May in Vietnam marks the beginning of early summer, providing a dynamic mix of warm, clear mornings and refreshing afternoon showers. Whether you’re searching for Vietnam motorcycle tours to Ha Giang, Vietnam motorbike tours to Sapa, or even Vietnam dirtbike tours to Nha Trang, May offers excellent riding conditions across all regions. This comprehensive guide will help you plan your adventure by detailing the weather in May and recommending top motorcycle tour destinations, complete with featured tours and flexible itinerary options.
I. Weather Overview in May
Northern Vietnam
In the north, May sees daytime temperatures ranging from 22°C to 28°C. Mornings in highland areas like Sapa and Ha Giang remain cool and clear—ideal for Vietnam offroad tours to explore rugged mountain roads and terraced rice fields. As the rainy season starts, brief afternoon showers transform the landscape into a lush green tapestry, offering spectacular views for Vietnam motorbike tours to remote villages and ethnic communities.
Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam, home to historical cities such as Hoi An, Da Nang, and Hue, experiences averages between 26°C and 32°C in May. The region’s coastal areas offer bright, early rides along iconic routes like Hai Vân Pass. Even though intermittent rains may occur in the afternoon, they add vibrancy to the scenery—making these Vietnam motorcycle tours to historical and cultural hubs even more memorable.
Southern Vietnam
The southern region heats up in May with temperatures from 30°C to 35°C. Although this area marks the start of the rainy season with afternoon downpours, mornings remain bright and dry—perfect for Vietnam dirtbike tours to bustling cities and scenic rural landscapes. Enjoy consistent clear skies that set the stage for extended rides through urban areas like Ho Chi Minh City and offroad adventures into the Mekong Delta.
II. Recommended Motorcycle Tour Destinations by Region
A. Northern Vietnam
1. Ha Giang Loop
Experience one of the most renowned Vietnam motorbike tours to Ha Giang. Ride through majestic limestone karsts and challenging offroad tracks that reveal panoramic highland vistas. Along the way, immerse yourself in authentic encounters with ethnic hill tribes.
- Featured Tour:
Spectacular Northern Vietnam Off-road Motorbike Tour to Ta Xua, Ha Giang, and Cao Bang
Duration: Approximately 10 days.
2. Sapa & Mai Châu
For Vietnam motorbike tours to Sapa and Mai Châu, explore cool highland valleys filled with terraced rice fields and traditional village life. Enjoy the crisp air in the mornings and the refreshing post-rain scenery in the afternoons, ideal for both cultural immersion and offroad adventure.
- Featured Tour:
Mighty Northwest Vietnam Offroad Motorbike Tour via Mai Châu, Sapa, & Ba Be Lake
Duration: 7 days/6 nights.
3. Thác Bà & Ban Gioc Waterfall
Switch your pace with Vietnam motorcycle tours to Thác Bà and Ban Gioc Waterfall. In May, increased water flow turns these natural wonders into even more dramatic spectacles. Enjoy peaceful rides along verdant rural roads that lead to breathtaking waterfalls.
- Featured Tour:
Northern Vietnam Off-road Motorcycle Tour For Experienced Riders
Duration: 8 days.
4. Northeast Adventure – Taxua, Ngoc Chien & Lai Châu
For a truly rugged experience, consider Vietnam offroad tours to Taxua, Ngoc Chien, and Lai Châu. This challenging route, enriched by vibrant post-rain landscapes, offers steep climbs and deep cultural encounters in remote villages.
- Featured Tour:
Unique Northern Vietnam Off-road Motorbike Tour to Taxua, Ngoc Chien, Lai Châu – 8 Days/7 Nights
Price: Starting from $825.
5. Ta Xua & Mu Cang Chai
Expand your Northern itinerary with Vietnam motorbike tours to Ta Xua and Mu Cang Chai. Ta Xua is known for its steep, winding roads and dramatic highland views, while Mu Cang Chai captivates with its extensive terraced rice fields. Customize your tour to include these must-visit spots for a unique offroad experience.
- Tour Options:
Visit our Northern Vietnam Motorbike Tours page or contact us to tailor your route.
B. Central Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh Trail Motorbike Tours
Explore the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail with Vietnam motorbike tours that combine historical insights with rugged offroad adventure. As May transforms the trail with lush greenery, ride through dense jungles, historic military sites, and quiet villages that preserve the spirit of Vietnam’s past.
