10 Things to Do in Bangkok in November

Discover Bangkok in November and you'll find a metropolis bursting with beauty, culture and history in a month of aromas and festivals.

Carla Yaquer

Carla Yaquer

9 min read

10 Things to Do in Bangkok in November

Santuario en Bangkok |©Andrea

Among the best things to do in Bangkok is to discover Thailand's vibrant, colourful and chaotic capital, a city that intoxicates the senses and captivates the soul, and in November the range of activities on offer proves it.

From taking part in seasonal festivals, bathing in hot springs, cooking in a hot spring to following the fragrance of its flowering fields, in this article I present 10 activities to immerse yourself in the heart of Bangkok's culture among the most memorable experiences this city has to offer.

1. Join the Bua Tong Festival at Doi Mae U Kho

Bua Tong Fields at Doi Mae U-Kho|©NaMee-Pigmy
Bua Tong Fields at Doi Mae U-Kho|©NaMee-Pigmy

As a sign that the cold weather is coming, the Bua Tong Festival is coming to Doi Mae U Kho, part of Khun Yuam District, Mae Hong Son Province. The festival officially opens on the weekend of the first half of November, when Nang Phaya Sua Kronglas trees and Bua Tong flowers or Mexican sunflowers turn the landscape yellow.

During the Bua Tong Blossom Festival, a service centre is set up for visitors, which not only provides a guide to over 2000 hectares of flowers, but also offers amenities such as toilets, tents for rent for tourists who want to spend the night on the hill, a viewing platform with panoramic views of Thung Bua Tong, and simple restaurants with fresh food and drinks.

And if you're still not convinced, hang on, how about flying in a hot air balloon to tour the flower fields of Bua Tong from above, as it is possible among the flower fields, with a breathtaking mountain scenery in the background, and the good service of the people.

Book a guided tour of Bangkok

2. Take part in Pattaya International Fireworks Festival

FIREWORK at PATTAYA|©sarote sugkasame
FIREWORK at PATTAYA|©sarote sugkasame

Among the best excursions from Bangkok is the Pattaya Fireworks Festival, one of the Thai capital's most spectacular and exciting events with its mix of cultures and array of activities.

The festival includes a series of fireworks displays over two nights, with live music from international and local guests including Bangkok's most famous art studio Tiger Drum. You can also enjoy the traditional Muay boxing show and there's even the opportunity to treat your taste buds to one of Bangkok's best food tours, the programme is not to be missed.

The festival often attracts pyrotechnic teams from all over the world, who light up the night sky of Central Beach Pattaya with a delirious play of multi-coloured lights. When is the event? During the last two weeks of November, the specific days vary annually so check their website.

3. Enjoy the Christmas Tree Festival

Christmas Tree|©Uwe Schwarzbach
Christmas Tree|©Uwe Schwarzbach

You might say it's a bit early to celebrate Christmas Eve, but in Thailand the last week of November kicks off the Christmas Tree Festival, an event where Phu Ruea National Park displays its winter wonderland dressed in red, pink and white with millions of poinsettias in bloom.

Phu Ruea district is best known as "the city of beautiful flowers in three seasons" and it's not for nothing. Just imagine a large flower garden in Thailand's largest poinsettia planting and distribution centre, thanks to 121 kilometres of land where lanterns, ornamental lights and even a wooden windmill and delicate flowers will make you feel like you're on holiday in Europe. And if you're wondering about the price of the event, it'sfree!

Make Phu Ruea National Park one of your things to do and see in Bangkok in November when the temperature is at its mildest to explore the trails on foot, motorbike or bike. Find out all the details on their official website.

Book a Bangkok bike tour

4. Celebrate Loy Krathong Festival of Lights

Loy Krathong ~ Thailand|©Capt J Halpin
Loy Krathong ~ Thailand|©Capt J Halpin

Loy Krathong is a beautiful holiday not to be missed in Bangkok. "Loi" means "to float" and essentially on this day you float or symbolically blow away the energies of the previous year while enjoying nature and meeting new people who share your interests.

