What to Do and What to Pack: Thailand in December/January
When people ask me the best time to visit Thailand, I always say: December to January, especially if you want a little bit of everything: crisp mornings in the north, sun-kissed beaches, and none of the worst of the monsoon. Over my four trips, I’ve come to see December and January as the sweet spot. In the north, it’s dry, cool (for Thai standards), and misty in places; on the islands, the seas are calm and visibility is excellent.
That said, the weather isn’t uniform, so you’ll feel a little shift in climate as you move from Chiang Mai’s mountain air down to the Gulf and Andaman shores. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the northern highlands, the east-coast islands (Gulf of Thailand), and the west coast (Andaman) what to do, what to expect, and what to pack.
Northern Thailand: Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai → Pai
What I Did & Loved
I flew into Chiang Mai first and spent 5–7 days winding through temples, hiking trails, hill tribe villages, and small cafés tucked into alleys. From there, I made a side trip to Chiang Rai (for the White Temple and quieter northern ambience), and then slipped off to Pai for a few slower, mountain-lush days.
Chiang Mai is the perfect hub. On my last trip, I headed one morning to catch sunrise at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, then wandered the old city’s alleyways and a favourite is the Night Bazaar eating mango sticky rice and coconut pancakes.
Chiang Rai is more offbeat — I visited Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), Blue Temple, and spent an evening in the relaxed riverside town with Rim before our trip to Laos.
Pai is dreamy if you’re after mountain air, hot springs, walking paths through rice paddies, and more slow-paced days. I left Pai with a longing for loaded potatoes at their night market.
What to Do: Highlights
Temples galore — in Chiang Mai, don’t skip Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Umong (with its forest tunnels).
Cooking class + market tour — I learned how to make khao soi, som tam, and sticky rice with mango.
Elephant sanctuary day trip — pick an ethical one (no riding).
Hike or “trek” day trips — e.g. Doi Inthanon National Park or smaller trails around the city.
Chiang Rai temple loop — White Temple, Blue Temple, Baan Dam (Black House).
In Pai: Pai Canyon at sunrise or sunset, Tha Pai hot springs, land split, and more wandering through bamboo bridges and roadside cafés.
Where to Stay & Eat (Northern Thailand)
Hotels / Stays
137 Pillars House, Chiang Mai — a boutique gem near the east side of the Ping River, classic style meets sophistication. The Hotel Journal
Shangri-La Chiang Mai — a dependable, luxury choice in town with good amenities and location. Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
AMANOR Hotel Chiang Mai — small luxury, curated service, charming suites. Hilton
Villa Sirilanna Hotel (Old City) — centrally located, traditionally styled, with charm and ease. Big Little Travels - Your Travel Guide
Restaurants & Cafés
Khao Soi Khun Yai, Chiang Mai — simple, local, legendary for northern curry noodle.
Ginger & Kafe, Chiang Mai — upscale-fusion, beautiful space.
The Riverside Bar & Restaurant along the Ping — good mix of Thai + Western, pleasant riverside vibe.
In Chiang Rai, try local northern-style dishes (e.g. “gaeng hang lay”) at small local joints on less touristy roads.
In Pai, roam the walking street for street food, or catch sunset dinners at riverside cafés.
East Coast Islands: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao
I’ve been here twice and headed back for a third time. Its my favourite set of islands in Thailand and they have exactly what you need. In December–January, this stretch has mostly dry weather, calm seas, and is ideal for snorkeling, beach lounging, and gentle island-hopping.
What I Did & Loved
I bypassed Koh Samui and took a ferryto Koh Tao (diving mecca) and lingered in Koh Phangan which is part quiet, part party (I did not partake), and home to my sanctuary: Wonderland Healing Center
In Koh Phangan I spent lazy beach days, watched sunsets, and rented a scooter to inland waterfalls and jungle roads.
On Koh Tao, I loved snorkeling and the underwater landscapes are some of my favorites in all of Thailand. I also spent days wandering the town in my bare feet.
Phangan felt like a sweet hybrid: yoga mornings at Wonderland, beach bars, hidden coves, especially on the quieter side of the island (away from Full Moon party zones).
What to Do: Highlights
Snorkel & dive in Koh Tao — numerous dive schools, great beginner and intermediate reefs.
Waterfalls & viewpoints in Koh Samui — like Na Muang, Hin Ta / Hin Yai.
Yoga / wellness days in Phangan (especially in the north/central), or at Wonderland if you can swing it.
Island hopping & sea kayaking — small hidden bays, coral shores.
Beach time & sunset watching — pick your beach depending on morning sun vs evening light.
Where to Stay & Eat (East Islands)
Hotels / Resorts
Four Seasons Koh Samui — if you want a splurge with impeccable service and views.
Anantara Koh Samui Resort — reliable resort option with charm.
In Koh Tao, there are boutique bungalows and dive resorts all over but choose near Sairee Beach area for convenience.
In Koh Phangan, I’ve stayed in Wonderland toward the north, but if you want mid-range meets boutique, look around Srithanu or Haad Salad areas.
Restaurants & Cafés
In Samui: Barracuda Restaurant (seafood), Jahn (fine dining), local seafood shacks in Bophut or Maenam.
In Phangan: Earth Café (health-forward), seaside grills, little beach bars that magically appear at sundown.
In Tao: small beachfront cafés that cook your catch of the day — a perfect post-dive reward.
West Coast / Andaman Islands: Phuket, Koh Lanta, Phi Phi, Railay
Next, I switched coasts and entered the iconic Andaman stretch, with dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and varied island moods. December–January tends to be the prime season here, with clearer seas and better visibility (though early December might still see some waves depending on year).
