10 Things to Do in Bangkok in May

Bangkok is hot all year round and May is no exception. While in the northern hemisphere there is a placid spring, in Thailand's capital the heat will be your companion when you visit during this fantastic month. There are many things to see and do in Bangkok during May, a month where you can combine spirituality with entertainment and the best food.

Throughout this month, the city will be decked out for different celebrations such as the one marking the beginning of the rice harvest or the king's coronation day, but you will also have modern music festivals and party cruises. Are you up for getting to know one of the most visited cities in the world during the month of May?

One of the most important manifestations of faith in the Buddhist religion is Vesak Day. Throughout Southeast Asia it is celebrated on the night of the full moon of the sixth lunar month, although the date may vary from country to country due to differing interpretations of the calendar. In Thailand it is always in early to mid-May, and if you want to see how these people live their spirituality, this is a day not to be missed.

Vesak Day, also known as Visakha Bucha Day, commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. This is the day to respectfully approach Bangkok's best temples, where you will see monks and worshippers gathered in prayer and commemoration of the Buddha's life.

For tourists, one of the best parts of this sublime day is the food. All Buddhist cuisine is entirely vegetarian, and there you can sample magnificent combinations such as mango rice or spice-filled noodles, in a beautifully decorated atmosphere where temples will be filled with flowers and all kinds of displays of faith. This can even be part of a food tour of the city. Are you going to miss the opportunity to participate in this day?

As it sounds, it sounds a bit too pompous, but it's not. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is primarily an agricultural celebration and marks the beginning of the rice season. The date is set by religious leaders, but is usually in mid-May.

On this occasion, the King of Thailand from Bangkok leads the Phra Ratcha Phithi Phuetcha Mongkhon ceremony. This celebration has Hindu origins that were later converted to Buddhism. That's why the start of this day begins with a Buddhist rite from the Grand Palace with the participation of the king, and then continues in Bangkok's Sanam Luang, one of the most important squares, with the traditional Hindu elements.

There is no way you can miss this celebration if you are in Bangkok at this time of the year. But this is a very important event all over Southeast Asia and Cambodia also has similar festivities, also led by its king; but it is also held in republics such as Sri Lanka and India itself. The rite is the same: two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and start ploughing, while people sow rice. Don't you find it interesting?

A party on a cruise ship. But it's not just any party: the XXO Party Cruise is the biggest LGTBI party in all of Southeast Asia and takes place on a cruise ship in several countries, departing from Bangkok. It's a madness that gets all the attention of the big parties in May.

First you'll take a bus to the port, from where you'll depart to Sihanoukville in Cambodia. You'll spend a day there and then head to Koh Samui, again in Thailand. There you will party for a day and finally return to the port of Leam Chabang and from there by bus to Bangkok.

If you like partying and LGBTI events, it would be a shame to miss out on this globally recognised cruise. To go to this event, you have to book your room on the cruise, because the package already includes transportation, all three meals of the day and non-alcoholic beverages. Even if you are travelling alone, the team will arrange for you to meet other people of your age and gender.

Interesting details

• Location: depart from Bangkok by bus to Leam Chabang port, where you will take a two-day cruise to Cambodia and then to the Koh Samui islands in Thailand, before returning to Bangkok.
• Price: the cheapest room package, shared with four people, costs about €500. The most expensive, with balcony, is over €750.

The Chakri dynasty has ruled Thailand since the 18th century and even survived British colonial rule. That's one of the reasons why it is so ingrained in Thai idiosyncrasy and why even though governments and dictators may pass, the king continues. 4 May is Coronation Day, commemorating the coronation of King Rama X in 2019.

Rama X succeeded the reign of his long-lived father, Rama IX, who was over 70 years old. Rama X's coronation was one of the most pompous events in the country's entire history, being fulfilled with sacred Buddhist rites, where he was purified, anointed and subsequently crowned with a seven-kilogram crown encrusted with diamonds and other precious metals.

Every year this is a public holiday in Thailand, so you'll find banks and public institutions closed. That's not to say there's nothing to do. The Royal Household organises activities to commemorate the monarch that you can attend, pictures of the king are displayed in the street and there are even years where other days are declared public holidays, in order to create a bridge to allow people in Bangkok to do more sightseeing.

Beach, sun and sand! Bangkok is at sea level and has a fantastic river, but the beach is a little further away. However, Pattaya is about an hour and a half from the city and is one of Thailand's best beach destinations, making it a favourite holiday destination for Bangkokians.

And if you thought it was going to be all Buddhist temples and traditional food, then head to Pattaya in May for a beachside music festival - the Warp Festival.

This is primarily an electronic music festival featuring numerous DJs from all over the world, but most of them are from Southeast Asia, so you'll be able to meet new talent in an unparalleled atmosphere. Also, it's worth staying in Pattaya for at least two days, because the festival lasts a whole weekend with a different line-up for each day.

I encourage you to enjoy the beach environment in Pattaya and go at least one day at night to this vibrant electronic music festival. Bear in mind that you will be on your feet for many hours, so it's best to bring comfortable shoes, plenty of water and lots of good energy. Don't miss out.

Useful details

• Price: Tickets can cost around €20 per day.
• Opening times: both days, concerts usually start at around 5 p.m.

