Bangkok in December pairs pleasant weather with festive vibes and long sightseeing hours. You’ll catch crisp mornings perfect for temple visits, and evenings alive with riverside lights. Major attractions like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace stay open, but crowds spike post-Christmas. Book accommodations early, especially near riverside areas or top shopping hubs.
Bangkok in December 2025 at a glance
🌧️Weather
Dry and mild, 21–30°C / 70–86°F, low humidity.
☀️Daylight
~11.3 hrs; sunrise ~6:30am, sunset ~5:45pm.
🎉Key events
New Year’s Eve fireworks, River Festival, Wonderfruit nearby.
👥Crowds
Moderate early month; heavy from Christmas onward.
🛋️What to pack
Light layers, modest clothes for temples, mosquito spray.
🍽️Seasonal treats
Kanom Krok, grilled river prawns, mango sticky rice.
Top things to do in Bangkok in December
Cruise the Chao Phraya River
When: All month
Tags: Tour, Seasonal
Cool breezes make December prime for scenic boat rides. Opt for evening dinner cruises with skyline views or daytime express boats to explore temples. Book sunset rides early.
Recommended experiences:
White Orchid River Cruise with International Buffet Dinner & Unlimited Beer
Chao Phraya Princess Cruise with Buffet Dinner & Live Music
The cool air makes temple-hopping a breeze. Arrive by 8am to beat tour groups. Wat Pho’s Reclining Buddha and Wat Arun’s river views shine in golden light.
Recommended experiences:
Grand Palace & Wat Pho Half-Day Guided Tour with Michelin Dessert
Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho Guided Walking Tour
See Thailand’s national sport live at Rajadamnern or Lumpinee. Buy tickets online for ringside views. Matches run ~6pm onward.
Muay Thai Match at Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium Tickets
Muay Thai Match at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium
Mahanakhon SkyWalk
When: Evenings
Tags: Views, Explorer
Bangkok’s highest observation deck offers 360° panoramas from the 78th floor. Step onto the glass floor for a thrilling perspective, or relax at the rooftop bar. Arrive before sunset to watch the city light up from above.
Recommended experience:
[Direct Entry] Mahanakhon SkyWalk Tickets with Rooftop Access
[Direct Entry] Mahanakhon SkyWalk Sunset View Tickets with Rooftop Access & Meals or Drinks
Cooler temps make wandering its 15,000 stalls bearable. Arrive before 10am for deals. Keep small change handy.
Take a street food tour
When: Evenings
Tags: Tour, Foodie
Less humidity means lingering longer. Join a guided tour in Chinatown or Bang Rak. Don’t miss pad see ew, skewers, and mango sticky rice.
Relax at Lumpini Park
When: Mornings or late afternoon
Tags: Outdoors, Family-friendly
Locals jog, do tai chi, or paddle boat under December skies. Rent a mat and snack from nearby vendors.
Visit Bangkok Art & Culture Centre (BACC)
When: Midday or rainy days
Tags: Cultural experience, Explorer
This air-conditioned modern art hub hosts rotating exhibits. A great cultural pitstop between Siam malls.
Offbeat experiences in December
Explore Charoenkrung's street art
Murals & hidden creativity
Once Bangkok’s oldest road, Charoenkrung has transformed into a lively cultural strip. Vibrant street murals cover walls, while indie cafes and design studios breathe new energy into its heritage shophouses. Galleries like Warehouse 30 add to its creative vibe, making it a perfect stroll for art lovers.
Drift along Bangkok’s klongs (canals) in a traditional longtail boat, passing stilted wooden houses, riverside temples, and lush greenery. Keep an eye out for basking monitor lizards and catch glimpses of daily life along the water, far removed from the city’s bustle.
Discover the secrets of Thai cuisine as you shop fresh herbs and spices at a local market before heading to a breezy garden courtyard. Under the guidance of local chefs, try your hand at classics like pad thai and green curry, with sizzling woks adding to the sensory experience.
Stroll through this upscale market where gleaming stalls showcase tropical fruits, fragrant spices, and premium seafood. Unlike the frenzy of Chatuchak, Or Tor Kor offers a calmer pace—ideal for picking up durian, mangosteen, or neatly packed gourmet souvenirs to take home.
