9 Things to Do in Thailand in Winter

Many people say December is the best time of the year and we have to jump on the bandwagon here. You’ll find lots of things to do in Thailand in winter, from December to February. For your best experience during Thailand’s coolest season, check out these 9 local tips and enjoy our exclusive holiday offer:

9 Things to Do in Thailand in Winter 

1. See Thailand in full bloom

Our winter is far from white and that makes for a unique experience if you aren’t from a tropical country. From December to February, various kinds of flowers bloom in various places, especially in Northern Thailand. The mountains and hills of Khun Chang Khien, Doi Inthanon and Doi Angkhang in Chiang Mai burst into pink with Wild Himalayan Cherry Blossoms. To enjoy more colors of the season, head for Royal Park Rajapruek in Chiang Mai and Flag and Lamp Park, Singha Park and Mae Fah Luang Garden in Chiang Rai. If you aren’t going to go north, make an easy day trip to sunflower fields in Lopburi or Saraburi or Nong Nooch Garden in Pattaya. Remember to check the blooming forecast, though. Our Local Experts will be happy to help you with that.

TakeMeTour’s Tip: Qatar Airways flights to Chiang Mai have just been launched and we highly recommend you fly to the northern city now. We’ve prepared more info about Qatar Airways flights to Chiang Mai and highlights of Chiang Mai in the cold season for you. 

2. Conquer the mountains and the seas (of mist)

Sure, you can go hiking in any month, but it’s one of the ultimate things to do in Thailand in winter. At the top of mountains in Northern Thailand, you can enjoy the coldest weather in the country (especially on Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai). The temperature doesn’t drop below zero degrees and while there’s no snow, frost flowers and the vast seas of mist are impressive sights. If you aren’t much of a hiker, you’re welcome to enjoy the mist and the mountains in lower areas like the quaint village of Sangkhlaburi in Kanchanaburi and Khao Yai National Park.

3. Admire the Royal Crematorium of King Rama IX

Until the last day of 2017, you can view the Royal Crematorium of King Rama IX. The masterpiece is situated at Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so add it to your Bangkok Old Town tour. Please be respectful and follow the regulations here.

4. Feel festive in Bangkok

Though Thailand isn’t predominantly Christian, Bangkok gets into the holiday spirit every year and in a pretty extravagant manner. All is bright in the shopping districts around Siam and Phrom Phong BTS Stations thanks to night illuminations that usually start from mid-November to early-January. For a more traditional experience, visit the beautiful century-old churches near Bangkok Old Town. Kalawar Church stands near the creative district of Charoenkrung and the hidden Chinatown of Talad Noi while Santa Cruz Church is close to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and the multi-cultural Kudi Jeen Community. Don’t expect grand celebrations, but isn’t it interesting to learn about the Christianity in Thailand and visit these hidden neighborhoods?

5. Watch seagulls by the seaside at sunset

From November to March, seagulls fly all the way from Siberia, Mongolia and China to Thailand to escape the extreme cold. They make a temporary home at Bangpu Recreation Center in Samut Prakarn, which is right next to Bangkok. At dusk, the scene of thousands of seagulls taking flight against the golden sky is quite a spectacle. Begin your trip in the afternoon, so you have some time for admiring the sea and the mangrove.

6. Relive the glory days at The Glorious of Ayutthaya Fair

From December 15 to 24 this year, “The Glorious of Ayutthaya Fair” will be held in the Ayutthaya Historical Park compound. The annual festival brings the ancient capital back to life and you can enjoy what the locals did over 250 years ago as well as what they do now. If you visit at the weekend, don’t miss the spectacular light and sound show that honors Ayutthaya’s rich heritage.    

TakeMeTour’s Tip: Discover more things to do with our guide to The Glorious of Ayutthaya Fair 2017.

7. Hit the southern beaches

Visiting beaches and islands in winter don’t sound appealing, but they're actually wonderful things to do in Thailand in winter. From December to February, Southern Thailand is neither hot and humid nor rainy. Phuket has some quiet beaches and stunning viewpoints, but Phang Nga and Krabi are as unmissable with unusual sea views.

8. Explore the hidden gems in and around Bangkok

December and January are great months, but they are the peak season. When the crowds get overwhelming, there are plenty of quiet yet charming areas to visit. Bangkok is home to Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market, which is much less busy than other floating markets but packed with lots of delicious food and fun activities, as well as artsy riverside villages. Small towns around Bangkok also offer local experiences without the crowds. Check them out in our rec list below.

9. New Year, new experiences

We believe every day can be a new beginning, but the feeling is usually strong around New Year, right? Take advantage of it and try what you never do before. Feed and bathe elephants with owners of cruelty-free elephant homes. Cook with chefs and craft with craftsmen. Learn about a farmer’s life. Get hands-on Buddhist experiences by meditating and giving alms to monks. Be more adventurous by learning Thai boxing, bamboo rafting and climbing the Sticky Waterfall. The list goes on.

TakeMeTour hopes this collection of things to do in Thailand in winter leads you to more local adventures. Happy travels and happy 2018 in advance!

P.S. Still looking for more local things to do in Thailand? Check out our city guides and local day tours!

Bangkok

Samut Songkhram

Ayutthaya

Kanchanaburi

Chiang Mai

Phuket