As South Vietnam transitions from the dry season to the wet season, May presents a unique opportunity to see the Mekong Delta coming to life with fresh growth while still enjoying relatively favorable conditions. The Mekong Delta in May offers travelers a wonderful blend of pleasant weather, vibrant local culture, and unforgettable experiences. This travel blog will guide you through everything you need to know about visiting the Mekong Delta in May, from weather conditions and costs to the best activities and local tips that will make your journey truly special.
Mekong Delta Weather in May
Temperature
May brings increasingly warm temperatures to the Mekong Delta. The average daily temperature ranges from 27°C to 34°C (81°F to 93°F). Mornings start warm at around 27°C, while afternoons can get quite hot, often reaching 34°C. The evenings remain warm, typically around 28-29°C (82-84°F). Light, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fabrics is essential during this time to stay comfortable in the heat.
Rainfall and Humidity
May marks the beginning of the transition from dry to wet season in the Mekong Delta. You can expect more rain than in previous months, with approximately 5-8 rainy days and average rainfall of 150-180mm. Rain typically comes in short, heavy afternoon showers that clear up quickly, leaving most of your day free for activities. Humidity levels rise to 80-85%, which can make the heat feel more intense, especially during midday hours.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
The Mekong Delta in May enjoys plenty of daylight with approximately 12.5 hours per day. The sun typically rises around 5:40 AM and sets around 6:20 PM. Despite the increasing rain, you can still expect 7-8 hours of sunshine daily. The combination of sunshine and occasional cloud cover creates dramatic lighting conditions, perfect for photography of the lush delta landscapes.
Wind and Air Quality
May sees gentle breezes in the Mekong Delta, with wind speeds averaging 10-15 km/h (6-9 mph). These light winds provide some relief from the heat, especially near the waterways. Air quality is generally good during this month, though occasional agricultural burning might affect visibility in some areas. The increasing rainfall helps to settle dust and clean the air.
Other Travel Considerations
- Water levels in the Mekong begin to rise slightly, creating better conditions for boat travel than the peak dry season
- Fruit season is in full swing, with mangoes, jackfruit, rambutans, and durian available fresh from local orchards
- UV index remains very high in May, so sun protection is essential
- Mosquitoes become more prevalent as humidity rises; evening repellent is strongly recommended
- The combination of occasional rain clouds and clear skies creates spectacular sunsets over the delta waterways
>>> Read more about Mekong Delta weather: Weather in Mekong Delta Vietnam: When is the best time to visit?
Cost and Crowd
May falls within the shoulder season for the Mekong Delta, offering a good balance between favorable weather conditions and reasonable prices. As the rainy season approaches, you’ll find fewer tourists compared to the peak dry season, giving you more authentic experiences and better opportunities to connect with locals.
Cost
Visiting the Mekong Delta in May offers excellent value for travelers. As the high tourist season winds down, accommodation rates begin to drop across most properties. Tour operators and boat services often reduce their prices or are more willing to negotiate. Food costs remain consistently affordable year-round, with fresh tropical fruits being particularly economical as they’re in season.
Transportation costs also tend to be lower than during peak season. Many guesthouses and homestays offer special rates to attract visitors during this transitional period, making May an economical time to experience the delta without compromising on quality.
Crowd
May strikes an ideal balance in terms of visitor numbers in the Mekong Delta. The large tour groups and international tourists that dominate the winter months have largely departed, creating a more relaxed atmosphere at major attractions. Popular floating markets like Cai Rang and Phong Dien are busy with regular commerce but less crowded with tourists, giving you a more authentic glimpse into daily life.
Boat tours along smaller canals often operate with fewer passengers, allowing for more personal experiences. Local festivals and events during this period attract domestic visitors but rarely cause overcrowding. This reduced tourist presence means more meaningful interactions with local people who have more time to share their stories and culture.
Best things to do in May in Mekong Delta
Take a Mekong Cruise
May’s weather creates perfect conditions for river cruises in the Mekong Delta. The occasional rain showers bring relief from the heat while greening up the landscapes, and the gradually rising water levels make navigation easier through smaller channels that might be too shallow during the dry season.
