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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
The classic Thailand tour taking in vibrant Bangkok, the lush River Kwai, historic Ayutthaya and charming Chiang Mai. Round it all off on Koh Samui’s lovely beaches.
Visit three of Southern Thailand’s heavenly islands, with views of iconic, vertical limestone cliffs and traditional longboats – giving you that perfect background.
Do you dream of lazing in paradise surroundings while discovering Thai culture and unspoiled island life? Experience 2 islands with everything from picture-postcard beaches to waterfalls and local landmarks.
Look forward to relaxing at Thailand’s No. 1 beach holiday destination, Phuket, and experiencing the country’s most scenic national park, Khao Sok. Round off your tour in the quiet, authentic beach paradise that is Khao Lak.
Look forward to combining the absolute highlights of Thailand in Bangkok, the River Kwai, Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai with a fantastic beach holiday in the holiday paradise that is Phuket.
Look forward to experiences and relaxation on the coconut island of Koh Samui and head out on an adventure in Thailand’s most beautiful national park, Khao Sok. Round it all off in the authentic holiday paradise of Khao Lak.
Come and experience Thailand from north to south with charming Chiang Mai, vibrant Bangkok and the lush Khao Sok National Park. Round it all off on Phuket’s fabulous sandy beaches.
Discover Krabi’s beautiful beaches and look forward to island-hopping adventures in the Andaman Sea. Enjoy Koh Lanta’s laid-back atmosphere and unwind completely on Koh Ngai’s paradisiacal beaches.
Look forward to city life in Bangkok, a lively island vibe in Phuket and wind right down on the charming, peaceful island of Koh Yao Yai in Phang Nga Bay.
Experience Bangkok’s vibrant city life with an exciting street food excursion in tuk tuk, explore untouched nature and wild elephants in Khao Yai and enjoy a relaxing beach holiday on Koh Samet’s white beaches.
Discover all the shades of Thailand: the lively streets and delectable street food of Bangkok, the calming atmosphere and ancient temples of Chiang Mai, and the adventures in the Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai.
Explore the vibrant city of Bangkok and its culinary delights on a tuk-tuk street food tour. Conclude with an adventurous island hop between the tranquil serenity of Koh Kood and the lively atmosphere of Koh Chang.
Look forward to experiencing the wonder of the world, Angkor Wat, enjoy the view over Luang Prabang from Mount Phousi, and fall in love with the charming city of Chiang Mai.
Be enchanted by Hanoi’s ancient streets and sail between the soaring limestone islands in Ha Long Bay. Experience the eighth wonder of the world Angkor Wat, and finish in the charming city of Chiang Mai.
Join us in Northern Thailand and experience Chiang Mai and the picturesque Mae Hong Son loop. The tour is for those who have explored Thailand’s highlights and are now looking for new adventures off the beaten track.
Experience Bangkok’s striking contrasts and fantastic food scene, while diving into history by the River Kwai. Explore the impressive temple ruins of Ayutthaya and conclude your journey on the beautiful beaches of Koh Samet.
Experience the contrasts of Bangkok, the jungle of Khao Sok, and the emerald-green Cheow Lan Lake. Conclude your tour on Krabi’s delightful sandy beaches with opportunities for relaxation and exciting excursions.
The classic Thailand tour taking in vibrant Bangkok, the lush River Kwai, historic Ayutthaya and charming Chiang Mai. Round it all off on Koh Samui’s lovely beaches.
Visit three of Southern Thailand’s heavenly islands, with views of iconic, vertical limestone cliffs and traditional longboats – giving you that perfect background.
Do you dream of lazing in paradise surroundings while discovering Thai culture and unspoiled island life? Experience 2 islands with everything from picture-postcard beaches to waterfalls and local landmarks.
Look forward to relaxing at Thailand’s No. 1 beach holiday destination, Phuket, and experiencing the country’s most scenic national park, Khao Sok. Round off your tour in the quiet, authentic beach paradise that is Khao Lak.
Look forward to combining the absolute highlights of Thailand in Bangkok, the River Kwai, Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai with a fantastic beach holiday in the holiday paradise that is Phuket.
Look forward to experiences and relaxation on the coconut island of Koh Samui and head out on an adventure in Thailand’s most beautiful national park, Khao Sok. Round it all off in the authentic holiday paradise of Khao Lak.
Come and experience Thailand from north to south with charming Chiang Mai, vibrant Bangkok and the lush Khao Sok National Park. Round it all off on Phuket’s fabulous sandy beaches.
Discover Krabi’s beautiful beaches and look forward to island-hopping adventures in the Andaman Sea. Enjoy Koh Lanta’s laid-back atmosphere and unwind completely on Koh Ngai’s paradisiacal beaches.
Look forward to city life in Bangkok, a lively island vibe in Phuket and wind right down on the charming, peaceful island of Koh Yao Yai in Phang Nga Bay.
Experience Bangkok’s vibrant city life with an exciting street food excursion in tuk tuk, explore untouched nature and wild elephants in Khao Yai and enjoy a relaxing beach holiday on Koh Samet’s white beaches.
Discover all the shades of Thailand: the lively streets and delectable street food of Bangkok, the calming atmosphere and ancient temples of Chiang Mai, and the adventures in the Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai.
Explore the vibrant city of Bangkok and its culinary delights on a tuk-tuk street food tour. Conclude with an adventurous island hop between the tranquil serenity of Koh Kood and the lively atmosphere of Koh Chang.
Look forward to experiencing the wonder of the world, Angkor Wat, enjoy the view over Luang Prabang from Mount Phousi, and fall in love with the charming city of Chiang Mai.
Be enchanted by Hanoi’s ancient streets and sail between the soaring limestone islands in Ha Long Bay. Experience the eighth wonder of the world Angkor Wat, and finish in the charming city of Chiang Mai.
Join us in Northern Thailand and experience Chiang Mai and the picturesque Mae Hong Son loop. The tour is for those who have explored Thailand’s highlights and are now looking for new adventures off the beaten track.
Experience Bangkok’s striking contrasts and fantastic food scene, while diving into history by the River Kwai. Explore the impressive temple ruins of Ayutthaya and conclude your journey on the beautiful beaches of Koh Samet.
Experience the contrasts of Bangkok, the jungle of Khao Sok, and the emerald-green Cheow Lan Lake. Conclude your tour on Krabi’s delightful sandy beaches with opportunities for relaxation and exciting excursions.
