Vietnam in May 2025: A Pleasant Time to Travel

Even in the transition season like May, Vietnam is still fascinating. Travel in May can expect warm temperatures and a mix of sunshine and drizzle. It's perfect for exploring outdoor activities, stunning scenery, and vibrant festivals May offers. Plus, with reasonable prices and tranquil crowds, you can travel with ease and relaxation. Come and reveal the magic Vietnam tour with us.

Vietnam Weather in May

Travel in May to Vietnam encounters the transitional time from spring to summer. The weather with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 33°C is generally warm and humid. 

Vietnam Weather Map in May

Northern Vietnam, including popular destinations like Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, and Sapa, enjoys warm and dry weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking in the terraced fields of Sapa. Central Vietnam, with destinations such as Hue and Nha Trang, boasts sunny beaches and pleasant conditions. Southern Vietnam sees a mix of sunny and rainy days, perfect for exploring Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.

Crowds and Costs

Travel in May to Vietnam is a budget-friendly month as hotel and flight prices drop after peak season. With fewer crowds around, it's an ideal month for leisure activities. You can also enjoy better service, smoother traffic, and quieter attractions. However, popular destinations like Hanoi and Ha Long Bay may remain expensive with a vibrant atmosphere.

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Where to Go In May

Hanoi

Travel in May to Hanoi witnesses a transition from spring to summer. The warm and humid weather won't affect your outdoor activities. From the iconic Hanoi Opera House to the Hoa Lo prison, every corner of Hanoi lies classic charm. You can also visit Hoan Kiem Lake, which has emerald waters that offer a refreshing break. For a more vibrant experience, make sure to indulge in the Old Quarter and Hanoi Train Street.

Old Quarter, Hanoi

Ha Long Bay

With warm and sunny weather, travel in May to Ha Long Bay is a pleasure. Under the clear blue sky, you're free to immerse yourself in water activities and cave discoveries. Explore the floating fishing villages that showcase the authentic Vietnamese lifestyle or admire the stunning scenery of Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay. No matter what you do, Ha Long Bay will surely leave you an unforgettable journey.

Ha Long Bay

Hoi An

As summer is just around the corner, travel in May offers the perfect blend of comfort and dryness. Once a renowned trading port, the city is influenced by exotic cultures. Historic architecture in Eastern and Western styles is the best proof. Taking a sunset boat ride along the Thu Bon River is the best way to immerse yourself in the city's magical atmosphere. When you're strolling around, don't forget to try traditional clothes making.

Hoi An

Nha Trang

When traveling in May, this beautiful coastal city truly shines as a beach destination. Nha Trang Beach and Doc Let Beach allow you to enjoy water activities. In Hon Chong Beach, you can see the unusual layout of rocks in Hon Chong Promontory. Indulging in diving and seafood tasting would be a delight, and you'll have a blast enjoying mud baths in Thap Ba Hot Spring Centre and visiting Po Nagar Cham Towers.

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Sapa

Sapa offers an escape from the heat when traveling in May. The weather is pleasant and relatively cool, suitable for outdoor activities. Sapa is famous for its rice terraces covering the mountain from top to bottom. Getting to the top of Fansipan Mountain on a cable car offers a majestic view, even on cloudy days. Besides natural beauty, you can also explore its unique culture by visiting minority villages and local markets.

Sapa

What to Do & See in May

Boat Cruising in Ha Long Bay

Boasting enormous islands, caves, and floating villages, Ha Long Bay has limitless charm. When traveling in May, you can not only experience what Ha Long Bay has to offer, but also enjoy leisure time on the boat.

During your cruise, you'll indulge in kayaking, diving, exploring caves, and island hopping. Or you can simply stay on your cruise and enjoy the beautiful landscapes. With the serene waters and clear skies of May, your visit to Ha Long Bay will be precious and unforgettable.

Create Your Own Vietnamese Clothing

As Vietnamese clothing comes with significant characteristics, why not create your own Vietnamese clothing when traveling in May?

