Thailand in May

March to May, before the monsoon, and the weather is hot and humid across Thailand, South East Asia’s famed ‘land of smiles,’ and the temperature sometimes too stifling for some, at between 27 and 36 °C (81-97 °F) in the capital, Bangkok. Temperatures are cooler in the sleepy city of Chiang Mai in the north, with lows of around 20 °C (68 °F). Songkran (Thai New Year) occurs in the middle of April, and an already fun nation dials the good times up to 11. Varied festivities break out across the country, usually involving drinking, feasting and, probably, being drenched in water, which many find pleasantly cooling in the summer heat. Favorable conditions for diving continue off the west and east coast at this time, with a particularly good chance of spotting manta rays and whale sharks during March. Cool breezes on the idyllic south east coast offer respite from the extreme heat, with April a great time to catch the beach before the monsoons sweep in.

Suggested Itineraries

Indochina's Heritage Sites by Air: Bangkok to Bagan

On this 12-day luxury private jet adventure, stroll the streets of emperors in Vietnam, visit old-word temples scattered across Southeast Asia, and try your hand at bargaining with the locals at different fresh markets. This trip hits all of Southeast Asia’s must-see destinations, traveling from Thailand to Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar. See isolated cities and towns not frequented by the average traveler, made accessible by a private jet.

Interests Heritage, Architecture

Destinations Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos

Duration: 12 days / 11 nights

Price Per Person: From $93,100

See Itinerary

The Golden Triangle: Northern Thailand and Kengtung

Discover the differences between Thailand and Myanmar as the two countries are juxtaposed on this unique 11-day luxury voyage from Northern Thailand to Kengtung, Myanmar. You’ll go from petting tigers in Chiang Mai, to trekking through a Chiang Rai tea plantation, to meeting members of the Loi tribe in Kengtung.

Destinations Thailand, Myanmar

Duration: 11 days / 10 nights

Price Per Person: From $9,300

See Itinerary

The Grandest Tour | Aman Jet Expeditions | April 13–May 4, 2024

The acclaimed Grandest Tour showcases an extraordinary seven Amans across seven different countries in just one journey.

Destinations Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Bhutan, India, Turkey, Greece

Date: April 13–May 4, 2024

Price Per Person: $178,888

See Itinerary

Biking Across Northern Thailand

Does the thought of simply relaxing on the beach bore you? This luxury bike tour of Northern Thailand is far from a lazy holiday. Bike through stunning mountain towns visiting small villages, ancient ruins and even the bewildering architectural marvel of the White Temple in Chiang Rai on this thrilling adventure.

Interest Bicycling

Destination Thailand

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights

Price Per Person: From $5,500

See Itinerary

Biking Mae Hong Son & the Mountain Jungles of Northern Thailand

See what Thailand has to offer aside from stunning white-sand beaches on this 9-day luxury biking adventure through the equally beautiful North. The region is full of bright green valleys, vibrant rice fields and jungle-covered mountains. Sleepy mountain towns, friendly hill tribes and challenging ascents await you.

Interests Bicycling, Tribal

Destination Thailand

Duration: 9 days / 8 nights

Price Per Person: From $5,600

See Itinerary

Recommended Festivals For Thailand in May

Bun Bangfai Rocket Festival

May

At the start of the rainy season, many northeastern Thai provinces make, decorate and ultimately launch their home-made rockets into the sky. This is part of the three-day Bun Bangfai festival, in which rockets are used to symbolize a 'reach-out' gesture to the Buddhist Gods up in heaven, who hopefully will deliver good fortune in return.

Location Isaan, Thailand

Pi Ta Khon

May/June

From the weird to the wonderful, the three-day Pi Ta Khon festival in the picturesque Thai province of Loei showcases a wide range of unique Buddhist rituals for both locals and tourists to enjoy. Don’t be surprised if you witness muddy men roaming around, large phallus parades or bizarre dances in equally interesting costumes.

Location Loei, Thailand

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

Extravagance and Elephants: Remote Lands Releases 5 New Thailand Trips

Author: Travelogues

The Remote Lands travel experts have put together a batch of new holiday itineraries for the Land of Smiles, from luxury and elephants to religion and kayaking.

Read Article

Tourism Authority on the Future of Travel in Thailand

Author: Travelogues

Remote Lands speaks with Charinya Kiatlapnachai, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, on the way forward after Covid-19.

Read Article

Instagram Journeys: Mouthwatering Thai Food

Author: Travelogues

"Have you eaten yet?" is a common greeting in Thailand, and when you take a look at this smattering of Thai food feasts, you'll know why.

Read Article

What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.

A Family from Toronto, booked by Wonderland Travel

We loved the level of service and attention to detail...we felt very spoiled.

Thailand, Hong Kong

A couple from Quebec

We had a fabulous time in China. This was our second trip with Remote Lands...We received extraordinary service because of your introductions and behind-the-scenes monitoring.

China

Alyssa - Ulysses, KS

It was individual and authentic. And I was treated like a family friend, not a paying guest.

India

More Testimonials

Aman Jet Expeditions

You are invited to Remote Lands’ signature Aman Jet Expeditions, in partnership with our friends at Aman. These are small group journeys designed for people who usually travel independently.