Hoi An lantern night
Monthly, on the 14th day of the lunar month
The old town switches off its electric lights for lanterns and candles on the river. A light dress or linen shirt photographs beautifully. Better still, get one made by a local tailor.
Highs33°C (91°F)
Lows25°C (77°F)
Rainy days~14
Daylight13 h
CrowdsModerate
May averages for Hanoi (Láng). Source
May is hot everywhere and rains start in the north and south. Central beaches (Da Nang, Hoi An) are at their best. Lightweight, quick-dry clothes.
☀️ By day
Linen, quick-dry fabrics and a sun hat.
🌙 Evening
Breathable smart-casual for Hoi An lantern evenings.
What's on in May
Typical dates. Many festivals follow lunar calendars, so check this year's dates before you book.
Hot season begins
May
Hanoi and the north start passing 33°C. Pack UPF arm sleeves for motorbike rides.
May packing essentials
Your May outfit list
- Quick-dry dressRayon long kurtiShop Amazon ↗
- Quick-dry trousersShop Amazon ↗
- Breathable topsShop Amazon ↗
- Packable rain jacketShop Amazon ↗
- Waterproof sandalsShop Amazon ↗
- SwimwearFull-coverage swimwearShop Amazon ↗
- Quick-dry shirtsShop Amazon ↗
- Quick-dry shortsShop Amazon ↗
- Lightweight trousersShop Amazon ↗
- Packable rain jacketShop Amazon ↗
- Waterproof sandalsShop Amazon ↗
Also pack
Showing more covered picks for travellers from India.
Dress code
- Cover shoulders and knees at pagodas, temples and Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum (strictly enforced there).
- Remove shoes before entering homes and some temples.
- Beachwear stays at the beach; dress casually-modest in towns.