Christmas is a time to rejoice, enjoy and also have a great time to travel. Though Thailand doesn’t celebrate Christmas as a traditional festival, it is one of the best places to visit during the festive season. Being about 85 per cent Buddhist and 14 per cent Islamic, the remaining 1 per cent covers other religions in Thailand which makes Christmas a working day in Thailand. However, the country does a fabulous job at Christmas. If you are planning to visit Thailand over Christmas and New Year, it is a great decision to spend your holidays.
A holiday in Thailand during Christmas is a jovial time. Every mall in Bangkok is lit up with lights and decorations while all the major hotels and cities recreate the magic of Christmas in different ways. From Christmas trees to dedicated shops, and from discounts to free services, here’s how you can enjoy Christmas in Thailand.
6 Reasons For Celebrating Christmas In Thailand 2024
While you don’t need a reason to visit this beautiful land of beaches, it is always good to know a few things beforehand for a hassle-free Thailand Christmas holiday with your friends and family.
- Christmas Shopping
- Beaches
- Bar Crawling
- Authentic Thai Food
- Budget Holiday
- The Weather
1. Christmas Shopping
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The biggest challenge we often face during Christmas is to buy the right presents for our loved ones and make sure they like them. Thailand is a shopper’s paradise that will come to the rescue for every person planning to do something thoughtful on Christmas, you can indulge in an exciting experience while shopping in Phuket and satisfy your urges. There’s something for everyone in the markets of Thailand. From designer bags to handicraft items, Thailand has got your Christmas shopping adventure all covered.
Famous markets in Thailand for Christmas shopping: Pratunam Market, Chatuchak Market
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2. Beaches
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It’s time you swap snow for sand this Christmas and spend your Christmas whilst getting a perfect tan and dipping your toes in the white sand. Visiting these serene beaches is one of the best things to do in Thailand during Christmas. Spend a Christmas amidst the ocean waves and palm trees, the salty air and the cool breeze while you stroll around the best beaches in Karbi, home to some of the best beaches in the world.
Famous beaches in Thailand to spend Christmas at: Sunset Beach, White Sand Beach, Chaweng Beach, Bottle Beach
3. Bar Crawling
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Start your Christmas celebration in Bangkok with an exciting nightlife in Thailand that is the ultimate adventure to endure. Khaosan Road is known as the backpacker street where most party-goers gear up to join the pub crawl and party it up like there’s no tomorrow! You can expect free shots, free beer, and lots of drinking games to keep the party going until Christmas Eve!
Famous pub-crawls in Thailand: Khaosan Pub Crawl, Bangkok Pub Crawl
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4. Authentic Thai Food
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Choose to indulge in Thai curry as a better alternative to Turkey while celebrating Christmas in Thailand. Many best hotels in Thailand curate a special Christmas menu and dish out the best Oriental delicacies for you to feast on. Look out for the lavish meals and gorge on mouth-watering dishes at swanky Udon Thani restaurants that are winning hearts all over Thailand, switch to oriental dishes this holiday season and enjoy your Christmas in Thailand.
Best restaurants for Christmas food in Thailand: Mandarin Oriental, The Rain Tree Cafe, Bistro 33
5. Budget Holiday
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We all know that Christmas is an expensive holiday season that requires you to shell out money essentially. Hence, Christmas in Thailand is a great way to celebrate the holiday season on a budget without burning a hole in your pocket while spending on all the Christmas shenanigans like gifts, Christmas trees, decorations, drinks and food. Once you get to Thailand, everything becomes cheaper and makes you experience the feel of it without having to spend a bomb amount!
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6. The Weather
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If you’re someone who despises winters but loves the festivities, then this is the perfect chance to unwind at a destination that has a tropical climate all year round. Enjoy the moderate climate, imagine you won’t have to wear multiple layers to cover yourself from the cold, you can enjoy a bar crawling session in your flip-flops and a sundress with light makeup on! The warm climate is an advantage of spending Christmas in Thailand.
