Where to Travel in May? Top 15+ Ideal Destinations
May knocks on the door bringing the brilliant rays of summer while still lingering with a touch of spring's gentleness. This is a wonderful time to set aside the hustle of work and enjoy an energizing trip. So where should you travel in May? Let Bigbike walk you through the "golden" coordinates, from the high mountains to far-off seas and islands, right below.
Weather characteristics and why you should travel in May
May is a clear season-changing period across the S-shaped strip of land. In the North, the weather begins shifting into summer but is not yet as harsh as June or July. The Central region enters its most beautiful dry season with a clear blue sky, while the South starts welcoming the first early-season showers that help cool things down after a long sunny spell.
The reason May becomes an ideal travel time is that crowds are not yet as heavy as during the summer peak holidays. You can easily book flights and hotel rooms at reasonable prices and enjoy a more relaxed sightseeing space. At the same time, this is when many scenic spots enter their most beautiful season, such as the water-pouring season in the Northwest or the ripe fruit season in the Mekong Delta.
Discover the highland scenery: Where to travel in May in the North?
Sapa (Lào Cai) - Admire the magical beauty of the water-pouring season
When May arrives, Sapa no longer has the thick fog blocking the view; instead there is the magical water-pouring season. The terraced fields in Tả Van village and Ý Linh Hồ village are like giant mirrors reflecting the deep blue sky, creating an installation-art painting amid the vast mountains and forests.
Traveling to Sapa at this time, you will enjoy fresh air with "four seasons in one day". The morning is cool like spring, midday is mildly sunny like summer, the afternoon turns crisp like autumn and the night brings a slight chill of winter. This is a wonderful occasion to trek through the villages, breathe in the scent of damp earth and watch the vigorous vitality of the young rice seedlings just sown.
Traveling to Sapa in May during the water-pouring season
Hà Giang - Conquer the majestic mountain passes at the nation's northern frontier
Hà Giang in May carries a rugged yet alluring beauty. No longer adorned with peach and plum blossoms, the rocky plateau now wears the deep green of cornfields rising from the cracks of the jagged limestone. This is also when the terraced fields in Hoàng Su Phì begin welcoming water, creating soft curves wrapping around the mountainsides.
Conquering the Mã Pì Lèng pass on a sunny May day is a "peak" experience for anyone passionate about travel. From the top of the pass, you can cast your gaze down to the emerald Nho Quế River winding like a ribbon of silk. The dry weather makes traveling through the hairpin-bend roads much safer and more convenient.
Touring Hà Giang's Mã Pì Lèng pass in May
>>> If you are nurturing the intention to conquer the "legendary" bends at the nation's northern frontier, don't miss this super-detailed Hà Giang touring guide right here!
Hạ Long Bay (Quảng Ninh) - A resort getaway at a world natural heritage site
With its calm water surface and high, clear sky, May is the most ideal time to experience an overnight stay on a cruise in Hạ Long Bay. You will be awakened by the sound of waves lapping the hull, greet a brilliant sunrise right in the middle of the sea and take part in activities such as kayaking through caves or diving to admire coral.
Besides on-the-water activities, Hạ Long in May also attracts visitors with the modern Sun World entertainment complex and fresh, delicious seafood such as grilled squid cake and horseshoe crab. The sea air at this time is extremely airy, helping you sweep away all fatigue and enjoy a true resort getaway with family and friends.
Hạ Long Bay, a world natural wonder
Mộc Châu (Sơn La) - Experience picking fresh plums and enjoy the highland air
May is the largest plum harvest season of the year in Mộc Châu. Plum valleys such as Nà Ka or Mu Náu are flooded with the red of ripe, juicy plums. You can pick plums with your own hands and savor their crisp, sweet-and-sour taste right in the orchard under the gentle highland sunshine.
Besides picking plums, Mộc Châu also welcomes you with lush green tea hills stretching far and majestic waterfalls such as Dải Yếm waterfall and Chiềng Khoa waterfall. The year-round cool climate together with the peaceful scenery here is the most effective soul-healing remedy after stressful working days in the city.
Picking plums at a Mộc Châu orchard
Cát Bà Island (Hải Phòng) - An ideal cool-down destination near the capital
If you are looking for a travel spot near Hà Nội, Cát Bà is the number 1 choice. In May the sea at Cát Bà is gentle, and the cool blue water of the Cát Cò beaches will help you chase away the early-summer heat. You can rent a boat to tour Lan Hạ Bay - a poetic bay no less beautiful than Hạ Long but quieter and more pristine.