What I Did & Loved
I landed in Phuket and used it partly as a transport hub and partly to explore quieter northern beaches. Then I island-hopped: Koh Lanta for a relaxed vibe, Railay / Ao Nang for dramatic cliffs and beach views, and when I was young I spent some time in Phi Phi (though I limit time there — too many crowds and young partiers).
In Phuket, I snuck in a sunset at Promthep Cape, wandered Old Town, and detoured to hidden west coast beaches.
In Koh Lanta, I stayed longer for sunrise walks, lazy café afternoons, and plenty of time reading by the sea.
Railay remains a favorite: climbing routes, caves accessed on land and water, viewpoints, and that postcard beach access.
Phi Phi is gorgeous, but manage your expectations as it’s busy. I treat it as a day-trip or 1-night highlight (not base).
What to Do: Highlights
Cliff climbing or walking in Railay / Tonsai — short scramble paths lead to stunning viewpoints.
Island cruises — 4-island, James Bond, and snorkeling tours departing from Phuket / Krabi coast.
Beach time & sunsets — Long Beach (Koh Lanta), Phra Nang (Railay), Kata & Nai Harn (Phuket), Maya Bay (Phi Phi, if open).
Local village exploration — Lanta Old Town, hidden coves off beaten tracks, snorkeling holes that fewer tourists hit.
Kayaking through caves (Railay) or paddle-boarding at dawn.
Sunrise / sunset paddle or beach walk when the island’s still waking up. Watch out for the jellyfish!
Where to Stay & Eat (West / Andaman)
Hotels / Resorts
Rayavadee (Railay) — once-in-a-lifetime setting at the foot of the limestone cliffs.
Pimalai Resort & Spa (Koh Lanta) — luxe and peaceful.
The Slate Phuket — design-driven resort in Phuket with character.
Lanta Castaway Resort (mid-budget, lovely setting on Lanta).
Anantara Phi Phi for a splurge on Phi Phi.
Restaurants & Bars (Koh Lanta / Andaman picks)
Yang Garden (Lanta) — fusion and creative dishes in a romantic garden setting. Wanderlog
Yawee Restaurant (Lanta) — a favorite local spot for authentic Thai and value. Reddit+3Wanderlog+3Travels by Izzy+3
Malina’s Kitchen (Lanta) — small, popular, trusted. idreamofmangoes.com+3World Travel Toucan+3flightstofancy.com+3
Patty’s Secret Garden by the Sea (Koh Lanta) — beachfront meals, relaxed vibe. hotels
In Railay / Ao Nang, I often just pick a cliffside beach shack for a quick bite and a cold drink as the tide laps your feet.
In Phuket Old Town, try Ka Jok See or Blue Elephant for atmosphere + good food.
What to Pack: From Mountains to Beaches
Here’s what I always bring (and tweak a bit depending on how much island-hopping vs northern trekking I’ll do):
Clothing & Layers
Lightweight, quick-dry shirts / tees (long- and short-sleeve)
A few swimsuits / bikinis / trunks
A sarong / wrap — doubles as beach blanket or temple cover
Light sweater / fleece — nights in Pai or in mountain lodges can get surprisingly cool
Rain jacket / packable windbreaker — in case of surprise showers or coastal winds
Linen pants / loose trousers or flowy skirts
Temple-appropriate clothes — modest (shoulders covered, knees covered) for visits to sacred sites
Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes / light sneakers / trail runners
Sandals / flip-flops / water shoes — ideal for beaches and rocky shores
Slip-on shoes — handy for temples where you’ll be removing footwear
Accessories
Wide-brim hat / cap + sunglasses
Light scarf / buff (for sun, for modesty, for wind)
Reusable water bottle, or just grab water at the 7-11 on your travels which is just as convenient
Dry bag / zip-seal waterproof sacks (for phones, cameras during boat rides)
Light daypack
Travel adapter (Thailand’s plugs: type A, B, C)
Small first-aid kit + blister cushions
Sunscreen, reef-friendly ideally
Mosquito repellent (especially in the jungle or early evening)
Snorkel gear (optional) — I often bring a mask so I always have the one I’m comfortable with
Camera / GoPro / phone with waterproof case
Power bank / portable charger
Travel documents / waterproof pouch
Extras & Tips
Bring a packable travel towel (for spontaneous beach stops)
Copies of your itinerary / passes / some cash in multiple spots
Ziplock bags for wet clothes or separating electronics
Sleep mask / earplugs — some nights in ferry bunks or rustic islands can be bright or noisy
I always leave a bit of extra room in my suitcase, because you’ll almost always come home with a few little treasures. Think silk, curry paste, shell jewelry, or local teas you didn’t plan on but absolutely had to have.
When you weave together the crisp, misty mornings up north, the calm coral-blue water in the Gulf, and the dramatic cliffs and turquoise bays along the Andaman Sea, you really get to feel the full spectrum of Thailand’s magic in December and January.
Get ready for contrasts. You might wake up to a cool chill in Pai, sweat through the intense midday sun in Phi Phi, end up coated in a little motorbike dust in Chiang Mai, and then unwind with soft ocean breezes on Lanta. And honestly, keep your plans loose. Some of my favourite memories were completely unplanned — a random roadside elephant sighting, stumbling into a local festival, or taking a spontaneous detour just to catch the sunset.
Feel free to drop your own stories or photos between sections or in a “what I did” moment. I hope this gives you a solid foundation to plan your trip!
Love, M