Exploring Vietnam in May: Top Destinations and Weather Tips
May, marking the transition from spring to summer, is one of the best months to visit Vietnam due to its favorable weather. Temperatures are warm and pleasant, without being too stifling, and rainfall is less frequent compared to the rainy season.
In this article, you'll find all the essential information about Vietnam's weather in May, along with top destinations to visit and exciting activities to enjoy. Don't miss the chance to experience Vietnam at its finest this May!
Written by Tieu Bao (Local Expert)
Updated on May 05, 2025
2 comments
Originally from Vietnam, Tieu Bao spent years in France to pursue his studies. Passionate about travel and adventure, he has discovered all the countries of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Bali, and Burma. Since 2020, he has spent most of his time in Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos to manage Kampá Tour's trips in these countries. Do not hesitate to ask him questions or comments so that he can answer you directly at the bottom of this article.
May is a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to weather in Vietnam. The north, central, and southern regions each feel different, so it’s worth checking what the weather’s like in the places you plan to visit. We’ve put together a simple guide that breaks it all down, which helpful to look at before you start packing.
1.1 Northern Vietnam in May
(Hanoi, Halong Bay, Land Halong Bay, Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Sapa, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Ba Be)
North Vietnam in May is a great place to be. The weather is mostly dry, with plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures, usually around 27°C during the day and 20°C at night. It’s a welcome change from the foggy mornings and scattered rain in March and April.
This time of year is best for outdoor travel. You can hike in the hills of Sapa, walk through green rice terraces, take a cruise in Halong Bay, or explore Hanoi’s old streets without the heat getting in the way.
(Phong Nha National Park, Hue Ancient Imperial Capital, Hoi An Ancient Town, Danang City)
Central Vietnam in May is a great time to visit, especially if you're heading for the beach. The weather is warm and sunny, and the sea is just right for swimming or water activities.
It’s also a quieter time for travel, with fewer tourists than in the peak summer months. You’ll find the beaches more peaceful, with plenty of space to relax.
The Golden Bridge in Danang
Hoi An and Da Nang usually see clear skies and average daytime temperatures around 30°C. Even further north in Hue, the weather stays pleasant, making it a good time for both beach days and cultural visits.
Southern Vietnam in May
(Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Highlands, Mui Ne, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Con Dao and Phu Quoc)
South Vietnam in May sees the beginning of the rainy season, with more frequent showers as the month goes on. The average temperature is around 28°C, and although the rain tends to come in short bursts during the afternoon, it’s still a good idea to carry a light raincoat or umbrella when you're out.
The beauty of Nha Trang in May
That said, not all coastal areas are affected in the same way. Beaches in central-southern Vietnam, such as Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Mui Ne, and Con Dao, generally stay dry and are great for swimming and snorkeling in May.
Further south, though, places like Phu Quoc Island start to experience heavier rains and rougher seas, so it’s not the best time to visit those areas.
2. Where to go to Vietnam in May?
2.1 The Northern Mountainous
If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam in May and love nature and quiet places, head north to the rice terraces of Hoang Su Phi in Ha Giang. This is the season when farmers start planting rice. The fields are full of water and reflect the sky, making the whole area feel calm and almost untouched.
The flooded season or poured water season in Hoang Su Phi - Spring
You can visit villages like Ban Phung, Ban Luoc, or Sa San Ho, where ethnic communities like the Nung, Dao, and La Chi still live in stilt houses. The weather is good this time of year. It’s not too hot, not rainy, which makes it easy to walk around, even if you’re not a big hiker.
Further south in Yen Bai province, Mu Cang Chai is a more well-known spot, especially for photography. The terraces there start to fill with water in May too, creating soft curves across the hills. Places like Khau Pha Pass, La Pan Tan, and Tu Le are simple but beautiful, and worth seeing if you want a slower pace and fresh mountain air.
Don’t skip Mai Chau on your journey to Vietnam in May. This peaceful valley is surrounded by green hills and rice fields, where the stilt houses of the Thai and Muong ethnic groups blend naturally into the landscape. It’s a quiet and scenic place, perfect if you’re looking to slow down.
A peaceful village in Mai Chau
One way to enjoy the area is by walking along the river between Buoc and Mai Hich. It’s a good chance to take in the views and maybe stop for tea with locals who still live in traditional wooden houses at the foot of the mountains.
