Watch elite yachts compete in Phuket’s signature sailing event. Base yourself near Kata Beach for easy access to viewing spots. Sunset over the sails? Stunning.
Island-hop to Phi Phi or Similans
When: All month
Tags: Outdoors, Tour, Adventure
The seas are calm, visibility's excellent—it's peak time for island tours. Speedboats head to Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, and Similan reefs daily.
Sunset at Phromthep Cape
When: Clear-sky evenings
Tags: Outdoors, Explorer
December's crisp air makes this southern viewpoint dazzling at dusk. Arrive by 5:30pm for the golden hour. It’s breezy, so bring a light layer.
Explore Phuket Old Town by foot
When: Early mornings or late afternoons
Tags: Cultural experience, Explorer
Wander colorful streets with Sino-Portuguese shophouses, cafes, and murals. Avoid midday heat. Sundays are great for Walking Street night market.
Beach-hop west coast coves
When: Any dry day
Tags: Outdoors, Family-friendly
From lively Patong to mellow Kata Noi, Phuket’s beach variety shines in December. Water is clear and swim-friendly—no red-flag days.
Go night shopping at Chillva Market
When: Wed–Sat evenings
Tags: Family-friendly, Cultural experience
Live music, street snacks, and fashion stalls in shipping containers. It’s a youthful scene without the Patong frenzy. Arrive after 6pm.
Visit the Big Buddha & Wat Chalong
When: Mornings before 10am
Tags: Cultural experience, Tour
Pair these landmarks for spiritual calm and panoramic views. December mornings are clear and cooler—ideal for light climbs and quiet prayer time.
Take a Thai cooking class
When: Rainy or hot afternoons
Tags: Cultural experience, Indoors
Join chefs at Blue Elephant or organic farms. You’ll make curry pastes and dessert, often after a market visit. Book ahead—December fills fast.
Offbeat experiences in December
Find solitude at Ao Sane Beach
Tiny and tree-lined, this tucked-away cove near Nai Harn is ideal for a quiet swim. Mornings are clearest. Bring snacks; no shops here.
📍Where: South of Nai Harn Beach
Explore the Amulet Market
Rows of talismans and sacred pendants line this alley in Phuket Town. It’s deeply local and makes a unique souvenir stop.
📍Where: Off Rassada Road
Shrine of the Serene Light
Hidden behind shophouses, this 1891 Taoist shrine glows with candles and calm. Step in from the holiday rush for incense and silence.
📍Where: Phuket Old Town
Visit Baan Teelanka (Upside Down House)
Defy gravity in this whimsical, inverted house—fun photos guaranteed. Great for a drizzly afternoon or a family laugh.
📍Where: Bypass Road, Kathu
Take a batik painting class
Learn this Thai-Malay art in a cozy workshop. You’ll leave with a wearable souvenir. Classes in Phuket Town are casual and festive in December.
📍Where: Old Town studios
Highlights for different traveler types
Couples
Watch sunset from Baba Nest’s rooftop with 360° ocean views.
Book a private boat to the Similans—sun, snorkels, no crowds.
Dine beachside in Kamala or Surin with fresh lobster and candles.
Families with kids
Visit Andamanda Water Park for splash zones and lazy rivers.
Tour an ethical elephant sanctuary (no riding; lots of interaction).
Try the quirky Upside Down House on a rainy day.
Night-owls
Start on Bangla Road for clubs, bars, and neon chaos.
Catch a cabaret show at Simon Cabaret before the clubs.
Wind down at a beach club like Catch or KUDO.
Your perfect 3-day Phuket in December itinerary
Breakfast: Start at Gallery Cafe in Old Town for pandan pancakes.
Morning: Visit Big Buddha before it gets hot.
Midday: Head to Wat Chalong, Phuket’s biggest temple.
Lunch: Stop at Raya Restaurant for moo hong (braised pork).
Afternoon: Relax at Kata Beach; swim-friendly and clean.
Evening: Watch the sunset at Phromthep Cape, then dine seaside.
Breakfast: Grab a quick bite at your hotel—tour pickup is early.
Morning: Island-hop the Phi Phi circuit or Similans.
Midday: Buffet lunch included on most tours.
Afternoon: More swimming and snorkeling.
Dinner: Return and shower, then seafood at Kan Eang@Pier.
Evening: Chill with cocktails at a rooftop bar in Patong.
Breakfast: Coffee and roti in Old Town.
Morning: Visit Thai Hua Museum or take a batik class.
Midday: Shop Thalang Road’s boutiques and vintage shops.
Lunch: Snack at Chillva Market stalls.
Afternoon: Visit Baan Teelanka or get a Thai massage.
Evening: Join New Year’s Eve festivities on Patong Beach.
Best day trips from Phuket in December
Phang Nga Bay
🚤Travel time: ~90 min by boat
Kayak through caves and around James Bond Island. Calm seas in December mean smooth paddling and epic photo ops.
Similan Islands
🚤Travel time: ~1.5 hrs by speedboat
Some of Thailand's clearest waters await. Prime season for diving and snorkeling. Book early; daily permits are limited.
Coral Island (Koh Hae)
🚤Travel time: ~30 min by boat
Close to Phuket but quieter. Good for quick snorkeling or a beach day. Water is calm and clear in December.
Khao Lak
🚗Travel time: ~2 h by car
Relaxed coastal town with beaches and waterfalls. Less crowded than Phuket. Great for a quiet day out.
Go shopping in Phuket in December
When: Sundays 5pm-10 pm
Where: Thalang Road, Old Town
Colorful, family-friendly market for street food, art, and souvenirs—plus Christmas lights this month.
When: Wed–Sat evenings
Where: Yaowarat Road
Trendy stalls in shipping containers. December crowds pick up with holiday shoppers.
When: Weekends
Where: Chao Fa West Road
Huge market with clothes, snacks, and gifts. Peak season, so go early.
When: Year-round
Where: Outside Phuket Town
Biggest mall with holiday decor, AC comfort, and international brands.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Phuket in December
Yes—it’s high season for good reason: blue skies, clear seas, and lots to do. Expect crowds.
Average highs are around 30°C / 86°F with low humidity—very comfortable.
Lightweight clothes, swimwear, sunhat, and temple-appropriate coverups (shoulders, knees).
Yes, with extended hours and seasonal events. Some attractions may close for public holidays like December 5 or 10.
Yes, especially Patong. Quieter spots include Kata Noi, Kamala, and Ao Yon.
Absolutely. December demand is high. Book 2+ months ahead for choice and value.
It’s one of the best months—calm seas and great visibility.
Not always—fares are often inflated. Use ride apps or agree on price before boarding.
Patong Beach has the biggest displays, but many resorts also host private events.
Thai is official, but English is widely used in tourist areas.
December is high season in full swing: cool nights (24°C/75°F), clear days, and busy beaches. Christmas and New Year bring premium pricing and festive events across Patong and Kata. The King’s Cup Regatta concludes, and EDC Thailand returns. Sunset at Promthep Cape draws crowds. Bookings for tours and restaurants are essential. Despite the crowds, the atmosphere is festive and the weather is at its best—ideal for diving, beach days, and holiday celebrations.
What to eat in Phuket in December: Seasonal delicacies
What to eat in Phuket in December: Seasonal delicacies
1/5
Chom Phu (Rose apple)
Crisp rose apple fruit with mild sweetness; December cool season helps quality, buy morning market bags, dip in chilli-salt.
Not a Thai holiday, but resorts and shopping centres in Phuket run dinners and decorations in tourist areas, especially around Patong. Reserve set menus early.
