Thailand is one of the top countries in Asia for US and European tourists planning on a holiday to the tropics. And Thailand never disappoints of course. From our own trips to Thailand, we've learnt one of the best times to visit can be in May. But why? Here are our thoughts:
Thailand has an average temperature of 91° Fahrenheit year round. The warmth heats up in March, April and May to dip again by June. If you holiday in many places in Thailand before May, the humidity can spoil your enjoyment. Holidaying during May light rains (the upcoming monsoon) balance out any humidity issues. The rain is not heavy (not yet) nor does it last long, but the effect is being a little cooler.
You can expect it to rain most days with Thailand's summer but it's never long before the rains are gone. Quickly the sun and fun returns.
For 5 best places to visit to Thailand in May, keep reading. For a summer break you could be enjoying, and not dreaming about it we've hand-picked 5 spots for you. For our list of top places to consider, we will give you those places suitable for the rainy season. Thailand is great for everyone. The backpackers among you, love struck couples and Phuket Island is suitable for families.
The rainy season in Thailand isn't as terrible as it sounds. The central region of Thailand and the south are affected more so than the north:
Thailand's summer months for travelers are March, April, May and June (before going into the low season). There may be rain as early as April and the rain lasts until near October coming to a close. It's September and October Thailand have the heaviest of the rain, thus you need to know up front:
Of all the times we've traveled, never have we had any cancellations. The monsoon season for Thailand isn't as aggressive as what it can be for Malaysia. The Philippines too can face some stormy weather as well. Vietnam and Thailand seem to get only heavy rain, at worst. Take note the cheapest time to travel in Thailand can be during May, June and July. The rains bring different outdoor experiences, temperatures never fall below 85° Fahrenheit.
When is the worst time to visit Phuket? It depends on your perspective. Towards the end of the southwest monsoon, the peak season picks up by the end of October. Between October and February is Thailand's winter season, costs do soar. Prices for flights, accommodation, eating out and attractions inflate for the crowds arriving. If the expense doesn't bother you, the winter months are better.
The summer months are as good albeit hotter, that's all. And some attractions may close, depending on which month of summer you holiday. The worst time to land on Phuket therefore is in the rainy season (June until October).
Returning home from holiday you talk about your time abroad and what an adventure it was, don't you? It's normal. Friends you know (or friends of friends) if they've never been to places you talk of, they're curious about it. Costs involved, the traveling time and accommodation, they're unsure. Do you need convincing if Thailand is worth visiting or not? Believe us, it is:
Thailand has warm weather all year round, peak season or not. Thailand never disappoints. Now would be a good time to look at those 5 best places to visit on your Thailand holiday. There are amazing cultural experiences all over Thailand, such as their temples. If visiting Thailand is your first time, it's a good idea to also visit Bangkok City. You will want to spend at least 2D1N in the city because there is a lot of energy and vibrancy:
Once you're satisfied with the city's culture, the museums and art galleries you are ready. Begin your Thailand holiday in earnest and get ready to explore beyond the capital.
One of the must-see places close to Bangkok are the ruins of this ancient town. From the town's center is the best spot to begin. Exploring on foot, spend a whole morning is our suggestion having a good looking around. As with all over Thailand there are cheeky monkeys who'll pester you. Don't encourage them any further with food or they'll never leave you alone. And be sure valuables like jewelry, glasses and smartphone are secure.
The highlight of the ruins is "Monkey Temple", a short distance from the train station. As interesting the ruins are, you may find something else interesting. The monkeys will climb all over you if you let them. Sure, they're small and cute, fun even but be wary of how unhygienic they are. They're wild animals after all and you've little control over them. For reasons of cleanliness, we walked away when ever one got too close.
We saw one gentleman who moments earlier fed a few, troubled by a half dozen swarming over him. Other tourists looking on could only laugh at the calamity, but you can bet he regretted giving them food. Wild monkeys have been known to scratch and bite, so feed them at your own risk.
By the way, if you do find ancient temples of great interest, then Ayutthaya Historical Park should be on your bucket list of places to visit.
Coming to Krabi for Phang Nga Bay alone, makes the trip all worthwhile for you. Even if you've never kayaked in your life, now would be the best time to learn. Phang Nga Town is sandwiched between two natural karst pillars. They tower like giants, overshadowing what is a small town. Thailand is famous the world over, for its karst limestone monoliths. Vietnam too has them, you only need to look at Ninh Binh or Ha Long Bay.
