Planning your Vietnam trip 2026? May is one of the best months to experience the country at its finest. As spring shifts into summer, the north turns warm and lush, central Vietnam welcomes sunshine after the rains, and the south invites you with perfect tropical beach days. It’s also a wonderful time to enjoy colorful festivals, pleasant weather, and fewer crowds before the busy summer season. Whether you’re dreaming of a short getaway or a longer journey, May offers the perfect balance of culture, adventure, and relaxation.
Weather in Vietnam in May
May in Vietnam is a beautiful time to travel, offering a mix of warm sunshine, vibrant landscapes, and just the right touch of seasonal variety across the regions.
- North (Hanoi, Mai Chau, Halong Bay): The north enjoys pleasantly warm days ranging from 25–32°C (77–89°F). Rice paddies in the countryside turn a vivid green, and mountain views are especially clear. While you may encounter the occasional light shower, it often feels refreshing, cooling the air and adding to the lush scenery.
- Central (Phong Nha, Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang): Central Vietnam becomes hotter and drier, with plenty of sunshine — perfect for beach lovers and adventurers. This is the best time to explore caves in Phong Nha, stroll through imperial cities like Hue, or relax along the sandy shores of Da Nang and Nha Trang.
- South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc, Chau Doc): The south is hot and humid, with temperatures between 28–35°C (82–95°F). However, this period marks the start of fruit season, turning markets into a colorful, flavorful experience. Floating markets in the Mekong Delta are especially lively, offering an authentic glimpse into local life.
👉 Packing tip: To make the most of your journey, bring light and breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, plenty of sunscreen, and a light raincoat to stay prepared for sudden tropical showers.
Best places to visit in May in Vietnam
Northern Vietnam
Mai Chau – Hoa Binh
May in Vietnam reveals Mai Chau’s charm: stilt houses, fields, and peaceful trails.
Mai Chau is an ideal destination for those who love nature or look for a peaceful place away from the hustle and bustle urban life. Only 2 hours getting from Hanoi by cars, Mai Chau valley is the home of the Thai ethnic group, mostly in Lac village, Van village … From above, this place looks like a watercolor painting with vastness of space between earth and sky, mountains and rivers. This is a must-visit destination on your trip to Northern Vietnam.
Thai Rain Festival fills villages with music, blessings, and laughter in May in Vietnam.
You can see in the photo is Thai’s pray for rain ceremony – Mai Chau District, Hoa Binh Province. Thai Festival for rain in Mai Chau is opened on the night of the red moon halo in March and April (lunar calendar). People are going to sing for rain and relay torch around the village.
Ha Long – Cat Ba
May in Vietnam reveals Ha Long Bay’s limestone islands, calm seas, and sunshine.
This World Heritage Site is also known as the jewel of Vietnam tourist sites that will make your Vietnam family vacation a memorable experience with its majestic bay and mysterious caves. On your 2 days in Halong, you will have a chance to swim in the emerald green waters, discover the extraordinary landscape, enjoy the delicious seafood cooked and served by the skillful cooks while admiring one of the most beautiful and romantic natural sites in the world.
Cat Ba is an island connected to Halong Bay that has many fascinating sea caves. Here visitors can enjoy the fresh air and assimilate themselves into the beautiful nature.
Central Vietnam
Phong Nha – Ke Bang
Located 50km far from Dong Hoi town, Phong Nha – Tien Son has 13000 meter length including 14 beautiful caves formed by the underground river dissolving limestone such as Ca Ron cave, Dark cave and Dome cave… There are many beautiful stalactites hanging down at the entrance of the caves.
Adventure awaits in Phong Nha’s mysterious caves during May in Vietnam travels.
Phong Nha Cave (also known as the wet cave) and Tien Son (also known as the dry cave) are at the same location. Visiting time takes approximately 3 hours for 1 cave and 4.5 hours for 2 caves. Sailing through these caves will provide an unforgettable impression to the tourists with natural landscapes of two majestic rivers with unique blue-green water on their Vietnam tour.
