Visiting Thailand in December
Climate and weather guide
It’s peak season for a holiday in Thailand this month, with some of the year’s best weather and a Christmas rush of visitors flocking to enjoy some tropical warmth. One of the few exceptions is Koh Samui and the islands in the Gulf of Thailand where the north-east monsoon is bringing rain again this month.
Elsewhere, it’s the perfect time to visit, whether you’re looking for sunny beaches, historic temples, national parks, trekking and hiking, elephant spotting or a chance to learn more about Thailand and its culture and heritage, with everything from eating with local families to a homestay in north Thailand or learning about village life in southern Thailand.
Beaches
For the best island escapes, head to the west coast – gaze at the limestone formations at Krabi, discover fantastic snorkelling at Ko Phi Phi, enjoy food and relaxation at Ko Lanta, or avoid the crowds at less-visited Ko Hai and Ko Yao Yai. There’s more sun closer to Bangkok in Hua Hin and over in eastern Thailand on the coast towards Cambodia; choose between Ko Mak, Ko Chang, Ko Kood and Ko Samet.
Nature
December is a great month to get outdoors too, with a choice of national parks to explore for some elephant spotting, from Thailand’s oldest national park at Khao Yai National Park, the rainforest at Khao Sok National Park, also home to Elephant Hills, or Elephant Nature Park at Chiang Mai in the north.
North Thailand
The north of Thailand is also the perfect place to go hiking and trekking, whether that’s in the green hills of Pai, in the remote hills to visit a Karen village, around the Golden Triangle, or the tea hills around Chiang Rai – expect it to start feeling cool in the early morning and evening this month. You’ll also find plenty of chance to get outdoors in Isaan, with cycling, exploring rice fields and orchards.
Central Thailand
Or soak up the city scenes in Bangkok, with its mix of modern buzz and ancient sites, as well as discovering more history at Ayutthaya’s temples and the ancient city of Sukhothai, as well as the darker recent history at the River Kwai, along with its beautiful scenery and waterfalls.
Festivals: There are several public holidays in December, including King Bhumibol Birthday Commemoration Day on December 5 and Constitution Day on December 10, as well as New Year’s Eve celebrations on December 31.
Best for: Exploring the whole country, west coast beaches, trekking and hiking, ancient cities, Bangkok, national parks, wildlife spotting
A few of our favourite Thailand holidays