Pedal through Bangkok’s leafy escape, where shaded trails weave past mangroves, wooden walkways, and sleepy villages. Known as the city’s “green lung,” Bang Kachao offers a refreshing break with floating markets, hidden temples, and garden cafés best explored at a leisurely pace.
High-end gift pop-ups and holiday decor. Good for last-minute premium souvenirs.
Highlights for different traveller types
Families with kids
Explore Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World: Thailand’s largest aquarium keeps little ones wide-eyed for hours. Combine with nearby KidZania or a meal at Siam Paragon.
Spend a morning in Lumphini Park: Paddleboats, playgrounds, and tai chi in December’s breezy calm. Pack snacks and rent a mat.
Take a river ferry to Wat Arun: Combine sightseeing with a short boat ride and climb the central spire for city views.
Couples
Cruise under the stars: Dinner cruises on the Chao Phraya offer a romantic December setting with festive lights and mild breezes.
Rooftop cocktails at golden hour: Toast at Vertigo or Sky Bar with panoramic views and cozy temps. Dress smart.
Explore flower markets at Pak Khlong Talad: Stroll through blossoms and grab floral garlands or bouquets for just a few baht.
Foodies
Chinatown night eats: Feast on oysters, skewers, and sweet roti under lantern-lit alleys. Best explored with a local guide.
Market-hop at Or Tor Kor: Stock up on rare fruit, artisanal sweets, and high-grade snacks. Great for gifting.
Take a hands-on cooking class: Learn to wok stir-fry Thai classics in fragrant open-air kitchens.
Culture vultures
BACC and Museum Siam: Contemporary art meets immersive history near Siam. Great midday pair with lunch at nearby cafes.
Evening temple visits: Wat Pho and Wat Arun glow after dusk in December’s clear air. Avoid crowds and heat.
Observe King’s Day ceremonies: December 5 features citywide tributes and cultural programming honoring King Bhumibol.
Shopaholics
Chatuchak for all-day treasure hunting: Vintage tees, woven bags, ceramics—arrive early for the best picks.
ICONSIAM’s winter fair: Riverside lights, pop-up gift stalls, and food trucks make for festive night shopping.
End-of-year sales at Siam Center: Fashion brands slash prices mid-December. Go weekday mornings to avoid the rush.
Your perfect 3-day Bangkok in December itinerary
Morning: Start early at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. Arrive by 8:30am to beat queues.
Breakfast: Sip iced Thai tea and try kanom krok from a stall near Tha Chang Pier.
Midday: Walk to Wat Pho, then hop a ferry across the river to Wat Arun.
Lunch: Riverside lunch at The Never Ending Summer near Khlong San. Try the grilled river prawns.
Afternoon: Ride the Chao Phraya dinner cruise at ICONSIAM for riverside shopping.
Evening: Head to Asiatique for sunset views, Ferris wheel rides, and street eats.
Morning: Stroll Lumphini Park as locals jog and practice tai chi.
Breakfast: Grab congee and soy milk at a street-side stall near Sala Daeng.
Midday: Visit Bangkok Art & Culture Centre (BACC), then pop into nearby galleries.
Lunch: Eat khao soi or boat noodles at MBK Food Island (5th floor).
Afternoon: Explore Siam Discovery’s design stores or Jim Thompson House.
Evening: Rooftop cocktails at Octave or Above Riva. Book ahead for NYE week.
Morning: Beat the heat at Chatuchak Weekend Market. Focus on Zones 2–4 for crafts.
Breakfast: Mango sticky rice from Mae Varee stall inside the market.
Midday: Visit Or Tor Kor Market for tastings or food gifts.
Lunch: Try sai ua sausage and sticky rice from food court stalls.
Afternoon: Longtail canal tour from Tha Tien or head to Bang Kachao for a bike ride.
Evening: Street food crawl in Chinatown or guided night eats tour.
Best day trips from Bangkok in December
Ayutthaya
🚆Travel time: ~90 min by train or car
Explore temple ruins and Buddha head-in-tree roots in pleasant December weather. Rent a bike or tuk-tuk. Avoid midday sun with a morning start.
Cool weather makes wandering through stalls pleasant and unhurried. Take time to browse ceramics, vintage tees, handmade soaps, and traditional Thai crafts that reflect local artistry. Carry enough cash since many vendors may not accept cards, and keep water handy to stay refreshed while exploring.
