December is when Southeast Asia splits into two worlds. While parts of the region bask in dry-season sunshine and holiday festivities, others sit deep in their monsoon cycle — offering savvy travellers some of the best luxury hotel deals of the year. Knowing which side of that divide each destination falls on is the difference between a spectacular trip and a soggy one.
We've tracked hotel pricing and weather data across the region for years. Here's our honest, destination-by-destination breakdown for planning a Southeast Asia December holiday.
Thailand: Dry Season Begins in Earnest
December marks the real start of Thailand's peak season, and the weather justifies the hype. Bangkok drops to a relatively comfortable 26-31°C with almost no rain. The islands — Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Lanta — see blue skies and calm seas ideal for diving and beach days.
What to Expect
- **Weather**: Clear skies across most of the country. Chiang Mai mornings can be surprisingly cool (15-18°C). - **Crowds**: Building steadily from early December, peaking around Christmas and New Year's Eve. - **Pricing**: Rates climb 20-30% versus November. Christmas week and NYE can see 50-80% premiums at top resorts.
Where to Stay
Phuket's Trisara (SEA Hotel Score: 93) is our top pick for a December beach trip. The private pool villas offer seclusion even when the island is busy, and the resort's NYE celebration on the cliff-top terrace is genuinely magical — not the usual overproduced hotel gala.
For Bangkok, the Rosewood (Score: 93) has ideal positioning near Lumpini Park, and December's cooler evenings make rooftop dining actually pleasant rather than sweltering.
**Budget tip**: If you book before October, many Thai resorts hold early-bird rates that are 15-20% below walk-in December pricing. Compare rates across platforms using SEA Hotel's price comparison — we regularly see $40-60/night swings between Booking.com and Agoda for the same Thai resort in peak season.
Langkawi: Peak Dry Season
This is Langkawi's sweet spot. While much of Malaysia's west coast gets hammered by the northeast monsoon from November to February, Langkawi sits in a rain shadow that keeps it largely dry. December averages just 5-6 rainy days, and those are usually brief afternoon showers.
Where to Stay
The Datai Langkawi (Score: 96) is Southeast Asia's most underrated luxury resort, and December is the month to experience it. The ancient rainforest surrounding the property is lush from the recent rains, wildlife is active, and the beach is immaculate. Rates run $350-500/night depending on room category — expensive by Malaysian standards but a genuine bargain compared to equivalent properties in Bali or Phuket.
Four Seasons Langkawi (Score: 91) is another strong option. Their Geo Spa built into the hillside is the kind of experience you plan a trip around, not just add to one.
Crowd Levels
Moderate. Langkawi doesn't experience the tourist crush that Phuket does, even in peak season. You'll find beaches with space and restaurants without hour-long waits.
Singapore: Christmas Markets and Urban Sparkle
Singapore goes all-in on Christmas. Orchard Road's light-up is legendary — kilometres of elaborate light installations that draw crowds nightly. Gardens by the Bay runs its Christmas Wonderland event with European-style markets, carnival rides, and an ice rink (yes, in the tropics).
Weather
Expect 25-31°C with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. December is one of Singapore's wetter months, but rain rarely lasts more than an hour. Carry an umbrella and plan outdoor activities for mornings.
Where to Stay
For the full Christmas atmosphere, Mandarin Oriental Singapore (Score: 90) on Marina Bay puts you within walking distance of both Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay Sands light shows. Raffles Singapore (Score: 92) decks out its colonial courtyards with tasteful holiday decorations — understated luxury rather than tinsel overload.
Pricing
Singapore hotel rates spike for the Formula 1 weekend (September) more than Christmas, but December still sees a 15-25% premium. The real price jump comes on New Year's Eve itself, when Marina Bay-facing rooms can triple in price for the fireworks view.
Vietnam: A Country of Contrasts
Vietnam in December is complicated. The country stretches over 1,600 kilometres from north to south, crossing multiple climate zones. You need to pick your region carefully.
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay)
Cold and grey. Hanoi averages 15-20°C with drizzle and overcast skies. Sapa can drop below 5°C at altitude. Ha Long Bay is moody and atmospheric but not ideal for swimming or kayaking.
