More and more people are deciding to break from tradition and spend Christmas overseas and we can't think of a better place to bring in the festive cheer than the enchanting Kingdom of Thailand.
How Christmas Is Celebrated in Thailand
Christmas is not a public holiday in Thailand. Thailand is a majority Buddhist country. Most of the Christmas celebrations are undertaken by travelers and expats.
That's not to say that Thais don't get into the Christmas spirit. You can still feel the Christmas atmosphere. In many shopping malls, there are Christmas trees, lights, and decorations.
The locals love a party and are happy to use any occasion as an excuse to celebrate. While most Thai people do not really celebrate Christmas, they are more than happy to join in the fun if an opportunity presents itself.
Why Visit Thailand During Christmas
More and more Western people choose to spend their Christmas abroad and Thailand has become a popular destination for a Christmas vacation.
1) You'll be guaranteed good weather.
December is the peak season in Thailand and the main reason is that the weather is almost guaranteed to be excellent for traveling. The average temperature in December ranges from 25 to 30℃ (77-86℉) in the daytime and as low as 15 ℃ (59℉) in the evenings.
You'll have lots of sunshine and little to no rain. The temperatures are comfortable in Bangkok in December and that's not something that can be said for most of the months of the year. The Christmas period really is the best time to travel to Thailand.
Suggested reading: The Ultimate Guide to Spending Christmas / New Year Holidays in Southeast Asia
2) You don't have to cook your own Christmas dinner.
When it comes to Christmas dinner in Thailand, most expats flock to a Christmas brunch at one of Bangkok's many five-star hotels or sit down for a traditional dinner in one of the capital's many expat pubs.
The benefit of Christmas this way is that you can enjoy all of the trimmings of a traditional lunch without having any of the stress of cooking or washing up!
3) You could swap a traditional Christmas dinner for Thai street food.
No set rule says you must eat a roast dinner on Christmas Day. Thailand has been voted as having the world's best street food on numerous occasions so why not swap the roast turkey for a traditional pad Thai or a spicy tom yum soup?
4) You will spend Christmas on a tropical beach.
Thailand boasts some of the world's best beaches so why not swap the snow for the sand and spend Christmas Day on one of the kingdom's beautiful southern islands? It's a fantastic way to celebrate with your loved ones.
You will enjoy a special dinner on Christmas Eve, which will usually include entertainment, live music, and games for the kids. On Christmas Day, you can switch up the roast dinner for a fresh seafood barbecue on the sand.
Suggested reading: Planning a Family Holiday to Southeast Asia? 20 Expert Tips for Christmas
5) You will take a once-in-a-lifetime Christmas Day walk.
You might be worried that spending the festive period abroad means that you'll be missing out on your customary Christmas Day walk with the family.
Fear not, whether you choose to hit the beach, head to one of Thailand's many national parks, or venture to the mountainous north of the country, you're guaranteed to have a festive stroll like never before.
6) Thailand has great Christmas shopping.
While you won't find anything like the Christmas markets in Berlin, Thailand's unique market shopping is some of the best you'll find anywhere. Whether you are in Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai, you'll be able to barter your way to some unique gifts to take back home for your loved ones.
98.8% Positive Customer reviews among 10,000+
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Great Experience
WOW! I’ve traveled Asia some & I must say Sharon & Asia Highlights made this trip so much more enjoyable and easy More
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Aug 2023
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Alisa has has been great to work with
Alisa with Asia Highlights has has been great to work with. Very friendly and responsive. More
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Aug 2023
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Using Sharon right now to book our…
Using Sharon right now to book our upcoming trip to Thailand. She has booked everything that we asked for. Has answered all of my inquiries, which has been many! Looking forward to having a great girls trip in Thailand More
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Aug 2023
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Thailand, Singapore, Bali
In Thailand, Tanny and Nori(Suparp), were both incredible! They were both fun, funny, and full of knowledge and made sure we got the full experience. They went the extra mile and always made sure we had cold bottled water and towels to cleanse our hands. In Singapore, Nicole was an absolute gem. She was so kind and knowledgeable and guided us in the right direction to make our day as enjoyable as possible. She helped us choose a top notch local lunch and coffee spot in China Town and taught us so much about the country! In Bali, Emon was an absolute joy. He was very knowledgeable and kind and absolutely made sure we were feeling comfortable and was willing to be flexible with us. He was fun to converse with and made our time traveling between destinations so enjoyable! I cannot recommend Asia Highlights enough! Accommodations, travel arrangements and guided tours were all a breeze. More
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Jul 2023
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Very supportive
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Jul 2023
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My experience in Chang Mai with Asia Highlights
I greatly enjoyed my experience with Asia Highlights for a trip I booked to Thailand.All of my interests were catered too. My guide in Chang Mai Gemma was excellent.I truly felt the soul of Thailand culture and Buddhism. More
Richard,
Jul 2023
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A pleasure to plan with
Well, this has been a painless and pleasurable process to find such a wonderful company. I had specific dates and places to be and Sharon worked with me diligently to refine the schedule and costs to suit my travel needs and budget. She informed me of a special tour on the dates I am to be in Thailand and I added that to my previous plans. More
Chris Williams,
Jul 2023
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Large multi-generational holiday in Thailand
The holiday was wonderful. Our guides, Mr Monchai (Bangkok), and Ms Tipagorn (Tippy) (Chiang Mai) were exceptional. Travelling in a large multigenerational group with many children requires patience and our guides truly understood that. Mr Monchai and Ms Tippy shared their extensive knowledge of the many wonderful places we visited, and were flexible to take us to additional places along the way based on discussions. While everyday was busy, having them greet us with patience and a smile truly made this a memorable holiday. The hotels we stayed at were equally wonderful and went above and beyond to celebrate not only my parents 50th anniversary but also celebrate 2 milestone birthdays that occurred. We will cherish this holiday for many years to come. We hope to use Asia Highlights again. More
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Jul 2023
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I never used a travel agent in my life
I never used a travel agent in my life, but Sharon for Asia Highlights did a phenomenal job helping planning and coordination a family vacation. The best part of working with Sharon was that she maintained an open line of communication and provided answers to my question well within 12-24 hours. Additionally, Sharon was flexible and customized our vacation to my families needs. Overall great experience. More
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Jul 2023
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Great company to plan a trip to Southeast Asia!