Every time you see one, what an amazing feeling. Little ones and large ones you are spellbound by each when you go out on the bay kayaking. The calm waters of the bay are perfect for water activities. A tour guide will take a group of you out, on what is a peaceful experience and yet exciting too for teenagers, in tow. It actually does feel as if it's a different world. Early morning before sunrise is the best time for your adventure:
What caught us off guard was the sheer peacefulness of this natural wonderland. That was before the mid-morning deluge of tourists took to the water, of course. It's best you book with a tour operator for several reasons:
There are beaches of course. The one most foreign tourists head for is Railay Beach with stunning cliffs nearby. But in our opinion, it's better to spend your time at Ao Nang Beach a little out of town. When you tire of the beaches, look out for:
The town feels like it hasn't changed in decades, retaining what is original of Thailand. Your typical "small town" that refused to grow up. The charms are endearing and appealing, you'll either love it or hate it.
Daily flights arrive in Krabi from Bangkok, getting to the town is hassle free. You arrive at your hotel two hours later, from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. Krabi's airport isn't far away. If Phuket Island is your ultimate destination on landing in Bangkok, then spare a thought:
Either option will add so much wealth to your holiday "lifetime experience" barometer. Flying from Krabi early afternoon ensures you are at your Phuket accommodation early. Unpacked and ready for an evening meal and entertainment.
You'll happen across Mae Hong Son we hope in Thailand's north. It's the part of the country that plays out nice for you, if you're seeking a place to chill out. Pai is a town you'll have heard the online backpacking community rant and rave about. Plan to spend a few days at least, departing from Chiang Mai City.
Pai lies north of Chiang Mai, to the west. Chiang Rai is north of Chiang Mai, so not to mistake either one for the other. What's the town like? Tradition is upheld in the town and surrounding areas and life is very slow moving, no one is in any rush. It's as far off the beaten track you can get, and yet so much for you to see and enjoy. You travel for the beauty, waterfalls and hot springs, the stunning landscape backdrops.
As you'd imagine being elevated so high, a lot of the town's appeal for travelers (not merely backpackers) is the nature. Beautiful landscapes all around, we felt amazing visiting:
We managed all that in the same day, and the following day we woke late (a rare occasion) to nosey around town. Much later, we made our way back to Chiang Mai City. If you want to enjoy nature but "do nothing", put Pai on your bucket list. Be cautious that May and June are peak months for travelers to the town, book accommodation well in advance before your arrival.
A bone of contention is where do you stay in Pai? Do you stay in town close to the amenities or do you stay out the outskirts.
If you feel sociable and are expecting to make new friends. If that's the case, then stay within the town otherwise opt for a homestay on the edges of town. Because the town is a magnet for travelers and is quite boisterous most evenings. The town is laidback, yes, and there's a slower pace of life but noisy too a lot of the time.
It can't be no more than a 4-hour journey by bus from Chiang Mai to Pai Town. If you prefer you can rent a taxi and arrive two hours later, a lot quicker. Way up the pro's and con's because: the bus is cheaper but a private taxi more comfortable. Is the taxi worth it? Decide yourself, pay US$11 for a bus ticket or US$50 for the taxi. If you are backpacking solo or as a couple, the bus is adequate for your needs.
This amazing little beauty is affectionally known as "Elephant Island", for the shape of it. Whereas Phuket is on the west of Thailand, this one ― Thailand's third largest ― is on the east side, within the Trat Province close to Cambodia. The Island is best reached by ferry, yet there is a small airport in Trat you can fly to from Bangkok City. Is Ko Chang Island worth visiting? In our view, it is.
It's worth bothering yourself to go out of the way for several reasons:
It's the perfect Island to be to get away to because mainstream tourism is only now learning about it. Now is the time to visit, before the Island gets an airport and tourists swarm in.
Regardless of recent developments the Island still manages to keep its rugged charms. Perfect for enjoying the beaches and exploring the jungles. You can expect to stay in anything from a basic hut like structure to a luxurious tropical resort. There's a wide choice of accommodation to suit budget and taste. On our 2D1N stay everyone we met was happy and content to be away from the crowds. Even as late as May, there are still crowds on both Islands of Phuket and Samui.