Pop-up food and gift stalls line the walkways, filling the air with festive aromas and cheerful chatter. The riverfront sparkles with decorative lights, and seasonal carol concerts add to the atmosphere. Plan your visit on a weekday evening to enjoy the charm without the heavy weekend crowds.
Designer perfumes, sleek electronics, and premium Thai treats make this a hotspot for gift shopping. Shelves are stocked with luxury brands and seasonal specialties that draw both locals and travelers. Be prepared for long queues if you’re visiting in mid-December, when holiday shopping reaches its peak.
Retro and second-hand treasures sit alongside quirky antiques, neon signs, and buzzing bars. The market’s lively nighttime atmosphere draws crowds looking for unique finds and a laid-back vibe. Cooler evening temperatures make it the ideal time to wander, shop, and soak in the energy.
Pro tips for visiting Bangkok in December
Book hotels by early November—riverside and Siam area rooms go fast mid-month.
Carry mosquito repellent even in cool weather—especially for canal tours and parks.
Wat Pho and Grand Palace are busiest 10am–1pm. Go at opening (8:30am).
Skytrain (BTS) runs extended hours on NYE. Avoid taxi queues after midnight.
ICONSIAM and Asiatique fireworks draw huge NYE crowds—arrive by 6pm or reserve rooftop access.
Many local restaurants close for King’s Day (Dec 5). Plan indoor alternatives.
Carry a light scarf or layer for rooftop bars—breezes get chilly after 9pm.
Download Grab for fixed-fare rides and avoid tuk-tuk price haggles.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Bangkok in December
Yes, especially after mid-December through New Year’s. Book accommodations and key tours early.
It’s one of the coolest months—daytime highs around 30°C / 86°F, and cooler mornings.
Yes, most major temples stay open year-round. Check for adjusted hours around Dec 5 and 31.
Yes! Low humidity makes it easier to enjoy hot snacks outdoors.
Absolutely. Most hotel pools are open, and it’s warm enough for rooftop dips.
Cover shoulders and knees—light linen or cotton. Bring a scarf to double as a wrap.
Yes, and they’re more pleasant in the cool air. Go early on weekends.
Yes, but traffic is heavier. BTS and MRT are best options near shopping areas.
It’s one of the best months—clear skies, gentle breezes, and festive atmospheres.
Some offices and museums may close. Parks, malls, and temples remain open but may host ceremonies.
What to eat in Bangkok in December: Seasonal delicacies
1/5
Kanom Krok (Coconut pancakes)
Crispy outside, molten inside, these street-side snacks are extra comforting in cooler December air. Where to eat: Street stalls around Tha Chang and Chatuchak
Grilled river prawns
Plump, smoky, and juicy, these prawns are grilled to order and best paired with spicy seafood sauce. Where to eat: Raan Jay Fai or The Never Ending Summer
Mango sticky rice
Late-season mangoes still appear in early December. Sticky rice is lightly salted to balance the sweet fruit. Where to eat: Mae Varee, Thonglor
Sai Ua (Northern Thai sausage)
Herb-packed sausage grilled over charcoal, spicy and aromatic. Great for winter snacks or market bites. Where to eat: Chatuchak Weekend Market, Zone 5
Tom Yum Goong
Spicy shrimp soup with lemongrass and lime leaves. Perfectly warming for December evenings. Where to eat: Krua Apsorn, Samsen Rd
![[Direct Entry] Mahanakhon SkyWalk Tickets with Rooftop Access](https://cdn-imgix.headout.com/media/images/1823aff744b6597192d11e3d412c1aef-23567-bangkok-tickets-to-mahanakhon-skywalk-with-optional-drinks---meal-02.jpg?auto=format&w=507.59999999999997&h=336.59999999999997&q=90&crop=faces&fit=crop)
![[Limited Promo Buy 2 Get 1 Free] SEA LIFE Bangkok Tickets](https://cdn-imgix.headout.com/media/images/02808708-c8c2-422f-85f2-50787fbabeff-1752564845962-292127.jpg?auto=format&w=507.59999999999997&h=336.59999999999997&q=90&crop=faces&fit=crop)