Sharon Haung has been wonderful to work with! Very patient and accommodating. Responds immediately given time change and is prepared, prompt, and professional. More
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Jul 2023
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We took a 15 days trip (10 days Vietnam and 5 days Thailand …
It was an amazing experience the guides and drivers were there awaiting for us at each airoport for a transfer to the hotels also on time for all the tours all the guides were so lovely , very experienced and spoke very good English , one of the days on tour in Thailand I lost my phone in a temple in Bangkok mr chai went out of his way in a middle of thousands of visitors and managed to find an bring it back to me I found that amazing , also while on a trip I contacted Jason li out tour organizer few time via whatup and he replied and helped on the spot I recommend asiahilights 150% The quality of the service hotels the guides the drivers outstanding From start to finish ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ???? More
SIMO el ghobar,
Jun 2023
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Wonderful Guides and Experience
Our large group arrived in Bangkok with Tanni as our guide. She was wonderful! An absolute joy to spend time with. She is knowledgeable, kind, and extremely funny. I don’t know what we would have done without her! After Bangkok, we traveled to Chang Mai, where Indy was our tour guide. She was a delight! She is kind, knowledgeable, and so patient. Our trip to Thailand was an adventure of a lifetime and these two women helped make it memorable. I would definitely use Asia Highlights for any future travel in Asia. More
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Jun 2023
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Guide - Chai
We travelled from Vietnam to Bangkok and were blessed to have a guide named Chai. He was a superb guide and it is a pity we couldn't bottle him and take him home. He was very knowledgeable and an absolute gentleman. He could not have done enough to facilitate us and imparted so much knowledge about the Temples, Buddism and the History of Thailand in general. Not only did he give us a great overview of the past and current ways of living in Thailand but I also feel I came away a much better person having interacting with him. I will carry many of his teachings with me for the rest of my life and know that having met him was a very special blessing in my life. More
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Jun 2023
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Our guide Tanni was kind
Our guide Tanni was kind, knowledgeable, funny and beyond accommodating for our group. We felt like we'd made a friend and it enhanced our trip in the most positive way. Everything was coordinated perfectly which is not easy to do in a large traveling group. Excellent experience! More
Marissa Manson,
Jun 2023
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We are only on day 5 of our 15 day trip…
Our first stop so far was in Hanoi where our guide Trong was just so awesome! He shared about his culture and family life which showing us sites through a city tour. He was so funny making lots of jokes and always made sure we were having fun while learning about everything! He checked on us frequently even when we were no longer with him since we then went on a cruise in Halong Bay! Halong Bay and the cruise on Paradise Elegance went way above anything I expected. The scenery was breathtaking, the ship was so beautiful and clean with such fresh, good food! And I can’t sing enough praise for the staff who took care of us- especially Anna and Belle! They went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed every aspect from eating meals with Anna to every other detail with Belle! I highly recommend Asian Highlights to help plan these extraordinary trips! This already has been a trip of a lifetime and we still have so much more to see all thanks to Cathy!! More
Diane Creitz,
Jun 2023
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Tanni for the win!