The Island of Ko (or Koh how you prefer) Chang is a beach heaven for sun worshippers. As we said, the Island is pretty much void of crowds, and a month before the monsoon is in full swing May is a good month for you. The beaches are nothing short of spectacular in every way you imagined, eight of them we liked. Our top choices of those are:
Wild monkeys are everywhere, and they play havoc with you. Don't leave your possessions unattended otherwise they'll be off with them. The little devils are quick (too quick for their own good). Lonely Beach in particular is horrendous for them.
Many of the beaches have a resort with great facilities. There's a restaurant and bar, and street food stalls. Usually, someone is renting out mopeds or equipment for water activities. The beaches are popular, but not every beach has developed too much. And that's the Island's saving grace in our opinion, nature's beauty still stands out.
Moving around the Island is easy. Rent a moped or motorbike for the day and off you go exploring. Much of the Island does have asphalt roads but some places not so. You've got dirt roads to make do with, closer to the interior of the Island. Take care with your speed as there are farmers, villagers and animals using the roads too. Exploring the Island on two wheels is quite exhilarating, setting off early after breakfast is the right thing to do.
Ko Kut Island neighbors Ko Chang Island don't mistake thinking they're both like for like. Neither of the two are identical. But you are now in a dilemma, aren't you? Which Island to choose, having flown into Trat's airport from Bangkok City.
So, what is so different to Ko Kut from Ko Chang? Easy: Ko Chang doesn't have the same volume of tourists, there are fewer who travel out to Ko Chang. Phuket Island, Ko Samui Island and the Phi Phi Islands are the most attractive options. Ko Chang Island is little heard about but there are growing numbers finding their way to the Island. The only difference between Ko Kut and Ko Chang are there is even fewer foreign travelers to Ko Kut Island.
Ko Kut is one of the larger Islands (yet smaller than Ko Chang Island) in the vicinity. Local villages strewn all along the coastline, very knit tight communities. Staying on the Island is very pleasant and rewarding, you do feel closer to local people. The snorkeling feels even better, it's superb. Whereas Ko Chang has more developments, such as hotels and resorts, Ko Kut less so. The natural beauty hasn't been swept back to make room for concrete and asphalt.
Your stressful journey is a long distant memory as soon as you step on the Island, likewise on Ko Chang too. For a day or two you stay, and it is so perfect tears well up when you've to leave.
Getting to the Island isn't such a big deal as it may seem. Yes, the Island is further out from the Trat mainland but still accessible. Ko Chang Island is closer to the mainland by the way, with Ko Kut further south. There is only one way to get yourself onto either of the Islands, from Trat Town. First, you need to travel 30km to Laem Sok Pier.
It's not necessary for you to stay in Trat Town any longer than you need. Walk out of arrivals and into a taxi direct to the pier ― provided you've flown in early morning. You can opt for a speedboat, or a catamaran to take you to either Ko Chang or Ko Kut, with a stop off at Ko Mak on most journeys. Many services exist to take you, it matters not which one you choose as journey times are indifferent.
If it's an afternoon flight you have from Bangkok, an overnight stay in Trat Town is a must. Ferry services operate in the mornings only.
Phuket never made our list, because we've scribbled about it before. It's a top summer destination for sure, read our Phuket travel guide separately (links elsewhere in this guide). We didn't see the point of repeating ourselves, that's all. If we had covered Phuket, then we would have had to miss out Krabi and we weren't comfortable doing so.
Want to touch and feel Thailand's magic? Forget the usual haunts and pick out one of our favorite secret places to visit. Both Ko Chang and Ko Kut Islands are the ultimate "freedom" experience. Few other Islands are graced with charm and fewer tourists. More room for you to move around and enjoy your own space, relax and enjoy Thailand's beauty. Traveling around on a moped is so rewarding. So nice because you've more chance of meeting locals than other tourists.
If you prefer a deeper understanding of Thailand's past, check out the north of the country. In particular Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Both are worthy of your time for new cultural discoveries. As we said, Pai is a place best suited for backpackers. There is something about the place that pulls in so many of them, has your curiosity piqued?
Plan a visit: stay a night or two in one of the homestays, because Pai feels like a "hippy commune". And that's not a bad thing, trust us.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.