Bangkok in December 2025

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

River Star Princess cruise on Chao Phraya River with Bangkok skyline at night.

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
Check all Chao Phraya river cruises
Reclining Buddha statue at Wat Pho, Bangkok, part of Grand Palace and temples tour.

Explore Wat Pho and Wat Arun

  • When: Early mornings
  • Tags: Cultural experience, Outdoors

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
Explore all Grand Palace, Wat Arun & Wat Pho tickets
People toasting with colorful cocktails at a festive gathering.

Sip cocktails at rooftop bars

  • When: Evenings
  • Tags: Nightlife, Explorer

Bangkok’s rooftops buzz in December. Head to Octave or Vertigo for panoramic views and light winds. Arrive by 5:30pm for sunset seats.

Shopper browsing handmade crafts at Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok.

Visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market

  • When: Saturdays & Sundays
  • Tags: Shopping, Family-friendly

Cooler temps make wandering its 15,000 stalls bearable. Arrive before 10am for deals. Keep small change handy.

Christmas street food tour with festive lights and local vendors in a bustling city street.

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.

Swan paddle boat on a serene lake in a lush park, offering a peaceful ride in the heart of the city.

Relax at Lumphini 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.

Referee raises fighters' arms in Max Muay Thai boxing ring.

Catch a Muay Thai match

  • When: Various evenings
  • Tags: Cultural experience, Adventure

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

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

Colorful street art mural in Paris featuring vibrant abstract designs.

Explore Charoenkrung's street art

Once Bangkok’s oldest road, Charoenkrung is now a creative corridor with murals, cafes, and galleries.
📍Where: Charoenkrung Rd, near Warehouse 30

Colorful long-tail boats on a Bangkok canal with city skyline in the background.

Take a longtail canal tour

Glide through Bangkok’s hidden backwaters and see stilt homes, temples, and monitor lizards.
📍Where: Start from Tha Tien or Bang Kachao piers

Group learning Thai cooking techniques in a Bangkok culinary class.

Join a cooking class in an open-air kitchen

Learn Thai recipes with market tours and woks sizzling in garden courtyards.
📍Where: Baipai Thai Cooking School, Chatuchak

Or Tor Kor Market in Bangkok showcasing fresh produce and local delicacies.

Visit Or Tor Kor Market

Less chaotic than Chatuchak, it’s perfect for gourmet souvenirs and fresh tropical produce.
📍Where: Kamphaeng Phet Rd, near MRT Kamphaeng Phet

Young man cycling through lush greenery in Bang Krachao, Thailand.

Cycle around Bang Kacha

Rent a bike and explore this "green lung" island with shaded paths and floating markets.
📍Where: Reach via ferry from Khlong Toei Pier

Festivals and events in Bangkok this December 2025

Floating lanterns illuminate the night sky during Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Festival 2025.

River Festival Bangkok

  • Dates: 5–9 December 2025
  • Event type: Cultural Festival
  • Location: Chao Phraya River temples & piers

Temples and riverside spots glow with lanterns, crafts, and food stalls. Best viewed by boat or from riverside decks after dusk.

Fireworks and lanterns illuminate the night sky at Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Festival 2025.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Countdowns light up Bangkok with fireworks and concerts. Expect road closures. Arrive by 6pm for riverside or rooftop seats.

DJ performing at a vibrant event in a lively atmosphere.

Wonderfruit (near Pattaya)

Asia’s answer to Burning Man features art, eco-workshops, global DJs. Buy weekend passes early and plan nearby stays.

Cyclists exploring booths at Bike Expo New York with Manhattan skyline in background.

Thailand International Motor Expo

Auto launches, concept cars, and lifestyle tech draw crowds. Tickets available online; weekends are busiest.

Woman holding a lit candle in a dimly lit room, closeup.

King Bhumibol Memorial Day

  • Dates: 5 December 2025
  • Event type: Public Holiday
  • Location: Citywide, esp. Sanam Luang

Candle-lit tributes and ceremonies honor the late king. Expect closures at some government offices.

Design Nation Festival

  • Dates: [TBC December 2025]
  • Event type: Exhibition/Fair
  • Location: Charoenkrung creative district

Interactive design showcases and installations animate Bangkok’s art corridor. Events are free and walkable.

Festivals and events in Bangkok this December 2025

Visitors walking through lush orchard at Tropical Fruit World farm tour.

Jim Thompson Farm Tour (Day Trip)

  • Dates: All December weekends
  • Event type: Cultural Experience
  • Location: Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)

Guided farm tours on silk weaving, organic gardening, and Thai village life. Advance booking essential.

Visitors posing with costumed characters at Dreamworld Bangkok street show.

Bangkok Street Show

  • Dates: Mid-December 2025 [TBC]
  • Event type: Performing Arts Festival
  • Location: Lumpini Park and city parks

Jugglers, stilt-walkers, and musicians animate Bangkok’s green spaces. Family-friendly; bring a picnic rug.