14 of my closest friends and family descended upon Bangkok ready to see the town. Asia highlights and Tanni took us on a tour that changed our lives. We experienced so much everyday. Tanni was amazing! She did all the thinking for us, so we all could just be present and enjoy the moment. I can’t recommend this company, and especially Tanni enough. More
Megan McGlynn,
Jun 2023
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This isn't my first trip with Asia…
This isn't my first trip with Asia Highlights. They are great at helping me plan, working my requests into the itinerary, and booking it all. We travel with friends and just got back from a trip to Thailand and Vietnam. Albee did a great job with all the details and we had a wonderful time. We will use them for our next adventure! More
Katie Potesta,
Jun 2023
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Amazing service
Although we have not been our trip yet I wanted to still write a review based on customer service and the ease of booking. Alisa has been extremely prompt and responsive with planning our trip to Thailand. She has had great recommendations and guidance to add to our custom itinerary. Highly recommend using Asia highlights! -Alex More
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May 2023
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I have never hear of this company…
I have never hear of this company before , and after reading all these reviews ,I decided to give it a try . The professionalism and communicative skill received by one of the agent , Sharon of Asia Highlights , convince me that She was the right travel agent for my trip in Asia . Very quickly she communicated with me and got all the detail of my desire vacation . Sharon made me a great itinerary with great experiences that I am dreaming to experience and I am looking forward to it . Thanks Sharon for been so great and crafting me a dream vacation with great suggestions. More
orge alvarez,
May 2023
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Coco Yang worked tirelessly to…
From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. We enjoyed several days together touring Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. In Chiang Mai, Mr Ekachai took my son snd I on an amazing trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and to visit a community Lanna home, gardens and a hands-on cooking class preparing an authentic Thai meal. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! Thank you, Asia Highlight!! Debbie Woods More
Debbie Woods,
May 2023
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Best Places to Spend Christmas in Thailand
If you are wondering where you should celebrate Christmas in Thailand, you have many options. From the cool, crisp mountainous north to the powdery white sand beaches in the south, there's a little bit for everyone to enjoy at Christmas in the 'Land of Smiles'.
1) Christmas in Bangkok
Bangkok celebrates Christmas more than any other province in Thailand with all of the shopping malls in town seemingly trying to outdo each other with the biggest Christmas tree and the best decorations.
Bangkok's newest mall, ICONSIAM, has an amazing festive light show and fountain display for the whole family to enjoy.
For parents that want to make sure their kids don't miss out on meeting Santa Claus at Christmas, you can find him at many of the city's malls, such as Central World and Siam Paragon. A lot of the larger hotels in Bangkok also schedule a special Santa appearance for their guests.
December 25th is not a public holiday in Thailand so all the regular attractions are open as usual. In Bangkok, you can spend Christmas morning visiting the incredible temples of the old city before heading off for lunch.
All of the bigger hotels hold lavish Christmas Eve and Christmas Day buffet lunches and dinners. These feasts include traditional Christmas meats and trimmings as well as Thai dishes, sushi, and fresh seafood. You also have the option to include free-flowing wine and champagne for an extra fee.
For anyone wanting to attend Christmas mass, there are a number of Christian churches across Bangkok that have a service on the 24th and 25th.
Having Christmas drinks at an amazing rooftop bar will also be a wonderful experience. Swap your customary glass of Christmas sherry by the fire for a festive cocktail at one of Bangkok's many rooftop bars.
Whether it's a view over the famous Chao Phraya River, the old city temples, or Bangkok's sprawling city skyline you are looking for, your perfect rooftop bar awaits you in the nation's capital. How many cities in the world can boast of more rooftop bars than Bangkok? There's not one that we've found.
2) Christmas in Phuket
If you're lucky enough to find yourself in Phuket during the Christmas period, you might be surprised by just how much the locals have embraced Western Christmas traditions. Although Phuket is a predominantly Buddhist and Muslim island, the locals go the extra mile to ensure visitors have the Christmas of a lifetime.
You can find special festive dinners and events at many of the island's five-star resorts as well as activities and games for the whole family.
If you want to break from tradition and sample something completely different for your Christmas lunch, you can opt for a seafood barbecue on one of Phuket's pristine white sandy beaches.
Phuket boasts many markets and shopping malls, so you will have no problem scooping up some awesome presents for your friends and family back home.
3) Christmas in Pattaya
The popular beach resort of Pattaya is a great choice to visit at Christmas for people who don't want to miss out on their home comforts.
Pattaya has the largest number of Western expats in the country outside of Bangkok and, because of this, Western food there is known to be some of the best you can find in the entire country.
You'll have no trouble finding your turkey dinner with all the trimmings in one of the many Irish or English pubs in town.
Situated about an hour south of Bangkok, Pattaya is the closest beach town to the capital to enjoy the festive period.
4) Christmas in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a little less hectic than Bangkok at Christmas but still very busy with visitors.
Chiang Mai has a much cooler climate than Bangkok and the south and, while it's not as cold as London or New York, the crisp nights can make it feel a little more 'Christmassy'.
There are plenty of hotels, bars, and restaurants across Chiang Mai that put on a Christmas Day spread for their customers to enjoy.
You can head to the famous Night Bazaar in the center of the city to pick up some Christmas gifts for your loved ones and there is also no shortage of shopping malls that will be decked out with decorations and lights to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Tour Thailand Your Way with Us
If you would like to visit Thailand during Christmas, why not let us create an unforgettable experience for you. Just tell us your interests and needs and leave all the hard work involved with creating the perfect travel plans to us, giving you a trip of a lifetime in the Land of Smiles.
Why Travel with Asia Highlights (98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+)
- Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
- Hassle-free travel and peace of mind: Every aspect of your trip will be carefully planned and organized by your 1:1 travel consultant.
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.
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