A typical day cruise takes you through wider channels and narrow canals lined with water coconut palms and nipa palms. You’ll pass by villages built on stilts and see local life unfolding along the riverbanks. Many cruises stop at craft villages, fruit orchards, or local homes where you can interact with residents and learn about traditional crafts.
For a more complete experience, consider an overnight cruise that allows you to witness both sunset and sunrise on the river. These typically include sleeping accommodations on the boat or at homestays along the route. The evening brings a different atmosphere to the delta, with fireflies appearing in certain areas and the sounds of night creatures filling the air.
In May, cruise operators often include visits to fruit gardens where you can taste seasonal specialties. The occasional rain showers typically don’t disrupt cruises and often create beautiful misty scenes that add to the photographic appeal of your journey.
Try local dishes
May is an excellent time to sample the Mekong Delta’s unique cuisine, as the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables creates the perfect conditions for many traditional dishes. The region’s food reflects its fertile environment, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients straight from the fields, orchards, and waterways.
- Hu Tieu: A popular noodle soup with clear broth, rice noodles, and various toppings including pork, shrimp, fish, squid, and fresh herbs. Each area of the delta has its own variation.
- Banh Xeo: Crispy rice flour pancakes filled with bean sprouts, pork, and shrimp. Wrapped in lettuce leaves and dipped in fish sauce, they offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Ca Loc Nuong Trui (Grilled Snakehead Fish): Fresh fish coated with salt, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled over charcoal. The leaves infuse the fish with a unique aroma while keeping it moist.
- Canh Chua Ca (Sour Fish Soup): A tangy soup made with fish, pineapple, tomatoes, bean sprouts, and tamarind. The combination of sour, sweet, and savory flavors is refreshing in May’s heat.
- Banh Cong: Deep-fried mung bean cakes containing whole shrimp, ground pork, and taro, creating a crispy exterior with a soft center.
- Cha Tom (Shrimp Cake): Ground shrimp paste wrapped around sugarcane sticks and grilled, offering a sweet-savory flavor combination.
- Com Tam (Broken Rice): A simple yet delicious dish of fractured rice grains served with grilled pork, egg, and pickled vegetables.
- Goi Buoi (Pomelo Salad): Shredded pomelo mixed with shrimp, pork, herbs, and a tangy dressing—perfect for May’s hot weather.
Hands-on experience with local making workshops
The Mekong Delta’s traditional crafts and food production techniques are fascinating aspects of local culture that visitors can experience firsthand through workshops. May’s weather provides comfortable conditions for these mostly indoor activities, with occasional rain showers offering the perfect excuse to spend time learning new skills.
- Coconut Candy Workshops (Ben Tre): Learn how locals transform coconut milk into chewy, sweet treats. Participants cook coconut cream with malt syrup, cut the resulting mixture, and wrap pieces in edible rice paper.
- Rice Paper Making (Can Tho): Try your hand at creating these thin, translucent sheets used in spring rolls. The process involves making rice batter, steaming it on cloth-covered pots, and drying the sheets on bamboo racks.
- Palm Leaf Weaving (An Giang): Learn traditional techniques for turning nipa palm leaves into hats, baskets, and household items. Local artisans show how to prepare, cut, and weave the leaves.
- Pottery Workshops (Vinh Long): Experience the ancient art of clay pottery making using traditional methods that have been practiced in the delta for generations.
- Rice Noodle Production (Sa Dec): Discover how the region’s famous hu tieu noodles are made from rice flour, water, and simple tools. Many workshops allow visitors to try stretching and cutting the noodles.
- Incense Stick Making (Long Xuyen): Learn the process of creating aromatic incense sticks used in temples and homes throughout Vietnam.
- Traditional Boat Building (Can Tho): Observe and participate in constructing miniature sampan boats, learning about the techniques that have been used to build the delta’s iconic watercraft for centuries.
Ecotourism in Mekong Delta
May’s increasing rainfall brings fresh life to the Mekong Delta’s ecosystems, making it an excellent time for nature-focused activities. The wetlands begin to fill, plants grow more vibrantly, and wildlife becomes more active, creating ideal conditions for ecological exploration.