The event takes place on the night of the full moon in November, when the moon is at its brightest and the tides are at their highest. And the ceremony is simple - Thais go out at sunset and float small baskets with candles, incense and money on the banks of canals such as the one at Sukhothai Historical Park Lake in thanks for the previous year's fortune and as a petition to Phra Mae Khongkha, the goddess of water, for good luck in the coming year.

The lakes on this day often look beautiful throughout Thailand thanks to the multitude of glowing candles dotting their course and the bright moon combined with various fireworks displays, which is why many highlight this activity as one of their things to do in Bangkok at night.

When participating in this event, keep your eyes on your basket until it disappears over the horizon. According to Thai legend, the longer you can keep your candle burning, the longer your fortune will be with you in the coming year.

5. Marvel at the emerald green Erawan Waterfall

Erawan, Thailand|©Patrick Magon
Erawan, Thailand|©Patrick Magon

This November, don't miss the emerald green water of the Erawan Waterfall in Si Sawat district, Kanchanaburi province.

Not far from Bangkok, you can see this beautiful waterfall with 7 levels, each with a name, namely: 1st level Lai Kuan Rang, 2nd level Wang Matcha, 3rd level Namtok Cliff, 4th.Level Akka Nang Phi Suea, 5th level Boer Mai Mai, 6th level Dong Pruksa, and 7th level Phu Pha Erawan.

This famous waterfall is flanked by lush vegetation and makes a stunning backdrop for any photo. In addition, during the month of November, when the stream is clear, its emerald green beauty shimmers, making it the perfect time to visit. Also, during your day trip from Bangkok you will be able to see another of **Thailand'**s popular landmarks.

This is the Death Railway, made famous by the 1957 film "The Bridge on the River Kwai". You will have the opportunity to walk across the bridge and admire its breathtaking scenery, as well as take time to see one of the traces of World War II up close.

Book a tour to Erawan from Bangkok

6. Visit Van Gogh's Paradise in Thailand

Boat in the sea around the mountains|©Robin Noguier
Boat in the sea around the mountains|©Robin Noguier

If you like sunflower fields, or if you simply want to see one of the most beautiful cities in the world at its best, I recommend visiting Lopburi in November, its best time.

It is one of Thailand's oldest cities and was rebuilt with the help of French architects in 1677. Today, it welcomes more than a million people every year since it became a tourist destination thanks to its diverse scenery.

From the endless flowery hillsides to the monuments such as the Phra Prang Sam Yot, the Prang Khaek temple, rice fields, cornfields, low mountains, the famous Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat temple or the jumping monkeys.

Every year, during the last weekend of November, the Monkey Festival is held at the St. Phra Kan monument in Lopburi town, where a large number of tables are set up with buffet-style food for the animals. The sunflowers are absolutely stunning and are the highlight of the festival.

Vincent Van Gogh was inspired to paint Sunflowers in the South of France because they were the flowers that represented gratitude, he wrote. Can you imagine what he would have painted if he had travelled through Lopburi province?

7. Admire Pha Taem National Park from a natural hot tub

Pha Taem National Park|©Romain
Pha Taem National Park|©Romain

The Natural Hot Tub is located in Pha Taem National Park in Phetchabun province and offers visitors spectacular views of mountains and waterfalls, but the highlight is undoubtedly the hot tub.

Visiting this park is a privilege that few have the luxury of enjoying. Before your trip, you should contact them in advance on their website or if you prefer, you can book with a local guide for convenience.

Pha Taem National Park was established as an ecotourism destination in 1992 by combining three smaller protected areas:Doi Phu Kha National Park, Huai Kha Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary and Kaeng Chet Khwae Wildlife Sanctuary.

The trails in this protected area are beautiful, although being on the edge of cliffs, they are dangerous, which is why the park has strict rules about the limit on the number of visitors allowed. But November is the best month to visit because these restrictions are relaxed, the weather is kinder, and with the rains left behind in October, puddles are no longer a hazard on the trail. Not to mention that, with clear skies, the panoramic views are a blast.

