5 Things to Do During the Rainy Season in Thailand

The rainy season is not that bad in Thailand, it doesn't rain every day and there are many activities to do when it rains.

The mention of "rainy season" in Thailand conjures up a sense of dread in most tourists and visitors who imagine an endless deluge of water falling from the sky for days on end.

This is a common misconception among vacationers.

Yes, it rains and there will be days when the weather disrupts your vacation, but that won't stop you from having a great time.

Nothing to do with the monsoon season in India.

And the "monsoon season" began on May 20.

See: Thailand has officially entered the rainy season

The rainy season does not affect all regions at the same time, see: Seasons in relation to regions

The rainy season in Thailand is caused by the southwest monsoon, coming from the Indian Ocean.

Moist air moves northeast across Thailand from the Andaman Sea and is drawn into the void left by warm air rising over the Southeast Asian landmass.

The monsoon also coincides with Thailand's location in Southeast Asia's tropical rain belt, the Intertropical Convergence Zone.

It's also a good time to take advantage of discounted hotels.

Here are some activities you can do in Thailand at the start of the monsoon.

1. Relax in a cafe

Thai coffee. Photo: Wiroj

The weather may prevent you from visiting your ideal destination, but consider it a perfect opportunity to try Thailand's cafe scene.

It has been booming in recent years and many themed cafes have sprung up, offering a picturesque interior perfect for selfies or a photoshoot.

If you don't like taking pictures, that's okay, just sit back, relax, and drink your favorite cup of coffee.

If you're traveling with someone who has a sweet tooth, every cafe will have something to satisfy that craving.

Also consider this an opportunity to plan ahead what you want to do in Thailand.

Most cafes have Wi-Fi, and you can also search for the best rainy day activities in your area.

2. Go shopping

Central Phuket Shopping Mall. Photo: Central Pattana

Thailand has a number of attractive, gigantic shopping malls, and they're not going anywhere anytime soon.

Locals love their shopping malls, and you can find them flocking there in droves whenever they get the chance.

Whether it's after work or on the weekend.

Shopping malls are particularly visited by Thais during hot weather (to take advantage of the air conditioning) or on rainy days.

They have everything you need, from tempting restaurants to designer boutiques and lesser-known brand clothing stores.

If you are in Bangkok , every shopping mall reveals something special.

Siam Paragon features an aquarium and bowling alley, perfect for families and couples; MBK Center has an arcade; EmQuartier has BOUNCE, an indoor trampoline park; while each floor of the 9-story Terminal 21 shopping mall is themed after the world's most famous shopping streets.

3. Enjoy a Thai massage

Thai massage. Photo: Tourism Thailand

What better way to spend your vacation after a long trip than relaxing your muscles?

Spa treatments and massages are extremely popular in Thailand.

See: Thai Massage: Types, Benefits, Techniques

Most hotels offer promotions or special offers.

Choose a Thai massage parlor wisely, especially if you are traveling with family or a significant other.

Some places may look like a typical Thai massage parlor, but once inside they offer erotic "special massages."

You can also take the opportunity to learn Thai massage.

See: Massage schools in Thailand

4. Learn Thai cooking

Satay chicken skewers. Photo: Huahom

Thai food is renowned worldwide for its exceptional tastes and flavors.

Taking a cooking class or course is a great way to spend a rainy day and gain a better understanding of Thai culture by learning how to prepare popular dishes.

There are a number of great cooking schools that can teach you how to make everything from pad Thai to spring rolls to tom yam .

Some cooking classes will take you through the entire preparation process, including a visit to the local market to buy fresh ingredients.

The best part, of course, is getting to eat your meal at the end of the lesson.

See our Thai Cuisine .

5. Learn to meditate at a meditation center

Woman meditating. Photo: Lograstudio

Meditation is an exercise for people from all backgrounds and religions and can be practiced in everyday life, as it helps to find inner peace, a state of perfect tranquility, beyond material satisfactions.

Meditation will also bring you a lot.

It helps you find calm and serenity, makes you more creative, gives you energy, allows you to better manage stress, helps you make the right decisions and can also lead you to enlightenment!

A study cited in the Annals of Family Medicine involving adults aged 50 and older found that it was almost as effective as exercise in fighting acute respiratory infections such as the common cold and flu.

It also helps cure anxiety and depression and will protect you from Alzheimer's disease.

It's an experience that will be extremely beneficial to you, especially if you continue to practice at home afterwards.

To find meditation centers:

Practice meditation at a center in Thailand

To learn on your own:

Learn to Meditate: Complete Meditation Course

Source: The Thaiger