Fall in Love With Thailand’s Rainy Season With These Activities: Spas, Cooking Classes, & More!

We know that Thailand only has two seasons, but hey, it’s actually a great destination to visit all year round! The rainy season in Thailand begins in July and eventually ends in October or early November. But do note that September and October have the most rainfall in the southern areas of Thailand, such as Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. As these areas experience heavy rain and violent weather, visiting here during summertime is best.

Even though you won’t be able to visit the beaches, there are several reasons why beating the rainy day blues while visiting Thailand is possible! First, there are fewer crowds, especially at popular tourist attractions. It’s much cooler in Thailand during the rainy season too, perfect for those who want to explore Thailand without having to do so under the heat. You’re also less likely to encounter long lines and waiting times! Fourth, you’ll have more time to explore the shopping malls when you don’t feel like going out into the rain. And the cherry on top — there are plenty of cultural experiences and things to do in Thailand where the rain won’t get in the way.

If you’re still feeling undecided, here’s a handy guide to the best of Thailand that might just convince you to book that trip!

Finding which experiences to book and choosing your hotel can be quite a task, so we put together some activities and hotels that you can consider booking during your Thailand trip.

The rainy season in Bangkok starts in late June and lasts until early October. The downpours are usually light come September onwards, so it’s best to schedule your trip then.

Avoid the hassle of scouting for free Wi-Fi or looking for someone to ask for directions from. You can easily navigate the country and find the best restaurants, attractions, parks, and more with your mobile internet! Conveniently text and call your travel buddies if you decide to go on different adventures during your trip.

Plus, picking up your SIM card is easy! Just head to the Klook counter on the 4th floor of the Departure Hall at Row K24, or to the service provider’s counter right when you arrive at the airport in Thailand. Choose between two tourist SIM providers, DTAC and True 5G, which provide reliable 4G/5G data for 15GB for eight days.

Say goodbye to queuing in long taxi lines, and feel free to relax after your long flight with a pre-booked airport transfer from the airport to your hotel — and even vice versa! From Suvarnabhumi Airport, an air-conditioned vehicle will pick you up, help with your luggage, and drop you off at your hotel. Depending on the size of your group, you can select from a three-seater sedan up to a nine-seater van.

Taking public transportation in a new country can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be! Book your BTS Skytrain Rabbit Card in advance to enjoy a fuss-free adventure. Get fast and easy access to the Bangkok transit throughout your visit with just a tap of your card! With the rabbit card, you don’t have to stand in line at ticket machines and purchase individual tickets for every ride. Bonus: you’ll also get a THB 200 voucher! All you have to do is pick your card up from the Klook counter at Suvarnabhumi Airport or centralwOrld.

For an in-depth guide to traveling to, staying at, and touring Bangkok, here’s a travel guide that you can bookmark!

Bangkok is brimming with cultural experiences. Its historic temples are a must-see and an essential part of what to do in Thailand.

On this tour, you can explore the best of Bangkok from your shuttle (yes, you’ll be free from the rain!).

The Grand Palace symbolizes Thailand’s Royal family, and the buildings’ architecture lives up to this title. The palace was a former residence for King Rama I up to King Rama V, but it’s now only used for certain royal ceremonies. Also located here is the Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) — a small statue of the sitting Buddha carved out of jade and robed in a golden cloak.

Wat Pho is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok that was once the main temple of King Rama I. Today, it houses more than 1,000 Buddha statues and the impressive 46m-long Reclining Buddha.

The tour also includes a cruise down the Chao Phraya River to visit Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), which is easily one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand — especially at night — thanks to its exterior's colorful mosaics and the ancient Chinese sculptures on display.

Have you been craving Thai food but don’t know where to start? With the Klook Must Eat Pass, you can satisfy your cravings and more! With this convenient pass, you can save up to 30% when you avail of 2, 3, or 4 activities. You can take a cooking class at Sompong Original Thai Cooking School with a matching recipe book to take home, sip on afternoon tea at Erawan Tea Room, and binge on various tasting menus at some of the best restaurants in Bangkok, including the Gaston Restaurant at The Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok.

