Thailand in December is Thailand at its peak. It wouldn't be wrong to compare this month to the floodgates opening and the country being drowned under a sea of people from all over the world because that is exactly what it feels like.
The hotel prices and flight rates see an upsurge in December compared to other months.
With December hosting Christmas and New Year's Eve, this month witnesses the largest number of tourists annually in the country.
If you are planning on visiting Thailand for the holiday season, then read on to find out what typically awaits you in December.
- 5th December - Father’s Day
- 10th December - Constitution Day
- 25th December - Christmas
- 31st December - New Year's Eve
1. 5th December - Father’s Day
This day is celebrated as the birth anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who was born in 1927 and passed away on 13 October 2016. He was the “Father of the nation”.
It is a national holiday to pay tribute to the Thai monarch all over the country, punctuating the special events with fireworks exhibits.
Thailand, to outsiders, is primarily beaches, loud music, night parties, and drinks, but this day is considered to be quieter and is seen as a dry day as there are restrictions on alcohol sales and no loud music at parties.
2. 10th December - Constitution Day
Constitution Day is held annually to commemorate Thailand's adoption of a constitutional monarchy in 1932.
Since 1932, sustaining the Monarchy during the challenging period reflects the respect and laudation of Thai people towards their Monarchy.
On this day, Thai people pay thanks to the Monarchy for granting them rights in their own country.
The picture of Thai kings is put on view all over the country, and parades and fireworks make the day even more glorious.
3. 25th December - Christmas
Though Thailand is predominantly a Buddhist Country, it fondly embraces the Western culture of celebrating Christmas and New Year. Tourists mainly visit Thailand in December to soak in the year-end holiday festivities.
Magnanimous display of sky lanterns, huge Christmas trees, and hotel staff in Santa’s attire will welcome you in urban regions of Thailand during December.
The Christmas special dinners are a must-try apart from gobbling down lip-smacking Thai foods in local stalls.
4. 31st December - New Year's Eve
Thailand knows how to party, whatever the occasion. A New Year's Eve party is one you will probably remember for the rest of your life.
Party hubs in Thailand, such as Phuket, Krabi, and Pattaya, are places to be if your beach vacation coincides with the 31st.
If you happen to be in Bangkok, then here are the places you should be at to enjoy a New Year's eve like nowhere else.
A lot of people also pay visits to Thai temples on the eve of New Year to seek blessings, where Thai Buddhists welcome New Year with traditional ceremonies.