(Lonelyplanet)-In a country where the seasons barely change, the ‘cool’ season that runs from November to February is one of the best and most popular times to see the Thai sights. Days are slightly milder, and it’s prime holiday time for western travellers, who descend on the country’s islands and capital every year.
But don’t get lost in the tourist crowds. Make the most of all Bangkok has to offer with these crowd-avoiding insider tips.
Tall buildings glimmer as the sun rises over the city skyline ;Winter Bangkok
Explore Bangkok in the early morning or evening to escape the crowds © Maythee Voran / Shutterstock
Start early, then late
Though this time of year is often associated with colder temperatures, high season in Bangkok still sees temperatures reach over 30C (86F). Start your day earlier to enjoy the cool morning breeze, which can make exploring more manageable. Arrive at main attractions like the Grand Palace when it first opens (8.30am) before the hordes of tour operators arrive, and take time for a leisurely lunch to beat the midday heat before hitting the pavement again after 4pm.
A potted plant sits on the ledge next to a body of water. There is a tall building a populated wharf in the background; Bangkok winter
Wandering along the riverside in Bangkok offers plenty to do and see © Shevchenko Andrey / Shutterstock
Take walks
Bangkok may not appear to be a walkable city at first glance, but wander into its back streets and you’ll find you’re a world away from the frenetic beat of its main strips. These less trafficked areas transport you to the Bangkok of the past, with lanes around the Chao Phraya River highlighting its colonial heritage. Meander to the shopping alleys in Chinatown where you’ll find buzzing local life all day long. Follow your tastebuds through Chinatown with a self-guided walk, or get lost in Bangkok admiring riverside architecture.
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The Authors’ Lounge inside the Mandarin Oriental hotel is filled with white woven chairs and plants scattered throughout the room; Bangkok winter
Escape the heat and retreat inside the elegant Authors’ Lounge for high tea inside Bangkok’s Mandarin Oriental hotel © Thanan Kongdoung / Shutterstock
Explore indoors
Renowned for hosting travelling literati for more than 130 years, the Authors’ Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental is a cosy way to lose an afternoon in the cool season. This serene space was restored to its original 19th-century splendour, and includes new lounges paying tribute to a few famed authors. Within its inner courtyard, take a decadent and elegant high tea served by attentive wait staff in traditional silk dress.
Visitors stand on the glass observation floor at King Power Mahanakhon above Bangkok
See Bangkok from a bird’s eye view at 314m up at King Power Mahanakhon © Sek Samyan / Shutterstock
From the sky
Thailand’s tallest building, King Power Mahanakhon, opened its awe-inspiring SkyWalk 314m above the busy streets of Bangkok in late 2018. A two-tiered observation tower is part of the complex, which also houses the city’s highest rooftop bar and a 63-square-metre glass tray floor with panoramic 360-degree views. The Peak, on the 78th floor, has the best views, with cushioned seating best enjoyed at sunset to see the city at its greatest height and away from the maddening crowds.
Groups of people walk around CentralWorld shopping centre which is decorated for Christmas every year; Bangkok winter
Though Christmas isn’t an official holiday in Thailand, some shopping centres, such as CentralWorld, decorate for the occasion© nupook538 / Shutterstock
Festive frolics
Festivals are a colourful way to soak in the season with gusto. Loi Krathong is a spectacle not to miss, where throngs of locals and visitors light lanterns and candles to thank the Goddess of Water, to honour the Buddha or to let go of the past and welcome in the future. A fireworks display over the Chao Phraya River finishes off the celebration in Bangkok, while temples host events in regional cities like Chiang Mai. February ushers in the Buddhist holiday, Makha Bucha, which takes place on the full moon day of the third lunar month, with ceremonies and rituals taking place in temples across the country.