10 Things to Do in Bangkok in December

During the month of December you can enjoy the best things to do in Bangkok. This lively city is a cityscape of celebrations and entertaining activities. You can participate in traditional festivities such as Loy Krathong or the King's birthday.

You can also experience a slightly different but equally magical Christmas by visiting temples and shopping malls. Other activities can be done in other months, but during December they have a magical touch that only this season can offer. For example, cruises on the Chao Phraya River.

The Festival of Light or Loy Krathong can be celebrated in the month of December or in November, according to the calendar. It is one of the most beautiful and romantic celebrations in all of Thailand. Some even refer to it as Thai Valentine's Day.

This festival is celebrated after the rainy season, so the rivers are clean and the moon is clear. Right in Bangkok you can experience this celebration. Hotels usually organize special events in their swimming pools. There are also festivals along the Chao Phraya River in which you can participate.

The main events include a review of the history of Loy Krathong through traditional dances and music. You can also visit popular parks such as Lumpini Park, Benjasiri Park and Benjakitti Park. Here you can release your own Krathong or illuminated balloon.

Another option to participate in this festival is to visit the best temples in Bangkok. Among them, Wat Pho and Wat Arun stand out. Some recommendations to enjoy much more of this celebration is to attend with light clothes, as it is always hot in Bangkok, but do not wear shorts and sleeveless shirts! When you light the lamp, you must be careful to follow all the instructions to the letter!

When you go on a Christmas vacation to Bangkok, you won't have time to miss Christmas, in Bangkok you can celebrate it! One of the best ways to do so is to visit the Great Gatsby Christmas Market. Every year it is held at the K-Village, a very elegant shopping mall in Sukhumvit.

Despite not being a national holiday, Christmas has become a holiday that many Thais have taken the liberty to celebrate. For this reason, the Great Gatsby Market takes it upon itself to capture the Christmas atmosphere and spirit so that everyone can celebrate here.

Inside the market you can find quite an attractive gastronomic offer. If you would like to go on a food tour in Bangkok, then I invite you to stroll through the 150 food and drink stalls. You will have the possibility to taste delicious tropical wines, traditional Bangkok dishes and other international recipes typical of the date.

Details of interest

• Price: no entrance fee is required to enter the market.
• Hours: The market is open during December.
• Location: 93, Klongtan, Klongtoey 95 Soi Sukhumvit 26, Bangkok 10110, Thailand.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej was one of the longest ruling monarchs in Thailand. His birthday is celebrated year after year every fifth of December throughout the country. If you travel to Bangkok during this date, you can find different places to celebrate, either during the morning or during the evening.

Around 10 am you can go to the Dusit Palace (Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall). At this site the current king makes his appearance of the year in front of about 200 thousand people gathered. The event is also broadcast on national television.

In the evening, around nine o'clock, you can go to the esplanade (Sanamluan) located in front of the Grand Palace. From there you can watch the main politicians of the city and the country give a speech. The monarchy's anthem is also sung and candles are lit in front of the picture of the celebrated king as a sign of respect.

Just at the same time in various parts of the city, locals light candles in their homes. The king's birthday is not the only occasion when he is remembered. If you look closely, you will see that many Thais keep pictures of the king in their homes or establishments.

One of Thailand's national holidays is Constitution Day. The official granting of the country's first constitution occurred on December 10, 1934 thanks to King Rama VII. This event determined the first charter after a political transformation. Since then, this date has been celebrated every year on December 10.

At the time the constitution was drafted, the country was suffering from the economic effects of the Great Depression. Faced with the crisis situation, several military and intellectuals formed a popular party. This group proposed to the king to reduce his power, but to keep him in command, through a constitutional monarchy.

To take part in this celebration, just take a walk around Bangkok. You can even take a Hop on Hop off Bus tour and pass by the sites where parades with fireworks are held. It will also be common for you to see pictures of the king in different establishments.

Another way to celebrate Christmas in Bangkok is to enjoy a Christmas concert. If you are fond of Christmas carols and nostalgic during this time, this is the plan for you! You have nothing to worry about, because although Buddhist faith is the main faith throughout the country, Thailand has great religious tolerance.

For a good Christmas concert you can go to the Bangkok Assumption Cathedral, a beautiful and impressive building worth visiting. You can also go to St. Joseph's Church located in the Portuguese settlement of Ayutthaya, a few hours from Bangkok.

These and other religious venues offer Christmas concerts, especially in the weeks closest to Christmas Eve. However, there is no calendar of concerts that you can consult before going. For this reason, I recommend you to go to one of these churches in advance and ask.

The New Year is a worldwide celebration that you can also experience in a big way in Bangkok. One of the best ways to celebrate is by visiting Central World Plaza, the largest shopping mall in Thailand. This place is known for its impressive fireworks show during this date, so get ready to see it with your own eyes!

When you go there you will surely see thousands of people gathered waiting for the show to start. The event lasts approximately 15 minutes and the lights are synchronized with the music. Before the light show, you can stroll through all the stores in the mall, visit its cafes and restaurants. The whole place is a spectacle adorned with Christmas lights.

While visiting this place, you can stop by their ice rink and cool off from the heat of the Bangkok day. Skate with your friends and have a different time before celebrating the New Year. This activity will help you make time as the hours go by. However, you should make sure to arrive early and find a comfortable spot.

Details of interest

• Price: no entrance fee is required to enter the market.
• Hours: You can visit the mall throughout the month. New Year's celebration takes place on December 31.
• Location: 4, 5 Ratchadamri Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.

