Where to Travel in November: Mountains, Beaches, and Festivals

November has arrived with cool weather and the rain starting to fade away. This is the golden time for traveling around Thailand. Many are probably planning their year-end trips, wondering where to go. In this article, we will recommend the hottest destinations for November across Thailand, whether you want to enjoy mountain views, dive underwater, or experience must-see festivals. Get your bags packed and let's go!

At the end of the rainy season and the start of the cool season, where should you go in October? A day trip to Phetchabun is a must! This province offers more than just sweet tamarinds and the famous Wichian Buri grilled chicken. Experience the sea of mist at Khao Kho, immerse yourself in the Hmong way of life, and explore freshwater jellyfish!

Arrive in Phetchabun early and start your day by admiring the sea of mist at the popular Khao Kho, a destination everyone should visit at least once. Especially in October, flowers of various species begin to bloom. Visit in the early morning for stunning photos of mist-covered mountain peaks, guaranteed to refresh your senses. After enjoying the mist, explore the Hmong lifestyle at Khek Noi Village, a cultural hub of the Hmong people. Don’t miss out on trying Hmong snacks and sausages! The village also has the Khek Noi Hmong Embroidery Museum, showcasing ancient textiles over 200 years old. You can buy beautifully embroidered and batik fabrics as souvenirs, which will surely impress anyone back home.

In the afternoon, head to Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew, a must-visit check-in spot in Phetchabun. The highlight here is the five giant white Buddha statues sitting in a descending order on a lotus base, a breathtaking sight. The temple also features the beautifully decorated Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew pagoda, adorned with colorful tiles, jewels, and Benjarong porcelain. The temple sits among rolling hills, attracting tourists from all over. Make sure to visit, pray, and appreciate the beauty of this sacred site. Afterward, stop for lunch on a terrace with a million-dollar view of the mountains at The Piney Bistro Cafe. Their menu includes a variety of dishes, cakes, desserts, and cold drinks to recharge for the next part of your journey.

Before sunset, continue your adventure to Kaeng Bang Rachan to find the small freshwater jellyfish that love to float near the water's surface, along with over 300 species of butterflies. Before heading home, if you're traveling with children, stop by Wang Matcha to let the little ones feed the fish and have fun until they're tired. For families looking for more activities, follow Gother's KLUB Family, where we curate learning experiences for kids!

Where to Stay in Phetchabun

For those who don't like the cold and are wondering where to go in November, we recommend visiting the Gulf of Thailand near Bangkok, such as Koh Chang in Trat. This island is perfect for relaxing, whether you're traveling solo, with family, friends, or a partner. There are plenty of activities to enjoy on this single island!

For diving enthusiasts, don’t miss the popular snorkeling spot at Rang Islands. Try snorkeling at Koh Yak Yai, a small island filled with blue staghorn coral and a variety of colorful fish. Whether you prefer shallow or deep diving, you will witness a stunning underwater world. Share your experiences with Gother’s KLUB Diving, a community that connects ocean lovers with new friends who share a passion for the sea! In the afternoon, visit Salak Phet Temple, where King Rama V visited over a hundred years ago. The temple features the sacred Luang Phor Phet statue and the serene Naga wall, perfect for those seeking tranquility and spiritual blessings.

As the sun begins to set, head to Laem Chai Chet for a romantic sunset view on Koh Chang’s southern side. Here, you can see the sky turning shades of gold and orange as it reflects on the sea. It’s the perfect spot for taking Instagram-worthy photos.  
 

End your day with a delicious seafood dinner at Sabay Bar, a beachfront restaurant with live music and a fire show in the evening. This is a popular nighttime activity on Koh Chang, so we recommend arriving early to secure a seaside table and enjoy the show up close.

Where to Stay in Trat

Wondering where to travel in November? Head to Sukhothai, another must-visit destination this time of year! Start your day by exploring the Sukhothai Historical Park. We recommend going early while the crowds are still thin. Take beautiful photos of ancient ruins with the soft morning light. Visit Wat Mahathat, an important temple featuring the majestic stupa in a lotus-bud shape and the iconic statue of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great. Within the park, you will also find Wat Si Chum, famous for its large seated Buddha statue and the legend of the "talking Buddha." For those interested in spiritual journeys, don’t miss out on Wat Pa Tham Phra Mae Ya, a temple just 20 minutes away from the historical park. The temple is well-known for the sacredness of Phra Mae Ya, where people come to seek blessings, especially for career success, business prosperity, and overall fortune. Locals often offer "Khanom Mo Kaeng" (traditional Thai dessert) to Phra Mae Ya after their wishes are granted. Alternatively, you can pay homage to the statue of Phra Mae Ya at her shrine in front of the Sukhothai provincial hall.

After temple-hopping, experience the slow-paced life at Ban Na Ton Chan village, where you can learn about mud-dyeing fabric techniques, traditional bamboo weaving, and hand-made "Bahone" dolls by local artisans. Rent a bicycle and explore the village, taking photos of lush green rice fields. For lunch, we recommend trying the local delicacies at Grandma Krueng’s Rice Noodle Shop, where you can sample the famous "Khao Perb" (a noodle-like dish), flat rice noodles, and "Mhee Phan" (a Sukhothai specialty).
 

