What to do in Bangkok in mayo

The coolest, driest month of the year — lows around 22°C and barely a rainy day, so you can explore the Grand Palace and Wat Pho without melting.

Chinese New Year (February 17) lights up Yaowarat with lion dances, red lanterns and street-food stalls across Chinatown.

Makha Bucha (March 3) fills the temples with candlelit processions (wian tian) circling the ordination hall at dusk.

Songkran (April 13-15) turns the whole city into a water fight, with Silom and Khao San as the epicenters.

Green, low season — hotel rates drop and the big temples can be visited almost without queues.

Asalha Bucha (July 29) and Khao Phansa (July 30) open the Buddhist rains retreat with candle processions and temple offerings.

Mother's Day (August 12), Queen Mother Sirikit's birthday, dresses the city in light blue and lights up Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

The rainiest month of the year (around 333 mm spread over nearly 20 rainy days) — in exchange, prices bottom out.

The Vegetarian Festival (Tesagan Gin Je) in early October fills Yaowarat with nine days of vegan food, yellow flags and processions.

Loy Krathong (November 25): at dusk, thousands of candlelit krathongs float down the Chao Phraya and the city canals.

December 5, King Bhumibol's birthday and Father's Day: fireworks at Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen carpeted with marigolds.