Traveler Tip
For the celebration of this day I recommend you to go with comfortable and light clothes. Also, it would be best to wear comfortable shoes that allow you to stand for a long time.

Cruises on the Chao Phraya River are one of the favorite activities of all tourists visiting Bangkok. In December this is a very special experience thanks to the nice weather and the Christmas lights that illuminate the banks of the river.

Keep in mind that you can choose between a tourist cruise or a private one. However, all of them allow you to enjoy a breathtaking view of the temples and historical monuments located along the river. Also, on board the boat, you usually have the opportunity to taste delicious typical Thai food. Some even include an international buffet.

During the Christmas season, some cruise ships feature eye-catching decorations and live entertainment to liven up your trip. You can enjoy amazing live concerts as well as dance performances and traditional Thai music. Some performances may include international Christmas music.

Please note that you should wear appropriate clothing for the weather at this time of year. During December the weather is a bit cooler, but you will feel the humidity in the air. Wear comfortable, breathable clothing and a light sweater in case it gets too cold at night.

Tasting a country's cuisine is one of the best ways to get to know its culture and customs. Particularly during winter, Thais bring out their best hot food dishes. December is the best month to enjoy them, otherwise in summer you would not stand the heat.

You have different options to enjoy this food while visiting the city. One of them is taking cooking classes in Bangkok. These experiences are very exciting, as you have the opportunity to visit markets and choose fresh ingredients together with a chef. Then, during the class, this person will share all his or her gastronomic secrets with you.

Another option is to take a tour of different restaurants in Bangkok. If you do so, I recommend ordering the most popular dish: khao soi. This is a recipe made with noodles and curry typical of northern Thailand. This dish is mixed with coconut milk and curry, served with chicken, pork or beef and a variety of vegetables.

Jok is another dish you should not miss. This pork and rice porridge is usually served during breakfast or dinner when the nights are a bit chilly. It is usually seasoned with onion and ginger. I recommend you ask for recommendations at the restaurant you visit, they are sure to have a dish you will love!

If you would like to take a day trip from Bangkok during December, I recommend traveling to Chon Buri province. This is where the Wonderfruit Festival is held every year during this month. To get there, you have to take a road trip of about two hours.

You will definitely enjoy this celebration, as you will see different art and music exhibitions. In addition, you will be able to see different ecological and sustainability messages throughout the festival. You will also be able to participate in workshops and a variety of outdoor activities. Food is another of the main attractions of this celebration, you will find multiple food stalls throughout the site!

I recommend you to keep an eye on the social networks of this festival, as dates and prices vary annually. However, keep in mind that the average price of a ticket for the whole weekend is 200 €. In your budget you should also consider staying in a nearby hotel, especially if you want to enjoy the whole festival.

Details of interest

• Price: the average entrance fee is 200 €.
• Duration: the dates of the festival vary annually.
• Location: The Fields at Siam Country Club, 50 Moo 9, Pong, Bang Lamung, Chonburi 20150, Thailand.

The Amphawa Floating Market is one of Bangkok's most popular attractions, and if you're thinking of visiting, December may be the perfect time to do so. Most tourists during this time tend to visit Christmas events, so the market does not receive too many visitors.

On the other hand, the weather is pleasant and you will feel a cool breeze as you travel along the river by boat. From there you will have an excellent view of the floating lanterns that decorate the site, so it is a very good idea to visit at night. Take advantage of the opportunity and take lots of pictures of this nighttime spectacle.

Also, during this month you can enjoy a variety of special seasonal products. You will find fruits and vegetables typical of Thailand' s winter. You will also get the typical international desserts such as gingerbread cookies and candy canes.

Without a doubt, touring the floating markets of Bangkok is a unique experience in this city. Not only will you be able to buy delicious items and sweets, but also typical dishes prepared by the locals.

Interesting details

• Price: it is not necessary to buy a ticket to enjoy the market.
• Hours: the market is open all year round.
• Location: 30/1 หมู่ที่ 15 Bang Ramat Rd, Bang Ramat, Taling Chan, Bangkok 10170, Thailand.

Although Bangkok, like all of Thailand, maintains a fairly hot tropical climate most of the year, during December temperatures range from 21 °C to 30 °C. This makes it the best time to visit Bangkok if you don't want to get too hot.

On the other hand, the humidity in the air is lower compared to other months of the year, which makes the weather even more pleasant. Although the rains are not too frequent, there is a possibility of small drizzles during the month. Try to bring an umbrella and waterproof shoes in case it rains during your stay.

The cool weather in December will give you the opportunity to do walking tours in Bangkok, especially in the afternoons and evenings when the weather is cooler. On the other hand, you will find different traditional celebrations very interesting. If you participate in any of them you will be able to understand much better this interesting Asian culture.

Even though it is winter, you should never forget your sunscreen. Every time you go out you should apply a generous amount on your skin. In Bangkok the sun is always shining and you can be affected by its impact if you do not take certain precautions.

Due to the Christmas holidays, December is one of the busiest months for tourists in Bangkok. Not only this celebration attracts thousands of tourists, but also the weather. During this month it is more pleasant to do all kinds of walking tours, so people do not hesitate to book their flights and hotel rooms in advance.

In general, if you travel to Bangkok during winter you will find that the prices of experiences and hotels are high compared to other times. This is due to the number of people traveling during the season. My recommendation is to book in advance for most of the experiences you wish to have in this city.