The best thing about hiking in Pha Taem National Park is that there are so many different types of routes you can take! Whether you want to do an easy hike or something more challenging (and rewarding), there's an option for everyone here in this place before finishing with a dip in**"The Natural Hot Spring**" with the best views in the park.

8. Follow the chrysanthemum and hydrangea trail in Chiang Mai Province

Chiang Mai - Tulip Garden|©Guibus
Chiang Mai - Tulip Garden|©Guibus

The first stop is the hydrangea flower field at Khun Pae Royal Project Or Doi Inthanon in Chom Thong district. This is a place where time seems to have stood still and traditions are still intact.

Upon arrival, the villagers will welcome you to their well-kept plantations. The place has always been a jewel reserved for the locals, however, in recent years they created an ecotourism route and it is now their main livelihood. And why visit in November because the hydrangeas are fully grown so the scent and colour of the place takes your breath away.

Another must-see is the Ban Am Long chrysanthemum field in Samoeng district. Here you can sip fresh chrysanthemum juice, or enjoy an infusion if you prefer it hot, while surrounded by 32 hectares of these beautiful flowers that ripen in November. They'll be ready for you to take home a souvenir, have your picture taken or just gaze at the dreamy panoramas.

Check out their official website and tour **Chiang Mai'**s most beautiful gardens.

9. Attend the closing of Lamphun Lantern Festival

Lamphun lantern festival|©Dio Brando
Lamphun lantern festival|©Dio Brando

In October the Lantern Festival kicks off in Lamphun town and in November the grand festival bids farewell until the following year with an exciting party where thousands of floating lanterns light up the night sky in a dazzling event in Bangkok.

In northern Thailand this festival is known as "Yi Peng". Yi means "two" and peng means "full moon day", so it's easy to remember when to expect this festival: on a full moon.

The highlight of the Great Lantern Festival is Wat Phrathat Haripunchai Woramahawihan, where thousands of people come with their lanterns or decorated paper lanterns to worship a Buddha relic, adding a colourful touch to the event. And what is the origin of this celebration?

Its origin is unknown, but in ancient times the god of fire was worshipped to illuminate the coming year and to invoke protection and prosperity in the following months. These days it's not just lanterns, but also decorated boat cruises around Bangkok, singing and feasting.

So, if you're looking for adventure, enlightenment or just a chance to immerse yourself in the rich diversity of Thai culture in November, join in the Lamphun Lantern Festival and discover the wonders that this city has to offer.

10. Take a dip in the hot springs of Chae Son

Chae Son Waterfall - Lampang|©Thanate Tan
Chae Son Waterfall - Lampang|©Thanate Tan

With the rains behind us, it's the perfect time for outdoor activities, namely a visit to Chae Son National Park, where you can take a dip in the hot springs, hike the trails or cook some boiled eggs in a natural hot spring.

In this park located in Lampang province, there are 9 natural hot springs spread over 768 km², with steam rising from the rocks creating a mist that blankets the area. A popular activity for visitors is cooking quail eggs in the hot springs, although to be honest, this is a trip to relax and rejuvenate the skin with minerals from the springs which have an average temperature of 70 - 80 degrees Celsius.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit at the best time of the year, November, when the caves, waterfalls, springs and trails can be enjoyed all day on foot or by bike in the blazing sunshine.

What the weather is like in Bangkok in November

Cars on the highway|©Marc Vuijlsteke
Cars on the highway|©Marc Vuijlsteke

November is one of the best months to travel to Bangkok. The maximum temperature will be 32 °C while the minimum will be 24 °C. At the end of this month, Bangkok usually has a slight drop in temperature at night, when the Thai "winter" is approaching.

Cloud cover and humidity also decrease and best of all, rainfall disappears, making it the best time for outdoor activities in Bangkok, so visit and enjoy the lush scenery.

Book a guided tour of Bangkok