Top 9 Places For Christmas In Thailand 2024
Christmas in Thailand is just pure fun, sun, and relaxation. Do away with the hassles of cooking a Christmas meal for a large gathering, instead kick off your shoes and let down your hair, and enjoy Christmas in style in Thailand. if you are wondering where to spend Christmas in Thailand 2024, here are a few of the best places to enjoy the Christmas spirit.
- Bangkok
- Chiang Mai
- Koh Phangan
- Phuket
- Koh Samui
- Krabi
- Pattaya
- Koh Kood
- Koh Lipe
1. Bangkok
There is a lot to do in Bangkok in December when most luxury hotels and shopping centres roll out exciting discounts and get ready to dress up and impress you with festive displays that are sure to get you into a holiday mood. Aside from the many malls dressed in bright colours, the city also hosts several outdoor, weekend, floating, and train markets during Christmas in Bangkok. These markets are a great place to pick up Christmas gifts for friends and family and to enjoy a sumptuous meal. Those who wish to participate in a religious service are welcomed with open arms at most Christian churches open on Christmas Eve in Bangkok.
Some of the best Indian restaurants in Bangkok put up sumptuous gala buffet dinners to celebrate Christmas. If you are willing to splurge, head out to the Grand Hyatt or InterContinental for a gastronomic experience. If you are on a budget, you may dine at Robin Hood or Huntsman pub, which tempts the taste buds of tourists with their exciting Christmas meals.
Where To Stay – The St. Regis: 5-star hotel in Rajadamri with a pool, gym, restaurants, and wine bars; Mandarin Oriental: 5-star riverside hotel with pool, yoga lessons, gym, Thai cooking classes, multi-cuisine restaurants, bars, and lounges
Special Events: Christmas Day Brunch, Special Christmas Eve & Christmas Day dinners
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Planning your holiday in Thailand but confused about what to do? These Thailand travel stories help you find your best trip ever!
2. Chiang Mai
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Located in the North of Thailand, Chiang Mai is pleasant in December than most cities in the South and offers expats and tourists, several options to celebrate Christmas in a regal manner. Many malls play Christmas carols, and larger hotels host special events for both Christmas as well as New Year. A number of bars and restaurants offer Christmas-themed dining experiences, though they can be a tad bit expensive.
Duke’s restaurant in particular is a fun place to be during Christmas in Chiang Mai. The restaurant cum bar puts out a fabulous spread of classic American dishes on 25th December every year. Be sure to book a table to avoid disappointment.
Where To Stay – Akyra Manor: 5-star hotel with rooftop infinity pool, restaurant, and rooftop bar; Anantara Chiang Mai Resort: Set on the banks of River Mae Ping, it is a 5-star hotel with a pool, spa, fitness centre, and a cigar lounge.
Special Events: Christmas Eve entertainment, traditional Italian menu for brunch, buffet dinner, and more
3. Koh Phangan
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This may not seem like an ideal Christmas getaway to many. But, this Christmas party in Koh Phangan island has several haunts to spend Christmas day. Escape from the maddening crowds and head to the tranquil beaches on the North of the island is honestly the best place to spend Christmas in Thailand with your loved ones, it is the best weather in Thailand at Christmas. If you aren’t keen on attending religious ceremonies on Christmas, you may also book a night at the Anantara Rasananda resort to enjoy a relaxing weekend chilling out on the beach, having massages, and sipping on exotic cocktails.
Where To Stay – Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas – 5-star Villa Resort with a private pool shared fitness room, and a terrace with stunning views
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4. Phuket
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If you’re wondering where to spend Christmas in Thailand then Phuket should be on top of the list. A vacation in Phuket during Christmas in Thailand 2024 is truly blissful. If you do not want to spend a lot travelling to exotic locales during Christmas, Phuket is the best place for Christmas in Thailand. During Christmas in Phuket, many hotels and resorts cater to families, couples, and solo backpackers during the festive season. You can either sit back and soak in some sun, party on Patong Beach, or even explore the many island temples. A trip to the national park is a fun way to spend Christmas day with a twist. Look out for the lit Thailand Christmas decorations in Phuket on your evening stroll.
