The first month of the summer, May does not have too overheated weather. Northern part of Vietnam sees a mild rise in temperature to about 32 Celcius degree while the central and Southern neighbour cities and provinces may have up to 35 Celcius degree. All of Vietnam, however, gets more humid which may tire the most energetic traveller in certain days. Load up on water and light clothes if you head to Vietnam in May.
What to expect if you travel to Vietnam in May
International Labour Day is a public holiday in Vietnam and often merged with April 30th to become a long holiday. This is a time when domestic tourists vacate the cities either to the beach or mountain retreat or even abroad. This may be a great time for those visiting Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City as they return to their most normal and calm state. A walking or biking tour will be at its best during this first 2 days of the month.
Another important and widely celebrated day is May 19th, Uncle Ho’s birthday. It is better memorized than his death anniversary which is in September.There are candle vigils taking place throughout the country and especially in his birthplace in Kim Lien Village of Nghe An. It is a day when everyone from young kindergarten children to middle-aged housewives commemorates and shows respect to the Great Father of Vietnam.
Closer to the end of the month, school years are to end and Vietnamese families start taking off for their holiday. Domestic season often starts in late May and lasts until late August.
* May 1: International Labour Day
* May 7: Dien Bien Phu Battlefield
* May 19: Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday
Read more: Best time to visit Vietnam