10 Things to Do in Phuket in December

If you're planning to visit Phuket in December, you'll find the weather ideal for visiting the paradisiacal beaches and discovering the nearby scenery, as well as some of the best events of the season. On the downside, you'll have to adjust to high season crowds and crowds at every attraction, but you'll be able to discover the city at one of its best times of year.

Some of the best things to do in Phuket in December include discovering the city lights on a guided tour, welcoming in the New Year on a cruise on the Andaman Sea, waiting for Christmas at the Phuket FantaSea theme park, checking out the local Aquarium, visiting James Bond Island and exploring the national parks.

If you want to get into the festive spirit of Phuket, you can join a guided tour at night to discover the city's lights, which dress the streets in colour and glitter to celebrate Christmas and New Year. During this month, Phuket is transformed into a dazzling spectacle, with decorations flooding the facades of the main buildings.

A guided tour will allow you to explore the highlights of the town and enjoy the magnificent Christmas decorations. On some of the best tours in Phuket, you can stroll along the main shopping streets and enjoy the decorated shop windows, giant Christmas trees and sparkling lights that create a magical atmosphere.

During the tour, the guide will share with you interesting information about the local traditions of the festive season and show you the highlights to capture stunning photographs. There you can enjoy the festive atmosphere as you stroll through decorated night markets and immerse yourself in the local culture, which although related to Buddhism, has adopted Christmas customs thanks to the influx of tourists.

In addition to the Christmas decorations, you can also enjoy special events and live entertainment organised at different venues around the city. From concerts and fireworks displays to themed markets and attractions for the whole family. You are sure to find some of the best things to do in Phuket at night during your tour.

Visiting the Phuket Aquarium in December is a fascinating experience for lovers of the marine world. Also, during this month, you can take advantage of seasonal discounts, as many visitors head to the beaches, so the tourist attractions are less crowded.

Phuket Aquarium is an impressive place that is home to a wide variety of marine and aquatic species. You can explore the tanks and aquariums with tropical fish, sharks, rays and other sea creatures. In addition, the aquarium also has interactive exhibits that provide educational information about marine life and conservation.

During December, as it is beach season, it is common for mainland parks and attractions to offer special discounts and promotions. This includes Phuket Aquarium, where you can enjoy reduced entry fees and cheaper experiences.

By visiting the aquarium in December, you can explore the exhibits at your own pace, without the overwhelming crowds that can be found if you visit Phuket in October or during the rainy season. You can enjoy a quieter, more personalised experience, allowing you to admire and learn about the fascinating sea creatures without being rushed.

If you're happy to tolerate the crowds, visiting James Bond Island in December in the best weather is an opportunity to explore one of Phuket's most iconic destinations. Officially known as Ko Khao Phing Kan, this island gained popularity after being featured in the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun. Its distinctive rock formation emerging from the water makes it a stunning place to explore.

During the month of December, the region has pleasant and sunny weather, making it an ideal time to visit James Bond Island. However, bear in mind that this is one of the most popular destinations in the region, so there will be a large influx of tourists, as it is one of the best full day trips to take from Phuket.

Despite the crowds, James Bond Island is still an amazing destination to explore. You can embark on a boat or kayak tour to navigate the crystal clear waters surrounding the island and admire the stunning rock formations.

In addition to the natural beauty of the island, you can also enjoy the experience of visiting the nearby floating restaurants and sampling the delicious Thai cuisine. Although the number of tourists may be high, you can still enjoy the beauty of the place and its characteristic charm.

Attending the start of the Phuket King's Cup Regatta in December is an exciting experience for sailing and water sports enthusiasts. This annual regatta is one of the most prominent events in the Asian sailing calendar and attracts participants from all over the world.

During the start of the regatta, you can witness the thrilling competition as sailboats of various classes line up at the starting line and take to the Andaman Sea. The coordination of the boats in action, the sails flapping in the wind and the excitement in the air create a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.

The regatta takes place off the west coast of Phuket and offers a spectacular view of the turquoise waters and white sandy beaches as the boats sail towards the buoys and compete in the different categories.

The Phuket King 's Cup Regatta is a highlight in the sailing community, and attending the start will give you the opportunity to witness the passion and talent of the sailors and enjoy the festive and sporting atmosphere. If you plan to visit Phuket in August you can attend the summer version of this event.

Exploring Phuket's night markets is a fascinating experience that will immerse you in the vibrant local life and allow you to discover a wide variety of goods, food and handicrafts. During the month of December, some of these sites are transformed into Christmas markets, offering a festive and special experience.

One of the most popular night markets is the Chillva Market, which has a wide selection of food stalls, clothing, accessories and decorative items. In December, Chill Market is filled with Christmas lights and decorations, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

Another market that becomes a Christmas market in December is the Phuket Walking Street Market. Here you will find a wide variety of goods, from clothing and souvenirs to local food and handicrafts. During the Christmas season, the market is decorated with festive lights and vendors offer Christmas-themed products such as ornaments and gifts.

Naka Market is also worth a visit in December, offering a wide selection of products at affordable prices. You'll find everything from clothing and accessories to fresh produce and street food. During the Christmas season, the market is filled with vendors offering special items such as seasonal sweets and festive decorations.

Welcoming the New Year on an Andaman Sea cruise from Phuket is an unforgettable experience full of fun, excitement and scenic beauty. During this special celebration, you can embark on a cruise and enjoy a magical night surrounded by the breathtaking seascape.

As the clock approaches midnight, the atmosphere will be filled with joy. On the cruise you will be treated to a gala dinner, live music performances and themed activities to celebrate the arrival of the new year.