- Featured Tour:
Visit our Ho Chi Minh Trail Motorbike Tours page for itineraries ranging from 5 to 10 days.
Additional Central Highlights:
- Hai Vân Pass: Tackle one of the world’s most iconic coastal roads with dramatic views of the South China Sea.
- Khe Sanh: Enjoy quiet rides in this historically significant area, a former military outpost now offering reflective journeys through unspoiled landscapes.
- Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng Region: Venture into a UNESCO-listed wonderland of caves and limestone formations, perfect for eco-adventures and extended offroad exploration.
- Extra Cultural Destination: Consider adding a stop at My Son Sanctuary near Hoi An to enrich your cultural experience.
C. Southern Vietnam
1. Dalat Motorbike Experience
Embark on Vietnam motorbike tours to Dalat, where the cool Central Highlands provide a refreshing escape. With its pine forests, cascading waterfalls, and charming colonial architecture, Dalat is ideal for scenic highland rides and cultural exploration.
- Featured Tour:
Check our Southern Motorbike Tours for Dalat-specific packages or inquire for a custom Dalat adventure.
Duration: Typically 6 to 8 days.
2. Nam Cát Tiên Adventure
Experience the rural beauty of the Mekong Delta with Vietnam dirtbike tours to Nam Cát Tiên. Ride through quiet backroads lined with lush rice paddies and traditional villages. A visit to Nam Cát Tiên National Park offers eco-adventures and wildlife encounters in a serene setting.
- Featured Tour:
Explore our Southern Motorbike Tours for Nam Cát Tiên itineraries designed to capture the essence of the Delta.
Duration: Usually 4 to 6 days.
3. Scenic Vietnam Dirt Bike Tour from Saigon to Nha Trang via Cat Tien, Ta Dung, and Da Lat
For those looking for a multi-landscape adventure, this tour takes you from the urban energy of Saigon through the wild jungles of Cat Tien National Park, scenic routes at Ta Dung, up to the cool highlands of Dalat, and finally to the relaxing beaches of Nha Trang.
- Featured Tour:
Scenic Vietnam Dirt Bike Tour from Saigon to Nha Trang via Cat Tien, Ta Dung, and Da Lat
4. Saigon Motorbike Tour to Cat Tien, Ta Nung Lake, Dalat, and Mui Ne Beach – 5 Days
Ideal for a shorter yet dynamic ride, this tour begins in Saigon, takes you through the dense forests of Cat Tien, provides a peaceful interlude at Ta Nung Lake, then ascends to the cool, scenic highlands of Dalat, and finishes with the relaxed ambiance of Mui Ne Beach.
Additional Southern Destinations:
- Mekong Delta Explorations: Consider customizing your tour to include stops in areas like Vinh Long or Can Tho for vibrant floating markets and deeper cultural experiences.
- Phan Thiet: Enjoy scenic coastal rides and quieter beaches, adding a relaxed touch to your Southern itinerary.
Additional Travel Tips & Conclusion
Packing & Preparation:
- Northern/Central Regions: Pack light layers and a jacket for cool mornings and evenings.
- Southern Regions: Bring breathable, light clothing, sun protection (sunscreen, hat), and a compact raincoat for intermittent afternoon showers.
Safety & Booking Advice:
- Always wear a helmet and proper riding gear.
- Book directly with experienced local operators like Vietnam Motorbike Tours to benefit from expert guidance, 24/7 support, and insider local insights.
Cultural Encounters:
- Savor regional cuisines—from aromatic mountain coffee in Dalat to fresh Mekong Delta specialties in Nam Cát Tiên.
- Engage with local communities, visit traditional markets, and immerse yourself in Vietnam’s rich heritage along your journey.
May is an exciting time to explore Vietnam on two wheels. With the country transitioning into early summer, every region—from the lush, rugged landscapes of Northern Vietnam and the historic trails of Central Vietnam to the vibrant, diverse routes of Southern Vietnam—offers a unique and unforgettable journey. Whether you choose an extended expedition along the Ha Giang Loop or a dynamic Southern tour featuring Dalat, Nam Cát Tiên, Ta Xua, and Mu Cang Chai, your Vietnam motorcycle tours to these destinations promise to be a lifetime experience.
Ready to hit the open road? Explore our Vietnam Dirbike Tours and book your customized motorcycle adventure today!