Where To Stay – Pullman Phuket Arcadia: 5-star hotel on Nai Thon Beach with spa, gym, multiple pools, bars, bakery and a restaurant
Special Events: Christmas breakfast buffet, traditional Christmas dinner, Christmas dinner, barbecue buffet
5. Koh Samui
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Christmas in Koh Samui is all about how one can celebrate this vibrant festival in a laid-back and more relaxed manner. From luxury resorts offering amenities with that little extra touch and spas providing travellers with the opportunity to rejuvenate to white sandy beaches to enjoy the peaceful vibes and jungle treks for that refreshing aura, Koh Samui is a destination like no other. If one is looking for ways to celebrate Christmas this year in the most offbeat and unusual manner, heading to Koh Samui could be a plausible option. Waterfalls, lush green foliage, and clear blue waters that are spread as far as the eye can see offer a great chance for travellers to enjoy Christmas with Mother Nature.
Where To Stay – Melati Beach Resort & Spa: 5-star resort with restaurant, private pool, spa, private beach, pool and beach bars; Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort: 5-star hotel with private plunge pool, tree-top restaurants, beachfront, and spa.
Special Events: Christmas entertainment with a cocktail reception, carol singing, tree lighting ceremony, Christmas Eve buffet, Santa Claus arrival and gift ceremony, kids fashion show, and much more.
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6. Krabi
Sitting on the southern region of Thailand is another relaxing and tranquil destination, Krabi. Celebrate Christmas in Thailand at this land of unspoiled beaches, azure clear waters, limestone karsts, colourful coral reefs, and soft white sand. Krabi is a destination to travel for those who are seeking to enjoy a typical tropical experience. Travellers get to engage in various water sports such as kayaking or stroll and chill around the beach witnessing the sun setting down and listening to the light sounds of waves rushing by. For those who wish to enjoy a romantic getaway during Christmas can surely think about travelling to Krabi. Located just a few kilometres from Krabi are the Ko Phi Phi and Koh Lanta Islands which one can visit on a boat quite easily.
Where To Stay – Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas: 5-star hotel with open, ocean-view restaurant and bar, private beach, swimming pool with jacuzzi and waterfall, spa, club lounge, and fitness centre; Rayavadee: 5-star hotel with terrace pavilion, pool pavilion, spa, activities centre, beachside dining, and boutique.
Special Events: Christmas Eve dinner buffet, kids activities, carol singing, and more.
7. Pattaya
One of the famous resort cities of Thailand, Pattaya is a destination that appeals to couples and families alike. Not only home to some of the most beautiful beaches, Pattaya is a great place to travel to for some lip-smacking cuisine to enjoy Christmas dinner in Thailand and awe-inspiring accommodations. The nightlife scenes of this destination are something that takes away the breath of travellers. 24-hour cabaret bars and clubs make it difficult for guests to resist shaking their legs. When travelling to Thailand for Christmas and you wish to engage in an absolute experience, Pattaya is a destination that should be your stop. Along with vibrant nightlife, one also gets a chance to take part in watersports like windsurfing, jet skiing, waterskiing, and more.
Where To Stay – Dusit Thani Pattaya: 5-star hotel with an ocean view restaurant, suites with a living room, green space, beachfront views, and club room; Mytt Beach Hotel: 5-star hotel with rooftop swimming pool, spa, restaurant, bar, and fitness centre.
Special Events: Christmas entertainment includes carol singing, craft activities for kids, tattoo making, Santa Claus visits, and much more.
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8. Koh Kood
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Koh Kood is an amazing place to celebrate Christmas in Thailand if you are looking for a deserted island. This pristine island is quite easy to reach and is a perfect Christmas Eve venue for family vacations or couples looking for a romantic break. So, head to this island to take a break from the fire dances and the loud parties. Enjoy your holidays by staying at a 5-star resort along with private beaches for the best experience.
