Thailand Tours in May 2026
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10 best Thailand trips in May 2026
Compiled by

NadineThailand travel expert at TourRadar
- Thai Intro 18 Day
- Thai Intro + Dive
- River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms
- Bangkok and Ancient Capitals, Small Group Tour
- Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Ko Samui
- Incredible Thailand
- Thailand Real Food Adventure
- Bangkok to Chiang Mai Express
- Real Thailand
- Treasures of Thailand 8 Days - Chiang Mai to South, Small Group Tour (English Only)
Thai Intro 18 Day
550 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We did a lot of fun activities over those days. Overall 12/10 experience, would definitely recommend.”
Fabienne, traveled in June
Duration 18 days Destinations Bangkok, Khao Sok National Park, Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Phi Phi, Phuket, Chiang Mai Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator INTRO Travel May departure dates
See All Departure Dates4 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 6 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From
- NZ$3,299
Thai Intro + Dive
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour included things I may have never seen on my own so I definitely got value for money.”
Natalie, traveled in February
Duration 13 days Destinations Bangkok, Khao Sok National Park, Ko Pha Ngan, Koh Tao Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator INTRO Travel May departure dates
See All Departure Dates4 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 6 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From
- NZ$2,499
River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We were well looked after, fitted loads in and still had time to relax - Just what I needed.”
Laura, traveled in October
Duration 3 days Destinations Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel May departure dates
See All Departure Dates3 May, 2026 10 spaces left 10 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From
- NZ$970
Bangkok and Ancient Capitals, Small Group Tour
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This trip was excellent.”
Damion, traveled in April
Duration 8 days Destinations Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Kamphaeng Phet, Lampang, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Sukhothai, Lopburi Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish Operator Destination Services Thailand May departure dates
See All Departure Dates5 May, 2026 10 spaces left 12 May, 2026 10 spaces left From $1,597
15% Off- NZ$1,358You save $240
Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Ko Samui
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We went to places we wouldn't have gone. We stayed in lodging we wouldn't have stayed. We did activities that we wouldn't have done.”
Philip, traveled in July
Duration 10 days Destinations Bangkok, Ko Pha Ngan, Koh Tao, Koh Samui Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel May departure dates
See All Departure Dates17 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 31 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From $2,505
25% Off- NZ$1,879You save $626
Incredible Thailand
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Our trip was just incredible. We had the best time.”
Elias, traveled in February
Duration 16 days Destinations Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon, Surat Thani, Khao Sok National Park, Krabi, Ko Phi Phi, Phuket Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Vio Travel May departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 May, 2026 10 spaces left 2 May, 2026 10 spaces left From
25% Off- NZ$1,853
Thailand Real Food Adventure
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“He is super knowledgeable and passionate about Thai food and culture. With his tips, I felt I could relax and fully enjoy the experience.”
Ashley, traveled in March
Duration 8 days Destinations Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel May departure dates
9 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From
25% Off- NZ$2,300
Bangkok to Chiang Mai Express
37 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It gave us a greater appreciation for Thai culture & food, and allowed us to have a brief introduction to the Northern half of the country.”
Dean, traveled in June
Duration 7 days Destinations Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures May departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 9 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From $1,619
30% Off- NZ$1,133You save $486
Real Thailand
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The Essential Thailand tour was great and I would definitely do it again... beautiful temples, scenery and elephants in the north and then stunning islands in the south!”
April, traveled in April
Duration 15 days Destinations Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Khao Sok National Park, Ao Nang Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel May departure dates
See All Departure Dates10 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 31 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From $1,975
25% Off- NZ$1,481You save $494
Treasures of Thailand 8 Days - Chiang Mai to South, Small Group Tour (English Only)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Great Tour minibus. Your every wish is considered.”
Frances, traveled in February
Duration 8 days Destinations Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Sukhothai, Uthai Thani, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Bangkok Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operator Destination Services Thailand May departure dates
See All Departure Dates3 May, 2026 10 spaces left 7 May, 2026 10 spaces left From $2,238
15% Off- NZ$1,903You save $336
What people love about Thailand Tours in May
- Thai Experience
Thai Experience has been the best tour I have ever been on. Each day was just as fun and exciting as the next filled with boat rides, beaches, culture, nights out, kayaking, tubing and more! The best day was when the group was on Phi Phi and did a hike to the viewpoint, went on a speed boat ride to different beaches where we went snorkelling and played with monkeys, and then ended the day with an amazing seafood dinner and then a night out. The tour guides Adam and Jack really made the trip special. Jack always had a smile on his face and always cracking jokes. He always was making sure that everyone was having a great time. The trip would not have been nearly as fun without Jack because he was such a great tour guide. I highly recommend Thai Experience to anyone who wants to make the most of their time in Thailand and trying to get Jack as their tour leader. Truly one of the best experiences of my life.
- Thai Intro + Dive
Laura was amazing so helpful and a great person as a whole, once we left Laura and our group to do the diving the only complain I really have is the accommodation we had bugs in the bed and a barely working ac, the actual diving side was amazing and really interesting George was an awesome instructor. I would definitely do another intro travel.
- River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms
Arja (Jane) was an awesome guide! Totally recommend if you only have a couple of days and wanna learn about Thai culture and WW2.
What our customers ask about Thailand Tours in May 2026
What are the best islands to visit in Thailand during May?
The eastern Gulf islands provide the most reliable weather conditions during May. Koh Samui Koh Phangan and Koh Tao see less rainfall than their Andaman coast counterparts making them prime destinations. These islands offer clear waters with good visibility for swimming and snorkeling especially at spots like Bottle Beach in Koh Phangan. Accommodations such as the Fern Resort in Mae Hong Son tend to offer competitive rates during this quieter shoulder season period.
Are there any special festivals or events in Thailand during May?
May brings two significant cultural celebrations to Thailand. Visakha Bucha Day honors Buddha's birth enlightenment and death with temple ceremonies across the country. The Royal Plowing Ceremony takes place in Bangkok's Sanam Luang where ancient Brahmin rituals mark the start of rice growing season. Both events give visitors a genuine look into Thai cultural traditions.
How crowded are tourist attractions in Thailand during May?
May falls within Thailand's shoulder season bringing noticeably smaller crowds to major attractions. Visitors can explore landmarks like Bangkok's Grand Palace and Chiang Mai's temples without the peak-season masses. The Century Park Hotel Bangkok and similar properties often have good availability. Recent visitors report being able to explore sites like Wat Rong Khun at a relaxed pace without the usual tourist congestion.
What are the best activities to do in Thailand during May?
The month presents good opportunities for cultural exploration and indoor activities. Early morning visits to temples like Wat Phra Singh work well before the day heats up. Floating markets draw fewer tourists and the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai remains popular. The Sukosol Hotel Bangkok serves as a convenient base for these activities. Afternoon rain showers provide natural breaks for traditional Thai massages or exploring local markets.
What are the best regions to visit in Thailand during May?
Northern Thailand stands out as a prime destination during May. The cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai offer pleasant temperatures and rich cultural experiences. Bangkok's extensive indoor attractions provide options during rain while the eastern Gulf coast sees less rainfall than western shores. Hotels like the Empress Chiang Mai offer strategic locations for exploring the region while providing shelter during occasional showers.
What is the weather like in Thailand during May?
May signals the start of Thailand's rainy season characterized by warm temperatures and periodic afternoon downpours. Bangkok sees average temperatures of 34°C (93°F) while coastal regions like Phuket run slightly cooler at 31°C (88°F). The afternoon rains tend to be brief but intense creating a rhythm to daily activities. The moisture keeps the landscape green and helps moderate the temperatures.