Thailand is not South Korea, but k-pop is already a universal genre. At the beginning of May at BITEC Bangkok is the May Jam Festival, one of the biggest events for k-pop fans in Thailand. If you're a fan of this genre of music and you're in Bangkok around this time, it's well worth a night out.

The festival lasts one night and has featured some amazing solo artists such as EXO's Baekhyun, as well as GOT7's Yugyeom. There are also many local participants and up-and-coming bands that will bring Korean pop to the forefront. Please note that tickets sell out quickly, so it wouldn't hurt to buy them in advance, even before you arrive in Bangkok.

The festival site is a venue that can hold up to 5,000 people, so expect a concert that will be quite crowded. You're sure to have a great time watching big K-pop stars and their fans. Many of them are mesmerised by this music, will you be one of them?

Interesting details

• Location: Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre: BITEC. 88 Debaratna Rd, Bang Na Tai, Bang Na, Bangkok 10260, Thailand
• Price: around €150 for the most expensive seats, while the cheapest seats are around €80.

Watching the sunset is one of the most beautiful things any couple can do. The Chao Phraya River is truly breathtaking, as it flows through hundreds of canals that bathe the entire city of Bangkok. Its flow is quite strong and therefore, it is very navigable, with large cruise ships, many of them tourist boats. You can be on one of them to relax and enjoy and soothe the inclement heat of Bangkok in May.

One of the most common Chao Phraya river cruise tours in Bangkok is to get on at sunset for a romantic or even a family dinner. From the cruise you can see the Grand Palace, the seat of the Thai monarchy, as well as the Wat Arun temple, adjacent to the palace. Both are illuminated at night and you can go out on deck to get some air, which at that time will be much cooler and nothing compared to the sun on a May day.

There are different types of dining. Some cruises have buffet meals, so you can help yourself to whatever you like, however you like. But there are also other cruises that have a chef and where you can taste his most exclusive creations. Deciding this is no easy task, but the choice between Bangkok cruises is quite wide.

Thai culture is strong throughout the country, but that's not to say that Thailand isn't an ethnically diverse country. That's why one of the must-do things to do when you go to Bangkok is to take a stroll through Chinatown, where you can shop for all kinds of artifacts, eat at street stalls and have a multicultural experience.

Among the best things to do in Chinatown is to walk along the course of Yaowarat Street. Many compare the shape of this street to China's signature dragon. May is not the most touristy month of the year, but the amazing thing is that Chinatown will be equally crowded with locals offering all kinds of services to tourists; so you will feel fully in tune.

When you are there, my advice is to take a tour and eat a lot at the different stalls along the street, to taste the best of Chinese cuisine in Thailand. Many of these stalls will allow you to take shelter from the sun and rain which is also usual in May. This tour will be picturesque, attractive and, above all, culturally enriching.

Yes, it's undoubtedly very hot in Bangkok in May. So cooling off in an air-conditioned place where you sit under the sea is not bad at all. The SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World is the largest aquarium in the whole country and it is really huge, because it has more than 10 thousand square meters with all kinds of marine fauna.

Among the marine fauna, the one that stands out the most is without a doubt the Shark Aquarium, because you can walk on top of it. For many, this is scary, but it is actually very safe. You'll also have the chance to get up close and personal with the different fish that live in the seas of Southeast Asia, but there are additions from different oceans of the world, with a lot of emphasis on coral, sea turtles and penguins.

If you're looking for the best things to do with kids in Bangkok, don't hesitate to take them to Ocean World and, particularly, make them walk through the underwater tunnel. There you will be surrounded by the aquarium at all times and you will be able to take the best quality pictures. Don't miss out on this magnificent experience for young and old alike.

Interesting details

• Price: around 40 € for adults, while children's tickets are around 25 €.
• Duration: between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Last admission at 7pm
• Location: 991 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

You don't have to go far to get some fresh air, escape the harsh May sun and get some rest. Located in the heart of the city, Lumphini Park receives more than 10,000 visitors a day, making it an oasis amidst the skyscrapers, heat and street stalls. Its 57.6 hectares will allow you to connect with nature, enjoy the trees and relax.

Originally this park was a private property of the king that was later ceded to the state for its use and enjoyment. Over time, this space was converted into a park for events and ended up nestled in a financial district filled with Bangkok's finest skyscrapers, which has made it a space of high status. If you go in May, you can have fun on the man-made lake by renting a small boat and take a break from the hustle and bustle.

Interesting details

• Price: admission is free

• Opening hours: 4.30 am to 9 pm

• Location: Address: 192 Witthayu Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Fortunately, May is not high season, but if you are visiting the city for the first time, it will be difficult to distinguish between high and low season, because Bangkok is, according to some rankings, the most visited city by tourists in the world. Add to this its population of 15 million and you have a city that is always crowded, although in May it's a little less so.

What you can take advantage of during this month in Bangkok are the prices. As it's low season, staying in hotels will be a bit cheaper and you'll be able to find more availability. In addition, you can always take advantage of the exchange rate between euros and baht, which is a relatively weak currency that you can take advantage of during your stay.

Very hot, although it's true that Bangkok is very hot all year round. In May, minimum temperatures are estimated to average between 25°C and 29°C, while maximum temperatures range between 31°C and 37°C, although the average is more pleasant.

Always expect to be above 30°C in a tropical city with a river and high humidity, so pack sunscreen, comfortable shoes and clothes that cover your body but are loose and allow air to circulate.