Winter destinations in Thailand
For urban dwellers, you may agree that the winter season this year is not fairly chilly, and the chilly days lasted just a few days. If you are a winter lover living in a metropolis, we understand your cravings for remote places with lush greenery, thick fog, and cold refreshing air.
So, if you’re looking for a winter destination to take a break from your work and spend a holiday with your family, we have picked 10 winter destinations in Thailand that will offer unforgettable experiences, ranging from cherry blossoms to mini New Zealand vibes.
1. Nam Nao National Park, Phetchabun (อุทยานแห่งชาติน้ำหนาว) — home to roughly 360 species of birds and 340 species of butterflies
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Come and breathe in the fresh air at Nam Nao National Park. We remember how good our mood turned suddenly when we stood on top of a mountain, breathed in the fresh air, and gazed at the foggy ranges.
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Located in Phetchabun, the park serves as a good retreat whether you come alone or with friends. It is home to many natural rivers and streams. Plus, if you love watching birds while trekking, here’s a home to roughly 360 species of birds.
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You can enjoy camping at ฿30 (~USD0.85) per person. If you don’t have a tent, you can rent one here for ฿250 (~USD7.12) per tent.
Trekking in the woods sounds pretty awesome, right? Here, they have four nature trails you can enjoy trekking.
Additionally, find the time to go up to Phu Pajit. This location is the highest viewpoint in Nam Nao National Park where you can get a breathtaking view of the mountains.
Address: 415, Nam Nao, Nam Nao District, Phetchabun 67260
Entrance fee: ฿200 (~USD5.70) for foreigners
Contact: +66 6 1042 8234 | Nam Nao National Park’s Facebook | Google Maps
2. Phu Kradueng, Loei (ภูกระดึง) — trekking trails with maple leaves & cliffside sunsets
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Just an hour away from Nam Nao National Park, we have Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei. The park boasts many types of forests, be it dry dipterocarp forests, mixed forests, dry evergreen forests, and pine forests.
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There are some must-go spots and fun things to do once you find yourself here: conquering Lang Pae — 5.5 kilometres from the bottom, seeing the sunrise at Nok Aen Cliff, enjoying the sunset at Lomsak Cliff, chilling out at Anodard Pond, visiting waterfalls and falling in love with red maple leaves, and taking a picture with the sign saying “Congratulations To Phu Kradueng Conquerors” at Lang Pae once you make it.
It’s best to get your body prepared for the trekking because we heard it’s very exhausting but fun. So, sleep well and stay healthy before the trip.
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If you visit Phu Kradueng from December to January, you will find red maple leaves scattered around scenic lush waterfalls. The red from the leaves contrasting with the green from the waterfalls leads to a beautiful sight.
3D2N is the maximum stay we recommend for this Phu Kradueng National Park. If you wish to camp here, they provide tents for rent at ฿225 (~USD6.41) per tent.
You can find more info in our Phu Kradueng article here.
Address: Moo 1, Si Than, Phu Kradueng District, Loei 42180
Entrance fee: ฿200 (~USD5.70) for foreigners
Contact: +66 4 281 0833 | Phu Kradueng’s Facebook | Google Maps
3. Ang Khang Royal Agricultural Station, Chiang Mai (สถานีเกษตรหลวงอ่างขาง) — go see cherry blossoms in full bloom
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Ang Khang Royal Agricultural Station or สถานีเกษตรหลวงอ่างขาง in Chiang Mai is a cherished destination among Sakura lovers Here’s the best time to plan your trip since it’s the season of cherry blossoms.
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You can expect to see cherry blossoms appear stunningly along the road, tempting you to your car to capture pics.
Not only the cherry blossoms but you can also pay a visit to near famous gardens which are Garden 80 and Bonsai Ang Khang Garden.
Plus, don’t skip a visit to Mon Sone Viewpoint and enjoy a nice view.
Address: Moo 5, Mae Ngon, Fang District, Chiang Mai 50320
Opening hours: 7am-5pm, Daily
Entrance fee: ฿50 (~USD1.42)
Contact: +66 5 396 9476 | Ang Khang Royal Agricultural Station’s Facebook | Google Maps
4. Ban Rak Thai, Mae Hong Sorn (บ้านรักไทย) — explore a lakeside Chinese village
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If you want to travel to Yunnan without flying to China, consider a trip to Ban Rak Thai in Mae Hong Sorn. This Yunnan-inspired village sits right beside a lake where you can enjoy a Chinese-themed boat ride and experience an unforgettable view of the village.
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For accommodation, we recommend Lee Wine Ruk Thai Resort where everybody should stay when they come here. They offer Chinese-style houses circled by rows of green tea plantations against the backdrop of lush jungles. Rooms start from ฿2,000 (~USD56.92) per night.
As day transitions into night, the village takes on a beautiful glow. The reflection on the lake is a sight you wouldn’t want to miss a shot. You can find more info in our Ban Rak Thai article here.
Address: Mok Cham Pae, Mueang Mae Hong Son District, Mae Hong Son 58000
Contact: Ban Rak Thai’s Facebook | Google Maps
5. E Tong Village (หมู่บ้านอีต่อง), Kanchanaburi — a misty village that’ll remind you of Silent Hill but with charm
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Located five hours from Bangkok, E Tong Village is a hidden village in a valley close to the Thailand-Myanmar border. It was a former mine where Thais and the Burmese worked together, and now it has become a small picturesque village.
