The Complete Guide to Visit Vietnam in May

Vietnam in May experienced the change from spring to summer, with a good deal of rainfall and high temperatures in most regions of the country. Hanoi and the north remain moderate temperature and perfect for active adventures, while Central and southern Vietnam start the steamy wet season. With relatively few visitors this month, May offers plenty of reasons to visit, including many days of sunshine. To know more detailed information and travel tips, keep on reading.

Things to know when you visit Vietnam in May

1. Vietnam Weather in May

1.1. Northern Vietnam

Popular destinations in the north of Vietnam include Hanoi, Halong Bay, Cat Ba, Sapa, Ha Giang, Mu Cang Chai, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau.

In the North, the weather is getting hot but still comfortable, less humid and misty. The temperature in Hanoi ranges between 75°F (24°C) and 90°F (32°C). With lots of sunshine without the scorching heat, May is a good time to visit Hanoi and its famous surrounding destinations such as Ninh Binh, Halong Bay. In the northern mountains, Ha Giang starts to see more rain while the Sapa and Mu Cang Chai are still predominantly dry, with an average temperature of around 68°F (19°C) - 76°F (24°C).

Bird's eye view of Nho Que River

1.2. Central Vietnam

This part of Vietnam includes famous destinations like Phong Nha, Hoi An, Danang, Hue, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Dalat & Central Highlands.

The Central Vietnam coast is protected by the Truong Son mountain range, so in the summer months (May through September), the area receives relatively little rain. Temperature and humidity rise when you move southward.The beaches between the coastal line of Hue and Nha Trang are still tempting, with average daily temperatures of around 86°F (30°C). The low rainfall along with long hours of sunshine promise you a great trip to the coastal city from Danang to Nha Trang and Mui Ne. The Central Highlands begin to feel the effect of the southwest monsoon. In Dalat, the rainfall is increasing although far from its peak and you can still expect plenty of dry spells.

Danang Golden Bridge

1.3. Southern Vietnam

Southern Vietnam includes famous destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne, Mekong Delta, Vung Tau, Con Dao & Phu Quoc.

If you consider a trip in the southern part of Vietnam, you will find early-mid May better than the later. With an average temperature at 86°F (30°C), May is on a quite steady strike with April and June, there is very little difference between these months. The humidity is consistantly low. Rain tends to fall in the afternoon, often comes and goes in a flash, heavy downpours. The Mekong Delta expects plenty of dry spells, and more rainfall. Con Dao and Phu Quoc start their rainy seasons so you should prepare your rain gear.

Mui Ne beach

2. Travel costs and tourist flow in May

Weather-wise, May is a good time to visit Vietnam, not to mention lower international tourist traffic and many travel promotions.

Some beach resorts in Hoi An, Danang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc offer great deals in May onward as tourism thins out. Planning your trip well in advance can save as much as 15% of accommodation.

Early May marks the end of the peak travel season, with most parts of the country still attractive. You can still enjoy basking on the sandy beaches but without the crowds of earlier in the year. Vietnamese families are going to travel from late May when the school holidays begin. The popular beaches, top museums and other tourist attractions are not yet crowded. The exception is the May 1st holiday when a vast number of Vietnamese go out for sightseeing that for many locals extends to four days.

Hoi An Old Town

3. Best places to visit in Vietnam in May

May is generally an ideal time to pick any Vietnam’s destination for your travel route, you can almost decide at your free will. We will suggest the best places for you to review.

3.1. Halong Bay

Halong Bay for a long time always ranked high on the travel bucket list of many wanderlusts. Besides, you can consider taking a journey to less touristy Lan Ha Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay. The Bay is quite large and best to enjoy on a cruise trip. The cruise takes you around the magnificent limestone islets and grottos. On the way, you can dock at the famous Titov Island, Sung Sot cave, Thien Cung cavern. Take a few steps through these caves to admire the natural beauty. The May weather is good for swimming and kayaking. You will fully appreciate the majestic landscape in this part of Vietnam. If the time allows, you can extend your trip to 3 days.

Lan Ha Bay

3.2. Hoi An

The glorious sunshine and little rain are the great reasons to visit the UNESCO-listed site, Hoi An Old Town. It is still not packed with domestic and international tourists. Thu Bon river twinkles in the evening with hundreds of colourful paper lanterns. To know more about art and culture of the city, go to the Hoi An museum, Assembly Hall, and Heritage art gallery. Don’t forget to get a quick tailor-made clothing from a local shop. Nightlife in Hoi An offers a variety of bars, restaurants and street activities. Other major attractions are Cam Thanh village, Bay Mau coconut village, and Tra Que herbal garden. Hoi An food is also among the most mouth-watering Vietnamese delicacies, so worth trying.

For beach lovers, Cua Dai beach and An Bang beach are just a few minutes cycling from the town centre. Sometimes, you can get a free bike or shuttle bus from your hotel.

