December is here and you can sense the onset of festive vibes, the anxious waiting for the season holidays to start, to get together with loved ones and celebrate the joyous time. It’s Christmas and most people would plan on having the typical white Christmas vacation and travel to western places where Christmas is a grand occasion – everywhere you go, its snowflakes, Santa clauses and Christmas trees. Though the festival at western destinations are an elaborate celebration, for travelers, visit such places in December means less amenities and earlier closing time as everyone would be enjoying Christmas with their families. Most shopping areas and entertainment spots will be brimming with crowd and the weather can be unpleasantly cold. December month also means a break from work and stress for most people, hence travel plans during this season should also aim on de-stressing from routine life style, and relaxation. This year, why not try something new this Christmas? Take a detour from usual and plan a tropical Christmas vacation in Thailand. The climate would be perfect for a day at the beach plus there are lot of ways to make your vacation a relaxing one, away from the buzzes and chaos of festivities. Check out these selected ideas for an idyllic Thailand Christmas escapade.
- Experience a green Christmas at Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is Thailand’s hill retreat – a verdant mountain destination on the Northern side of Thailand that features a blend of modern and countryside living. In contrast to Bangkok, Chiang Mai is slow paced and laidback. Even on Christmas Eve, you will not find much festive excitement here. On the contrary, if you are looking forward to a calm time away from the festive frenzy but with a hint of adventure, Chiang Mai perfectly fits as your ideal choice of destination. You could enjoy your days wandering leisurely visiting monasteries and grand temples. Venture out for an exciting day hiking on the mountains, visiting an elephant camp hidden in verdant forest sanctuaries, and trying out several adventure sports . Unwind the day soaking up at bubbling hot springs and later dining at restaurants serving fabulous Thai food.
- Discover the Christmas flair of Bangkok
The capital city of Thailand feels vibrant during Christmas season, with every nook and corner decked up in Christmas trees, fancy decorations and fairy lights, warmly welcoming the Christmas spirit. The time beyond dusk is a great way to experience Bangkok’s festive flair and the city is renowned for its vivacious night life. Many high-end luxury hotels and shopping malls out do themselves at Christmas decors featuring giant Christmas trees decked up in baubles and elaborate adornments, illuminated in hundreds of twinkling lights which are quite impressive to view at night. Shopping and dining becomes an extravagant affair during holiday seasons, many shopping malls offer exciting discounts and sale during the Christmas season. The food scene comes alive with many food stalls popping up all over the city with festive delicacies, and restaurants featuring a variety of Christmas dishes on their menu. Evening during Christmas season is the perfect time to experience Bangkok’s vigour and beauty. Opt for a roof top dining experience which gives you a bird’s eye panorama of the city as well as lets you have a quiet scrumptious dinner away from the bustling city.
- Pamper yourself with a relaxing Thai Spa holiday
Thailand is nature’s haven and a blissful escapade for those who look forward to a serene space for relaxing. With plenty of heavenly beaches, turquoise water, and pristine green forests, the country has become a major relaxation hub with opulent spa resorts sprouting at picturesque locations of Krabi, Hua Hin, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Detox yourself this Christmas – get pampered in serene ambiance and feel revitalized for the New Year at these spa destinations that has a combination of breath taking nature vistas along with holistic wellness that feels amazingly therapeutic to give you a rejuvenating life experience.
- Spend Christmas Eve on a beach
Beautiful beaches with glistening azure waters and idyllic white sands amid tropical ambiance and sunny days sounds like a perfect spot that spells laid back leisure, and Thailand is filled with such tranquil beaches. With a beautiful stretch of coastline that borders the Gulf of Siam and the Pacific Ocean, Thailand is blessed with beautiful beaches that makes it a world renowned beach destination and a ‘not to miss’ attraction in Thailand holiday packages. December is a great time to spend some time in the tropical beaches as the weather is pleasant, the skies are clear and the water is perfect for a good relaxing swim. Christmas at Thailand beaches can be a fun way to unwind from the daily stresses of life, to relax, have fun and delve on some delicious sea food. Laze around in the day time and enjoy exciting activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling and other water sports. After sunset, enjoy partying at certain Thai beaches at night beach parties during Christmas.
- Reward yourself with the best in luxury
Thailand’s stunning landscapes and breath taking nature vistas has allured some of the world’s best hotel and resort chains to come up with an impressive collection of luxury retreats. Make your Christmas a grand affair with a stay at one of these luxury havens where you can enjoy special promotions, bonus night deals, and luxury offers specially launched during Christmas season. Splurge a bit, enjoy an idyllic time at stylish resorts overlooking the best of Thailand’s incredible nature panoramas and have a larger than life experience this Christmas.
- Gear up for an Adventurous Christmas
A country with a diverse topography, Thailand offers an assortment of opportunities when it comes to exploring and adventures. With a vast collection of things to do in Thailand this Christmas, opt for something unique and head for an adventure trip where you get to enjoy mild to adrenaline pumping activities amid outstanding natural sceneries. Try zip lining, mountain biking and hiking through the verdant rainforests of Chiang Mai, kayaking in the crystal clear waters of Phuket, Koh Samui and Krabi, marvel at the oceanic life with a snorkeling trip at Phang-Nga. For the extreme dare devils, they can challenge their fear with white water rafting, sky diving and waterfall abseiling. Thailand gives you a distinct way to deviate from the normal festivities and really enjoy your holiday by making your Christmas an adventurous one that you will remember for a long time.
Thailand being a prominent Buddhist country does not elaborately celebrate Christmas, but as the season approaches you can find the country gearing up and celebrating in its own way. For tourists who want to escape the bustling crowds, city rushes and willing to forego the traditional Christmas festivities, Thailand is an ideal choice for such outdoor enthusiasts, families and couples alike. The country greets you to amazingly idyllic experiences. Traveling to Thailand has usual travel norms; you will need a valid tourist visa to enter into Thailand. Ensure that you are planning your trip and acquiring a visa for Thailand beforehand so that all your arrangements are smoothly done and you can avoid last minute distress. Certain countries can avail visa on arrival services and are granted a visa at entry at the point of immigration. If your nation requires a visa stamped on the passport before arrival in Thailand, then you have to plan for visa arrangements while planning your Thailand holiday and will have to submit the application form, essential documents, and fees to the Thailand Consulate and get the visa approved and stamped on your passport.
So this Christmas, leave your ordinary phase, pause your life, embrace nature and later, let yourself loose on an adventure trip, cherishing Thai hospitality and lip smacking cuisine to your heart’s content.