In particular, trekking through Cát Bà National Park to conquer Ngự Lâm peak is an activity you should not miss. From high up, you can take in the whole panorama of the Cát Bà archipelago with hundreds of large and small islands rising and falling on the deep blue water. A trip combining sea and forest will surely bring many unforgettable memories.
Cát Bà archipelago
Can you go touring in the Central region in May, and which beaches have brilliant golden sunshine?
May is precisely when the Central coast is at its most beautiful of the year, with brilliant golden sunshine but very cool sea breezes and little rain, extremely favorable for coastal touring routes.
Hội An (Đà Nẵng) - The perfect blend of beach tourism and culture
Đà Nẵng in May charms visitors with My Khe beach, ranked among the most beautiful on the planet, and the Sơn Trà peninsula with its winding roads offering stunning sea views. You can spend the morning swimming in the sea, the afternoon conquering Bàn Cờ peak and the evening strolling along the Hàn River to admire the bridges glowing with lights.
Not far from Đà Nẵng is the quiet, ancient old town of Hội An. In May, the golden sunshine pours like honey over the traditional yellow lime-washed walls, creating a perfect backdrop for thousand-like "check-in" photos. Don't forget to ride a boat and release flower lanterns on the Hoài River as night falls to feel the deep spiritual and cultural beauty here.
Experiencing beach tourism at My Khe-Đà Nẵng
>>> To have a truly "epic" jaunt around this most-livable city, we invite you to check out the Đà Nẵng touring experiences with unmissable eat-and-play coordinates.
Nha Trang (Khánh Hòa) - A paradise of water-based entertainment
Nha Trang welcomes you with a long, deep-blue stretch of coastline and peaceful bays. In May, the seawater of Nha Trang is so clear that you can clearly see the vibrant coral reefs when diving at Hòn Mun. Island tours such as Hòn Tằm and Hòn Một are always bustling with activities such as walking on the seabed, parasailing or jet-skiing, full of excitement.
Beyond the sea, Nha Trang also has VinWonders – an international-scale entertainment park with countless thrilling rides and outstanding art shows. After a long day of fun, treat yourself to a fresh seafood feast at the beachfront restaurants to fully savor the flavor of the Central coast.
Nha Trang experiencing the over-sea cable car
Quy Nhơn - Phú Yên - The pristine beauty of rocky cliffs and clear blue beaches
If you love pristine beauty, choose the Quy Nhơn - Phú Yên route. Eo Gió (Quy Nhơn) with its jagged rocky outcrops embracing the entire coast, or Gành Đá Đĩa (Phú Yên) with thousands of hexagonal stone columns stacked upon one another like the hand of creation, will leave you marveling in amazement. The sea here is very clear and blue, not yet heavily commercialized, so it still keeps its inherent tranquility.
Checking in at Nghinh Phong tower or strolling on Xép beach, where the film "Tôi thấy hoa vàng trên cỏ xanh" was shot, are experiences not to be missed. The May sunshine in Phú Yên is brilliant yet clear, very suitable for creating artistic photo sets amid the majestic nature.
Eo Gió, an extremely hot check-in spot when visiting Quy Nhơn
Phan Thiết (Bình Thuận) - Discover the windswept sand dunes and fresh, delicious seafood
Phan Thiết in May attracts visitors with the golden flying sand dunes and the towering rows of coconut trees at Mũi Né. You can join the thrilling sand-sliding game or ride an off-road motorbike to conquer the white sand slopes at Bàu Trắng. The coastal route in Bình Thuận is also hailed as one of the most beautiful routes in Vietnam for touring enthusiasts.
Phan Thiết seafood this season is very diverse and affordably priced. Stop by the Mũi Né fishing village early in the morning to pick out batches of shrimp, crab and squid freshly caught by the fishermen. The rich sweetness of the seafood combined with the distinctive sun and wind of this land will create an unforgettable culinary journey.
Bàu Trắng scenic spot, Mũi Né - Phan Thiết
Bình Định - The appeal of emerging destinations
Besides Quy Nhơn, Bình Định also possesses many "hidden" yet extremely appealing places such as Cù Lao Xanh island or Hầm Hô. In May the sea is calm and the waves gentle, and boats out to Cù Lao Xanh run regularly, helping you easily explore the island likened to a "green gem" with its cool water and an ancient lighthouse.
