Christmas in Thailand

Spend Christmas in Thailand and swap snow and cold for sun and warm weather.

If you are dreaming of a tropical Christmas holiday, Thailand is an excellent choice.

Read on below to find out why Thailand is a popular Christmas destination and what to see and do if you choose to spend Christmas in Thailand.

Why should you spend your Christmas holiday in Thailand?

There are many reasons why Thailand is a great travel destination at Christmas.

The weather in Thailand is generally warm throughout the year, with dry and rainy seasons at different times throughout the year. But, in December and January, it is dry season in most of the country. The temperatures are warm, and there are many hours of sunshine, which contributes to making these months among the most popular in which to visit Thailand.

A tour to Thailand at Christmas is therefore ideal for those dreaming of swapping the European winter cold for tropical warm weather in both December and January.

How do they celebrate Christmas in Thailand?

And what can you then expect when you choose to go to Thailand for Christmas?

Christmas is, in fact, not a traditional festive season in Thailand, as the majority of the population are Buddhist. However, as the European Christmas holiday period is high season for tourism in Thailand, you will nevertheless come across some well-known Christmas traditions.

At some of the popular destinations, for example on Thai islands such as Phuket or Koh Samui, hotels will typically decorate and celebrate Christmas Eve with dinners or parties. In large cities, for example Bangkok, there will also be Christmas lights and decorations in the streets. Many hotels serve European Christmas dishes, but you can also explore local Thai dishes at markets and restaurants.

So there is no reason to be concerned that you will not be able to get into the Christmas spirit if you choose to celebrate Christmas in Thailand.

What about New Year?

If you are in Thailand over the New Year, you can experience great celebrations with fireworks and New Year countdowns in many places. Even though the biggest New Year celebration for the Thai people is the Thai New Year, Songkran, which takes place in April, December 31 is also celebrated with joy throughout the country.

Chiang Mai is a particularly popular place for seeing in the New Year in Thailand, and, at Tae Phae Gate, which is a historic city gate entrance to the Old City area, Thais release lit-up lanterns into the night sky when the clock strikes midnight.

What should you experience in Thailand at Christmas?

There are countless amazing places in Thailand, each of which offers something special all year round – even during the Christmas month. Whether you are into relaxing beach life, lively cities or beautiful nature, there is something for you.

Here you can see some suggestions for what you can (also) experience in Thailand at Christmas.

Historic and cultural sights

You can also spend Christmas delving into Thailand’s exciting and rich history and cultural heritage.

In addition to the countless beautiful temples that you will find in the big cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai, there are also some historic cities that are worth exploring, for example Ayutthaya or Sukhothai, both of which offer centuries-old temple ruins that are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The town of Chanthaburi also gives an insight into Thai history with its historic centre, Gothic cathedral and traditional local way of life.

Big city life

If you want to be overwhelmed by the sweet Christmas spirit, you can spend your Christmas holiday in Thailand’s vibrant capital, Bangkok.

Bangkok is known for its gigantic shopping malls, which every Christmas are transformed into a sea of twinkling lights and amazing Christmas decorations.

In Bangkok, you can also experience some of the city’s spectacular Christmas markets, where you can buy all kinds of Christmas things or catch a glimpse of Santa Claus.

Christmas is generally a festive holiday in the big city, where there will be many festive events to attend. There are also several Christian churches in Thailand that decorate for Christmas and hold Christmas masses, which it can be a solemn experience to participate in.

Nature experiences and national parks

Thailand offers many fantastic national parks, and the dry, warm weather in December and January is ideal for unique nature experiences and close encounters with Thai nature.

Khao Sok National Park in Southern Thailand offers impressive limestone cliffs, lush rainforest and the emerald green Cheow Lan Lake, enticing visitors to sailing trips.

In Khao Yai National Park, located northeast of Bangkok, you will find green-clad mountains, breathtaking waterfalls and amazing wildlife with elephants, monkeys and many different bird species.

You can also experience the fascinating River Kwai with an overnight stay at a raft hotel, a flotel, or canoeing and rafting trips.

Beaches and islands

If you dream of a tropical Christmas holiday with relaxation at the top of the agenda, Thailand is the right place for you.

Go island hopping in Thailand and enjoy the chalky white sandy beaches of islands such as Koh Kood and Koh Chang, or marvel at the beautiful limestone formations at Krabi and the surrounding islands of Koh Lanta or Koh Ngai.

You can also explore Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, which offers a wealth of activities in beautiful natural surroundings.

Are you ready to go to Thailand for Christmas?

No matter which destination you choose, a Christmas holiday in Thailand will give you the opportunity to celebrate Christmas in an eventful and exciting way.

Spend Christmas in Thailand and get a little bit of everything: sunny and warm weather, relaxation on beautiful beaches and a touch of classic Christmas atmosphere.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller