Things to Do in Trang in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Trang
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season with significantly less rain than October-November - you'll typically get morning sunshine until around 2-3pm, perfect for island hopping and beach activities before any afternoon clouds roll in
- Andaman Sea visibility reaches 20-30 m (65-100 ft) for diving and snorkeling, the clearest water you'll see all year at sites around Koh Kradan and Koh Mook, plus calmer seas mean fewer cancelled boat trips
- Local fishing season peaks in December, so seafood at markets like Trang's Talad Sod Ton Pho is incredibly fresh and about 30% cheaper than high tourist season in January-February - you're eating what came in that morning
- Fewer international tourists compared to Phuket or Krabi (December is still relatively quiet here), meaning you'll actually have beaches like Pak Meng to yourself most mornings, and guesthouse rates stay reasonable at ฿800-1,500 per night versus ฿2,000+ in peak months
Considerations
- Afternoon rain showers happen about 60% of days - not all-day downpours, but those 20-40 minute bursts between 2-5pm that can disrupt outdoor plans if you're not flexible with timing
- It's shoulder season transitioning into high season, so some smaller tour operators and island resorts are just reopening after monsoon closures - you'll want to confirm availability ahead rather than showing up expecting everything operational
- Humidity sits consistently around 70-75%, which feels heavy if you're coming from temperate climates - that sticky feeling where your clothes never quite dry and you're reaching for the second shower by 3pm
Best Activities in December
Emerald Cave and Four Islands Sea Kayaking
December offers the calmest sea conditions for paddling through Tham Morakot (Emerald Cave) on Koh Mook - the enclosed lagoon inside is genuinely magical when sunlight hits between 10am-1pm, and you'll avoid the January-March crowds when 15+ longtail boats queue at the cave entrance. Water visibility is excellent, typically 15-20 m (50-65 ft), and the paddle from Koh Mook to Koh Kradan takes about 45 minutes in these gentle conditions. Morning tours (8am-1pm) dodge the afternoon rain pattern completely.
Underwater Photography at Chueak and Waen Islands
December marks peak visibility season for Trang's lesser-known dive sites - Koh Chueak and Koh Waen have healthy coral gardens at 8-18 m (26-59 ft) depth with minimal current, perfect for newer divers or underwater photography. You'll see schools of fusiliers, occasional turtles, and the coral spawning aftermath creates interesting macro photography opportunities. Water temperature sits at a comfortable 28-29°C (82-84°F), so a 3mm wetsuit is plenty. The real advantage over January-February is fewer dive boats competing for mooring spots.
Cycling Through Rubber Plantation Villages
Early morning rides (6:30-9am) through the countryside around Ban Na Mueang Noi and Ban Tha Saban avoid both the midday heat and afternoon rain - temperatures are actually pleasant at 24-26°C (75-79°F) before 9am. December is tapping season for rubber trees, so you'll see locals making dawn collection rounds with headlamps, and the morning mist through plantation rows creates atmospheric riding conditions. Routes are mostly flat, 15-25 km (9-15 miles) loops on quiet paved roads.
Trang Night Market and Street Food Walking Routes
December evenings (7-10pm) are actually comfortable for walking at 25-27°C (77-81°F) with lower humidity than earlier months. The Trang Night Market on Ratsada Road peaks on weekends with vendors selling moo yang (grilled pork), khanom chin (rice noodles), and Trang's famous roasted pork - dishes run ฿40-80 and you'll be eating alongside locals, not tour groups. The Chinese-style dim sum shops around Phraram VI Road open early (6-10am) if you want the morning food scene instead.
Khao Chong Wildlife Watching and Waterfall Hikes
The 7 km (4.3 mile) trail system through Khao Chong Forest Research Station is less muddy in December than monsoon months, though still expect some slippery sections after those afternoon rains. Morning hikes (7-10am) offer the best chance of spotting dusky langurs, hornbills, and the occasional wild pig near Ton Te Waterfall. The forest canopy keeps things cooler, around 26-28°C (79-82°F) even midday, and December's water levels are high enough that the falls are actually flowing well - unlike March-April when they're barely trickling.
Dugong Spotting Boat Trips Around Libong Island
Koh Libong's seagrass beds host Thailand's largest dugong population, and December's calm seas make for stable viewing conditions - though sightings are never guaranteed (these are wild animals, not performers). Morning trips (7-11am) during high tide give the best odds when dugongs feed in shallower water 2-4 m (6-13 ft) deep. Even without dugong sightings, the mangrove channels and sandbar beaches around Libong are worth the trip, and you'll likely see sea eagles and reef herons.
December Events & Festivals
Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony
Held annually at Trang's Chao Mai Beach in early February, NOT December - this is Trang's most famous event but happens after your travel window. Worth noting so you don't expect it during a December visit, though if you're flexible on dates, it's quite the spectacle with couples in scuba gear exchanging vows underwater while surrounded by marine life.