The present work investigates thermocapillary flow in a cylindrical configuration using large Prandtl number liquids. The flow is studied using coordinated simulations and experimental optical methods such as PIV and flow visualization. In this way, properties of the oscillatory state can be obtained in great detail. Considerable attention is given to the search for the parameters influencing the onset of the instability. It is found that the onset of oscillations can be correlated using a thermocapillary Reynolds number. The oscillations take the form of a standing wave close to the onset, which is replaced by a travelling wave for stronger forcing. The selection of azimuthal wave number of the oscillatory mode is determined from geometrical parameters, and resembles the wave number selection in vortex ring instabilities. Throughout we obtain good agreement between experiments and simulations using a mathematical model with an undeformed adiabatic free surface.