As the evening approaches, make your way to the highlight of the trip – the Loy Krathong Festival at Sukhothai Historical Park. This grand festival features numerous activities, including the Noppamas Queen Parade, light and sound shows that tell the history of the Sukhothai Kingdom, and a traditional market where cowrie shells are used as currency. There are also fire performances and fireworks displays that will leave you mesmerized. You’ll be able to float your Krathong and fully immerse yourself in the lively, beautiful atmosphere. Be sure to check the event dates and activities in November to ensure you don’t miss out on creating lasting memories.

Where to Stay in Sukhothai

Activities in Sukhothai

Looking for a one-day trip in Mae Hong Son that showcases the best of nature in the winter season? We recommend the following November destinations that are sure to impress you!

Start your day at Phu Chee Phe, a viewpoint that offers stunning misty mountain views across the border between Mae Chaem District in Chiang Mai and Khun Yuam District in Mae Hong Son. Visit at dawn to catch the mesmerizing sunrise over the mist-covered mountain ridges, with Doi Inthanon visible in the distance. The best time to enjoy the misty scenery here is between November and February. The trek up to the viewpoint can be challenging, but the breathtaking views make it all worthwhile.

A 20-minute drive from Phu Chee Phe will take you to the vast fields of Mexican sunflowers at Doi Mae U-Kho, one of the largest fields in Thailand. The best time to visit is from early to mid-November when the bright yellow flowers are in full bloom, painting the hillsides. The summit offers a panoramic 360-degree view of the entire area. Along the trail to the viewpoint, the sunflowers create a tunnel-like canopy, offering fantastic photo opportunities. For camping enthusiasts, the area is equipped with camping grounds and facilities like restrooms, showers, and parking spaces. Here, you can fully enjoy the fresh air, flowers, and the beauty of nature.

After soaking in the beauty of the sunflower fields, drive another 15 minutes to Mae Surin Waterfall National Park. The winding and steep roads call for slow and careful driving. Once you arrive, take a hike down the stairs to admire the towering waterfall, which cascades down from a great height. Alternatively, a 200-meter hike up a small hill offers a spectacular view of the waterfall from above, perfect for capturing unforgettable moments.
 

Where to Stay in Mae Hong Son

If you're searching for a relaxing November getaway surrounded by nature in southern Thailand, look no further than Koh Phayam in Ranong Province. Known as the "Maldives of Thailand," Koh Phayam boasts crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and plenty of activities to enjoy.
 

Begin your day at Ao Mae Mai, the bustling center of the island. From the pier, you can stroll to the only temple on the island, Wat Koh Phayam. The temple’s striking feature is its pure white ordination hall (Ubosot) situated in the middle of the sea, connected by a long bridge extending 150 meters from the shore. You’ll see the serene standing Buddha surrounded by lotus petals on the roof, making it a perfect spot to capture the sunrise.
 

For ocean lovers, the next stop is a snorkeling adventure. Rent a long-tail boat and explore the island's surrounding coral reefs at Ao Yai, Ao Khao Kwai, and Ao Kwang Pib, where you’ll find pristine white sandy beaches. In addition to snorkeling, other activities like kayaking around the island or surfing at Ao Yai are also available. For those who love challenges and diving, don’t forget to join Gother’s KLUB Diving trips, where we offer special underwater adventures!

If you’re not too tired in the afternoon, rent a bike or motorcycle to explore the island, enjoying the peaceful beaches and mangrove forests. Afterward, head to Hippy Bar at Ao Khao Kwai, a quirky beach bar built from old wooden planks, resembling a pirate ship. Relax and savor Thai or Western cuisine, sip on a refreshing drink, and enjoy the sea views. In the evening, you can also watch the beautiful sunset from this spot. For sunset enthusiasts, we recommend visiting Ao Yai, where the sunlight reflects on the fine sandy beach, creating an awe-inspiring and stunning view.

Where to Stay in Ranong

Our final November recommendation is none other than the grand Surin Elephant Festival, held annually. Be sure to check the exact dates and times of the festival each year to plan your visit accordingly.

During the daytime, witness the magnificent performances of hundreds of elephants, showcasing their incredible skills and the bond they share with their mahouts. The event is rich with local culture, featuring Surin’s traditional food, music, and performances. In the evening, the festival continues with a light and sound show featuring the elephants, a must-see for families. Parents can bring their children to enjoy this unique experience together. If you're looking for more family activities, explore Gother’s KLUB Family for curated adventures designed for learning and fun!

 

If you plan to stay for the full day of the festival, we suggest taking a break in the afternoon by visiting the City Pillar Shrine of Surin, a sacred place for locals. You can also stop by Surin Fresh Market, open from morning till evening, to try local delicacies like Surin Khao Soi, Slotraw curry, or taro stew. Alternatively, buy some snacks and have a relaxing picnic at Huay Sern Reservoir while waiting for the sunset, which is only a 15-minute drive from the elephant show venue.

Where to Stay in Surin

These are our top November travel recommendations that you must try at least once! Before you go, make sure to check the weather and prepare accordingly. Book cheap flights and beautiful accommodations with Gother for a smooth travel experience. Open your heart to new adventures and travel the way you like with Gother.