5 Things to do in Thailand during Monsoon Season

The Land of Smiles, Thailand is delightful during the monsoon (June – October) with verdant greenery, cool weather and some exciting festivals. Check out what all you can do and experience during the rainy season in Thailand.

Go shopping in Bangkok

The capital of Thailand, Bangkok is a shoppers’ haven presenting a beautiful shopping experience amidst its high-end shopping malls and buzzing street markets scattered all throughout the city. During the rainy season, the malls and markets here exhibit a unique beauty with everything bright and cheerful. From the country’s biggest clothing retail district, Pratunam to the open-air night market, Talat Rot Fai to some huge malls such as MBK Centre Mall and Siam Centre to the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market, the city has it all to amaze shopping lovers.

Be part of a monsoon festival

Festivals in Thailand are a major draw for tourists and the rainy season does not spoil the festive fun in this country. Phi Ta Khon is a 3-day festival that takes place during the Buddhist holiday of Bun Luang and is celebrated in Loei, a town in northeast Thailand. Sort of like Halloween, the festival sees locals dressed up as ghosts, wearing masks, bells and phallus-shaped amulets. Bun Bangfai Festival, marking the beginning of the rainy season, is held in Yasothon, north-eastern Thailand. A rocket competition is held during this festival, with hundreds of rockets launched into the sky as an annual plea to the god of the rain. Be part of such captivating festivals to experience the best of the monsoon in the region.

Enjoy the rapids in Khek River

The Khek River, flowing past Thung Salaeng Luang National Park in Phitsanulok witnesses the perfect conditions for white-water rafting during heavy rains. While adrenaline junkies visit the river all times of the year to experience this exciting adventure, the monsoon sees a spike in the crowds. It is the best time to enjoy the rapids; in fact, the Khek River Rafting Festival takes place from 1st July to 31st October every year to celebrate the sport.

Visit museums and temples

The monsoon is a great time to visit the museums and temples in major Thai cities such as Bangkok and Phuket. Most of the royal palaces and museums in Bangkok such as Budda d’oro, Bangkok National Museum, Suan Pakkad Palace and Vimanmek Mansion promise a fun time during the monsoon season. Also, you can have a low-cost sightseeing experience with your family and friends in Phuket by exploring the Tin Mine Museum, the Thalang National Museum and the ancient Sino-Portuguese colonial-era mansions.

Have a relaxing Thai Spa in Krabi

Thai spas are famous all over the world and there is no better way to make the most of the rainy season here than to pamper yourself with a relaxing spa by a skilled therapist. Krabi is home to some amazing spa and wellness retreats. From a short session of foot massage to a lengthy body treatment done with hot stone, herbal hammam oil massage and more, this town offers it all! Boossabakorn Spa & Beauty, Radarom Spa and La Belle Beauty and Spa are some of the major spa centres to explore here.