Christmas & New Year Celebrations in Thailand

Celebrate a festive Christmas Eve in Bangkok with a morning tour of the city's most treasured landmarks. Grand Palace dazzles with golden spires, intricate craftsmanship, and centuries of royal history. Within its grounds lies Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha. Continue to visit the time-honored Wat Pho, which houses the majestic 46-meter Reclining Buddha adorned in gold leaf.

Optional activities for the rest of the day:

• ICONSIAM: This world-class shopping mall along the Chao Phraya River transforms into a festive wonderland, complete with a 20-meter Christmas tree, sparkling light displays, live performances, and gourmet holiday treats.

• Christmas Eve Service: The glow of candlelight and the familiar chords of "Silent Night" offer a soul-stirring connection to home. You can choose to attend a traditional Christmas Eve service at a church, such as the historic Assumption Cathedral.

After a leisurely breakfast, spend Christmas Day in Bangkok at your own pace, enjoying a relaxed blend of familiar traditions and tropical holiday charm.

Optional activities for this free day:

• CentralWorld: Step into one of Bangkok's most festive holiday hotspots, where the sprawling Merry Ville Christmas Village comes alive with a towering art-toy Christmas tree, themed installations, seasonal markets, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.
• Christmas Feast: Celebrate your day with a Western-style Christmas dinner, complete with classic holiday dishes, live music, and a warm, elegant atmosphere. Choose from a riverside restaurant or a rooftop venue overlooking the city.
• Christmas Day Dinner Cruise: A magical Christmas evening comes alive aboard a Chao Phraya River dinner cruise. Savor a Western-style Christmas dinner while sailing past Bangkok's skyline illuminated by the festive glow.

Enjoy this morning at leisure, perhaps savoring a cozy breakfast at the hotel or stepping out to discover Bangkok adorned in holiday charm.

Around 12:30 pm, depart for a 1.5-hour transfer to the Maeklong Railway Market, where you'll witness vendors swiftly packing their colorful stalls as a train approaches, only to reopen them moments later - a unique and lively spectacle.

Proceed with a short drive to Amphawa Floating Market, where you can glide by a long-tailed boat through canals, browse local crafts, and taste delicious Thai treats amidst a cheerful riverside atmosphere. Return to Bangkok in the evening for a restful night at your hotel.

Start your day at the bustling Warorot Market (Kad Luang), mingling with locals while exploring colorful stalls, unique handicrafts, and perhaps catching street performances or live music. Next, hop into a traditional samlor or rickshaw at Thapae Gate, winding through the Old City's charming narrow lanes, historic temples, and boutique shops. Move forward to Wat Suan Dok for an intimate conversation with a Buddhist monk, gaining insight into spiritual life.

This afternoon, drive up to the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, admiring intricate carvings, golden chedis, vibrant murals, and panoramic city views. Before returning to your hotel, experience a private blessing ceremony and witness magical evening chanting by the monks.

This morning, travel out of the city to visit a local Lanna family in the peaceful countryside, about a 45-minute drive away. The hospitable host will welcome you into their traditional teak wood home and walk you through lush herb gardens. Join your hosts in the open-air kitchen to prepare signature Northern Thai dishes using freshly picked ingredients. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch together, sharing stories and local flavors before heading back to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Optional evening activity:

• Festive Cruise down the Mae Ping River: There's no better time to enjoy a dinner cruise down the Mae Ping River, when historic temples and bridges lining its banks light up in celebration.

Today is free for your own arrangement; perhaps sunbathe on powdery shores, refresh in turquoise waves, or lounge by the pool. On New Year's Eve, choose your ideal farewell to the year.

• Gala Dinner at Your Resort: Ring in the New Year with a glamorous gala dinner, featuring gourmet cuisine, live music, and festive entertainment. As midnight approaches, toast to new beginnings in an unforgettable tropical celebration.

• Beach Countdown Party: Phuket's main beaches buzz with massive countdown celebrations, including live music, shows, and a spectacular firework display over the Andaman Sea at midnight.

• Private Boat Charter: For an exclusive evening, charter a private yacht or boat, enjoy a special dinner onboard, and watch the fireworks from the water.

Nothing is planned for you on the free day. There are daily island-hopping excursions for your options.

• Phi Phi Islands by Speed Boat: This full-day excursion focuses on exploring the stunning Maya Bay on Phi Phi Ley, snapping photos at Monkey Beach, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Phi Phi Don, and relaxing on the pristine beaches of Bamboo Island.
• Phang Nga Bay with James Bond Island by Longtail Boat: Cruise through Phang Nga Bay's limestone cliffs, explore sea caves by canoe, and witness this breathtaking filming location of the Hollywood movie "The Man with the Golden Gun".