Bangkok is one of the most loved cities for tourists around the world. There are more than a million people who travel to the country for many reasons.
The central theme is always fun. The city has a bustling nightlight, economics stay options and a great love for adventure. Bangkok in May has a little something for everyone who is looking to check out the city of lights and shows. Although known for its sinful reputation, the city has a lot more than just that. The city is a cultural hotspot and a melting pot of Asian cuisine. A few days here can help you keep your worries back home and just have the time of your life.
Weather in May
The month of May is not the most popular month for Bangkok. But if you are used to a tropical summer this will be an easy transition. Bangkok in May is usually hot and humid and the temperatures vary between thirty and twenty-six degrees. The air is a little warm and the chances of rain are grim. This makes the weather a little humid for comfort, at times. The significant advantage of this is that the stay and travel to Bangkok will be very cost-effective and can be done without the hassle of a wait-list.
Why Should You Visit In May
If you are looking to travel to Bangkok in May, then let the weather not discourage you. The city is a loud and colorful capital. Many travelers, irrespective of the season, come here to unwind and indulge in the rich culture of the country. Here are a couple of festivals you can watch out for.
1. Boon Bang Fai, Rocket Festival
A festival is so unique it could actually favor to your travel dates. The festival of Boon Bang Fai is a rocket festival celebrated each year in the second week of May. The festival entails the launching of homemade rockets with colorful designs and ancient traditions. The festival also has a large parade that has floats of the most unique order. There are also many events of dirty-humor and cross-dressing. The local rice wine flows like water as celebrations take a full swing.
2. Royal Ploughing Ceremony
Taking place on the 21st of May, the iconic festival marks the start of the rice-growing seasons. The festival is celebrated to honor the land that feeds them and the cattle that support it. On this day, the handlers are decked-up in traditional attire and with their oxen plow the field for the first time for the year. This has to be one of the most important local festivals for Bangkok in May.
The cost of travel tickets to and from the country is the only major expense. The country of Bangkok itself is well designed to be easy on the pocket. For a low cost of travel, one can experience a heap load of fun. Bangkok in May is also famous for its humid climate making it the ideal time to get good deals on your travels. You will find it easy to book hotels and flights at this time irrespective of your preferences.
5 Places To Visit In May
The city of Bangkok has a lot to offer and it quite hard to narrow down the options to such a small list. If you are in town only for a few days then there are the top recommendations.
1. Grand Palace
Located in the center of the city, this is an attraction you cannot miss. The Grand Palace is known for its mesmerizing architecture and well-manicured outdoors. The places are home to the Kings of Siam for centuries now. One can take a stroll through the places and see the many different sections of it. This can take up a long time to see it all so make sure you dedicate a couple of hours to this. The iconic Temple of the Emerald Buddha is also located within this location.
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2. Wat Pho Temple
Located not far from the Grand Palace, the temple of Wat Pho is a must-see when in Bangkok in May. The temple is also called the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. This temple that is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Memory of the World program is known not just for its external beauty but also for its local spiritual connections. The temple is also often called the epicenter of the Thai Massage.
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3. Dusit Palace
This place is very unique to the landscape of the city has it has a European influence in its architecture. The places have many museums and points of interest. The royal places is filled with memories of the history of the great country. The recently renovated Vimanmek Mansion is a part of this palace and has a one-of-a-kind look.
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4. Jim Thompson House Museum
The cold and green compounds of Jim Thompson House Museum are an ideal visit for Bangkok in May. Thompson, a man of the second world war was the person behind the silk revolution in the country. His business mind provided upliftment to the many people of the city at the time.
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5. Khaosan Road
Khaosan Road is the spine of the city and the country. This is one of the biggest attractions for both international and local tourists alike. The Khao San Road is a short street that is not very far from the central palace. The street is known for the endless options of shops. You can spend a whole evening here and still end up wanting more. Fair warning, be careful of pick-pockets and store scams.
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5 Activities To Try In May
If you are a person who likes to do and not see, then Bangkok is the place to be. From outdoor activities like biking to indoor comfort like a Thai massage; the city is a playground of opportunities. Here are some of the must-try.
1. Cruise on the Chao Phraya River
The stunning river of Phraya is the heat of the city. The city flows across the center and creates many scenic sights both in the day and night. If you are on a romantic getaway, there is nothing better than to surprise your partner with a dinner date on a boat on the river. Have a romantic meal at a moving cafe while the view and mood change in every second.
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2. Experience History at Bangkok Museum
Bangkok National Museum is the largest museum in Southeast Asia. This place has both cultural and historical artifacts. As the museum used to formally be a place, the walls and corridors of this place still narrate a million stories. Since Bangkok in May is the start of the summer, the indoors of the museum make for a great choice.
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3. Zoom Sky Bar
One of the most iconic restaurants in the city to enjoy the nightlight with some drinks and the best views. Known for its stunning rooftop ambiance, the bar is located on the 40th floor of the Anantara Bangkok Sathorn. The bar is a go-to spot for some lip-smacking food like the 40-degree-salmon and the rice-filled duck.
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4. Ocean World
Seal Life Bangkok Ocean World is a place where learning meets fun. If you are a fan of aquatic life then here is where you can spend a day with your family. This huge aquarium has more than a hundred different types of exhibits. If you are in Bangkok in May, then this is one place you have to consider. They also have many shows and experiences for kids and adults that will give you a memory to cherish forever.
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5. Try the rare foods
The city of Bangkok has always been known for its bizarre options in food world over. If you have a deep sense of exploration, then you can try some of the indigenous foods of the country. The rare foods like Ant eggs, raw beef, fried insects and much more are popular delicacies here. Very few places in the world can you experience this so make the most of the trip; tick this off your bucket list.
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Bangkok has always been looked at as a city of vices and unhealthy night lives. The city, however, is a great spot to kick-back, unwind and bring in the holiday spirit. If you are a couple, a group of friends, a family or even just you and your backpack– Bangkok in May can build you a memory that will last a lifetime.
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A writer by choice, a photographer by passion, a seasonal sailor preferably monsoons and a pilot when the wind is just right! When not in the city, I’m often found chasing sunrises in the mountains or sunsets at the beaches!