The highlight of the evening is the fireworks display. As the sky lights up with explosions of colour and bright lights, you can enjoy panoramic views from the deck of the ship. The combination of the fireworks, the Andaman Sea and the night breeze create a magical atmosphere.

Before the New Year's celebration, the cruise will give you the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the sea as you cruise through the crystal clear waters. You can relax in the open area of the boat, sunbathe, enjoy refreshing drinks and take part in water activities such as swimming and snorkelling, which are ideal if you plan to visit Phuket with children.

Taking part in the New Year celebrations at Patong Beach is an exciting and energetic experience. Patong Beach is known for its lively atmosphere and vibrant nightlife, and during New Year's Eve, the beach is transformed into a stage full of fun and celebration.

Patong Beach is filled with people from all over the world, eager to welcome the new year. The atmosphere is charged with excitement as the crowds anxiously await the countdown to midnight. Bars, clubs and restaurants in the area organise themed parties and special events, offering live music, shows and fireworks to delight the crowds.

The beach is illuminated with coloured lights and festive decorations, creating a magical and festive atmosphere. Music echoes in the air as people enjoy dancing, cocktails and good times. Patong Beach becomes an epicentre of celebration where you can join the crowd and enjoy an unforgettable night out in one of the best full day activities you can do from Phuket.

As the clock strikes midnight, the sky will light up with fireworks, creating a spectacle of lights and colours. There you can experience an exciting and fun-filled moment.

An immersive Christmas at the Phuket 3D Museum is a unique experience that will transport you to a magical world of colour and creativity. This museum is known for its stunning 3D artworks that create optical illusions and allow you to interact with the paintings.

During the Christmas season, the Phuket 3D Museum sets itself apart with its themed decorations and Christmas motifs. You can explore different picturesque settings that evoke the joy and spirit of the eve. From giant Christmas trees to festive snowy scenes, every corner of the museum is filled with decorative elements that will make you feel like you are inside a Father Christmas story.

One of the advantages of visiting the Phuket 3D Museum during Christmas is that you can take unique and fun photographs in the themed settings. You can become an elf Santa's helper, pose with a snowman or even pretend to fly in a sleigh pulled by reindeer.

In addition to the 3D paintings, the museum also offers interactive activities and games that will keep the whole family entertained. You can participate in perspective challenges, visual puzzles and enjoy an educational experience at the same time.

Waiting for Christmas at Phuket FantaSea is a magical and enchanting experience. Phuket FantaSea is a one-of-a-kind theme park that combines cultural shows, live entertainment and a variety of thrilling attractions. During the Christmas season, the park transforms into a festive paradise.

During the holiday season, the park will be decorated with dazzling lights, giant Christmas trees and festive decorations creating a magical and cosy atmosphere. Stroll around the colourful food and drink stalls, enjoy themed shows and take part in special activities for the whole family. If you're planning to visit Phuket in January, the park is also home to man-made beaches.

One of the highlights of the Phuket FantaSea experience during Christmas is the main show. You can enjoy a dazzling and talented theatrical performance that combines music, dance and acrobatics. The show features Christmas elements and festive themes that will immerse you in the spirit of the season.

In addition to the shows, Phuket FantaSea offers a wide range of exciting attractions such as elephant rides, a 4D theatre and an animal farm. You'll also find gift shops where you can buy unique souvenirs and local handicrafts to take home.

If you want to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in Phuket's natural beauty, a visit to one of the region's national parks is an excellent option. These parks offer a tranquil and serene environment where you can enjoy the local flora and fauna without the tourist crowds of the more crowded areas.

One of the most popular national parks is Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. Located in the north of Phuket, this park is home to lush rainforest, a stunning waterfall and a variety of plant and animal species. Here you can hike the trails, visit the gibbon sanctuary or just relax in a peaceful natural environment.

Another national park worth visiting is Sirinat National Park. This park is located on the northwest coast of Phuket and features pristine beaches, mangroves and rich marine biodiversity. You can explore the white sandy beaches, snorkel the coral reefs or just enjoy a relaxing day in a protected natural environment.

Laem Son National Park is another interesting option. Located on the western part of the island, this park offers beautiful sea views, impressive cliffs and a picturesque beach. Here you can enjoy scenic walks, bird watching and marvel at the natural beauty that this corner of Phuket has to offer.

Temperatures in Phuket in December are pleasant and warm, making it perfect for enjoying the beach and outdoor activities. During this month, temperatures average between 25° and 31°, creating a tropical climate ideal for relaxing and enjoying the sun.

Evenings in Phuket are slightly cooler, with temperatures usually hovering around 22°, providing pleasant weather for outdoor dining or a stroll on the beach.

December is considered the beginning of the high season in Phuket, which means that the island experiences a large influx of tourists during this month. Many visitors choose to spend their winter holidays in Phuket to enjoy the warm weather, stunning beaches and the wide range of activities and attractions available.

Due to Phuket's popularity during the last month of the year, it is common to find a higher number of tourists on the island. Popular tourist destinations such as Patong Beach and nearby islands such as Phi Phi can be busier, especially during public holidays and New Year's Eve holidays.

In December, prices in Phuket tend to be a little higher compared to other months of the year due to the high season and higher tourist demand. Prices for accommodation, transport, food and activities may increase in relation to demand and supply.

Please note that prices may vary according to location and type of establishment. Hotels and resorts in popular tourist areas, such as Patong Beach, tend to have higher rates in December. However, if you're looking for more budget-friendly options, you'll also find areas of the island that can suit different budgets.

December is one of Phuket's hottest seasons and also marks the beginning of the dry season on the island, so I advise you to pack the following in your suitcase:

• Lightweight T-shirts
• Lightweight trousers
• Comfortable shoes
• Lightweight coat
• Beach shoes
• Swimwear
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat