightclubs. Every place offers drinks and food with a variety of music to enjoy.

Culture

The culture of a destination is important to understand everything about the place. Both these countries, without any doubt, have a fascinating culture that is blended with modernization.

Sri Lanka has a history with royals and ancient kingdoms. The culture is blended with influences from Indian, Europe and Arab cultures. Sinhala and Tamil new year, Esala perahara are some of the colorful festivals that are celebrated.

Thailand is inspired by the siamese civilization. The fusions from Sukhothai kingdom to the modern world, its history is complex. The people are deeply rooted to Buddhism and animist traditions. Songkran and loi krathong festivals offer a glimpse to Thailand’s vivid culture.

Cost

Cost is an important factor when it comes to planning a vacation.

Both the countries however are considered as affordable travel destinations. In Sri Lanka, a decent meal, a reasonable place to stay and a ride around the city will cost around $45 per day.

Thailand has plenty of street food options. They also have guest houses on budget. Together with taxi service it will cost $25 per day.

Both the countries can give an excellent experience to the value of money. This budget will let anyone explore and enjoy without the stress of spending too much.

Weather

Sri Lanka and Thailand are tropical countries. But they have a slight difference in the pattern of the weather.

Sri Lanka has two major monsoon seasons: southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon. From May to August the southwest parts get rain, and from October to January the northeastern monsoon begins. This vice versa makes it the best time to visit other parts. The temperature here ranges from 27-32 celsius degrees.

Thailand has 3 main distinct seasons: cool, hot and rainy seasons. The cool season is recommended as the most comfortable season to visit. The hot season has a harsh weather with temperature upto 35 celsius and above. And the rainy season has heavy rainfall that will end shortly.

So which is better: Sri Lanka or Thailand?

Both of the countries are equally magnificent and have a lot to offer to whoever visits. Each of them has their own unique culture and hospitality.

The natural greenery and the beaches of both the countries are astonishing. And the wide range of food with inspiration of different culture fusion gives the chance of choosing the best dishes.

In every aspect, both countries are equally affordable for a great vacation. It’s up to you to consider which country to choose depending on the weather, safety, cost and the climate. Whatever the country you choose, it will for sure give you an ultimate experience.

If you like to visit Sri Lanka contact Travelco Leisure the travel agency in Sri Lanka to book a holiday.

See Also:

• Best Time To Visit Sri Lanka

The post Sri Lanka or Thailand: Which is Best For a Holiday appeared first on Travelco Leisure.

Greenish tropical surroundings, beautiful serene landscapes, stunning beaches and ancient sacred places will remind you of two beautiful countries: Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

But are you planning to make one of them your holiday destination and struggling on which one to visit?.

To select the best, of course you have to do a comparison between both of these beautiful countries.

Check everything below to decide which one should be the next on your list from Sri Lanka vs Vietnam.

Tourist Attractions

Sigiriya rock fortress in Sri Lanka is a UNESCO world heritage. It has impressive architecture with a magnificent landscape.

Vietnam on the other hand, has Ha Long Bay. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site. It consists of thousands of limestones as well as islands and caves.

Sri Lanka has many beautiful places with astonishing views. Temple of the tooth is one of the famous places visited by both locals and foreigners. It is a Buddhist temple which is known as the sacred place of Buddha.

There are a lot more temples that are popular among people. Dambulla, Mahiyanganaya, Muthiyanganaya, Ruwanwali Maha Saya are some of the famous temples.

The coastal side of the island is also famous for its natural beauty and the stunning beaches. It has become a bucket list destination for surfing and whale watching.

The hill side in Sri Lanka is also an attraction that has caught the eyes of millions of visitors. Nuwaraeliya, Haputhale, Ohiya, Adams peak, Hatton, Ella are some great places for you if you’re in love with lush nature and cold weather. It is also suggested not to miss the train ride from Colombo to Badulla.

Vietnam is home to bustling cities, beautiful beaches and greenish landscapes. If you love exploring cities, Ho Chi Minh city is the largest in Vietnam. It has historical landmarks that belong to the French colonial era.