May is also a great time for cycling. You can ride from Ban Lac to Van village, passing through Naphon, and see bamboo-covered hills and green rice paddies stretching out in every direction.
If you’re in Mai Chau at the right time, you might witness a local rain-calling ceremony held by the Thai community. It usually happens around the third or fourth lunar month in My Hoa commune, near Bai Tech Lim. Visitors are welcome to join, with singing, games, and a friendly village atmosphere.
It's impossible to visit Vietnam in May without stopping at this dazzling paradise on earth. Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Wonders of Nature, is an even more splendid must-see at this time of year. Reeds glide between limestone peaks in crystal-clear waters of an unforgettable turquoise blue.
The weather in Halong Bay in May is very pleasant
This is also a good time for kayaking. The sea is warm, around 30°C, and the water stays calm, which makes it easy to explore small caves or quiet corners of the bay’s 2,000 islets. Swimming and beach stops are comfortable, and there’s usually plenty of sunshine.
You can also climb up to one of the viewpoints for a wide view over the islands. And in the evening, it’s worth finding a quiet spot to watch the sunset. It’s simple, peaceful, and one of the moments that makes Halong Bay so memorable.
2.4 Ninh Binh
You might know Vietnam for its endless rice fields, but if you want to see them up close in a calm, authentic setting, Ninh Binh in May is the place to go. Hop on a small boat and drift through quiet rivers, golden rice paddies, and limestone cliffs. The green from the mountains mixes with soft yellow fields, and you’ll pass by caves that feel hidden from the rest of the world.
Take a boat trip to discover the landscapes of rivers, ripe rice fields and limestone rocks in Tam Coc
Later in the day, take a bike and ride through the nearby villages. You’ll catch a glimpse of daily countryside life during the rice harvest season. A good way to wrap up the ride is to stop by the Jade Pagoda, built inside a cave. It’s best to go in the late afternoon, when the air cools down and the site is quieter.
Hoi An is easily one of the most charming cities in Vietnam in May, with its unique architecture showing the blend between Eastern and Western influences. While the weather is very pleasant, the old town can get crowded with domestic tourists in the afternoon, so it’s best to visit early in the morning to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and local life.
Hoi An Old Town
The surrounding landscape is just as inviting. A bike ride through the organic village of Tra Que, known for its aromatic herbs, followed by a cooking session using vegetables from the garden, is a must-do experience when visiting Hoi An in May.
And it’s worth mentioning the beautiful beaches just outside the town of lanterns. You can relax at An Bang or Cua Dai, or take a boat to the Cham Islands, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve located about 90 minutes from Hoi An. Once a key stop on the Champa Kingdom’s ancient maritime route, the islands offer wild beaches, seafood markets, fishing village visits, and the chance to swim in the clear, blue water.
An Bang Beach
2.6 Nha Trang
Nha Trang is a coastal destination known for its white sand beaches, clear waters, and year-round sunny weather. In May, you can enjoy warm days and quiet moments by the sea. Start your day with a visit to the Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute, founded by the French in 1922. It offers a closer look at marine species from Vietnam and beyond.
Diep Son Island and the underwater passage
Then head to the Po Nagar site, a remnant of the ancient Champa Kingdom. A sea trip to Whale Island is a great chance to swim and snorkel with basic gear. Nha Trang’s spas are also well known for their mud baths, often chosen for their health benefits. To end the day, visit Long Son Pagoda, set on a hill overlooking the city, offering wide views of the area.
2.7 Da Nang
June in Da Nang is warm, sunny, and generally dry, a good time to be outside. You can spend the day at the beach, eat fresh seafood by the water, or just walk around and enjoy the mix of old buildings and modern cafés. Non-Nuoc Beach is a nice spot if you’re looking to relax. The sand’s soft, the water’s clear, and it’s usually not too crowded.
2.8 Mui Ne
Mui Ne is also the perfect destination for those looking for a relaxing seaside holiday in May. Not only will you be able to enjoy beautiful white sand beaches under the Southeast Asian sun, but also stunning sand dunes that resemble the Sahara desert, creating a unique landscape. Imagine yourself lying on the soft sand, while the warm sun of the South China Sea touches your skin, surrounded by the quiet that only the Vietnamese coast can offer.
