How I long for the tranquil waters, buzzing streets, and friendly faces of Thailand, so imagine my excitement when I’ve recently been invited to join a group of friends who are planning to visit The Land of Smiles in October. I’ve only ever been in July, so I decided to put on my investigative hat and explore whether Thailand is even any good in October and what sort of things are there to do?
October is a good month to visit central and northern Thailand. It marks the end of the monsoon season; therefore, heavy downpours are relatively short with an expected 6 hours of sunshine each day. From food tours to night markets, there is an abundance of endless activities to explore.
You might not be able to visit the islands with their breathtaking scenery and crystal-clear waters, but this might be the perfect opportunity to explore things and places you’ve never even thought about before.
Is Thailand good in October?
Thailand has a tropical climate, and from May to October, the weather is dominated by the north-eastern monsoon. In the central and northern regions, the rain in October is mostly at night and relatively short and heavy.
Different regions of Thailand experience slightly different weather patterns, so the south of Thailand’s weather during October is cloudier with more rain than the central and northern regions. The southwest or Gulf Coast can still experience heavy rains throughout October.
As boat trips and ferry rides are often canceled due to the unpredictable weather conditions during this month, it is probably not a good idea to include island-hopping in your itinerary. Therefore, it is advisable to visit the central and northern regions if you do plan your holiday to Thailand for October.
There is an abundance of things to do while visiting the central and northern regions of Thailand. You can still have an unforgettable holiday filled with fun and excitement even if it doesn’t necessarily include drinking cocktails on a beach lounger.
1. Visit a Night Market
Central Thailand
One of the best night markets in Bangkok is the Chang Chui Bangkok Plane Night Market, where you can find a selection of dining and shopping. What makes shopping such a unique experience at this market is its arty vibe and the fact that most art pieces are made from recycled and scrap materials.
Another must-see night bazaar in Bangkok is the bazaar by the River, also called Asiatique. Asiatique is a combined night bazaar and mall. Apart from the 1500 boutiques and 40 restaurants to choose from, you can also marvel at the show stop performances that usually vary between Calypso ladyboy cabarets to Thai puppet shows.
Northern Thailand
Chiang Mai is known as the more relaxed and smaller version of the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. It offers a wide variety of sights and activities, one of which is the unbelievable night markets. Mitch is a travel writer for PlanetWare who has been staying in Chiang Mai for over a month. He says one of the best street food markets to visit is the Chiang Mai Gate Market. You can find anything from fresh fruit juices to fried rice dishes and noodle soup at incredibly low prices at this market.
Another one of Chiang Mai’s main nighttime attractions is the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. It is a popular tourist destination where various handcrafted products, clothing, and trinkets are up for grabs. Surrounding this bazaar are several international and Thai restaurants where you can put your feet up while marveling at your purchases.
2. Enjoy a Night of Bar-hopping
Central Thailand
If you’re in for all-night partying every night of the week, then Khao San Road in Bangkok is the place to go. With its energetic social scene and buzzing nightlife, this backpacker haven has endless bars where you can quench your thirst till the early morning hours.
Kanchanaburi is a small town about 78 miles from Bangkok. This town is best known as the site of the ‘Bridge over the River Kwai,’ but it also has an impressive lineup of watering holes along its riverside. One such bar is the Buddha Bar with an outstanding 4.5 rating on Facebook. The manager, who is also fixing your drinks behind the counter, is dressed up in ‘Captain Jack Sparrow’ attire. The friendly vibe and reggae music will make you coming back from more.
Northern Thailand
Pai is a little town tucked in a valley between the hills of northern Thailand. A major highlight of this small gem is that its relaxing atmosphere during the day transforms into a buzzing and energetic one at night. The open-air Don’t Cry Bar is a must-visit if you’re into live performances and fire shows. The bar only opens at midnight, and the DJ plays until the break of dawn.
If you’re into a more chilled atmosphere, then Edible Jazz will be a better choice. Here, you can relax to some of the best jazz music in town while sipping on a cocktail while either lying in a hammock or sitting around a low table.
3. Book a Tour to Explore Thailand
Central Thailand
Whether you want to explore the city life or prefer the more rural areas, there is an affordable tour for every taste. The Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food by Tuk-Tuk is an award-winning tour where you visit a 24-hour flower market, enjoy dinner and dessert, and visit various illuminated monuments and temples. This tour is an excellent introduction to first-time visitors.
If you prefer something more historical and rural, you can book the Bridge on the River Kwai and Thailand-Burma Railway Tour. You will get in-depth guided commentary telling you all about the history of World War II and the events surrounding the POWs (Prisoners of War). You can make your own part of history by riding along the tracks of the Death Railway and walking across the actual bridge itself.
