Emerald-colored sea, paradisiacal beaches, ancient temples, lush nature, floating markets, spicy and delicious food: Thailand is all this and much more. It's no surprise that this country in Southeast Asia is among the favorite travel destinations for Italians. If you are among them and, finally, after years of daydreaming, you have decided to visit, discover with us what to see in Thailand in winter!
Why Visit Thailand in Winter
Before planning your itinerary, there are still some very important aspects to consider, for example, when to go and how to travel.
Winter is definitely the best time of year to visit Thailand. The months from December to March coincide with the dry season, meaning no rainfall. During this period, you can enjoy the best of Thailand. Expect long sunny and warm days, mild climate, and temperatures consistently around twenty-five to thirty degrees Celsius.
A great idea is to spend Christmas and New Year's holidays in Thailand, to welcome the new year in a bikini rather than layers of sweaters and coats! However, keep in mind that this is the period most crowded with mass tourism, but it’s a compromise worth accepting to visit such a magical land.
Summer, from June to October, is among the riskiest seasons to travel to the Thai islands. These are the monsoon months, with heavy and continuous rain. It is still possible to visit Thailand during these months, but with some uncertainty about the weather you will encounter.
For those traveling from Italy, there are direct flights with Thai Airways to Bangkok from Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa. Otherwise, you can depart from other cities, but with a stopover in other European countries. A passport with at least six months' validity is required, but Italian citizens can travel without a visa if their stay does not exceed forty-five days.
Sea in Thailand in Winter: Where to Go
Going to Thailand and not spending entire days at the sea is a bit like organizing a vacation in Italy and never eating a good plate of spaghetti! Since the season allows it, we want to recommend some of the most beautiful islands and beaches that should not be missed when considering what to see in Thailand in winter.
Andaman Sea Islands
In the Andaman Sea are some of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. Phuket is the largest and offers plenty of entertainment. If you travel with the idea of enjoying some healthy relaxation, this is the island for you. Among the many beaches, we recommend Kata Noi and Mai Kao. The latter, with its fine white sand, is located in the Sirinath National Park and with some luck, you might even see turtles nesting.
If instead you travel with the idea of having fun and partying, Phuket is still the island suited to your needs. Especially in the city of Patong you can enjoy some of the best spots of Thai nightlife !
Two other spectacular islands in the Andaman Sea are Koh Lanta and Koh Lipe. Koh Lanta is considered a paradise on earth, nestled in a maze of islets and surrounded by an incredibly colored sea. You must visit it because here you can also admire beautiful temples hidden in dense vegetation and enjoy many sports activities like trekking and snorkeling.
Koh Lipe, on the other hand, is known for its tropical forest, coconut plantations, and the Chao Ley, a nomadic fishing community with its own language.
Phi Phi Island
Along the Andaman coast, there are many smaller islands worth visiting. Among these, the Phi Phi Islands stand out, an archipelago famous worldwide thanks to the 1999 film The Beach directed by Danny Boyle and starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Most of these islands are uninhabited; villages are concentrated on the two largest, Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Leh.
The Phi Phi Islands also feature postcard-perfect landscapes, with crystal-clear seas and almost blindingly white beaches that will make you fall in love at first sight. This is one of the most popular destinations especially at Christmas. But don’t worry, all locations are well regulated to protect local flora and fauna, so there will never be overcrowding or human-limit-pushing crowds!
Gulf of Thailand Islands
Moving to the Gulf of Thailand, or Gulf of Siam, we find ourselves just a short distance from the capital Bangkok. Here too, there are seaside locations that must be included among what to see in Thailand in winter.
Koh Samui is the most characteristic among these, the quintessential tropical island, with white beaches dotted with palm trees. Perhaps for this reason, it is the most sought-after destination by mass tourism, with resorts, luxury sports centers, and spas. Staying in Koh Samui is therefore not ideal if you are looking for the most authentic face of Thailand. But we still recommend a visit to admire the Na Muang waterfalls and the Big Buddha Temple.
An hour by boat from Koh Samui is Koh Tao, literally the island of turtles. These beautiful animals can be spotted almost everywhere in Thailand in winter, but here you can admire them best, always with respect! Turquoise sea and pearly beaches accompany Koh Tao with a stunning coral reef, one of the absolute favorites for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
Very close to Koh Samui is Koh Phangan. Also known for its untouched nature and water sports, it is mainly famous for the Full Moon Parties. These beach parties are held every month on the full moon. During your trip to Thailand, keep an eye on the lunar calendar and head to Koh Phangan on the right day!
This concludes our article on what to see in Thailand in winter. We have outlined a packed itinerary among the best beaches of this splendid corner of the world. However, Thailand is a land with an ancient history and boasts many architectural works that are a must-see. Among these are the beautiful temples of Wat Phra Singh in Chiang Mai or Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai, in northern Thailand. For more travel ideas, continue following Meeters and don’t miss all the events we organize in Italy and around the world for trips with new friends!