The highlight of this village is that envelops it during both the rainy season and winter, creating a charming ambience that beckons exploration amid the ethereal mist. However, we can’t guarantee you that you will experience thick mist during your trip.
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Don’t be surprised if you can see some Burmese influence around here since the village is close to Myanmar.
On the way to the village, you can drop by and see Jokkradin Waterfall, a popular waterfall with water flowing through a narrow gorge.
Also, Noen Chang Suek offers a sweeping viewpoint to gaze at the sunset. Please drive carefully here because the road is steep.
Address: Ban I Tong, Pilok, ban I Tong, Kanchanaburi 71180
Coordinates: Google Maps
6. Huai Tha Khoi Reservoir, Ratchaburi (อ่างเก็บน้ำห้วยท่าเคย) — scenic reservoir with mini-New Zealand vibes
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For those who’ve been to New Zealand, you know how awesome the country’s natural beauty is. But, let’s be real, it’s not the easiest place to jet off too often with those pricey flights and long distances.
But that’s no longer an issue since we’ve discovered Huai Tha Khoi Reservoir in Ratchaburi. This reservoir boasts a vast lake set against a backdrop of mountains and towering coniferous trees, creating a truly breathtaking sight.
To camp here, you can check out Mahad-Thaitara Homestay. They offer both homestays and a campground to stay by the reservoir.
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The popular activity here, of course, is kayaking. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy kayaking on this beautiful lake?
You can easily reach this destination from Bangkok by car, and the drive typically takes just two and a half hours.
Address: Ban Bueng, Ban Kha District, Ratchaburi 70180
Coordinates: Google Maps
7. Khao Yai Thiang, Nakhon Ratchasima (เขายายเที่ยง) — go cycling on a scenic road amidst refreshing air
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Cycling in Thailand in the wintertime can be fun and refreshing with the cool fresh air blowing against us. Khao Yai Thiang is hailed as a good place for cycling enthusiasts as the road is scenic with a view of 12 wind turbines surrounding it.
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From the reservoir’s vantage point, a breathtaking and far-reaching panorama unfolds, showcasing the Lam Takhong Dam harmoniously set against the scenic mountainous background.
Address: Khlong Phai, Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30340
Opening hours: 8am-6pm, Daily
Coordinates: Google Maps
8. Ban Kiriwong, Nakhon Si Thammarat (บ้านคีรีวง) — a local Southern village with natural charm
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Let’s explore some southern gems, shall we?
Ban Kiriwong in Nakhon Si Thammarat is a local village situated amidst lush greenery. There’s an iconic white bridge spanning a stream; it’s a check-in spot where people go and take photos with its name sign with the background of green mountains.
Here, you can explore the local southern lifestyles of the villagers, visit a fruit garden, and buy some local souvenirs.
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Moreover, drive or ride a bicycle to chillax in the water at Wang Mai Pak Waterfall — a small cascade filled with levels of rocks and thick forests.
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You can also explore various community-based occupational groups formed by the local residents. These groups engage in the production of local items, including batik fabrics and dyed textiles using natural colours derived from tree bark.
It’s worth a retreat thanks to its greenery and serenity that help heal your cluttered mind.
Address: Ban Bueng, Ban Kha District, Ratchaburi 70180
Coordinates: Google Maps
9. Kai Nui Mountain, Phang Nga (เขาไข่นุ้ย) — immerse in the view of fog and sunrise in Phang Nga
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Kai Nui Mountain is a viewpoint where you can take pleasure in the view of the morning fog in the south. Not just in winter, but you can visit this mountain in any season.
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Both sunset and sunrise views here are incredible.
At nightfall, abundant twinkling stars will come out and adorn the sky, creating a mesmerising celestial display.
Time to move on to our last choice on the list of winter destinations.
Address: 42 1, Thung Maphrao, Thai Mueang District, Phang-nga 82120
Coordinates: Google Maps
10. Cheow Lan Lake (เขื่อนเชี่ยวหลาน) — cruise on a stunning lake with dramatic rock formations
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Cheow Lan Lake aka Rajjaprabha Dam is a must-visit treasure in the south. What you’ll see here is an expansive emerald lake with light mist floating past in the early morning.
Here, you can find several resorts with houses floating on the lake, providing awe-inspiring views to savour.
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One of the fun things to do is to take a boat ride through three spectacular rock formations — Khao Sam Kloe — and explore the lake and mountains.
Also, consider discovering Coral Cave, going up to Kri Sorn Viewpoint, crossing a suspension bridge, and trekking at Pad Sian Waterfall.
Address: Ratchaprapha, Khao Phang, Ban Ta Khun District, Surat Thani 84230
Coordinates: Google Maps
Enjoy your trip to these winter destinations
Despite the winter rush towards the northern region, we suggest considering alternative places in different regions that promise a rewarding and enjoyable trip for winter lovers.
So, here are our winter destinations from the north to the south where you can enjoy your holidays during the wintertime. Anyway, we would say you can visit these places in any season as they have something to offer in different seasons.
For similar articles, read 8 cheap Bangkok mookata buffets, and 7 secret beaches to explore in Thailand, and 8 Bangkok clubs with international DJs and sick beats to dance your night away.
Cover image adapted from: @janersory via Instagram, @mye.me via Instagram, @mooyuitravel via Instagram, and @style_tamjai via Instagram