A few years ago, my husband and I ditched the baubles for coconuts and spent our first Christmas away from home. Our destination was Thailand, somewhere we’d both been lucky enough to visit before and had continued to lust after ever since. The dichotomy of Thailand’s remote countryside and jungle regions combined with its metropolitan cities and picture-postcard beaches ticked every box for our dream Christmas getaway. So off we set, in search of sun swathed beaches, swaying palms, hilltop villages, hidden mountain lakes, cosmopolitan cocktails and last but not least, Pad Thai for Christmas dinner – a dream come true.
Christmas in Thailand
Our journey started in Bangkok, where we enjoyed a few nights exploring the ancient temples by day and exquisite food scene by night. The morning after we landed, we woke early and took to the backwaters of the Chao Praya River, trading between boats for our breakfast bananas and morning coffee.
Hiking in Chiang Mai
From Bangkok we ventured north to the ancient city of Chiang Mai, which over recent years has welcomed an abundance of boutique hotels. After a few days of R&R, we ventured into the countryside on a two-night adventure, hiking between remote villages and staying in simple traditional lodges. We learnt about the flora and fauna of Thailand’s countryside and how rice paddies are ingeniously designed, managed, and farmed. We picked tea, rolled tea, dried tea and drank tea. Met village chiefs and told tales around the campfire, we danced under the stars and woke at dawn to roosters roaming past our woven hut door.
The Land of Smiles
Every step of the way, the warmth of the Thai people infiltrated our experience like nowhere else we’d been. Such joy from the simplicity of life, such expertise, such colour, such charm.
Thailand Islands and Beaches Winter Sun
After our time in the mountains, we flew south to the islands and beaches which hug the southwest coast of Thailand, where you can enjoy warm weather during our British winter months. Christmas day was certainly different, my husband had organised a surprise dive trip in the morning and we checked into the spa for the afternoon. No decadent cheese boards or quality street this year. A round of cards, cocktails and a toes-in-the-sand celebration took us into the night, and what a night it was. A Christmas we certainly won’t forget.
If you’re considering a festive break exploring Thailand, it’s not too late. Although availability is limited, our team of experts have put together an amazing 12-night journey including Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.
FAQ’s
- Is Thailand good at Christmas
- We would highly recommend Thailand for your festive break, if you are looking for beautiful beaches, luxury accommodation and amazing cuisine.
- Which part of Thailand is best in December?
- For your Winter Sun Holiday in Thailand, consider Koh Samui for a beach retreat or Chiang Mai for countryside and culture, better still combine these in a tailor made journey.
- Where is the best place to spend Christmas in Thailand?
- Our answer is ‘on the beach’ is the best place to spend Christmas in Thailand. Enjoy cocktails on the beach and luxury accommodation, where you can indulge in a spa treatment- heaven!
Find out more
Prices start from £4, 840 per person, including international flights with Qatar Airways, 2 nights at The Peninsula in Bangkok, 3 nights at 137 Pillars in Chiang Mai and 7 nights at The Sarojin in Khao Lak.
Call 01494 678400 to speak to our Thailand experts today!
