We all know that Thailand is an amazing place to visit during winter. It’s the country’s peak season, with many attractions open after being closed due to the rainy season, plus you get the best weather during this time. But as such a big country with so many fantastic places to visit, how do you decide which destinations to choose for your Thai winter vacation? To help you out, here’s a guide to the best places to visit in Thailand this winter.
Chiang Rai
While many people heading north tend to spend most of their time in Chiang Mai, there is another city here which is well worth considering for your winter holiday. Chiang Rai is one of the smaller cities in the country, but it still attracts plenty of people with its beautiful architecture and awe-inspiring nature. Chiang Rai’s biggest draw is Wat Rong Khun, better known as the White Temple. Constructed in 1997, this exquisite temple is completely unique in its design, made from white stone and thousands of mirrored glass fragments which create a glittering appearance. The cooler weather here is also ideal for exploring the surrounding countryside, especially the Golden Triangle, the point where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet.
Koh Lanta
When it comes to the Thai islands, most travellers tend to flock to the most well-known ones of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui. However, this means that these islands are chock-full of tourists, which isn’t exactly conducive to a relaxing beach holiday. If you want the Thai island experience without all the hordes, you should instead choose Koh Lanta. This peaceful island has all the beautiful beaches, sparkling sea, and bustling markets, but you’ll get to enjoy them without having to battle the crowds every day.
Pattaya
Popular with both Thai nationals and foreigners, Pattaya has long been known as the perfect place to head to for a winter vacation. It has some of the best beaches you could wish for and is a particularly great location for those interested in water sports; here you can participate in windsurfing, jet skiing, snorkelling, diving, sailing, and parasailing. If you’re not particularly sporty, there’s plenty more to enjoy. Here you can have fun at water parks, go go-karting, or relax at the numerous spas, and when the sun goes down, the nightlife here rivals that of Bangkok’s.
Bangkok
Bangkok barely needs any introduction at all. As one of South-East Asia’s most vibrant and buzzing cities, you could easily spend a month here and still not tire of what Bangkok has to offer. An enchanting mix of old and new, Bangkok has a myriad of attractions and sightseeing options for you during the day, and then at night you have the pick of markets, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Make sure you don’t miss out on the Grand Palace, the city’s most popular tourist attraction, and heading out of the city to visit one of the famous floating markets.