- The Tra Su Cajuput Forest in An Giang Province offers a magical experience in May. As you glide through flooded cajuput trees in small boats, you’ll spot numerous bird species returning to nest. The forest floor becomes carpeted with water lilies and morning glory flowers, creating a fairytale setting.
- Tram Chim National Park in Dong Thap Province, part of the Plain of Reeds, comes alive during May. The early rains create perfect conditions to see rare birds, including the endangered eastern sarus crane if you’re lucky. The park’s 7,600 hectares contain one of the last natural wetlands in the delta.
- U Minh Thuong National Park in Kien Giang features unique peat swamp forests that are more accessible in May as water levels begin to rise. Boat tours take you through canals where you might spot pythons sunning on branches, rare fishing cats, or otters playing in the water.
- Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, though technically part of Ho Chi Minh City, makes a fascinating day trip from the Mekong region. This UNESCO-recognized site features extensive mangrove forests that protect the coast and provide habitat for saltwater crocodiles, monkeys, and numerous bird species.
May’s weather creates perfect conditions for these eco-adventures, with warm temperatures making swimming possible in designated areas and afternoon showers cooling things down without usually lasting long enough to disrupt activities.
Visit floating markets
The floating markets of the Mekong Delta are at their most vibrant in May as the slightly rising water levels make navigation easier while the fruit harvest season ensures abundance. These colorful gatherings of boats laden with tropical produce offer a fascinating glimpse into the traditional river-based commerce that has sustained delta communities for generations.
- Cai Rang Floating Market (Can Tho): The largest and most famous floating market, best visited early morning (5-7 AM) when hundreds of boats gather to trade wholesale produce. Look for the long poles displaying sample products of what each boat sells.
- Phong Dien Floating Market (Can Tho): A smaller, more authentic market with fewer tourists. Vendors sell directly from small boats, creating an intimate trading atmosphere.
- Cai Be Floating Market (Tien Giang): Located at the junction of three provinces, this market specializes in fruits from local orchards and handmade products.
- Tra On Floating Market (Vinh Long): A lesser-known market offering a truly local experience with almost no tourist presence.
- Long Xuyen Floating Market (An Giang): A bustling trading hub that features more everyday goods and household items alongside agricultural products.
Best Mekong Cruise in May
| Cruise | Type | Duration | Route | Features | Price from |
| Mekong Princess Cruise | Luxury Cruise | 3 days 2 nights, 4 days 3 nights, 5 days 4 nights, 6 days 5 nights, 8 days 7 nights | Ho Chi Minh City – Ben Tre – Can Tho – Gieng Island – Phnom Penh City – Angkor Ban – Siem Reap | 14 cabins, elegant French colonial luxury, with discreet and fascinating shore excursions | $848 |
| Heritage Line Jahan | Luxury Cruise | 4 days 3 nights, 5 days 4 nights, 8 days 7 nights | Saigon – My Tho – Cai Be – Tan Chau – Border Crossing – Phnom Penh – Tonle Lake – Siem Reap | interior or exterior decorations, luxurious cabins, East India Club, Jacuzzi on the Pool Deck, Observatory Lounge, Apsara Spa, three decks | $1,243 |
| Mekong Eyes Explorer & Classic Cruise | Deluxe Cruise | 2 days 1 night, 3 days 2 nights, 4 days 3 nights | Saigon – Cai Be – Can Tho – Phu Quoc – Phnom Penh | boutique cruisers, 12 superior cabins that are all designed as outside cabins, with modern boutique style with traditional materials, 4 suites | $185 |
| Victoria Mekong Cruise | Deluxe Cruise | 4 days 3 nights, 5 days 4 nights, 8 days 7 nights | Can Tho – Long Xuyen – Tiger Island – Vam Nao – Tan Chau – Phnom Penh – Koh Chen – Koh Dach – Angkor Ban – Han Chey – Kampong Chham – Siem Reap | 35 cabins with a beautifully appointed sundeck or the privacy balcony | $1,133 |
| Song Xanh Sampan Cruises | Private and Charter Boats | 2 days 1 night, 3 days 2 nights | Cai Be – Sa Dec – Can Tho – Phu Quoc | two spacious spaces of 15 sqm each are equipped with beautiful bamboo and rattan furniture, attentive service is provided by a team of 4 crew members. | $277 |
| Mekong Gecko Eyes Cruise | Private and Charter Boats | 2 days 1 night, 3 days 2 nights | Cai Be – Sa Dec – Can Tho – Phu Quoc – Phnom Penh | fleet consists of three beautiful vessels, and the private houseboats are perfect for two people, French balcony, panorama lounge (convertible to a second bedroom), sundeck | $335 |
>> Click here for more Mekong Cruise options with updated prices!
