December 2026 School Holidays: 5 Thailand Trips for Malaysian Families
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In this guide
The year-end school holidays are almost a month long this year, and December is Thailand’s best weather. That’s why flights and hotels fill up fast. If you’re taking the kids to Thailand, book now, not in late November.
Here are the dates, plus five Thailand trips that actually work with children.
Source: KPM 2026 academic calendar (Surat Siaran KPM Bil. 3/2025).
The 5 trips at a glance
| Trip | Days | Best for | Getting there |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Hatyai | 2–3 | Northern families, first trip abroad with kids | Drive, train or short flight |
| 2. Bangkok | 4–5 | Shopping, malls, Safari World | Direct flights from KL, Penang, JB |
| 3. Pattaya | 3–4 | Beach plus attractions, bigger kids | Bangkok airport + 2 hrs by road |
| 4. Chiang Mai | 4–5 | Cool weather, elephants, nature | Direct flights from KL |
| 5. Phuket or Krabi | 4–6 | Beaches and island hopping | Direct flights from KL |
1. Hatyai: the easy first trip
Hatyai is the classic Malaysian family trip: close, cheap, great food and shopping. Families from Kedah, Penang and Perlis can drive through Bukit Kayu Hitam. Others can fly or take the train.
Kids will like: the markets, the cable car at Hat Yai Municipal Park, and lots of snacks.
Driving in? Every passenger, including kids, still needs a TDAC arrival card, and your car needs Thai insurance at the border. Expect long queues at the checkpoint at the start of school holidays, so cross early in the morning.
Family hotels in Hatyai
Compare city-centre hotels with family rooms and parking.
See Hatyai hotels on Agoda →Compare on Trip.com2. Bangkok: malls, markets and Safari World
Bangkok works for every age. Malls are air-conditioned escapes from the afternoon heat, and the BTS and MRT are stroller-friendly at most stations.
Kids will like: Safari World, Dream World, SEA LIFE Bangkok, and the river boats.
Plan your days with our 3-day Bangkok itinerary, and see how to get from the airport to your hotel. With kids and luggage, a pre-booked transfer is worth it.
Bangkok airport private transfer
- Driver waits in the arrival hall
- Fixed price, room for strollers and luggage
- Both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang
Family hotels in Bangkok
School holidays are peak season. Compare family rooms and hotels with pools, and book early.
See Bangkok hotels on Agoda →Compare on Trip.com3. Pattaya: beach and attractions
Pattaya mixes beach time with big family attractions: Nong Nooch Garden, Underwater World and the floating cafés. Read Pattaya like a pro for what’s worth booking.
Family hotels in Pattaya
Compare beachfront and Jomtien hotels with pools. Avoid the Tomorrowland weekend if you can.
See Pattaya hotels on Agoda →Compare on Trip.com4. Chiang Mai: cool weather and nature
December is Chiang Mai’s coolest month, a real change from Malaysian heat. Mornings can be chilly in the mountains, so pack a jacket.
Kids will like: ethical elephant sanctuaries (choose ones with no riding), the night markets and Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain.
Going in late November instead? You’ll catch the lantern festival. See Loy Krathong & Yi Peng 2026.
Family hotels in Chiang Mai
December is peak season. Compare family rooms in the Old City and Nimman.
See Chiang Mai hotels on Agoda →Compare on Trip.com5. Phuket or Krabi: beaches
December is peak season on the Andaman coast, with calm seas and clear water for island hopping. Krabi (Ao Nang) is quieter and more relaxed. Phuket has more choice of hotels and activities.
With small kids: choose a hotel with a pool on a calm beach, and keep boat trips short.
Family resorts in Phuket
Compare resorts with pools on calmer beaches for young kids.
See Phuket hotels on Agoda →Compare on Trip.comFamily checklist
- Each child has a passport valid for 6+ months
- TDAC submitted for every family member
- Children’s medicine and a basic first aid kit
- Thailand eSIM installed on a parent’s phone
- Travel insurance that covers the whole family
- Bags weighed before the flight home
Digital luggage scale
Family bags get heavy after a week of shopping. Weigh them at the hotel and avoid counter fees.
View on Shopee →Packing cubes set
One colour per child makes finding clothes in a shared suitcase much faster.
View on Shopee →Passport holder and travel document organiser
Keep the whole family's passports, boarding passes and TDAC printouts in one place.
View on Shopee →Malaysians can stay in Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days. See Thailand entry rules for Malaysians.
Frequently asked questions
When are the December 2026 school holidays in Malaysia?
Group A states (Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu) are on holiday from 4 to 31 December 2026. Group B states, including Selangor, KL, Johor, Penang, Perak, Sabah and Sarawak, are on holiday from 5 to 31 December 2026. The 2027 school session starts on 4 January 2027 for all states.
Do children need their own TDAC for Thailand?
Yes. Every traveller, including children and babies, needs their own Thailand Digital Arrival Card. You can add family members in one submission on the official site.
What is the easiest Thailand trip with young kids from Malaysia?
Hatyai is the easiest. Northern Malaysian families can drive there, and it's a short flight from KL. Bangkok is next, with direct flights, malls and family attractions like Safari World.
Is December a good time to visit Thailand?
Yes. December is in Thailand's cool, dry season for Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and the Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi). It's also high season, so book flights and hotels early.
Do Malaysian children need a visa for Thailand?
No. Malaysian passport holders, including children, can visit Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism. Each child needs their own passport valid for at least 6 months.