Where To Stay – Shantaa Koh Kood: An excellent 3-star hotel with airy villas, private beaches and fine dining
Special Events: Christmas specials include spending time in peace and enjoying the beauty of the beaches with your loved ones
9. Koh Lipe
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Koh Lipe is another top destination for Christmas celebrations in Thailand. It is an amazing destination for diving and due to its serene vibes, it is a dream destination for many tourists out there. It is recommended to make your bookings early due to the limited number of rooms available on this tiny island. So, plan your escape to this private paradise surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and celebrate the holiday season in style.
Where To Stay – Lipe Beach Resort: An amazing 3-star resort offering bamboo bungalows, a restaurant, basic amenities and a serene vibe
Special Events: Enjoy time with your loved one at the private beach
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Christmas In Thailand: Feast
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Though there is no Christmas in Thailand traditions, several restaurants in larger cities such as Chiang Mai and Bangkok cater to expats and tourists and offer a fancy holiday meal for the best Christmas in Thailand. If you wish to celebrate Christmas in Thailand 2024, head to Dukes for a holiday feast that has a wide variety of American dinner dishes for a mere $40. Many of the islands in Thailand have a mandatory Christmas gala and dinner for all guests. This is a great way to partake in some festivities if you wish to celebrate Christmas Day in Thailand.
Best Time To Visit Thailand
There is something uniquely different and special about the Christmas holidays in Thailand and other parts of Thailand. Sure, this is a Buddhist country, but it still boasts of great tropical weather and the Thais know just how to put on a good party. When in Thailand, celebrate Christmas by exploring the beautiful countryside. Thailand’s weather at Christmas is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and other adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities. Do not restrict yourself just to things to do in Bangkok, instead explore some of the other cities when spending Christmas in Thailand.
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Still, thinking it can’t be fun during Christmas in Thailand? Well, it’s time you check on your plans again as this beautiful island hosts Christmas with equal fervour as any European country would. So, why not do away with the monotony this year and celebrate Christmas during your trip to Thailand?
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Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas In Thailand
Where can I spend New Year's Eve in Thailand?
There are many places and ways where you can spend your New Year's Eve in Thailand. Attend the Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai, raise your hands and get high on life at the rooftop bars in Bangkok. Surin Beach is also where you can spend New Year & Christmas holidays in Thailand.
What is Songkran in Thailand?
Songkran festival is one of the most famous festivals in Thailand which marks the beginning of the traditional Thai New Year. It takes place in April and is celebrated by splashing water on each other. So, don't get surprised if you are splashed with a bucket load of water. That is their way of saying 'Happy New Year' in Thailand.
Is Christmas Day a holiday in Thailand?
Thailand is a nation that is overwhelmingly Buddhist, with very few Christians, and Christmas Day on 25 December is only a public holiday in certain provinces of the country.
Is Thailand busy at Christmas?
Yes, Thailand is one of the popular destinations during the festive holidays of Christmas and New Year. Travellers usually see these holidays as an advantage to take some time off and travel to a vibrant yet laid-back destination.
Is Christmas a good time to go to Thailand?
With amazing weather, festive vibes, crowded streets, and colourful decorations, Thailand is an amazing time to pay a visit to Thailand.
Do people in Thailand celebrate Christmas?
Christmas might not be a traditional holiday for locals in Thailand but it is still celebrated just like any other destination. With lighting up trees, decorating the streets, and indulging in some delicious delicacies, celebrations of Christmas in Thailand are pretty vibrant.
What do they eat for Christmas in Thailand?
The Christmas special feast usually includes mango and sticky rice, pork belly, spiced broth, fried tofu, eggs, salt crust fish stuffed with lemongrass, and much more.
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An empty vessel in Christ’s hands. Rest we can talk over chai. :)