Travel tips for May in the Mekong Delta
- Pack quick-dry clothing and a light raincoat or umbrella for the occasional afternoon showers
- Start your days early (5-6 AM) to visit floating markets at their most active and avoid midday heat
- Apply strong sunscreen and wear a hat even on cloudy days, as UV rays remain intense
- Book homestays rather than hotels for the most authentic experience and better cooling from river breezes
- Drink coconut water frequently to stay hydrated and replace electrolytes lost through sweating
- Try “ca phe sua da” (iced coffee with condensed milk) at local cafes for a refreshing energy boost
- Use boats or bikes rather than cars to access smaller villages and experience the delta properly
- Keep small denominations of Vietnamese Dong for market purchases and smaller vendors
- Watch out for afternoon rain patterns—they often come at similar times each day
- Bring water-resistant bags for cameras and electronics due to high humidity and occasional rain
- Try fresh fruits directly from orchards rather than markets for the best flavor experiences
- Ask permission before taking photos of people, especially in rural areas
- Visit local wet markets early morning (6-8 AM) to see the widest variety of produce
- Respect the midday rest period (12-2 PM) when many businesses close during the hottest hours
Combine Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta for your perfect trip
The perfect Vietnam adventure combines the energy of Ho Chi Minh City with the tranquil waterways of the Mekong Delta. This Southern six-day journey offers a balanced experience of urban excitement and rural charm, allowing you to witness both the modern face of Vietnam and its traditional heart.
- Day 1: Your journey begins with arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll settle into your accommodation and perhaps enjoy an evening stroll around the central district to get your first taste of this dynamic city.
- Day 2: Day two takes you through the city’s highlights, including the historic Reunification Palace, the colonial architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, the sobering War Remnants Museum, and the bustling Ben Thanh Market where you can practice your bargaining skills.
- Day 3: On day three, you’ll take an excursion to witness the colorful Cao Dai religious ceremony at their main temple in Tay Ninh, followed by exploration of the Cu Chi Tunnels, the incredible underground network used during wartime. This provides fascinating insights into Vietnam’s resilient spirit and complex history.
- Day 4: Day four marks your transition to the Mekong Delta, where you’ll travel to Ben Tre or Can Tho. You’ll take your first boat journey through the waterways, visit cottage industries like coconut candy workshops, and enjoy lunch featuring delta specialties before settling into a local homestay for an authentic overnight experience.
- Day 5: The fifth day brings early morning visits to floating markets, more exploration of the delta’s narrow canals by sampan boats, cycling through villages on paths too narrow for cars, and interactions with friendly locals. You’ll return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon with a deeper understanding of rural Vietnamese life.
- Day 6: Your final day offers free time for last-minute shopping, perhaps a Vietnamese coffee class, or visits to any city attractions you missed earlier before your departure. This carefully balanced itinerary gives you the perfect taste of Southern Vietnam’s diverse offerings during the ideal month of May.
This is just one recommendation for experiencing the best of Southern Vietnam. If you want more trip ideas to visit the Mekong Delta and other parts of Vietnam, please contact us by filling out this form on our website or emailing us at resa@luxurycruisemekong.com. Our local experts can create a custom itinerary based on your interests, time frame, and travel style. We’re happy to suggest modifications to this sample itinerary or design something completely different to make your Vietnam adventure unforgettable.
The Mekong Delta in May offers travelers a wonderful mix of experiences wrapped in increasingly lush green landscapes. Whether you’re floating through markets at dawn, cycling along narrow paths between rice fields, or sampling the region’s amazing cuisine, the Mekong Delta in May presents Vietnam at its most vibrant and welcoming. The combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and genuine hospitality makes this the perfect season to discover one of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating regions.
Mo Nguyen – From Luxury Cruise Mekong
