Vietnam in May: Best places to travel
Here, we show you the best places to travel in Vietnam in May – when the sun becomes scorcher and summer is fully covered with a lively and bustling vibe. In addition, once-a-year events are waiting to take you closer to locals and authentic culture!
Weather in North Vietnam in May: sees hot and humid days with some afternoon showers. In lowland areas (Hanoi, Ha Long), temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C, sometimes reaching 40°C. In mountainous regions (Sapa, Ha Giang, Mu Cang Chai), the weather is slightly cooler (average 22°C–35°C), dry and clear with lush green nature, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
Central Vietnam in May: mostly dry along the coast (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue), with warm days between 26°C and 32°C. In the Central Highlands (Da Lat, Gia Lai, Dak Lak), there are more unexpected rains, and the air becomes cooler in the evening and early morning.
Southern Vietnam weather in May: the wet season kicks off with frequent and short tropical downpours. Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta see temperatures from 25°C to 32°C, making sunny mornings and refreshing afternoon rains the norm.
Where to go in Vietnam in May - Top places to travel?
Mu Cang Chai
Mu Cang Chai is our homeland – one of the ideal places to travel in May in Vietnam, We’re sure that it’s enchanting even outside the golden season! Known as home to the most beautiful rice terraces in the world, this land is also charming during the green rice season and water-pouring season – starting this month!
Locals call it “water pouring season” because this is when the rainy season begins. Rainwater, waterfall, and stream flow to the fields for irrigation during the main rice crop of the year. While some fields are green or golden from first cultivation, most terraced fields now display natural brown color, covered with the silver shine of water! Don’t hesitate to experience it during the annual “Paragliding Festival.”
If you prefer slow exploration, try trekking with our local Thai and H’Mong friends – people we’ve worked with for years through a sustainable community tourism project. This amazing journey awaits you!
Lam Thuong
Lam Thuong is another hidden gem we greatly appreciate, highlighted by Nam Chan waterfall – a waterfall that abundantly supplies water to the entire area. Leaving behind the hot city air, the off-the-beaten-track paths here will lead you through bamboo forests, palm forests, across many waterfall branches. Finally, reach a majestic waterfall in the heart of the jungle where you are immersed in cool water as locals.
This area is particularly easy to connect with many unmissable lands. You can stop at Thac Ba – one of Vietnam’s largest artificial lakes, considered as “Ha Long Bay in the mountains” before reaching Lam Thuong (about 90km away).
After spending 1-3 days with the Tay community and their authentic culture, you can easily continue your journey to Sapa (about 170km) or Ha Giang (over 200km). This way, you and your family will have time to slow down and relax during your extended journey.
Join hands in community-based tourism projects in Lam Thuong right here!
Dak Lak
Dak Lak is a perfect destination in Vietnam in May. It’s famous for elephants and coffee – but what else do you know about it? Actually, this land will satisfy any nature lover with its jungles, national parks with rich biodiversity, coffee hills, waterfalls, and the big Serepok river through Vietnam and Cambodia.
In particular, May welcomes a special once-a-year event – Hot Air Balloon Festival. This is your chance to view Dak Lak from above, taking in spectacular, colorful natural scenery. Moreover, let’s spend time connecting with locals through traditional performances, local cuisine, and even venture into villages to understand real local life.
The M’Nong and Ede communities await you with stories, melodies, and flavors echoing ancient cultures. Explore a sample of your journey here!
Cham Islands (Cù Lao Chàm)
Cham Islands (Cù Lao Chàm), just located 15km off the coast of Hoi An, is a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve known for its rich biodiversity! The islands are home to coral reefs, seagrass beds, and about 1,000 marine species — making it an ideal spot for snorkeling and marine experiences.Especially, weather in May will be dry and calm – perfect for you and family to enjoy stunning beaches.
Plus, lots of interesting activities awaiting you: visit traditional fishing villages, explore ancient wells built by the Cham people, or hike through forest trails to discover rare medicinal plants. So, if you wanna avoid the crowds in Hoi An or Danang, boosting connection with nature and local life – Cham Islands will be a perfect choice! Contact us now for a tailored-made itinerary in the Central Vietnam.
Mekong Delta
Entering the rainy season, the Mekong Delta becomes more and more fertile with your favorite fruits! Riding on a traditional boat (sampan) with the locals, you will have a chance to admire the green hue of the rice fields, orchards and coconut trees, and also feel the bustling atmosphere of local life on both sides.
The boat will take you to authentic floating markets, where you can freely choose delicious and juicy fruits and there are certainly many types that are hard to find in other countries. Let’s enjoy: mangosteen, rambutan, longan, dragon fruit, star apple, durian, and jackfruit, etc. We will show you an authentic floating market – Long Xuyen.
Your trip in Vietnam in May is also enriched when you take a bike to the traditional craft villages, meet artisans and firsthand admire traces of the three cultures: Khmer, Kinh, and Chinese from the past. Otherwise, don’t miss the ecosystem world of this land like Tra Su cajuput forest, Tram Chim national park or lotus vast ponds. Deeply discover Mekong Delta right now with your love ones!
Create unforgettable May in Vietnam with DCT Responsible Travel!
Vietnam in May offers amazing places to travel, combining natural beauty and cultural authenticity – from the water-filled rice terraces, hidden waterfalls, to the colorful vibe in Dak Lak, Mekong and beach!
Go with us, you will go closely with communities like Thai, H’Mong, Tay, M’Nong, and Ede, as well as support sustainable initiatives that preserve local traditions and natural environments. So now, ready for your trip? – Contact our planner!