Northern Thailand
If you feel adventurous, you can take a Kayak lesson, after which you can discover the Northern Thai jungle on the Mae Ping River. The jungle is filled with abundant birdlife and mesmerizing forest sounds. The Chiang Mai: Full-Day Chiang Dao Caving & Jungle Kayaking Tour is a full-day tour during which you will learn to Kayak and explore the giant Chiang Dao Cave.
Another off-the-beaten-track tour is the Highlights of Chiang Mai Tour. During this tour, you will experience the north of Thailand’s breathtaking nature and exciting culture. You will learn how paddy rice grows and even spend the night amongst rice field terraces. Furthermore, you will get acquainted with real Thais and the cultures of different hill tribes.
4. Go on a Food Tour
Central Thailand
Where better to explore Asian street food than the city of Bangkok? This place is not considered one of the world’s greatest street food cities for nothing. Here, you can hop on a tuk-tuk with your guide for the Bangkok Midnight Food Tour, where you will sample street food made up of Asian specialties like pad Thai and Isan specialties like Isan Sausage and Moo Ping (skewers of marinated meat).
The Chef-designed Bangkok Food Tour for 8 Exclusive Guests will take you on a four-hour journey through Chinatown. This tour has been created by a Bangkok chef based on memories and places from his youth. Some of the mouthwatering dishes you will taste include charcoal-grilled coconut chicken skewers and crispy chive dumplings.
Northern Thailand
Chiang Mai offers you a Street Food Safari by red taxi (songthaew), where you will visit various markets and sample street food from the tastiest vendors in each market. You will even learn a bit of history about the ancient Chiang Mai (Northern Lan Na Capital).
Another half-day food tour in Chiang Mai is the Go Where the Locals Eat tour. At one of the oldest open-air markets, you will taste authentic dishes like mango sticky rice and tapioca dumplings that are often not included in menus outside of Thailand.
5. Take a Thai Cooking Class
Central Thailand
Instead of sampling all of the various Thai dishes, why not learn to cook some of them yourself? TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice 2020 tour is called the Chef LeeZ Thai Cooking Class, where you will get a three-hour hands-on lesson on cooking twelve traditional Thai dishes just like the grandmas of Thailand.
Another Traveler’s Choice winner is The Market Experience. This cooking lesson is somewhat unique because the cooking is done inside the famous Flower Market in Bangkok. There are fifteen menus to choose from, and after you’ve chosen the four you would like to master, the fun begins. Your instructor will even show you how to make these Thai dishes with a twist.
Northern Thailand
You can enjoy a full-day cooking class on an Organic Farm at Zabb-E-Lee Thai Cooking School. Here, you will learn about herbs and vegetables and pick your own to use later in your own cooking of authentic Thai food.
If you’re craving vegetarian, then you need to look no further than May Kaidee’s Cooking School in Chiang Mai. May Kaidee, the founder of the school, has various restaurants throughout Thailand. An exciting course offered by the school is that of Fruit Carving. You will learn the fundamental techniques needed for carving fruits and vegetables into edible pieces of art.
6. Visit the Floating Markets
Central Thailand
Among Bangkok’s star attractions are the various floating markets surrounding the city. One of the best-known floating markets is Damnoen Saduak. Although a bit touristy and an hour’s drive from the city, you will have plenty of time to take photos, shop for souvenirs, and taste some of the local cuisines.
Only 12 km from downtown Bangkok, you will find Taling Chan. This floating market is less of a tourist trap and has a more genuine feel. There are wooden boats along the riverbank where some locals cook seafood while others prepare papaya salad. If you have a sweet tooth, this is the place for you as the market is filled with sweets and fruits.
Northern Thailand
There are no floating markets in the north of Thailand.
7. Things to do in Thailand in October: Visit the Elephants
Central Thailand
Thousands of people flock to Thailand each year to see one of their main attractions: elephants. In Kanchanaburi, you can wander with the elephants at Elephant Haven and even help prepare their food that consists of fresh fruit and rice-and-millet ball treats.
Northern Thailand
The Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai is an elephant rescue and rehabilitation center where you can see these mammals in their natural environment while learning about their lives. Visiting options vary from single-day visits to overnight stays. You will be able to feed the elephants and even assist them in bathing.
8. Eat Your Face
Northern Thailand
If you’ve had enough of sightseeing, food tours, and floating markets, this one will put the sparkle back in your eyes. There is a restaurant called As Cafe in Chiang Mai where you can eat your face in the form of a pancake. You choose your toppings, produce a selfie, email your photo, and the result is you on a pancake!
Conclusion
Whether it’s one night in Bangkok or a week in the north of Thailand, there are plenty of options to choose from that will keep you entertained. If you’re thinking of visiting the Land of Smiles during October, go ahead and book that ticket! You won’t regret it.
