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Even though Thailand is primarily a Buddhist country, you’d be surprised how intense the holidays are in Thailand. Decorations start going up in November all over the country. In the city, you will find large displays of Christmas trees and presents. Chain stores and malls are decked out with all things sparkly and shiny. All that’s missing is cold weather and snow.

While there are plenty of places to spend the holidays in Thailand, these are my top picks.

Bangkok | Holidays in Thailand

Bangkok really gets into the spirit of the holidays. Malls can’t resist the commercial appeal of Christmas. The BTS skywalks will have large displays of trees, ornaments, reindeer, and snowmen. You can even stop by and see Santa. Stores will run big promotions and gift box sets are widely available. In the supermarkets, you can find tins of chocolate, candy, and coffee. Many luxury hotels offer roast lunches or dinners for Christmas at very reasonable prices.

For NYE in Bangkok, the options are endless. Central World will have a stage and concert with free-flowing beer and wine. Rooftop bars and restaurants will have seafood buffet dinners and free-flowing beer and wine. Prices for these range from $500 to $60 USD depending on where you go. Fireworks displays are along the Chao Phraya River at The Icon Siam and Asiatique.

Some options include:

• Pullman BKK Grande Sukhumvit NYE Party: All you can eat BBQ buffet starting at 7 pm with a countdown starting at 11 pm.
• The Muse Bangkok Speakeasy Rooftop Bar: Seafood buffet on the 25th floor starting at 7 pm.
• Novotel Silom Rd NYE Dinner Buffet at The Square: starts at 6 pm. This location has a rooftop pool.
• Shangri-La James Bond-Golden Age Themed NYE Party: Poolside gala dinner.

Chiang Mai | Holidays in Thailand

Chiang Mai doesn’t have the big modern city vibe that Bangkok does, but it does have a much more laid back lifestyle. For Christmas and New Years, restaurants will offer menu sets, however, don’t expect anything too over the top. Decorations tend to be a bit more subtle compared to Bangkok.

Christmas Day is just like any other day, but New Year’s is a public holiday and businesses will be open well into the evening. Lanterns are allowed to be set off into the sky during the evening along the Ping River. There is also a fireworks display. The best place to take everything in, in my opinion, is at the top of Doi Suthep.

Notable bars to check out are:

• Zoe in Yellow
• Bus Bar
• Rooftop at Maya Mall
• Warm-Up

Islands

Last but not least, nothing beats an island getaway for the holidays. Phuket offers countless parties along Patong Beach for NYE as well as a countdown in Phuket Old Town.

Don’t forget about Krabi, Koh Chang, Ao Nang, Koh Mak, and Koh Larn. They are all excellent places to ring in the new year.