With a heritage in textile production and skilled tailors, Hoi An is considered to be the best place for clothing made. Take a stroll around Hoi An Ancient Town to encounter some clothing shops around for decades. Having designers create the one and only Vietnamese clothing for you is new and exciting. With bargaining price and comfortable fabrics, there's no better souvenir to take home than a tailor-made piece.

Traditional Vietnamese Clothing

Try Your First Mud Bath

Traveling in May to Vietnam is perfect for relaxation seekers. Picture yourself in a cozy mud tub, allowing your body and mind to unwind. There's nothing compared to the comfort of a mud bath brings.

One of the best places to experience mud baths is in Nha Trang, which ranges from private to family-sized. The tubs are placed outdoors, surrounded by greenery and flowers. The mud used in a mud bath is known for its detoxification, skin protection, and muscle pain reduction. The pleasant feeling and intimate service make every visit a memorable one.

Festivals and Events in May

Hue Festival

When traveling in May, discover Vietnamese culture and history with a list of exciting celebrations. Every other year, Hue holds a magnificent event along the Perfume River and city.

Unique events like the Hue Poetry Festival and Ao Dai fashion shows will be held. Sporting activities like human chess and boat racing will have your heart racing, while street performances, art exhibitions, and movies will immerse you in the vibrant festive vibe.

Hoi An Lantern Festival

On the 14th day of every lunar month, Hoi An ancient town transformed into a magical wonderland filled with vibrant and colorful lanterns. During the event, people would turn off the electric lights, allowing lanterns to light up the town.

Not only the lantern lights but also the vibrant activities filling up the street. During your travel in May, you can enjoy the lively music and poetry of Bai Choi, paper board games and taste delicious local cuisine in the ancient town.

Lanterns in Hoi An

Vesak

Also known as the Buddha's birthday, Vesak celebrates Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death. Buddhists will be offering respect and love to the Buddha by decorating temples and recreating scenes of the Buddha's life. On May 23rd, 2024, locals and visitors can expect vegetarian meals, simple parades, and lantern ceremonies during the event. It's a perfect time to look closely at Vietnamese religious culture when traveling in May.

Ho Chi Minh's Birthday

Every 19th of May, the whole country is decorated with red flags, banners, and billboards to celebrate President Ho Chi Minh's birthday.

Every year, the country will become a unique blend of exhibitions and vibrant performances honoring President Ho. However, celebrations vary each year. While strolling around the street, you may encounter beautiful flower offerings.

Vietnam Travel Tips in May

Release Lanterns at Hoi An Lantern Festival

When traveling in May for this event, releasing paper flower lanterns is the most anticipated activity during the Hoi An Lantern Festival. These beautiful lanterns can be purchased at the riverbank. To travel along the river, you can rent a sampan boat. It can take you to the ideal releasing place. In Vietnamese culture, each lantern represents one wish for health, happiness, and wealth. Taking part in the activity is perfect to immerse yourself in the festive mood.

Eat As the Locals Do

Savoring local dishes is a must-do for traveling anywhere. And travel in May to Vietnam is no exception. To fully immerse yourself in local foodie culture, it's better to understand Vietnamese eating habits. One of the eating habits of local people is eating early. Most Vietnamese are early risers, so breakfast time begins early in the day. Lunch and dinner follow a similar pattern. If you miss meal time, you can always find late-night snacks in night markets.

Vietnamese Spring Rolls With Meatballs

Decide the Exact Bay for Your Cruise

While Ha Long Bay is a popular destination for cruises, there are two other destinations to consider when travel in May.

Going south from Ha Long Bay is Lan Ha Bay, and going further to the east is the Bai Tu Long Bay. Even though they share the same geological features, the experience is different. Ha Long Bay is more developed and touristy, while the other two offer more tranquil and pristine scenery. While planning for your cruise, you can consider where to visit based on your interest.

Let's Explore the World Together

Isn't it exciting to travel in May to Vietnam? Why not venture to other destinations with us? Contact us and let's design your dream trip together.