Things to do in Bangkok in May 2023
While the sizzling Bangkok heat has turned many lethargic, there are still plenty of interesting things going on in May 2023. Why not escape the heat by going for some fun activities?
To help with that, here are 7 things to do in Bangkok in May 2023.
1. Mango Art Festival: Explore local artists & shop for Thai art
Image credit: @thana.art_official via Instagram
The Mango Art Festival is a great place to explore some of the best Thai art, from design to performance. If you want to see a huge variety of Thai artistic creativity, then you won’t want to miss this.
This year’s theme is “Rise” and will highlight upcoming artists from this generation. You can expect to see fantastic art from 21 Thai galleries and 75 independent artists.
Date: 2-7 May 2023
Time: 10am-8pm
Address: River City Bangkok, 23 Charoen Krung 24, Talad Noi, Sampanthawong, Bangkok 10100
Contact: +66 9 8846 0969
2. Art and Creative School Fair: See and support Thai youth art
Image credit: @museum_catalog via Instagram
After its success in 2018, the Art and Creative School Fair is back. The fair will feature art from young students from international schools in Thailand.
You can check out the artwork from this year’s fair on the curved walls from the 3rd to the 5th floor of the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre.
You’ll definitely want to check it out if you want to see the unbridled, developing creativity of youth. You’ll also be showing support for the importance of art education in secondary schools.
Date: 2-21 May 2023
Time: 10am-8pm
Address: Curved wall, 3rd-5th floors, Bangkok Art & Culture Centre, 939 Rama I Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Contact: +66 2214 6630
3. Pet Expo Thailand: Great deals on pet products & exotic pet showcases
Image credit: @cooper.thehyperdog via Instagram
Whether you’re a pet owner or just love animals, the Pet Expo Thailand 2023 is one to mark down on your calendar. The expo will have tons of booths selling pet products at a discount or with a promotion.
With this year’s theme being steampunk, we’re looking forward to seeing pets dress up looking like they just stepped out of the popular book series Mortal Engines.
You can also check out cool pets at the competition and exotic pet showcases.
Date: 4-7 May 2023
Time: 5pm-10pm
Address: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, 60 Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
Contact: +66 2229 3504
4. Cinco De Mayo @ Mexicano Restaurant: Mexican food buffet with live music
Image credit: @inin_chayanit via Instagram
Celebrate Cinco De Mayo in true Mexican spirit at Mexicano Restaurant at the Rembrandt Hotel. The event will have a Mexican food buffet with live music from Isaac Ruiz of La Voz Mexico fame.
The buffet is ฿999 and 50% for kids aged 6-12. You can book a table by calling the number listed below.
Date: 5 May 2023
Time: 6pm-11pm
Address: Mexicano Restaurant, 4th floor Rembrandt Hotel, 19 Sukhumvit Soi 18, Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
Contact: +66 6 2598 0302
5. Rue Thai Band In Concert: Relaxing Thai music in a cozy suburban concert hall
Image credit: @ruethaiband via Instagram
After the Songkran concert craze, you might be looking for something more low-key. If that’s the case, then Rue Thai Band In Concert might just be what you’re looking for.
The concert features a small local independent band that plays relaxing Thai music with a traditional twist. Not only that, but the concert will take place in a humble, cozy hall in suburban Bangkok. Expect a relaxing and chill time.
Date: 13 May 2023
Time: 5pm
Address: Aum-Aree House, 178 69 Phutthamonthon Sai 2 Alley, Sala Thammasop, Thawi Watthana, Bangkok 10170
Contact: +66 9 9615 1971
6. Glaze & Shine: Workshop on you ceramic glazing
Image credit: @weiweiinasia via Instagram
Glaze & Shine, a workshop organized by Baan Dusit Thani, will teach you how to do ceramic glazing and you’ll even get to take home your own personally-made ceramic piece. For those interested in handicrafts, definitely check this one out.
The workshop costs ฿950, including a mug to paint on and an organic drink from Dusit Gourmet.
Date: 13 May 2023
Time: 3pm-5pm
Address: Baan Dusit Thani, 116-1 Sala Daeng Rd, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Contact: +66 2200 9009
7. The Hope Fair: Shop for local handcrafted treats & designer products
Image credit: @theserialpickler via Instagram
If you’re bored of the run-of-the-mill Thai malls and their mass-produced brand-name products, then you’ll definitely want to check out the Hope Fair.
The fair is as much about being able to shop for unique local products as it is about supporting small local businesses. As a result, you can expect to see handmade crafts and gourmet food on sale at this pop-up market.
Date: 25 May 2023
Time: 11am-8pm
Address: 7th-floor ballroom, Avani Sukhumvit Hotel, 2089 Sukhumvit Road, Prakanong Nua Watthana, Bangkok 10260
Contact: +66 8 1823 5608
Re-energize with activities
Whether you’re a local or visitor, you’ll probably sweat like crazy in Bangkok in May. With the heat, it’s normal to feel lethargic.
A huge event might be a bit too much for many of us right now, but low-key activities might just help you re-energize through the summer heat.
You could also look to travel outside of Bangkok to escape the heat by using trains with help from our guide here, or this one for buses. Alternatively, if you can’t get enough of the heat then you might want to check out Thailand’s historical parks here.
Cover image adapted from @weiweiinasia, @inin_chayanit, @thana.art_official, and @theserialpickler via Instagram.