In generally during November, December and January it's very dry and relatively cool, although daytime temperatures will still often exceed 30 degrees C. March, April, May and June are the four hottest months but there can be heavy rains during this time, and particularly in May. The temperatures decrease slightly each month as the area moves into the rainy season. August, September and October are the wettest months but tropical storms may be experienced any time between March and October.
The city - with its traffic and concrete - will be a little hotter than the rest of the province. And days in April and May can be unbearably hot amidst the urban jungle. Conversely, it can be surprisingly cool between November and January. It's not unusual for temperatures at night in the city to drop below fifteen degrees Celsius in the cool season, while out in the rural areas, single-digit temperatures aren't unknown.
The Mall, Tesco Lotus and several hotels are situated next to it. Shortly after The Mall, it bears left, goes past the main bus station and on to Khon Kaen. To the north of the city it joins up with the bypass also known, somewhat confusingly, as Hwy 2. The road network within the city is, for the most part, an American-style grid system. Therefore, once you are familiar with the place, it is easy to find your way around. But if you are new in town it can be a nightmare as every road looks the same.
This is particularly the case in the moated historic centre of the city. The moat encloses the original city - almost a perfect rectangle, 1. The English spelling of Thai words is an inexact science so don't be surprised to see variations on these spellings in different guide books, on maps and on street signs. For example, Jagkree is sometimes spelled Chakrii; Phonsaen can be Polsan; Chomphon can be Jompol; Supphasit may have no h; Atsadang may have double s and no t; Pratchak may have no t, and so on.
The obvious geographical reference point for travellers is the statue of Thao Suranaree or Yamo. Every tuk-tuk, motorbike taxi, songthaew and taxi driver will understand "Yamo" so you shouldn't have any problem getting there. She stands between Chumphon and Ratchadamnoen Roads. Both of these are one-way streets and from Ratchadamnoen you can catch songthaews to just about every part of the city. Ratchadamnoen ends where it meets Hwy Turn left onto Highway and it becomes Hwy 2 Mittraphap after about a kilometre.