If you do visit the north in December, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi (Score: 91) is the place to base yourself. The colonial wing's heated rooms and excellent French-Vietnamese restaurant make the grey weather feel romantic rather than dreary.
Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue)
The tail end of typhoon season. Early December can still see heavy rain and rough seas. By mid-to-late December conditions improve significantly. If you're flexible, aim for the last two weeks of the month.
Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc)
This is where you want to be. The dry season is well underway, with warm temperatures (28-33°C), low humidity, and clear skies. Phu Quoc island is at its absolute best — calm turquoise waters, perfect for snorkelling and beach days.
**Our pick**: Phu Quoc in December is one of Southeast Asia's best-kept secrets. The island has seen massive hotel development, and competition keeps rates surprisingly reasonable. JW Marriott Phu Quoc (Score: 89) offers beachfront villas that compete with Bali properties at 40% lower prices.
Bali: Wet Season — But Don't Write It Off
December is firmly in Bali's wet season. Expect rain most afternoons, occasionally all day. Humidity is high, some beach areas can have rough surf and debris, and the southern Bukit peninsula's cliff-top venues lose some of their magic in grey weather.
Why You Might Go Anyway
Bali at Christmas and New Year is a scene. The island draws a global crowd of revellers, and the energy — particularly in Seminyak and Canggu — is infectious. Hotels and beach clubs throw elaborate parties. Ubud is lush and green, with rice terraces at their most photogenic.
Where to Stay
COMO Uma Ubud (Score: 90) is our wet-season pick. Ubud handles the rain better than the beach areas — the afternoon showers feed the surrounding jungle and rice paddies, creating an almost impossibly green landscape. The hotel's covered yoga pavilion and excellent spa mean you're never bothered by the weather.
For the party crowd, W Bali — Seminyak (Score: 84) puts you right in the action with direct beach access and a pool scene that runs from morning to midnight during the holiday weeks.
Pricing
Here's the catch: despite being wet season, Bali's December rates are among the highest of the year. Christmas and NYE premiums of 40-80% are standard. You're paying for the festive atmosphere, not the weather. If budget is a concern, early December (1st-15th) is significantly cheaper than the holiday fortnight.
New Year's Eve: Where to Ring In 2027
Bangkok
Centralworld square hosts one of Asia's biggest countdown events. For a more exclusive experience, book a table at Vertigo on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree — the midnight fireworks unfold below you.
Singapore
Marina Bay's fireworks display is world-class. Hotels facing the bay sell out months in advance. If you can't snag a bay-view room, the Fullerton Hotel's rooftop is an excellent alternative vantage point.
Bali
Potato Head Beach Club in Seminyak and Omnia in Uluwatu both throw legendary NYE parties. Expect cover charges of $150-300 per person, but the production quality justifies it.
Phuket
Bangtao Beach and Surin Beach host the biggest celebrations. Amanpuri's private NYE dinner is the most exclusive event on the island — reserve by October or don't bother.
Booking Strategy for December
December travel in Southeast Asia requires advance planning. Our data shows that booking 3-4 months ahead saves an average of 22% compared to last-minute December bookings.
For Christmas week specifically, hotels often release holiday packages in September. These bundled offers (room + dinner + spa credit) frequently work out cheaper than room-only rates booked later.
Use SEA Hotel to compare prices across platforms before committing. During peak season, the price spread between platforms narrows somewhat, but we still see $30-50/night differences that add up over a week-long holiday stay.
Quick December Decision Matrix
| Destination | Weather | Crowds | Value | Best For | |---|---|---|---|---| | Thailand | Excellent | High | Moderate | Beach + culture | | Langkawi | Very good | Moderate | Good | Luxury relaxation | | Singapore | Warm, rainy | High | Low | City + Christmas | | South Vietnam | Excellent | Moderate | Good | Beach + exploration | | Bali | Wet | Very high | Low | NYE parties + Ubud | | North Vietnam | Cold, grey | Low | High | Budget + culture |
December in Southeast Asia rewards the informed traveller. Choose your destination based on weather and your tolerance for holiday crowds, book early, and compare prices — the same magical trip can cost dramatically different amounts depending on where and how you book.