Bay Mau water coconut village

>> See more: Things to do in Hoi An for a memorable trip

3.3. Hue

Visit Hue in May, you can enjoy your vacation with less tourist flow in even famous sightseeings such as Thien Mu Pagoda, Imperial Citadel, and plenty of royal tombs. Hue is well-known for its preserved royal architecture, rich culture and notable cuisine. Sunny days during this time will make the attractions more stunning and favourable to enjoy.

Hue Citadel

>> See more: Must-see tourist attractions in Hue city

3.4. Ninh Binh

Travel about only two hours by car from Hanoi, you reach Ninh Binh, which used to be the capital of Vietnam. Visiting Ninh Binh in May, you will have a chance to enjoy the landscape at one of its excellent times, with green rice paddies turning golden. Trang An can be explored by a boat following the peaceful river. Conquering Hang Mua cave, you will have a bird eye view of the immense rice paddies below your feet.

Another most-well known for May is the butterfly season in Cuc Phuong National Park, such an adventurous choice for wildlife lovers to add on the travel route. You may count your luck to see them in nature, but certainly eye-to-eye encounter the lovely animal at the Endangered Primate Rescue Center.

Travel tips: Wear a good hiking shoes, bring plenty of water and apply the mosquito repellent before entering the national park

3.5. Mu Cang Chai

Located to the northeast of Vietnam, Mu Cang Chai in May is one of the most amazing places to admire the terraced rice field. Those who are into nature and photography will find the field lushly green and the water running gradually from terrace to terrace. Moreover, if you are interested in the culture of hill tribe villages, you should never miss Mu Cang Chai in May.

Mu Cang Chai water season

3.6. Pu Luong

Pu Luong is among prominent photogenic places to explore the authentic local beauty. Pu Luong in May provides you with a refreshing getaway from the crowds. Its scenic rivers along with its splendid mountain range and waterfalls offer you a great opportunity to have an insight into Vietnamese nature. Moreover, the terraced fields are turning from green to golden. If you are lucky, you wake up early at 5:30 am to see the sunrise and the sea of white clouds. Especially, ethnic people in Pu Luong are especially friendly. You may like to stay overnight at a local house, enjoy their original food and drinks.

Pu Luong homestay

3.7. Nha Trang

If you are looking for a great beach escape, look no further than Nha Trang and try to schedule your time on weekdays to avoid crowds rushing from urban cities. With not much rain until the last few days of the month and the heat is still not severe, Nha Trang in May is great for a medley of watersport and beach activities from kayaking, water-skiing, kite-surfing to parasailing, snorkelling and scuba diving. There are a great deal of hotels and resorts’ promotions trying to balance their occupancy.

Snorkeling in Nha Trang

3.8. Phu Quoc

Paradise-like Phu Quoc island is the main stop for many visitors during November to April, and in this May it still does not reduce its hot fame for a medley of fabulous sandy beaches and turquoise sea water. Spend a few days of your trip to immerse yourself in the sea, join in a wide range of beach activities such as sailing, snorkelling, swimming and even massage. Beside well-known beaches of Bai Truong, Bai Sao, Khem and Ong Lang, you can drop a visit to Duong Dong town for eateries and shopping at Duong Dong night market, where you can buy souvenirs made from pearls.

4. Vietnamese holidays & festivals in May, 2024 (updated by year)

International Labor Day (1/5/2024) is an essential long holiday in Vietnam, combined with April 30th. During this time, Vietnamese people make their holiday to the beaches and other getaway destinations. Prepare yourselves as the airport and hotel can be crowded.

Vesak – Celebrating Buddha’s Birthday (23/5/2024). Vesak is the festival commemorating Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death. In Vietnam, many festivals are held around this day to make special efforts for looking back at ourselves and bringing happiness to everyone.

Vesak commemorated in Tam Chuc Pagoda

5. Great Itineraries to Vietnam in May

Hanoi & vicinity family holiday - 05 Days: Your children will enjoy the sightseeing, entertainment and relaxation with adults. This package is designed with many activities to learn about local culture, cuisine and even ancient art forms

Hanoi - Mai Chau - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay | Authentic Experience - 07 Days: Explore Northern Vietnam in a unique way with this unforgettable experience. Starting from Hanoi to the mountainous region of Mai Chau, travellers will admire the natural beauty on the route. Less touristy Lan Ha Bay is also included in the itinerary.

From Hanoi to Saigon: Essential Vietnam Discovery & Phu Quoc Beach Break | Classic Tour - 15 Days: Discover Vietnam’s key destinations. Prepare to be immersed in the rich history and diverse cultures of Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Danang and bustling Ho Chi Minh city. Finish your vacation with some leisure days in Phu Quoc islands.

In general, Vietnam in May is worth visiting as the weather is quite pleasant throughout the country, before it turns into summer. You can always find many interesting things to do during the month. We hope that our information about weather and crowd can help you in arranging your best Vietnam travel itinerary.