Traveling to Bình Định in May is also an occasion to learn about Champa culture through the systems of the Bánh Ít tower cluster and the stately Đôi towers. The combination of spiritual, cultural and island-resort tourism makes Bình Định a multi-experience destination, suitable for both young groups and families.
Cù Lao Xanh island, Quy Nhơn
The Central Highlands (Măng Đen, Đà Lạt): Escape the heat at the "second Đà Lạt" with a temperate climate
If you fear the harsh sun of the South in May, head up to the Central Highlands to "escape the heat". Đà Lạt at this time still keeps its gentle early-morning chill and romantic fog blanketing the valleys. You can stroll around Xuân Hương Lake, visit colorful flower farms or sit in a small hillside café watching the rain drift by.
Măng Đen (Kon Tum) – the place likened to the "second Đà Lạt" – is also a wonderful destination with primary pine forests and tranquil lakes. The climate in Măng Đen in May is extremely fresh, suitable for activities such as camping, resting and rediscovering inner balance amid the pristine nature.
Măng Đen pine forest
>>> Remember to "pin" right away the tips for touring Đà Lạt by motorbike to make your discovery of the mountain town more exciting and self-directed.
Journeys of rivers, seas and islands: Where to travel in May in the South?
Phú Quốc Pearl Island - Enjoy a tropical paradise before the rainy season
Phú Quốc in May is the end of the dry season, with beautiful sunshine and pure blue seawater. This is the best time to dive and admire coral at Hòn Móng Tay or Hòn Mây Rút without worrying about big waves or storms. The cream-soft white sand beaches at Bãi Sao and Bãi Khem are the ideal place to relax under the coconut canopies.
You can also experience the Hòn Thơm cable car - the world's longest over-sea cable car - to admire the whole panorama of the Pearl Island from above. In the evening, don't forget to visit the Phú Quốc night market to enjoy the famous bún quậy and fragrant grilled seafood. Traveling to Phú Quốc in May lets you fully savor the beauty of the Pearl Island before the summer rains start falling heavily.
Nature and resort - Phú Quốc Pearl Island
Vũng Tàu - A relaxing weekend stop for the family
Only about 2 hours away, Vũng Tàu is always a top choice for short trips in May. You can swim at Bãi Sau, visit the Christ the King statue atop Nhỏ Mountain or check in at the oldest lighthouse in Vietnam. The cool sea air will help drive away the sweltering heat of the southern city.
Vũng Tàu is also famous for its super "chill" sea-view cafés and specialty dishes such as bánh khọt and stingray hotpot. This is a destination suitable for all ages, from young people who love exploring to families looking for a place to rest and relax on the weekend without traveling too far.
Vũng Tàu beach
>>> Want a change of scenery but are busy? Check out right away the itinerary for touring near Sài Gòn that is extremely light and compact for the weekend!
Cần Thơ - Cà Mau - Experience floating-market culture and orchards of ripe fruit
May is when the Mekong Delta enters its peak ripe-fruit season. Coming to Cần Thơ, you will immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Cái Răng floating market from dawn, enjoying a bowl of hủ tiếu right on the boat. The fruit-laden orchards in Phong Điền with all kinds of rambutan, mangosteen and durian will captivate any visitor.
Continue the journey to Đất Mũi, Cà Mau to check in at the national coordinate landmark and gaze at the vast mangrove forest. Although May in the Mekong Delta has a few showers, that is exactly what makes the climate cooler and the trees greener. The simple beauty of the rivers and the hospitality of the Mekong Delta people will surely leave a deep impression in your heart.
Experiencing Đất Mũi, Cà Mau
Roaming the world - Attractive overseas destinations in May
Thailand - Lively with traditional festivals and the southern islands
Thailand in May is always full of energy with paradise islands such as Phuket or Koh Phi Phi. The deep blue water, the diving and surfing activities and the lively nightlife on the walking streets always hold a powerful appeal for international travelers.
In addition, traveling to Thailand at this time also gives you the chance to learn about Buddhist culture through the systems of stately temples in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. The spicy, richly flavored Thai street food will be an unforgettable highlight of your journey discovering the Land of the Golden Temples.