The picturesque fishing villages, with their colorful boats heading out to sea, complete the landscape and offer a calm but lively atmosphere. This is a good place to relax, but also to get a glimpse of everyday local life.
If you’re into water sports, Mui Ne has a lot to offer. From windsurfing to kitesurfing, the calm and warm waters are great for all levels.
Also, one of the best things about Mui Ne is that it’s a place you can visit any time of year. It’s not exposed to typhoons, so it’s a good option if you want sun and beach without having to think too much about the weather.
2.9 Mekong Delta
May is a great time to visit the Mekong Delta. It’s right between the dry and rainy seasons, so the heat starts to ease, making it more comfortable to explore. This is also when the orchards begin to harvest, and you’ll see plenty of fresh tropical fruits many of which you can taste right at the source.
One of the highlights is visiting the floating markets. You’ll ride through small canals in traditional boats, watching how vendors trade directly on the water. It’s a simple but colorful way to see local life up close.
Tourists on boat trip in the Mekong Delta
The region is also known for its Khmer-style temples and pagodas, offering a glimpse into local beliefs and customs. It’s a good chance to learn about the religious traditions that shape the communities here.
If you’re after something more down to earth, take a rickshaw ride through quiet village streets. And don’t skip the food. Dishes like lẩu mắm, bánh xèo, and seafood salads with shrimp, fish, or even jellyfish are part of what makes the Mekong special.
For an even deeper experience, consider staying with a local family. A homestay here gives you a front-row view of everyday life and the chance to enjoy the kind of hospitality that makes this region so warm and welcoming.
3. Vietnam's neighboring countries to explore in May
Vietnam shares its borders with Cambodia and Laos, two equally beautiful countries. Cambodia, with its famous Angkor temples and idyllic beaches like those on Koh Rong, offers an unforgettable experience. Laos, on the other hand, is recognized as one of the most peaceful countries in Southeast Asia, rich in culture and breathtaking landscapes. And Thailand, with its spectacular beaches and tasty cuisine, is another ideal option.
May is a great time to explore this region of Indochina, with a sunny climate and little chance of rain. This is the perfect opportunity to optimize your trip by visiting three destinations in one go. For more tour ideas, check out:
Early May is a little colder than April, Cambodia is largely dry with isolated showers becoming more frequent as the month goes on. Because of this, it's a fantastic time to visit Angkor Wat sans the throngs of the busiest season. As Thailand moves into the rainy season, places like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the Gulf islands (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao) continue to see sunshine and the occasional cool shower.
Because of this, May is the ideal month to travel to two, three, or perhaps all four of these countries in order to completely experience the colorful celebrations.
In conclusion, visiting Vietnam in May is an unforgettable experience for lovers of natural landscapes, culture and relaxation. So, pack your bags and set off to discover this country of a thousand wonders!
>>> See more about things to do in Vietnam by month:
Hello, I would like to know what the weather will be like in May in Vietnam this year 2025, more particularly in the south of the country. Is it a good time for a seaside holiday? I hesitate between the south coast and Halong Bay. Do you have a 12-day itinerary to suggest to us? Thank you in advance.
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Tieu Bao05 May 2025
Hello Irene, as described above, it will start to get hot in the north in May, as it is the beginning of summer. Temperatures are around 30-35 degrees. According to the weather forecast, it will be quite warm this year. In the south, it is the end of the dry season and the beginning of the monsoon, but the weather is still sunny and pleasant. Halong Bay, located in the north, is known more for its cruises than for its beaches. We recommend spending your relaxing beach time in the south, on its coastal coast (Mui Ne, Nha Trang) or on an offshore island (Con Dao, Phu Quoc).
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Hello Irene, as described above, it will start to get hot in the north in May, as it is the beginning of summer. Temperatures are around 30-35 degrees. According to the weather forecast, it will be quite warm this year. In the south, it is the end of the dry season and the beginning of the monsoon, but the weather is still sunny and pleasant. Halong Bay, located in the north, is known more for its cruises than for its beaches. We recommend spending your relaxing beach time in the south, on its coastal coast (Mui Ne, Nha Trang) or on an offshore island (Con Dao, Phu Quoc).
Here is a suggestion for your stay: Vietnam 2 weeks!