12 reasons to visit Bangkok: When traveling, timing is everything. From choosing the right time to book your trip, to choosing the right order to see the places you want to see once you arrive, doing things at the right time will ensure you have a great trip.
If you’re traveling to Thailand, you’ll never be bored in Bangkok. Whether you’re the type to dance until the early hours or more likely to get up at the crack of dawn to explore the temples of the Thai capital, here are the best reasons to visit Bangkok, month by month.
1. January: Start the year off right
If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to travel more, get a head start by booking a New Year’s holiday to Bangkok. Khao San Road, the backpacker mecca and nightlife epicenter, is never short of partygoers, but the atmosphere is even more electric on New Year’s Eve when people dance the night away in the streets.
For a slightly less wild experience, head to CentralWorld, which hosts a New Year’s Eve party with a countdown, concerts, and fireworks. Sanam Luang, the Royal Palace Square, is the venue for the launch of a multitude of colorful lanterns. Welcome to the new year!
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2. February: Discover contemporary Thai art
Thailand’s dry and sunny climate at the beginning of the year attracts many travelers fleeing the European winter, but the first three days of February are especially the closing of the Bangkok Art Biennale that brings crowds to the capital. The event brings together 75 contemporary artists, mostly Thai, who exhibit their works in various locations in Bangkok. A must-see.
3. March: Celebrate elephants ethically
To raise awareness among the public and tourists about elephant conservation, Thailand has established a National Elephant Day (Chang Thai Day) on March 13. If you want to spend time with these majestic animals during your Thailand vacation, do your research and make sure you choose an ethical option.
If you think that elephant sanctuaries are too far away during your stay in Bangkok, think again: the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand is located in Phetchaburi, about a three-hour drive from the capital. The sanctuary even organizes transfers to and from Bangkok for a fee. A day there is quite affordable, at 1600 baht. Transport costs 3500 baht. As the number of visitors per day is quite limited, consider booking in advance.
4. April: Welcome the New Year… a second time
Songkran, which could be mistaken for the world’s largest water fight, is much more than that: it’s Thailand’s New Year, an occasion that is as religious as it is festive. Celebrated across the country, Songkran is not recommended for those hoping to stay dry during their vacation. But given the April temperatures, a quick shower is in order… Expect to be doused by locals and tourists alike the moment you step outside. Bottles, hoses, or even buckets are all allowed. Looking for a break? Head to Bangkok’s ornate temples, where you’ll be sheltered from the chaos outside.
5. May: Take advantage of cheap flights
Our data shows that May is one of the cheapest months to fly to Bangkok. The weather may be a little damp, but the rainy season doesn’t start until July, so May is the perfect time to treat yourself to a cheap Thailand holiday away from the crowds.
6. June: go to the sales
Escape the summer heat and torrential rains of Bangkok by exploring its giant shopping malls, all air-conditioned, many of which take part in the huge national sales that run from mid-June to the end of August. Again, according to our data, June is one of the best months to find cheap flights to Bangkok. With the money saved, why not do some shopping?
Our advice: avoid going shopping during rush hours in the morning and evening because the modern part of the city, where the shopping centers are located, will be invaded by the traffic of tuk-tuks, scooters, taxis, cars, and public buses.
7. July: Explore the temples
Bangkok is hot in July, but if you get up early the temperatures won’t have climbed yet. This is the perfect time to explore Bangkok’s iconic landmarks, such as the famous late 18th-century Grand Palace. Arriving early in the morning will not only avoid the heatwave, but also the hordes of tourists. Don’t miss Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), built on the grounds of the Grand Palace and home to a stunning jade statue.
8. August: Stroll along the canals
August in Bangkok is hot and humid, but all that water is the perfect excuse to explore the canals, or khlongs, that have crisscrossed the city since the 18th century. A motorboat ride down Khlong Saen Saeh in central Bangkok or Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem near the glittering Grand Palace is a popular excursion for locals and a delight for tourists. You’ll pass temples, markets, shopping malls, skyscrapers, and modest teak houses, giving you a taste of the diversity of the Thai capital. Round off your day with a gourmet break, sampling classics like pad thai and mango sticky rice, hawked on every street corner.
9. September: Admire the moon
Thailand has no shortage of traditional festivals, and you’re likely to come across one during your trip. Why not plan your holiday around the Mid-Autumn Festival? Celebrated by Chinese and Vietnamese communities around the world, the festival falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth month in the lunar calendar. It celebrates family unity and coming together, and you can also see the most beautiful full moon of the year on this occasion. Mid-Autumn is widely celebrated in Bangkok’s Chinatown, one of the largest Chinatowns in the world. Be sure to visit!
10. October: Travel away from the crowds
Although it marks the end of Thailand’s rainy season, October is still one of the least popular times to book a flight to Bangkok. While the city is popular year-round, you can enjoy a relatively quieter trip by going before the peak season, which begins in November. For a truly pampering experience, try a famous Thai massage. Slip into your pajamas, lie down on a bamboo mat, and prepare for an iconic Thai experience. A bit energetic and abrupt for the uninitiated, expect to have your muscles massaged, stretched, and rubbed until your stress is a distant memory.
11. November: Let the lights dazzle you
November marks the end of the rainy season. Traveling during this time will not only ensure you have dry and relatively mild days, but you will also be able to witness a unique spectacle. Known as the Thai Festival of Lights, Loy Krathong is celebrated on the full moon of the twelfth month, which this year falls on November 23. On this occasion, locals ask for forgiveness from Phra Mae Khongkha, the goddess of water, by laying banana leaves decorated with colorful and fragrant flowers, incense sticks, and candles on the Chao Phraya River. For Thais, it is a symbolic way of making wishes for the future and getting rid of past misfortunes. For travelers, it is an unforgettable spectacle.
12. December: enjoy the (relative) coolness
Our figures show that December is the most popular month for flights to Bangkok. The end of the monsoon season and very mild temperatures make it the ideal month to explore Thailand. So plan to leave early in the month to avoid the peak season crowds. Need some fresh air? Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and capture stunning views on a cheap water taxi ride along the Chao Praya.