Thailand really only sees two seasons: rainy or dry. The rainy season occurs between June and October, so if you're planning on taking a summer trip there, you might want to be prepared for some dreary weather now and then. That doesn't mean you shouldn't head to Thailand in the rainy season, though! In fact, it may even be a particularly nice time to visit if you'd rather have fewer fellow tourists to contend with. And it's not raining all the time during the summer; you'll still get plenty of chances to enjoy the things you want to do in Thailand.
That said, it's also wise to have a plan for when the rain comes during your trip, so that you don't end up stuck in a hotel room waiting for the sun. There are countless indoor activities that can still give you a proper taste of the Thai experience, beginning with some of the ones we're recommending below.
Relax Indoors At A Spa
It's no secret that we love to splurge on a spa day while traveling. We had a Thai spa day at Oasis Spa Thailand at Sukhumvit 31, located in Bangkok, and absolutely loved it. And luckily, this is far from the only option. There are luxury spas like this one located all around the country (and many smaller, simpler massage studios as well), so no matter where you happen to be when the rain starts you'll have a good chance of winding up on a massage table. Thailand's masseuses are legendary around the world, so we really can't think of many better ways to spend an hour or two when the rains come.
Hang Out At A Local Sports Bar
While rainy weather makes for uncomfortable sports viewing in person, it makes for the perfect time to cozy up at a local sports bar. This is also a great opportunity to observe a critical component of modern Thai culture - sports fandom - and potentially spark friendships with locals over your common sporting interests. One thing you may notice is that a lot of these locals are personally invested in the matches, either as major fans or as bettors (or both). In-person gambling activities are few and far between in Thailand, but many have taken to wagering on football matches online. There are available platforms, and tips to bet in Thailand enable people to make strategic wagers based on established techniques. What this means for your rainy day out, even if you aren't personally betting, is that you'll likely be surrounded by fans who are informed, knowledgeable, and fun to watch with.
Go White Water Rafting
Although this is an outdoor activity, it is definitely one best done during the rainy season, and perfectly fine in active, light rain. After all, you'll most certainly be getting wet regardless of the weather! When it does rain, the conditions greatly contribute to water flow in many of the rivers throughout the country, creating intense, adrenaline-inducing conditions for tourists who decide to try rafting. One great place to try it is at the Khek River, located in the northern part of the country. The rapids there can get all the way up to Level 5, so it's not necessarily the place for beginners or those who aren't strong swimmers. But if you know what you're doing or you go on a few lighter practice runs first, it's an incredible experience.
Watch A Movie
Seeing films feels like a rainy day tradition no matter where you are or where you're from, and Thailand is no exception. The movie theaters in Thailand are probably different from the ones you have back home, though. Many of the venues around the country are luxurious, technically impressive, and sometimes almost futuristic. For example, the 4DX theater at Major Cineplex incorporates both seat motion and scents to make viewers feel like they are a part of the film on screen. With experiences like this available to you, you might not feel as silly as you would somewhere else for seeing a movie while on vacation. In fact, once you go you might consider it a must-do for Thailand travelers.
We hope that with these suggestions you feel prepared to deal with Thailand's rainy season and make the most of your time there!
It is always great to get rainy day advice. We often use rainy days as down days or time to get caught up on blogging or photos. But great to know where to go if you want to venture out. A Thai spa day would always be a great choice for me. We found them so inexpensive when we visited Thailand. White water rafting is an interesting suggestion. But I guess you are already wet! A hi-tech movie experience will be something to add to my list for my next visit.
ReplyDeleteSo much fun activities to do even during rainy season. Their state-of-the-art movie theater is one great experience especially for 4D movies.
DeleteWe were just in Thailand. Luckily, it didn't rain when we were there, but I still took advantage of the spas and massages. Mmmm, so good. I would never do white water rafting, but my daughter is planning on visiting South East Asia next year and I'll suggest it to her. That is right up her alley. That movie theatre looks way fancier than anything we have in New Zealand. Is that the norm? If so, oh boy did I miss out!
ReplyDeleteAsia seems competing for flamboyance!
DeleteThai Spas are just the best aren't they. As you say perfect for rainy days. We visit Thailand a lot but never have taken in a movie as yet, maybe this is something we should do next time. Bangkok is one of our favourite places and the rain never puts us off.
ReplyDeleteRainy days in Bangkok is amazing especially in the rural areas, but be aware of places that are prone to flooding.
