Things to Do in Chiangrai in December

December Weather in Chiangrai

28°C (82°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

25 mm (1.0 inches) Rainfall

55% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak comfortable weather: Morning temperatures around 18°C (64°F) make sunrise temple visits genuinely enjoyable, not endurance tests
Crystal clear mountain views: December's dry air means 30+ km (18+ mile) visibility to Myanmar and Laos mountains - photographers get shots impossible in other months
Perfect trekking conditions: 28°C (82°F) afternoon highs with low humidity mean you can hike Doi Tung or Doi Mae Salong without the usual heat exhaustion
Tourist numbers drop after high season: Accommodation prices fall 30-40% compared to January-February peak, while weather remains excellent

Considerations

Burning season approaches: Some farmers begin early field clearing, creating occasional haze - air quality can drop from excellent to moderate
Coolest month means layers needed: 10°C (18°F) temperature swings require morning jackets and afternoon t-shirts in the same day
Dry conditions affect waterfalls: Many waterfalls run at 30-50% capacity compared to rainy season - less dramatic for photography

Best Activities in December

Golden Triangle River Exploration

December's low water levels reveal sandbanks and rock formations hidden during rainy season. Mekong boat tours offer clear views into Myanmar and Laos with comfortable 25°C (77°F) river temperatures. Morning mist creates dramatic photography opportunities around 7-8am before burning off completely.

Booking Tip: Book longtail boat tours 3-5 days ahead through licensed operators at Sop Ruak. Prices typically range ฿800-1,200 per boat (up to 6 people). Morning tours (6:30am-10am) offer best visibility and mist effects. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Doi Tung Mountain Temple Complex

December's clear, dry air provides 40+ km (25+ mile) visibility from Doi Tung's 1,389m (4,557ft) peak. Morning temperatures of 15°C (59°F) make the climb comfortable, while afternoon sun illuminates the royal villa gardens perfectly. This is the only month you can reliably see both Myanmar's mountains and Laos simultaneously.

Booking Tip: Join organized day tours or rent motorbikes for self-guided visits. Tour packages typically cost ฿1,500-2,200 including transportation and guide. Book 7-10 days ahead during December. Independent visits via rental bike cost ฿300-500/day plus ฿50 entry fee.

White Temple and Blue Temple Circuit

December's intense UV (index 8) creates brilliant reflections off Wat Rong Khun's white surfaces without the crushing heat of hot season. Early morning visits (7-9am) provide soft lighting for photography, while the cooler weather means you can actually enjoy the intricate details instead of rushing through.

Booking Tip: Temple hopping tours typically cost ฿1,200-1,800 per person including transportation to 3-4 temples. Book through licensed tour operators 5-7 days ahead. Independent visits via rented car cost ฿800-1,200/day. Entry fees: Wat Rong Khun ฿50, others free.

Hill Tribe Village Cultural Tours

December marks harvest completion for mountain communities, making this ideal for authentic cultural exchanges. Comfortable hiking weather allows full-day treks to Akha and Karen villages at 800-1,200m (2,625-3,937ft) elevation. Villages celebrate successful harvests with traditional foods and ceremonies unavailable other months.

Booking Tip: Multi-day treks cost ฿2,500-4,500 per person including meals and homestay. Single-day village visits range ฿800-1,500. Book through community-based operators 10-14 days ahead. December requires advance booking as harvest celebrations fill village accommodations.

Tea Plantation and Mountain Coffee Tours

December represents peak harvest season for high-altitude tea and coffee farms around Doi Mae Salong and Doi Wawee. Cool morning temperatures of 16-18°C (61-64°F) make plantation walks comfortable, while you can observe actual harvesting and processing - not just scenery tours.

Booking Tip: Tea plantation tours cost ฿600-1,200 per person including tastings and farm meals. Combined tea and coffee tours range ฿1,500-2,500. Book 5-7 days ahead directly with plantation guesthouses or through local operators. Transport typically adds ฿500-800.

Night Bazaar and Street Food Exploration

December's cool evenings make outdoor dining genuinely pleasant rather than sweaty endurance. Night markets stay active until midnight with comfortable 20-22°C (68-72°F) temperatures. Seasonal northern Thai specialties like khao soi with extra chilies appear as locals enjoy warming foods during cooler weather.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost ฿800-1,500 per person for 3-4 hours covering 8-12 dishes. Walking food tours range ฿600-1,200. Book through local guides 3-5 days ahead or join independent exploration. Individual meals cost ฿40-120 per dish at night markets.

December Events & Festivals

Early December

King's Cup Regatta Viewing Parties

Local bars and restaurants host viewing parties for Thailand's premier sailing event, creating festive atmosphere with special promotions and live broadcasts from Phuket

Variable - depends on lunar calendar

Loy Krathong Festival (if lunar calendar aligns)

River floating ceremony with handmade krathongs released into the Mekong River at Chiang Saen and Sop Ruak. Local temples organize blessing ceremonies and traditional performances

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Light fleece or windbreaker for 18°C (64°F) morning temperatures - cotton hoodies get damp and stay cold

Breathable long pants for temple visits and evening markets - comfortable in 20-25°C (68-77°F) temperatures

High SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index 8 burns quickly at 1,400m (4,593ft) mountain elevations

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - dry conditions make temple steps and rocky paths slippery with dust

Lightweight day backpack for 6-8 hour temple and village tours with water and layer storage

Power bank - cool weather drains phone batteries faster, especially during long outdoor photography days

Cash in small bills - village tours and local markets operate cash-only, ATMs scarce in mountain areas

Reusable water bottle - low humidity means increased water needs during day hikes, plastic bottles create waste

Light scarf or wrap for temple visits and cool evenings - respects dress codes while providing warmth

Quality camera lens cloth - dust from dry roads settles quickly on equipment during outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

December hotel prices drop 30-40% starting December 15th as European high season hasn't begun - book mid-month arrivals for maximum savings

Local buses to mountain villages run most frequently 7am-9am when temperatures are coolest - afternoon services often cancelled for heat

Wat Rong Khun closes 12pm-1pm daily for cleaning - arrive by 11:30am or after 1:30pm to avoid disappointment and crowds

December marks beginning of 'pizza season' when local Italian restaurants reopen terraces closed during rainy months - locals know which ones are worth visiting

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only shorts and t-shirts - morning temple visits at 18°C (64°F) require layers, not summer clothes

Booking accommodation in central Chiang Rai only - December weather makes mountain stays comfortable and significantly cheaper

Planning waterfalls as main attractions - December's dry season reduces most falls to trickles, focus on temples and cultural sites instead