A Southeast Asia trip stays warm even in deep winter; here are suggestions for visiting three places in Thailand.
When you think of traveling for a holiday in Thailand, what images come to mind first?
Water activities on emerald beaches, Thailand’s vibrant nightlife, and delicious local cuisine — plus plenty of unique things to do. In December, Thailand’s average temperature is 20–30°C, making it an excellent destination to escape a cold snap.
■ Thailand travel tips
1. Use the official taxi queue at the airport
Friendly touts may quote 2–5× the official “meter” rate, so choose carefully; taking a regular metered taxi from the airport is a good idea. (Taxis in Thailand must use the meter.)
2. Carry some cash
Coins and baht can be a bit bulky, but they’re useful for transport, markets, and restaurants. Even a small amount is better than none, so keep some on you, exchanged in advance.
3. Be brave and bargain at street markets
Don’t buy souvenirs from Thai local markets just because they seem cheap. For visitors unfamiliar with Thailand’s cost of living, prices are often slightly higher than they should be, so try bargaining.
4. Dress appropriately when visiting temples
Proper attire is standard etiquette when entering famous temples in Thailand; it’s best to cover your knees and wrists.
Chiang Mai
▶ Key points for traveling in Chiang Mai
▶ Wat Phra That Doi Suthep tour and valley hikes
Chiang Mai is a city in northern Thailand. It’s where traditional Southeast Asian scenery, natural landscapes, and rich Thai culture come together. Unlike busy Thai cities such as Bangkok and Pattaya, Chiang Mai feels like a slow city where you can spend a leisurely holiday and enjoy many different experiences.
Chiang Mai has various mountains and valleys, including Doi Suthep, so you can enjoy hiking or camping and spend time close to nature.
Chiang Mai also has a Saturday market where you can find handicrafts and colorful art souvenirs.
Speaking of Chiang Mai, you should also look out for the local food. Be sure to try traditional Chiang Mai dishes at restaurants around town, such as “Khao Soi” and “Sai Ua”.
Lastly, Chiang Mai is one of the birthplaces of Thai massage. There are many spas and wellness centers here, so take some time to heal the fatigue from your usual hard work.
Pattaya
▶ Key points in Pattaya
Pattaya is a city in eastern Thailand and a popular Southeast Asian destination known for its vibrant nightlife and charming beaches. It’s about two hours by car from Bangkok, so it’s very convenient, and many foreigners staying in Thailand for a month gain rich experiences here.
Pattaya Beach offers various water activities, including jet skiing, parasailing, and snorkeling. Relaxing with a shot of tequila at a café on the beach is also a nice choice.
Pattaya’s nightlife is world‑famous. Along the streets you’ll find bars, clubs, and live music venues — some of the most captivating scenes in Thailand. Walking Street, in particular, is the center of nightlife and a unique Southeast Asia experience.
In addition, Pattaya has places that are perfect for kids, such as Tiger Park and Pattaya Dolphin World, making it a great destination for family trips in Thailand.
Why not try living in Pattaya, Thailand for a month? It offers fun for all ages.
Ayutthaya
▶ Ayutthaya highlights
Ayutthaya is a historic city in central Thailand where you can explore the ruins of an ancient kingdom founded in the 14th century, making it one of the most impressive places to spend a month in Thailand.
Today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and easily reached from Bangkok in about 1 hour 30 minutes. If you spend your holiday in Ayutthaya, Thailand, there’s plenty to see and do.
First stop: Ayutthaya Historical Park. There are many temples and monuments, such as Wat Maha That and Wat Phra Si Sanphet. If you’re interested in Thailand’s history and culture, you’ll have one of your most memorable experiences here.
Ayutthaya is also a riverside city, so it’s a good idea to explore the sights at your first stop or stay nearby and watch the sunset from a comfortable seat.
It’s famous for traditional Thai handicrafts, which you can try in various workshops. With Thai history and charming relics everywhere, traveling in Ayutthaya will be a beautiful lifelong memory. If you truly want to go to Thailand, this will be a valuable time to experience its diverse culture.
Finally, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Ayutthaya each have different charms. Whichever you choose will be an experience you’ll never forget. I hope this article gives you some useful tips for traveling in Thailand.