For beautiful forests and mountain landscapes, some of the best places that could be visited are Sapa, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, and Ninh Binh. 

These places have beautiful scenic views and adhere to their ethnic hill tribe culture. 

Da Nang is famous for having beautiful beaches together with mountains that would take anyone’s breath away. 

Vietnam, as well as Sri Lanka are famous for rice production and agriculture. So you will be able to see beautiful paddy fields all around the country. 

Food

Sri Lankan cuisine is blended with spices. The main staple food here is rice. It is served together with curries made from vegetables and meats. The island is surrounded with a sea that is enriched with seafood. So it has become another highlight of the cuisine.

Tea is another essential part of the culture and Sri Lanka produces some of the best tea in the world. Overall, the food here is delicious with a unique fusion of different flavors and textures.

Vietnamese cuisine is influenced by Chinese, French and Thai cuisine. It is popular among the tourists for the balanced taste, ingredients and the fusion of flavors. 

A lot of spices, herbs and vegetables are used in the making of Vietnamese food. There are some popular dishes such as Pho (noodle soup), Bun cha (pork with rice), Banh mi and Banh xeo. 

Hotpot is also popular among people in Vietnam filled with seafood, meat and vegetables. The strong coffee which is made with condensed milk is also famous. The food here is definitely worth a try for its diverse and flavorful cuisine.

Night Life

The nightlife in Sri Lanka is centered on its capital, Colombo. This place has a lot of pubs, bars, nightclubs, casinos and rooftop lounges. All of these places offer cocktails, drinks and other dishes mainly based on seafood and meat.

There are still enough hotspots for visitors to enjoy the night in Sri Lanka.

Vietnam on the other hand, offers a wide range of entertainment at night as the night life here has improved significantly around the recent years.

The night clubs, bars, lounges, karaoke clubs, beer gardens and street bars offer plenty for the visitors. Almost all the cities come to life with an array of nightlife activities for anyone who is seeking a space to dance the night away and enjoy.

Culture

Sri Lanka has a rich culture that is also influenced by Dutch, Portuguese, British and Indian. The predominant religion here is Buddhist. It is the home to many Buddhist sacred places. 

It also has a vibrant dancing and singing culture that reflect the heritage of the country. Kandyan dance is a well known traditional dance. The Esala perahera festival also features traditional dances, drumming and decorated elephants that showcase an extravagant display of the traditions.

It’s a diverse and rich culture with some unique blends. 

Vietnam’s culture is influenced by Chinese, American and French colonial traditions. Majority of the Vietnamese are Buddhist. Some also follow Taoism. 

A variety of instruments used in music and dancing that also feature a wide range of costumes. Folk painting is also very popular here which has now been modernized . The rich and complex culture reflects the long history of the country and its influence from different parts of the world. 

Cost

The cost of travel to these countries depend on several factors such as season, transportation type, accommodation and other activities.

But both the countries in general are affordable and very reasonable prices are available. 

Public transportation is also available in both countries and it is very affordable. Both countries have trains and buses. Sri Lanka has tuk-tuks if you prefer a cheap private ride.

Weather

Sri Lanka and Vietnam are located in Southeast Asia. Both of these countries therefore, have slightly similar weather patterns.

Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons. So the period between December to April is considered the best time to visit because it’s sunny. The temperature here ranges from 25-31 celsius throughout the year.

Vietnam has a different climatic pattern. Some regions experience four distinct seasons while others have a tropical climate with high humidity. 

The best time to visit here is between October to April. The weather is dry in this season. Other times can be harsh in weather conditions due to the heavy rains or the heat.

Where to choose?

Choosing between these two beautiful countries depends on what you are expecting the trip to offer you. Both countries have a lot going on, so it’s better to prioritize your interests and decide based on it.

Both destinations are however, excellent choices that will let you have an enjoyable and a memorable trip.

If you like to visit Sri Lanka contact Travelco Leisure the travel agency in Sri Lanka to book a tour.

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