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May is a month of transition, as the first monsoon rains begin to green the mainland while the southern islands come into their own. It is a wonderful time for fewer crowds, lower prices and lush landscapes, provided you know where to point yourself.
The wet season starts to arrive on the mainland, but early on the rain tends to fall in short, refreshing afternoon showers rather than all-day downpours. Temperatures ease slightly from April's peak.
Meanwhile, the Gulf of Thailand and the islands of Indonesia are heading into their driest, sunniest stretch, flipping the usual script.
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As the Andaman coast turns wetter, the Gulf islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao step into the spotlight. May brings warm, largely dry days here, ideal for beaches and diving.
Koh Tao in particular offers superb, affordable diving with excellent visibility during these months.
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The early rains work magic on the landscape. Rice paddies turn emerald, waterfalls swell and the countryside glows, from the hills around Chiang Mai to the Cambodian plains.
With the peak-season crowds gone, iconic sites such as Angkor feel calmer, and you will often have viewpoints and temples largely to yourself.
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May is a lovely time for northern Vietnam, before the summer humidity fully sets in. Sapa's terraces are vivid green as farmers tend the young rice, and Ha Long Bay is warm and inviting.
Expect the occasional shower, but also long spells of sunshine and beautifully clear post-rain skies.
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May is excellent value, with lower prices and thinner crowds than the high season. Pack a light rain jacket and a dry bag, and plan outdoor activities for the mornings when skies are clearest.
Keep your itinerary a touch flexible so you can enjoy the sunshine whenever it appears.
May rewards travellers who want the region at its lush, uncrowded best. Our small-group trips are timed to chase the sunshine, favouring the islands and northern hills as the mainland greens.
See the departures below and enjoy Southeast Asia with room to breathe.
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