Vendors grilling fish at Ayutthaya Floating Market food stall.

Winter Festival at ICONSIAM

  • Dates: December 2025 (all month)
  • Event type: Holiday Market
  • Location: ICONSIAM riverside

Twinkling lights, pop-up food stalls, music acts. Crowds spike on weekends; go weekday evenings.

Old woman buying souveniers from a gift shop

Siam Paragon Luxury Gift Fair

  • Dates: 10–25 December 2025
  • Event type: Seasonal Shopping
  • Location: Siam Paragon

High-end gift pop-ups and holiday decor. Good for last-minute premium souvenirs.

Highlights for different traveller types

Visitors interacting with starfish at Rockpools, Sea Life Bangkok.

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.
Buffet dinner on Chao Phraya Cruise with city skyline in Bangkok.

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.
Family dining at a street food stall in Bangkok's Chinatown during a guided tuk-tuk tour.

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.
Group in front of Wat Arun temple at night during Bangkok Tuk Tuk tour.

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.
Shoppers interacting with vendors at Maeklong Railway Market, Thailand.

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

Bangkok Chaophraya dinner cruise passing Iconsiam at night.
  • 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.
Cyclists navigating narrow backstreets on a guided tour in Bangkok.
  • 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.
Night market street with Chinese signs on Yaowarat Road, Bangkok, Thailand.
  • 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

Wat Ratchaburana temple ruins in Ayutthaya, featuring ancient brick stupas and central prang.

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.

Ayutthaya tours from Bangkok
Boats selling goods at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand, with vendors and tourists.

Damnoen Saduak & Amphawa Floating Markets

🚐Travel time: ~1.5–2 h by car

Peak season for floating market visits. Go early for photos and snacks from paddle boats. Amphawa glows at sunset and has firefly cruises.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market tours
Thai farm entrance with palm trees and traditional haystacks, part of a guided cooking class tour.

Jim Thompson Farm Tour

🚗Travel time: ~2.5–3 h by car

Open only in December, this colorful farm showcases silk weaving, Thai heritage, and seasonal blooms. Book guided tours and transport in advance.

Khao Yai National Park

🚗Travel time: ~3 h by car

Cool air and open skies make December perfect for hikes and waterfall visits. Wine tasting available at nearby PB Valley winery. Bring a jacket.

Go shopping in Bangkok in December

Colorful clothing and souvenirs

Cool weather makes all-day browsing bearable. Pick up ceramics, vintage tees, soaps, and Thai crafts. Bring cash and water.

IconSiam
  • When: All December
  • Where: ICONSIAM Riverside

Pop-up food and gift stalls, riverfront lights, and carol concerts. Best visited weekday evenings to dodge crowds.

Guests entering Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok.

Designer perfumes, electronics, and premium Thai treats. Expect long queues mid-December.

Train passing through Maeklong Railway Market with tourists taking photos, Bangkok tour.

Retro and second-hand finds, neon signs, antiques, and bars. Lively night market energy, cooler temps make it perfect.

Pro tips for visiting Bangkok in December

  1. Book hotels by early November—riverside and Siam area rooms go fast mid-month.

  2. Carry mosquito repellent even in cool weather—especially for canal tours and parks.

  3. Wat Pho and Grand Palace are busiest 10am–1pm. Go at opening (8:30am).

  4. Skytrain (BTS) runs extended hours on NYE. Avoid taxi queues after midnight.

  5. ICONSIAM and Asiatique fireworks draw huge NYE crowds—arrive by 6pm or reserve rooftop access.

  6. Many local restaurants close for King’s Day (Dec 5). Plan indoor alternatives.

  7. Carry a light scarf or layer for rooftop bars—breezes get chilly after 9pm.

  8. Download Grab for fixed-fare rides and avoid tuk-tuk price haggles.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Bangkok in December

Is Bangkok crowded in December?

Yes, especially after mid-December through New Year’s. Book accommodations and key tours early.

Is it hot in Bangkok in December?

It’s one of the coolest months—daytime highs around 30°C / 86°F, and cooler mornings.

Are temples open during the holidays?

Yes, most major temples stay open year-round. Check for adjusted hours around Dec 5 and 31.

Is December a good time for street food?

Yes! Low humidity makes it easier to enjoy hot snacks outdoors.

Can I swim in December?

Absolutely. Most hotel pools are open, and it’s warm enough for rooftop dips.

What should I wear for temple visits?

Cover shoulders and knees—light linen or cotton. Bring a scarf to double as a wrap.

Are floating markets open in December?

Yes, and they’re more pleasant in the cool air. Go early on weekends.

Is it easy to get around during holidays?

Yes, but traffic is heavier. BTS and MRT are best options near shopping areas.

Is December a good month for rooftop bars?

It’s one of the best months—clear skies, gentle breezes, and festive atmospheres.

What’s closed on King’s Day?

Some offices and museums may close. Parks, malls, and temples remain open but may host ceremonies.