While in Bangkok, grab a ticket to the Mirinn Show for a theater experience that features Hollywood-inspired backdrops and ornate costumes. All you have to do is sip, sit back, and enjoy the show with dinner and drinks as these performers show off their talents without missing a beat. You can even take photos with the performers after the show!

The floating markets are a must-visit in Thailand — yes, even during the rainy season! The highlight of the floating markets experience is being able to sample every stall’s offerings from the convenience of your boat. So, make sure to try as many yummy delicacies as you can on this floating market tour.

Damnoen Saduak Floating is the largest floating market in Thailand, with freshly cooked food and fresh fruits at every turn. We recommend trying the coconut ice cream and pancakes, boat noodles, mango sticky rice, pink rose apples, and rambutan! You can also purchase handmade souvenirs, like hats, bags, and prints. Fun fact: scenes from Nicolas Cage’s film, “Bangkok Dangerous” were filmed here!

Another market you’ll visit on this tour is Maeklong Railway Market, which is not on water but instead on either side of an active railway track since 1905. You’ll find fresh seafood, Thai sweets, fruits, and even clothing here. Taking photos in the middle of the tracks is also a must!

Hop aboard the Chao Phraya Princess Cruise for a special night of sightseeing, drinking, and eating. Take part in a grand buffet of Thai and international cuisine featuring Japanese sushi, New Zealand mussels, Green Curry, and a wide array of dessert options. To complete the ambiance, a live band is present to serenade you. This experience is a great night out for couples, families, and friends!

As the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya is a treasure trove of historical monuments and grand palaces that history buffs will love touring around. Some of the city’s highlights you’ll be visiting on this tour are the Bang Pa-in Summer Palace and the Wat Mahathat. 

Bang Pa-in Summer Palace was the former summer retreat of the royal court during the 17th century. As such, everything is up to royal standards, with manicured gardens, beautiful architecture, and calm waters. Make sure to also drop by the King Prasart Thong Shrine, dedicated to the king of the same name who first built the palace. 

Wat Mahathat should be on your itinerary as it is one of the most important temples in Ayutthaya. It used to be home to Buddha’s holy relic, but most of the temple was damaged when the Ayutthaya Kingdom fell. However, the leftover ruins are still a sight to behold — especially one of the most unique representations of Buddha, where the roots of a tree naturally grew around his head portion.

Vacation in luxury when you stay at the Chatrium Grand Bangkok. This 5-star hotel is right at the heart of the city in the Siam district. With direct access to the Paragon Shopping Mall, it’s perfect for days you want to stay indoors! Their spacious suites have up to three bedrooms, ideal for those traveling in families and groups. 

When you’re not out and about, you can unwind by the pool with drinks and views of the Siam skyline or try out their sumptuous French-Mediterranean dishes at the signature restaurant, Casia.

The SKYVIEW Hotel Bangkok EM-District is the perfect urban escape with everything you need right at your fingertips. Since the hotel is located in Bangkok’s buzzing fashion district, you can look forward to stylish rooms that satisfy modern tastes. Have relaxing nights at Vanilla Sky Bar, or dance the night away at MOJJO Rooftop Lounge & Bar. The hotel is also right next to the Emporium and EmQuartier shopping centers and the Phrom Phong BTS Station, so you’ll definitely never run out of things to do here during the rainy season in Thailand.

The rainy season in Phuket begins in June and ends in October. This is actually Phuket’s low season since the city is in its southwest monsoon period. While most choose to avoid Phuket during this time, you can still enjoy the city so long as you go from September onwards when the rain is already much lighter.

