December Holidays in Thailand

The largest island in Thailand, Phuket is a popular destination on the well-trodden backpacking trail. It has 36 beaches, so you can usually find one that isn't too busy even in peak season, especially in the north and east. The interior of the island is made up of thick jungle, and there's a wealth of nature and animal life to see, including elephants that live in protected sanctuaries and reserves.

Hundreds of miles north of Phuket is the city of Chiang Mai. You may want to venture out of the city and into the surrounding national parks, mountains, and jungles to take a hike or a raft down the mountain streams. There are temples all over Chiang Mai, including sacred Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which is perched at the top of a 306-step climb, and Wat Phra Singh, famous for its lion Buddha.

Thailand is a city like no other, with old meeting new and east meeting west. Visitors to the busy and vibrant capital flock to Khaosan Road to grab a bargain and party the night away at one of the many nightclubs. No trip to Bangkok is complete without a visit to Chatuchak Market, which welcomes over 200,000 visitors and 15,000 vendors every weekend.