Traveling to Thailand, Koh Phi Phi island
Bali (Indonesia) - Visit a resort paradise in the most beautiful season of the year
May is the start of the dry season in Bali, making it the most ideal time to explore this island. You can visit sacred seaside temples such as Tanah Lot, Uluwatu or check in at the lush green terraced fields in Ubud. The dry, sunny weather is very favorable for taking photos and joining outdoor activities.
Bali is also famous for its luxury resorts and gorgeously photogenic cafés. Challenging yourself with surfing at Kuta beach or diving to admire the shipwreck at Tulamben will bring you thrilling experiences on this beautiful tropical island.
Checking in at the Ubud terraced fields, Bali
Japan - Immerse yourself in the romantic purple of wisteria blossoms
After the brilliant cherry blossom season, Japan in May welcomes visitors with the magical purple of wisteria. Ashikaga Flower Park or Kawachi Fuji Garden, with their wisteria tunnels hundreds of meters long, create a fairy-tale, utterly romantic space.
Japan's weather in May is extremely pleasant, neither too cold nor too hot, perfect for strolling through the royal gardens or shopping at the bustling commercial centers in Tokyo and Osaka. This is an occasion to feel a different, gentle and refined side of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Admiring wisteria in Japan in May
South Korea - Enjoy the brilliant azalea season on the mountain slopes
In May, the Land of Kimchi dons the brilliant pink of azaleas covering the mountain slopes. Mountains such as Hwangmaesan or Azalea Mountain become destinations attracting crowds of visitors to trek and admire the flowers. The brilliant blooms under the spring-summer sun create a majestic and magnificent scene.
South Korea in May is also the season of lively cultural and culinary festivals. You can rent a Hanbok to stroll through Gyeongbokgung Palace or enjoy the appealing street food at Gwangjang Market. The airy space and cool weather make every step of your Seoul exploration more enjoyable.
Azalea season in South Korea in May
Australia & New Zealand - Experience the unique autumn leaf-changing season
While the Northern Hemisphere is entering summer, Australia and New Zealand are transforming into a romantic autumn. The maple forests begin turning brilliant red and yellow, creating poetic scenery in Melbourne or Sydney. This is a rare chance to enjoy autumn air opposite to Vietnam's weather.
Coming to New Zealand in May, you will admire the mirror-calm lakes reflecting the colors of autumn leaves. Activities such as visiting the Hobbiton movie set village or cruising Milford Sound in the crisp autumn air will bring completely different and novel emotions.
Golden autumn leaves in Australia in May
Essential notes for a complete May trip
For your May trip to go smoothly, you should monitor the weather forecast regularly because this is a season-changing period prone to sudden rain. Prepare plenty of sunscreen, hats and sunglasses to protect your body under the summer sun. In addition, booking flights and hotel rooms at least 2-4 weeks in advance will help you save costs and stay more in control of your itinerary.
If you intend to take a motorbike touring trip, check your bike's maintenance thoroughly before setting off. At the same time, equipping yourself with knowledge of the route and safe riding skills is never excessive for a complete and safe trip.
Prepare quality protective gear and touring accessories at Bigbike
Whether you choose to explore the northern highlands or the central coast, safety on every road is always the most important factor.
The importance of protective equipment when touring far in early summer
Touring in May, you will face harsh sun and dust on the open road. A standard-quality set of protective gear not only helps protect you from injuries in a collision but also provides UV protection, keeping your body from dehydration and sunburn. In particular, helmets and protective armor help bikers maintain maximum concentration, ensuring safety for the entire long journey.
Discover the diverse product catalog at Bigbike: From helmets to protective armor
Here, we provide a full range of professional protective product lines from reputable global brands such as LS2, KYT, Alpinestars... You can find sturdy fullface helmet models, fashionable 3/4 helmets, all the way to breathable protective armor sets suited to Vietnam's summer climate.
In addition, Bigbike also has indispensable accessories for touring enthusiasts such as sun-protection gloves, dedicated protective boots, fuel-tank magnetic bags or convenient Givi cases. All products undergo strict quality inspection, bringing absolute peace of mind to bikers.
Moreover, the reputable after-sales warranty policy and competitive prices are always a plus that makes Bigbike a trusted destination for touring enthusiasts nationwide. Visit Bigbike right away to "gear up" for your exciting May trip!
