Thailand in January
Weather, where to go and what is on — then plan the whole trip, door to door.
The weather in January
Cool, dry and sunny in most of the country — peak season, so book stays early. Nights in the north can be chilly.
A general pattern, not a forecast: weather changes from year to year, and festivals that follow the moon move by a few weeks.
Good to go in January
Ayutthaya
Central
The old royal capital (UNESCO World Heritage): temple ruins by bicycle, an easy trip north of Bangkok.
Bangkok
Central
Capital: temples, street food, markets, rooftop bars.
Chiang Mai
North
Old city temples, night markets, mountains and elephant sanctuaries.
Chiang Rai
North
Northern city of striking modern temples — the White Temple and Blue Temple — and the Golden Triangle.
Hua Hin
Gulf coast
The royal seaside town: a long beach, night markets, seafood and Sam Roi Yot's famous cave pavilion — 3–4 hours from Bangkok.
Kanchanaburi
West
The Bridge on the River Kwai, the Death Railway and Erawan's turquoise waterfalls — 2–3 hours west of Bangkok.
Khao Lak
South (Andaman)
Calm beaches north of Phuket and the base for the Similan Islands — some of Thailand's best diving (mid-Oct to mid-May).
Khao Sok
South
Ancient rainforest and the limestone lake of Cheow Lan, with floating raft houses — between Phuket, Krabi and Samui.
Koh Chang
East
Big, green island near Cambodia: jungle waterfalls, White Sand and Lonely beaches, and the stilt village of Bang Bao.
Koh Lanta
South (Andaman)
Long, quiet beaches and sunsets on a laid-back island south of Phi Phi, with trips to Koh Rok's clear water.
Koh Lipe
South (Andaman)
Tiny island of clear water and coral in Tarutao Marine Park, far south near Malaysia — best November to May.
Koh Phangan
Gulf islands
Laid-back island between Samui and Koh Tao — remote beaches, jungle waterfalls and the Full Moon Party at Haad Rin.
Koh Phi Phi
South (Andaman)
Car-free islands between Phuket and Krabi: Tonsai village, the viewpoint over the twin bays, Maya Bay and long-tail trips to Bamboo Island.
Koh Samet
East
The nearest island beaches to Bangkok — white sand, calm bays and a national park, 30 minutes by boat from Ban Phe.
Koh Samui
Gulf islands
Palm-fringed Gulf island with its own airport: Chaweng and Lamai beaches, Fisherman's Village and Ang Thong marine park.
Koh Tao
Gulf islands
Small island famous for diving, snorkelling and viewpoints.
Krabi
South (Andaman)
Limestone cliffs, Ao Nang beach, Railay and island-hopping by long-tail boat.
Pai
North
Mountain valley town north-west of Chiang Mai: canyon sunsets, waterfalls, hot springs and a nightly walking street.
Pattaya
East
Busy beach city 2 hours from Bangkok: Walking Street nightlife, the wooden Sanctuary of Truth and day trips to Koh Larn.
Phuket
South (Andaman)
Thailand's biggest island: beaches from lively Patong to quiet Kata, a colourful old town and boat trips to Phang Nga Bay.
Sukhothai
North
Thailand's first capital (UNESCO World Heritage): lotus ponds and Buddha statues among ruins, best explored by bicycle.
Festivals and events
Bo Sang Umbrella Festival
usually the third weekend of January · Bo Sang, near Chiang Mai
Chinese New Year
late January or February (moves with the moon) · Bangkok's Chinatown (Yaowarat) and Phuket Old Town
Travel in January
Pick your dates and places: we plan the flight in, transfers, stays, every connection and the flight home — booked together in one checkout.