Whether you want to release some pent-up stress or have always been curious about the sport, you can test your shooting skills at the Patong Shooting Range. Here, you can try your hand at the vast array of handguns and shotguns available. See if you can hit the mark on targets under the guidance of private instructors who will teach you the safety measures, proper posture, and shooting techniques.

Your Thailand trip will never be complete without a spa and massage experience! Thailand is known for its various relaxing massage and spa treatments, especially its Thai massages that you simply can’t miss out on. Here at Oasis Spa in Phuket, they offer different treatments for both adults and children (aged 5-12) — forget worrying about where to leave your kids to get your much-deserved massage.

For adults, they offer treatments like Aromatherapy Hot Oil Massage, Coconut Hot Oil Massage, Ayurvedic Head Massage, Queen of Oasis Massage (Hot Stone, Swedish, and Aromatherapy), and Siamese Therapeutic Wisdom Massage (Thai Herbal Balm and Thai Herbal Hot Compresses).

Your kids can also avail of treatments like Sweet Dreams (Body Scrub and Coconut Oil Body Massage) and First Sensation Coconut Warm Oil Massage.

All of their treatments at Oasis Spa will definitely help relax your mind and body after a full day of fun and exploring the city!

If you find yourself longing for the beach, then the Mirage Express Patong Phuket Hotel should be your pick — after all, it’s just 10 minutes away from the beach! Every room is designed with modern interiors and an outdoor terrace to help you unwind after a day of roaming the streets. The hotel also houses a rooftop infinity pool, a bar, and a sun lounge with a mesmerizing view of Patong Beach. 

The hotel is also within walking distance of the Jungceylon shopping center and the Banzaan Market, which is a great spot for fresh Thai fruits, veggies, and other ingredients for a home cooked Thai meal. Once the sun sets, the fresh market transforms into a night market where you can find scrumptious food, drinks, cheap clothes, and unique accessories.

Unlike Bangkok and Phuket, the rainy season in Chiang Mai lasts longer — from May up until October. The rainfall in the city is at its heaviest in August and September. So, if you’re planning to go to Chiang Mai during your Thailand trip, make sure you schedule your trip from October onwards.

Get a Thai souvenir that you’ll never forget with the recipes from Grandma’s Home Cooking School! Learn to make the most delicious Thai dishes, like Pad Krapow and Thai curry, with the help of a hands-on instructor. The class commences with a visit to an organic farm and a local market to gather the necessary ingredients. How immersive, right?

Ultimately, you can enjoy the hard work you put into your delicious dishes and even sample your classmates’ cooking. You’ll also take home your customized apron — feel like a chef, look like a chef, cook like a chef!

Chiang Mai is the place to be for rejuvenating treatments that will keep you energized for your Thai adventure, and with the Chiang Mai Spa Treatment Pass, you can save up to 24% on four spa treatments!

Choose from a Hot Stone Massage at Let’s Relax Spa or a Traditional Thai Massage at Peak Spa & Beauty Salon. Facials and body treatments like the Body Salt Scrub at Makkha Health & Spa Ancient House and the Jasmine Rice Body Scrub at Masumi Spa and Massage at Nimman are also available. Whichever treatment you choose, it’s the perfect reward for all your days of exploring!

Wake up to stunning daytime views of Northern Thailand with floor-to-ceiling windows in some of the largest rooms in Chiang Mai at the Centara Riverside Hotel Chiang Mai. They have elegant rooms with pristine views, a sauna, and a steam room — the absolute definition of relaxation. You can also dine by the river at the River Terrace, which serves international and Thai cuisine with picturesque Ping River views. As a bonus, the hotel is only a 10-15 minute drive from Chiang Mai International Airport, the Night Bazaar, and the Weekend Walking Streets.

The rainy season in Thailand doesn’t seem so bad now, does it? You can still keep your days busy with fun, relaxation, and cultural activities without worrying too much about the weather. Make sure to have all your travel essentials for Thailand booked and ready so you can explore the country fuss-free!