Visiting Vietnam in May

Central Vietnam

There’s a higher chance of rainy days in the Central Highlands, including Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Lak Lake and Dalat, but you can still enjoy getting outdoors and exploring the countryside. If you’re looking for time on the beach, this is the best place for a holiday in Vietnam in May, whether you head to the golden sands of Nha Trang, chilled-out Palm Island, the beach near Hoi An or Phu Loc near Hue.

And it’s a good time to visit Hoi An and Hue after the biggest crowds have left. There’s more rain at Halong Bay, but the longer days mean you have longer to gaze at the views, while the breeze off the water helps cut through the more humid weather.

Elsewhere, rainfall is increasing in both the northern and southern regions, but it’s still more likely to be a mid-afternoon shower than day-long torrential downpours. It’s hot hot hot in the south though, with the showers a welcome relief amid the humidity. Ho Chi Minh City sees its hottest month, as temperatures rocket to around 35C, plus it’s a hot and sticky month to try a Mekong river cruise. But you can still enjoy quieter days on the beaches of the south, including Phu Quoc, Con Dao and Mui Ne if you’re happy to dodge the showers.

North Vietnam

Expect wetter conditions to walk in the north as well, with rainy season firmly underway, although a cruise through Bai Tu Long Bay is tempting, with warmer weather and water if you’re kayaking, and less mist over the water here. It’s best to avoid Ha Giang and the far north, as the weather makes it harder to explore the mountains at this time of year, although you can still find some good trekking in Sapa and around Mu Cang Chai, especially towards the start of the month.

If you’re looking for ways to cool down in the often humid days of summer, you can get out on the water at Ba Be National Park, or trek by rivers and waterfalls at Pu Luong and Ninh Binh. It’s still comparatively dry in Hanoi, although temperatures are spiking to around 33C so sightseeing is getting harder.

Festivals: Phat Dan celebrates the birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha (known as Vesak Day elsewhere in the world) and you can expect to see decorated temples and ceremonies marking the occasion.

Best for: Escaping the crowds, central Vietnam beaches, trekking in parts of north Vietnam