If you find yourself here for the holidays and want to feel a little Christmas spirit despite the tropical weather, palm trees and images of the Buddha abounding, don’t despair.
Thai people are predominately Buddhist, but in some parts of the country you’ll find at least a superficial, secular acknowledgment of Christmas. While it may not be quite the same as home, many places, shopping malls especially, will have lots of Christmas decorations up and you may even have some Santa sightings.
In Bangkok, Phuket, Samui, Pattaya and Chiang Mai you will be able to find at least a few restaurants or hotels hosting Western-style Christmas Eve and Christmas day dinners. Bangkok’s St. Regis Hotel, for example, is hosting a Christmas Eve buffet dinner, Christmas day brunch and Christmas dinner, all with holiday entertainment and a Christmas choir. Many other hotels are offering similar meals. In Phuket, Mom Tri’s Kitchen is doing a Christmas Eve dinner with Christmas carolers. You’ll find places to eat on Christmas and Christmas Eve in Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Samui, though there won’t be as many to choose from.
If you are looking for a Christmas Mass, all of the major tourist areas in Thailand have Catholic churches. Contact the Archdiocese of Bangkok for more information. Other Christian denominations also have a presence in Thailand and you may be able to find services in the area you are staying in. Make sure you check schedules carefully as services will often be done in Thai at one time and English at another.
What You’ll Find Here
Thai people are predominately Buddhist, but in some parts of the country you’ll find at least a superficial, secular acknowledgment of Christmas. While it may not be quite the same as home, many places, shopping malls especially, will have lots of Christmas decorations up and you may even have some Santa sightings.
Enjoy Christmas Dinner
In Bangkok, Phuket, Samui, Pattaya and Chiang Mai you will be able to find at least a few restaurants or hotels hosting Western-style Christmas Eve and Christmas day dinners. Bangkok’s St. Regis Hotel, for example, is hosting a Christmas Eve buffet dinner, Christmas day brunch and Christmas dinner, all with holiday entertainment and a Christmas choir. Many other hotels are offering similar meals. In Phuket, Mom Tri’s Kitchen is doing a Christmas Eve dinner with Christmas carolers. You’ll find places to eat on Christmas and Christmas Eve in Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Samui, though there won’t be as many to choose from.
Christian Religious Events
If you are looking for a Christmas Mass, all of the major tourist areas in Thailand have Catholic churches. Contact the Archdiocese of Bangkok for more information. Other Christian denominations also have a presence in Thailand and you may be able to find services in the area you are staying in. Make sure you check schedules carefully as services will often be done in Thai at one time and English at another.
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