Why You Should Visit Thailand in May [2024]

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Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo Credit: Wolfgang Holzem.

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Thailand in May – is May in Thailand a good month to visit? That all depends! On the downside. May marks the beginning of the rainy season, which  means sometimes heavy rain. On the plus side, May is considered the off season in Thailand. Therefore, hotels often offer discounts during this month. And the same goes for airlines!

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Weather in Thailand in May

How is the weather in Thailand in May? If April is the hottest month of the year in Thailand, May is slightly cooler than April. But Thailand weather in May is also a  bit more humid.

The average high temperature in May is 34 degrees Centigrade, or 93 degrees Fahrenheit. The average low is 26 degrees Centigrade, or 79 degrees Fahrenheit.

Thailand’s rainy season begins in the middle of May. So don’t forget your umbrella!  There is an average of 17 rainy days in May, with about 180 millimeters of rainfall. Keep in mind that it usually rains in the late afternoon or evenings.

Therefore, you should try to do your sightseeing in the morning. Also, Koh Samui and the Pha Ngan Islands are usually drier in May than other parts of Thailand.

What to Do in Thailand in May

There are important holidays and festivals in the month of May. And for ride on the wild side, there is always the monthly Full Moon Party in Koh Pha Ngan! Scroll down for complete details!

Coronation Day – 4 to 6 May 2024

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Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo Credit: Sodacan.

Coronation Day is a national holiday in Thailand. In fact, it commemorates the coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, a.k.a. King Rama X, who has ruled Thailand since October 2016.

But he was not coronated until 2019. On this day, the King pays respects to previous monarchs of the Chakri Dynasty.

In addition, he meets foreign dignitaries and greets his people. Because Coronation Day falls on a Saturday in 2024, Monday the 6th is also a holiday. Recommended: Coronation Anniversary Celebrated>>

 Royal Ploughing Ceremony – 6 May 2024

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Rice growing ceremony. Photo Credit: Tris T7.

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is an important event in Thailand. And it celebrates the beginning of the rice planting season. Presided over by the King of Thailand, it is thought to  help guarantee a good harvest. The ceremony is held in Sanam Luang, an open square in from of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

  • 9 May 2025
  • 11 May 2026

Yasothon Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival – 10 to 13 May 2024 (Estimated)

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Drummers performing at the Yasothon Rocket Festival. Photo Credit: Takeaway.

The Yasothon Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival is one of Thailand’s most important fertility rites. and travelers taking part in the event have given it rave reviews.

Taking place at the beginning of the planting season, the rip-roaring festival features a series of parades, dancers, drummers, and the launching of giant phallus-shaped bamboo rockets into the sky!

The event concludes with participants frolicking in muddy ponds. The city of Yasothon is the capital of Yasothon province. It is located in Northeastern Thailand.

Visakha Bucha – 22 May 2024

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Buddhist devotees at Wat Pa Pavanaram_on Visakha Bucha Day. Photo Credit: Ya Tonavanik.

One of the most significant Buddhist holidays in Thailand, Visakha Bucha Day commemorates the three defining moments in the life of the Lord Buddha.

They all occurred on the day of the full moon of the sixth lunar month, but not in the same year. First, Buddha was born on this day. Second, he reached enlightenment 35 years later on this day. Finally, he died and entered Nirvana on this day 45 years later.

Many devotees visit Buddhist temples on Visakha Bucha Day to make merit. There are also restrictions on alcohol sales, which means that some bars and clubs close for the day.

  • 12 May 2025

Samui Regatta – 25 May to 1 July 2024

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Samui Regatta is one of biggest yachting events of the year in Southeast Asia. Photo Credit: Samui Regatta.

As one of Asia’s biggest sailing events, the Samui Regatta will be hosted by Banana Fan Sea Resort for the first time this year. The property is centrally located on Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui’s premier tourist destination.

Attracting yachtsmen from more than 20 countries across across the Asia Pacific, the regatta is known not only for its high-calibre racing. Tropical parties are a key element of the event.

The regatta is in its 19th year. It is organized by Regattas Asia along with the Samui Yacht Club Regatta, the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Municipality of Koh Samui, and the Sports Authority of Thailand.

Full Moon Party – 23 May 2024

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Full Moon Party at Haad Rin Sunris Beach on Koh Phangan, and island near Koh Samui. Photo Credit: Per Meistrup.

The Full Moon Party is held on the beach of Haad Rin every month on the night of the full moon. DJs play a variety of musical styles including trance, dubstep, reggae, and techno.

Jugglers, fire-eaters, and fireworks add drama to the all-night event.

Haad Rin is crescent shaped beach located on the island of Ko Pha Ngan. It can be reached by boat from Koh Samui, an island off the coast of Southern Thailand. Koh Samui is 293 miles (471 kilometres) south of Bangkok. Because the drive takes nearly 10 hours, air travel is recommended,. The flight takes just over one hour.

Samui Summer Jazz Festival – 2024 Dates to Be Announced

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Jazz musician performing at the Samui Jazz Festival Photo Credit: Samui Jazz Festival.

Top jazz acts from Europe, South America, the United States, and Thailand will perform at the Samui Summer Jazz Festival.  And performances will be held at both beach clubs and five-star resorts.

Inthakin – City Pillar Festival, Chiang Mai – 2024 Date to Be Announced

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Inthakin City Pillar Festival inside the Chedi Luang Temple in Chiangmai, Thailand. Photo Credit: Takeaway

The Inthakin City Pillar Festival is held in Chiang Mai to celebrate city’s grand pillar. The annual festival starts on the 12th day of the waning moon of the sixth lunar month. It continues for eight days.

The festivities usually begin each morning at 8 am. Offerings are made, increase is burned, and candles are lit on the first day of the festival. Other activities include dancing, musical performances, and games,

There is also lots of yummy Thai dishes to feast on. Monks pray at the temple in the morning.

Processions around the city’s moat follow. Celebrations continue after dark. The festival is also known as the Lak Mueang Festival, Sai Khan Dok, or Bucha Sao Inthakhin. It is the most important festival in Thailand in May.

Chedi Luang Temple

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Chedi Luan Temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is the centre of attention during the Inthakhin City Pillar Festival. Photo Credit: Panupong Roopyai.

Most of the festivities take place in and around Chedi Luang Temple. It is known as Wat Chedi Luang in Thai. Wat is Thai for temple.

The temple dates back to the 14th century. It was relocated to its present location in 1800. It was reconstructed in the 1990s. The temple is one of the many Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai.

Chedi Luang Temple – 103 Prapokkloa Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Chiang Mai is 364 miles (586 kilometres) north-northwest of Bangkok. The drive takes close to nine hours. The flight takes roughly 70 minutes.

Samui Bike Week – 2024 Date to Be Announced

Bikers won’t want to miss the annual Samui Bike Week. Global House Samui Parking Lot (curve in front of Phra Lan Nam), River Nam District, Koh Samui. 

If You are visiting Thailand

Check out these tips on how to be polite in the Land of Smiles.

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