How to Get Ready for Your December Thailand Trip
Planning a Thailand trip for December? Great choice.
With golden beaches, buzzing night markets, flavour-packed food, temples steeped in history, and year-end festivities, there’s a reason travellers return again and again. Add warm tropical sunshine, calmer seas and cooler evenings, and you’ve got one of the best holiday destinations to close out the year.
Whether your adventure starts in Bangkok in December, continues through ancient Ayutthaya, or flows into island bliss in Phuket in December, this guide has everything you need to prepare with confidence.
Quick Takeaways
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December is warm, dry, and ideal for beaches and sightseeing
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Plan time in Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and Thailand’s islands
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Pack light clothes, temple-appropriate outfits, sunscreen & insect repellent
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December celebrations include the King’s Birthday, Christmas festivities & huge NYE events
Weather: What to Expect in December
The season in Thailand in December is one of the best of the year – sunny days, gentle evenings, low humidity, and calm, turquoise seas.
Temperatures in Thailand in December usually range from 24°C to 32°C. Northern areas like Chiang Mai can be cooler in the mornings and evenings, so a light jacket helps. The islands enjoy beach-perfect weather, and rain is minimal.
In short: pack smart, stay hydrated, and get ready for ideal island-hopping conditions.
December is peak travel season, so flights and hotels book fast. We’ll match you to the best holiday package to suit your budget and needs – chat with us at Thompsons.
Where to Go & What to Experience
Bangkok
December brings perfect exploring weather and energetic holiday spirit. The city lights up with festive decorations, Christmas markets, and year-end shopping.
Things to do in Bangkok December:
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Visit the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun
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Enjoy a river cruise at sunset
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Explore Chinatown’s street food scene
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Shop at ICONSIAM, CentralWorld & night markets
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Celebrate NYE watching fireworks on the river or from a rooftop bar
Bangkok at this time of year is cosmopolitan, colourful, and full of seasonal energy – a great place to start or finish your holiday.
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is one of the most exciting places to go in Thailand in December for history lovers. Just over an hour from Bangkok, it’s home to ancient temples, royal ruins, and sacred statues.
Top experiences include:
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Wandering Ayutthaya Historical Park
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Seeing the Buddha head entwined in tree roots at Wat Mahathat
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Sunset views at Wat Chaiwatthanaram
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Trying a local river-cruise dinner
You can explore by bicycle or tuk-tuk – both are great ways to take in the scenery and stories.
Phuket & Southern Islands
When it comes to beaches, Phuket in December is hard to beat – clear water, soft sand, and island-hopping options everywhere.
Some of the best islands to visit in Thailand in December include:
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Phi Phi Islands
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Similan Islands
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Koh Lanta
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Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island
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Krabi & Railay Beach
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Koh Samui also enjoys great December weather
Snorkelling, boat excursions, coconut shakes on the beach, sunset bars – December is prime coastal living in Thailand.
Money Tips: Cash vs Card
Thailand accepts both cash and cards widely, but having a mix works best.
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Cash is handy for markets, street food, tuk-tuks, and rural areas
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Cards are convenient in malls, hotels, and restaurants
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ATMs are everywhere, though some charge withdrawal fees
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Apps like Grab and QR payments are becoming more common
Bring a small wallet for day use and keep larger amounts safely stored at your hotel.
What to Pack for Thailand in December
Keep it light, cool, and respectful for temple visits:
Essentials
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Light cotton/linen clothing
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Swimwear and beach cover-ups
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Sandals and comfortable walking shoes
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Sunglasses, hat, high SPF sunscreen
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Insect repellent
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Reusable water bottle
Temple attire
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Shoulders and knees covered
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A scarf or light wrap works well as a cover-up
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Shoes that are easy to take off
Extra helpful items
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Electrolyte sachets (handy in tropical heat)
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Travel tissues
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Portable fan if you run warm
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Light long sleeve top for cooler northern evenings
Cultural Etiquette Tips
Thai culture values politeness and respect. Keep these in mind:
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Greet with a smile – it goes a long way
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Speak calmly – raising your voice is frowned upon
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Remove shoes when entering temples and some homes
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Do not touch anyone’s head
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Avoid pointing your feet at Buddha statues or people
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Show respect to the monarchy
Even small gestures of cultural awareness make your trip smoother and more meaningful.
December Festivals & Events
December brings exciting celebrations throughout Thailand:
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Birthday anniversary of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) (5 December): Parades, lights, and ceremonies
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Christmas: Festive decor in malls, themed dinners at hotels, markets, and events
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New Year’s Eve: Fireworks over rivers and beaches, rooftop parties, lantern releases and beach celebrations
Whether you enjoy glamorous rooftop festivities or toes-in-the-sand countdowns, Thailand knows how to ring in the new year with style.
Handy Travel Apps
Make travel smoother with:
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Grab for ride-hailing and food delivery
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Google Maps for navigation
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XE Currency for quick conversions
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Translate apps for communication
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Klook/GetYourGuide for booking activities
And don’t forget your data! Buy a SIM at the airport or choose an e-SIM for Thailand before you arrive – it’s affordable and keeps you connected everywhere. 
FAQs
Is December a good time to travel to Thailand?
Yes! December offers ideal weather, great sea conditions, and exciting festive events.
Are the islands calm in December?
Yes, especially on the Andaman Sea side – perfect conditions for boat tours and snorkelling.
Is Thailand pricey in December?
It’s peak season, so prices can be higher – but we’ll match you to the best holiday package to suit your budget and needs. Chat with us at Thompsons and we’ll plan the perfect trip based on your budget and preferences.
Ready for Thailand in December?
Warm weather, buzzing cities, crystal-clear waters, and festive celebrations – a Thailand travel adventure in December is the perfect end to the year. Whether you're dreaming of temples, street food adventures, or island relaxation, we’re here to help make it happen.
Book your Thailand packages with Thompsons. We’ll guide you, answer your questions, and tailor your trip to fit your needs and budget – so all you need to do is pack your sunnies and enjoy every moment.
Let’s get your December Thailand holiday started!
