Travel Guide of Visiting Hanoi in May

Hanoi has mostly everything that the northern delta area of Vietnam can offer. From the four seasons weather to the diverse traditional food; from the bustling lifestyle of the capital to the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside… It would be a big loss if you skip Hanoi when you visit Vietnam. In order to help you with your planning, here is what you need to know about Hanoi in May.

1. Hanoi weather in May

Although it is the ending month of springtime, May weather is usually hot due to its significant increase in temperature and precipitation. However, it is still unpredictable because tropical depressions occur, resulting in cold days.

• Rainfall: It usually rains from 10 - 14 days per month. There will also be unexpected downpour occurring a lot during May
• Temperature: Ranges from 25 - 32 degree Celsius (77-90 deg Fahrenheit) 
• Humidity: ranges around 75% creating a hot and humid weather even during nighttime

2. Holidays in May

• 29/04 - 03/05: There will be a long national holiday in the beginning of May from including:
  • Hung Kings Memorial Day (29/04 - 10/03 annually in the Lunar Calendar) 
  • Liberation Day (30/04)
  • International Labor Day (01/05)
  • Because 29 - 30/04 are Saturday and Sunday so the holiday extends to make it up.
• 02 – 18/05: It is also March in the Lunar calendar which is the month of worshiping the Mother Goddesses. Many temples in Hanoi, especially the Tay Ho temple will be crowded and peak on the 4th of May. If you would like to learn deeper about Vietnamese religion and belief, then it is a great opportunity to blend in. But if not, avoid temples on that day.
• 19/05: one of the greatest president Ho Chi Minh’s birthday

3. Preparation for travelling to Hanoi in May

Since may in Hanoi is the beginning of summer with above average heat and sudden showering. Tourists are advised to have summer clothes as well as raincoat with spare clothes to change in case you are soaked, because heavy rain can appear suddenly and usually last for 3-5 min. Besides, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, correct charger adapters are also amongst the essentials.

Please also note that to be able to visit certain worship places in Hanoi, you need to dress up in non revealing clothes. So in order to cope with the weather while still dressing up properly, some long piece of fabric for temporary dress is recommended.

4. What to do and where to go in Hanoi in May?

4.1. History exploring  

Hanoi is interesting. It may be old and crumbling in parts but it’s a city wrought with characters. With its abundance of French colonial, as well as touches of ancient Vietnamese architecture; lakes; and tree-lined boulevards, it's a fun place to experience on foot. Unlike Saigon, it’s a very walkable city and one that you could explore in about two days. There are many historical and cultural places within distance, but to be able to explore from scratch, we advise you to start at the Temple of Literature to learn how Taoism, Confucianism were the main religion of Vietnam way back in the days. Then, pick any temples/pagodas within walking distance to visit and learn how Buddhism slowly planted its roots into traditional culture and bloomed rapidly during the 11th century. Then, take a look inside the Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the “Maison Centrale” or the “Hilton Hotel”. Now a museum, this was once a prison used by French colonists for political prisoners, then later by North Vietnam for US prisoners during the Vietnam War. Besides the places, there are stories and folktales to be told so it is recommended to have a local guide with you to further understand the culture and history.

Furthermore, you can always visit the museums in Hanoi; recently, a lot of museums in Hanoi have been renovated to encourage young people as well as tourists to learn more about our culture and history. For the best experience, I would recommend: Vietnamese’s Women Museum; Museum of Ethnology, National History Museum, Nation Art Museum, …

4.2. Hanoi train street

You may have seen pictures of these train tracks running through a narrow residential corridor on social media. The tracks have become so popular for tourists because the beautiful photos of a narrow corridor seem just wide enough for the train to get through combined with residence dwelling along the side of it.

These are active train tracks which are potentially dangerous; it is why the government had to restrict the area to prevent potential unfortunate incidents. However, if you note the right travel schedule of the train and access the street at the right time, the result will be worth a while.