DeleteI am an absolute lover of Thailand and Bangkok is one of my favorite cities in the world. I cant think of a better place to visit even when its raining as there is so much to do indoors like visiting the malls / watching a movie or simply sitting in a bar and watching the rain . To be honest with the hot weather I wouldn't mind enjoying a walk in the rain. You have given some good suggestions of how to enjoy and plan accordingly if it was to rain when you are there. Thanks for sharing . Amar Singh
ReplyDeleteThailand makes me fall in-love to nature just like the Philippines.
DeleteI love the rain. But not when we have a full day of planned outdoor activities. When I last visited Thailand it rained for two days straight. The water activities were closed down. And we were confined to our hotels. Wish I could try out these tips then especially the white water rafting.
ReplyDeleteI understand! A little sweet shower is okay, enough to refresh me but not to make me soaking wet unless that's my agenda :D
DeleteGreat post..My girlfriend loves the Thai spas whenever we are in Thailand, we haven't been to Thailand while on the rainy seasons but it sure seems something fun when there isn't there else to do.
ReplyDeleteaww I can do it everyday in a spa!
DeleteI hope to go to Thailand some day. Rain or not, these are excellent things to do while I'm there.
ReplyDeleteOh, how I'd love to visit Thailand. It is such a beautiful place. These are all great ideas to do during any rainy season. I'll bookmark this post for future reference. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteNever been to Thailand but it is way up on my travel bucket list. Sometimes the weather forecasts can go wrong and it is always best to have a plan B in place. I think going to a spa and getting a nice massage would be a great way to pass the time away during a rainy day there.
ReplyDeleteYou'll gonna LOVE the spa!
DeleteI dont mind when it rains in Thailand, its always so warm and a good excuse for me to go get a massage
ReplyDeleteThat is so true!
DeleteThe spa day sounds good to me. It is always smart to make contingency plans for inclement weather.
ReplyDeleteYou'll never go wrong with Thai spa. Always divine.
DeleteHaven't experienced Thailand on a rainy day. But it now seems it would be great to get this experience. Quite exciting it would be. Look forward in the near future.
ReplyDeleteThese are all awesome rainy day ideas no matter where you live. For me, I don't like to drive in the rain, so I typically stay in and watch Netflix :)
ReplyDeleteWhat's your fave Netflix movie?
DeleteI would 100% do a spa day!!
ReplyDeleteNnniiiccceeeeeee....I have never been to Thailand before but I have heard and read quite a lot about it. It'll be so good to play in the falling rain while there.
ReplyDeleteI am so wanting to visit Thailand! I am sure it is beautiful even when it rains!
ReplyDeleteYou'll gonna love Thailand! It is a paradise :D
DeleteThere's so many things to do and places to visit! Nice! I hope to be back soon!
ReplyDeleteI've always avoided visiting Southeast Asia during the rainy season because I was afraid that there wouldn't be anything to do. But this post makes me think it might still be worth it. I guess it depends on how much it rains. Because a spa day sounds wonderful, but not every day ;)
ReplyDeleteWe Asians know how to have fun even during rainy season! No excuses :D
DeleteI was honestly going to just say that I would eat, then eat more, then afterwards I would eat again. I LOVE THAI FOOD :)
ReplyDeleteI love them too, and don't mind having Thai food everyday!
DeleteI have yet to visit Thailand but it’s high on our bucket list for sure. It’s always great to come across posts such as this one that offer tips on things to do when the weather conditions aren’t ideal for the outdoors. I would never have considered white water rafting on a rainy day until I read your post – sounds like it must be a fun experience although being a beginner, I’d probably not feel comfortable on the Level 5 rapids of Khek River. Definitely would like spend time on a rainy day in one of those luxury spas in Thailand – sounds so relaxing.
ReplyDeleteI guess Thailand suits you well.
DeleteThose are some great ideas for things to do on a rainy day in Thailand. As you said, in Thailand it can only be hot or rainy. So, if I get there during the rains, I will make sure I reserve a Spa day. Sounds so appealing.
ReplyDeleteHaving a great spa day is amazing. Never regret it.
DeleteI have always visited Thailand in the dry season but I have visited other countries in the rainy season and understand that its not the same as in england when it rains!! Maybe its just for a few hours a day rather than all the time and its still warm. I would certainly have a spa day if it was raining and then if it continued, a day at the cinema would be great too. Not quite sure about white water rafting though it might be a lot of fun if it got higher than a grade 4!!
ReplyDelete