Nha Trang
If Da Lat is “the Kingdom of Flowers” then Nha Trang is “the Heaven of Beaches”. On your Vietnam beach vacation, you can roam freely on the white sandy beach, drown in hot mineral springs and mud pools, get immersed in cool-air water of thousand rays. In addition, your children will have the chance to explore a lot of interesting outdoor games at Vinpearl Land. Also, your family can be hand in hand exploring the exciting world of water at Tri Nguyen Aquarium, breathing in the cool air falls Ta Gu, Yang Bay waterfall or learning of the mysterious of Ponagar tower.
Relax and soak up the sun on Nha Trang Beach, May in Vietnam.
Southern Vietnam
Can Tho
Can Tho is famous for its white rice and fresh water that you cannot miss on your trip to Southern Vietnam. Here you can visit Cai Rang floating market with fruit orchards around the year. Especially when in summer, you can visit any garden and taste all the juicy fruits of the land. On the occasion of December and April fifteenth, there are 2 major festivals: Binh Thuy’s Temple celebration and Ha Dien & Thuong Dien ceremony.
Chau Doc – An Giang
Sam Mountain and other mountain regions belong to the Seven Mountains area. They are the scenic destinations in the Southwestern Vietnam’s border with Cambodia neighborhood. There are over 200 temples, pagodas and temples in this land. They are scattered at the foot of the mountain and on top of the ridge. On the top of the mountain remains a fortress built by the French.
From April to lower lunar annually, Seven Mountains area of An Giang province gets ever more crowded. Tourists come here to admire its famous landmarks and participate in the female God of Sam mountain ceremony. It is a national festival.
May in Vietnam brings the vibrant Female God Sam Mountain Ceremony to life.
This year, the female God of Sam mountain ceremony is going to take place from 20/5 to 24/05. The celebration includes many cultural activities such as the Easter show She statue; She bathing ceremony; appeal Shen Thoai Ngoc Hau identity ceremony, identity parade and all the Thoai Ngoc Hau’s wife and two of Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb (Son tomb) on Temple. Following is the TucYet ceremony (character and conduct of offering worship) and feast on “Building flanking” opening for Hat Boi in Vo Ca of Temple; HoiSac and ChanhTe ceremony.
May in Vietnam invites travelers to explore the serene beauty of Hang Pagoda.
Hang Pagoda, also known as Phuoc Dien Tu, is located at Sam mountainside (Son Vinh Te), Chau Doc. Hang Pagoda presents the scenic beauty of An Giang province. It is one of the most famous national historical sites in Vietnam.
Suggested Vietnam itinerary for May
Planning your journey around the seasonal highlights in May can make your Vietnam adventure truly unforgettable. Each region has something unique to offer, and you can design your trip to match the time you have available.
- Northern Itinerary (4–5 days): Begin in Hanoi, where the Old Quarter buzzes with culture and street food. Head to Mai Chau for peaceful rice valleys and ethnic villages, then cruise through the emerald waters and limestone cliffs of Halong Bay.
- Central Itinerary (5–6 days): Discover the imperial city of Hue, explore the dramatic caves of Phong Nha, and enjoy Da Nang’s coastal charm. Don’t miss the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and the sunny beaches of Nha Trang.
- Southern Itinerary (4–5 days): Experience the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, then journey into the Mekong Delta. Visit Can Tho’s floating markets, Chau Doc’s riverside culture, and discover tropical islands nearby.
- Extended Journey (10–14 days): Combine north, central, and south for a complete and well-rounded Vietnam experience in May.
Vietnam in May at a glance
Traveling through Vietnam in May means enjoying a mix of cultural festivals, natural beauty, and perfect weather for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re trekking in Mai Chau, cruising Ha Long Bay, exploring caves in Phong Nha, relaxing on Nha Trang’s beaches, or tasting fruit in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam tours in May offer experiences for every type of traveler.
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