4.3 Water puppet show

The water puppet show is one of the must watch Vietnamese art shows. It portrays perfectly the traditional life of an ordinary person in Vietnam with a different type of art that is exclusive to our “S – shaped” country. Within the show, there are also traditional music performances such as: “Cheo” and “Red River delta folk songs”. During the show, you will have a choice to rent an audio guide with a brief but to-the-point explanation. So, what are you waiting for? Put it in your must-do list when you plan your trip to Vietnam.

4.4. Food tour

Because of the hot and humid weather, one of the best choices for your time is a food tour/beer tour or a sip of coffee near the lakes of Hanoi such as: West Lake and Hoan Kiem Lake. There is no better feeling than downing that ice cold beer after a long hot day; or waking up with a strong iced coffee. Vietnamese coffee and street food are no stranger to the world. It is famous for its deliciousness, diversity at an affordable price.

Some of the recommended dishes are: Barbeque pork skewer, Chicken/Beef pho (note that we Vietnamese always have 2 option: broth – without broth and I recommend you to try the without broth one for a change!), steam rice pancake, bbq pork with rice vermicelli, sticky rice (with tons of toppings), sweet dessert with coconut milk, and many, many more… 

Most of the good food vendors are located within the Old Quarter so booking in one of many hotels inside the Old Quarter is ideal. You will be able to walk to most of the attractions and taste most of Hanoi’s cuisine. For beer, there are many places to try during the day, but at night, visiting Ta Hien beer street is a must. When the weather cools down a bit, sitting with your pals or soon to be pals on the sidewalk of Ta Hien will be a memory you won’t forget for a while.

4.5. Walking street

During the weekend (starting from Friday evening), a large area of the Old Quarter will be reserved for the walking street; no vehicles, the Hoan Kiem lake surrounding area will be only for walking. There are souvenir shops, food stalls and many other activities available for your choosing. Because of the hot weather, many Vietnamese families will also bring their kids out to enjoy the cool breezes. It will also be a good time for some cultural exchanges.

4.6. Away in May

May is a perfect time to visit this village because the sunshine will perfect your memories with beautiful photos. There are many places around Hanoi that are accessible for tourists such as:

• Bat Trang pottery village: Enjoy a pottery-making activity while you are here, after visiting the Bat Trang pottery museum. You will be able to learn more about Hanoi’s history and culture with hands-on activities. It is a relaxing half day activity that is recommended for family trips.
• Quang Phu Cau incense village: whether or not you have seen those colorful photos of incense bunches, which can be shaped in many forms

• Duong Lam ancient village: Located 50 km (approx. 31 mi) away from the Old Quarter, the village portrays a peaceful picture of a traditional Vietnamese village back in the day. Also, you can try hearty and healthy traditional Vietnamese cuisine during your time here.

5. Transportation of Hanoi in May

Although the traffic in Hanoi is crazy, especially during rush hours. Imagine you are walking on a hot humid summer day, there's a sudden shower pouring down, and you are in the middle of a traffic jam… But not to worry, there are plenty of ways to get around the city, even to the smallest lanes:

• Grab: Grab is a transportation service app which allows you to book a taxi from scooter to 7 seater. It’s a legit app where paying with your card is possible and completely safe so don’t worry if you don’t have any Vietnam Dong with you.
• Bus: Lately, Hanoi has developed a new electric bus system which is very spacious and safe. Along with the traditional ones, the electric bus system will be able to bring you to many places away from the Old Quarter with ease.
• Scooter: If you have your legit license with you, why not rent a scooter to submerge in the madness of Hanoi traffic. It will take a bit of time to get used to it but once you are there, you will fear no other traffic system in the world (apart from Saigon, it’s mad there)
• Bike: To be completely honest, it is not the safest transportation to go around the city center but perfect for the suburban areas. Most homestays away from Hanoi city center offer bike rental services for tourists to enjoy their way in the countryside.
• Private car: to save time, avoid having to book several times everywhere you go, we have an alternate option which gives you more privacy and convenience. It also offers more stopping options and advice on your trip. Last but not least, you will not be afraid of being scammed.

>> See more private excursions from Hanoi

We hope that all of the information given above will be of help to your plan to visit Vietnam in the future. This is only a brief introduction to our lovely capital. There are so many more interesting things waiting for you to explore in Hanoi in May. We hope to see you soon here!