Hi Exploringem,

Your are right about monsoons and typhoons (as we call hurricanes here). There may be people arguing about climate change, but as travellers let them argue and plan for the best... We've had some pretty abnormal seasons in mainland southeast Asia over the past few years. In theory, from November on, the weather should get drier. Ought to, and normally... But don't forget this is an El Nina year...

You could get wet or dry depending, nobody knows anymore. But Cambodia and Thailand border the Gulf of Siam and are sheltered by Vietnam from the worst typhoons. Temperatures are also nice  in November, December, January. September may be cutting it a bit close for blue skies. The water festival which marks the end of the wet season in Cambodia only takes place in November.

Anyway, let's assume you are in Koh Samui, it is very easy for you to fly to Laos or Cambodia using Air Asia, which is the main budget carrier in this part of the world. Check ticket prices here: http://www.airasia.com/fr/fr/home.html. Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways also have relatively competitive prices if you book online in advance. http://www.bangkokair.com/en/index.php. http://www.thaiairways.com/. Fly Bangkok Airways, this is a boutique airline and you will be pleasantly surprised.

I would suggest two possible destinations in order of preference: Angkor (located near Siem Reap, Cambodia) or Luang Prabang (Laos). Skip Vientiane and Phnom Penh as you do not have much time. You want to make it worth your while. The temples of Angkor are a World Heritage Site, a magical tourist destination (there is plenty of luxury and stylish accommodation there, hiking in forest to see temples, smiling faces and local villages...).

This website lists a number of links with useful information on the Angkor temples and Cambodia: http://www.squidoo.com/cambodia-traveler.

The National Geographic Article on Angkor and the Khmer civilization should convince you: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2009/07/angkor/stone-text

And this local Cambodian website gives cultural tips on Angkor Siem Reap and things to do: http://www.gnarfgnarf.com

Don't forget of course Frommer's online guide: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/cambodia/

In addition, Angkor has the lowest rate of annual rainfall in Cambodia, so it ought to be quite dry there.

Go to Angkor my friend.

Makan