Visiting Ho Chi Minh City in May offers a unique insight into the city’s vibrant pace of life as it transitions into the rainy season. You’ll experience a mix of warm sunshine and cool afternoon showers, making it the perfect time to explore both indoor and outdoor attractions. This article will take you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of this charming city!
Ho Chi Minh City weather in May
May is the beginning of the rainy season in Ho Chi Minh City. Rains will be more frequent while temperatures remain warm from 27°C to 35°C (81°F to 95°F). Rains increase significantly, mainly in the afternoon or evening. The rain is heavy but doesn’t last long, allowing visitors to explore the city in the cooler evenings.
Although it rains a lot, there are many hours of sunshine suitable for sightseeing and participating in outdoor activities. The best time for activities is in the morning when the weather is still dry. However, the high UV rays of the sun can make you feel tired after a long day, so prepare sun protection items such as sunscreen, umbrellas, hats and sunglasses.
Ho Chi Minh City weather in May
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Best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City in May
Museums in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is home to many museums that reflect historical, cultural and artistic values, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about Vietnam’s past and present. Some famous museums you cannot miss when coming here are:
- Independence Palace: is a symbolic landmark of the city, with classical architecture. This used to be the residence and workplace of the old Saigon government with more than 100 galleries decorated in different styles.
- Ho Chi Minh City Museum: Built in the 19th century, the museum has classical French architecture. This is a place that marks the development of Saigon, from its inception to the present.
- War Remnants Museum: This is a favorite destination for history lovers when coming to the city. It preserves more than 20,000 artifacts, documents and films about the consequences of wars in Vietnam.
- Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts: is one of the largest art centers in Vietnam. The museum is designed in the Art Deco architectural style, harmoniously combining Asian and European art lines. This is a great place for art lovers and photography enthusiasts.
>>> Let’s explore more about some best museums in Ho Chi Minh City here.
Some famous museums you may want to visit in Ho Chi Minh City
Assembly Halls in Chinatown
The Chinese Assembly Hall in Saigon is an important cultural relic, preserving the long-standing traditions and culture of the Chinese community. This is where they gather to meet, worship and organize ceremonies and festivals. The Assembly Hall has existed for hundreds of years with unique architecture that attracts many tourists, including some notable Assembly Halls:
- Tue Thanh Assembly Hall: also known as Jade Emperor Pagoda, is one of the oldest pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City. More than 2 centuries old, this place preserves ancient architectural works such as reliefs, calligraphy and frescoes. Thien Hau Festival is held with traditional ceremonies and cultural activities that attract many participants.
- Nhi Phu Assembly Hall: This is an architectural work of historical and cultural value, built around the end of the 17th century. It worships Ong Bon, the guardian god of the land and people. The Assembly Hall has a unique architecture with wood carvings, dragon reliefs and exquisite porcelain.
- On Lang Assembly Hall: designed in ancient architecture originating from Fujian. The roof is tiled in layers, decorated with ceramic mascots. The Assembly Hall has many unique worship customs such as the custom of beating bad guys to ward off evil spirits, or praying for love with red thread.
- Nghia An Assembly Hall: is a place to preserve the cultural traditions and precious artifacts of the city’s Chaozhou community. It is admired for its beautiful carvings and art, including detailed door panels and altar decorations depicting ancient stories and daily life.
A Chinese Assembly Hall
Filter coffee shops
Appearing since the 1950s, filter coffee has become an indispensable cultural feature of Saigon people and a symbol of an era. Unlike other types, filter coffee is made by dipping coffee powder in a bag into boiling water, filtering out the grounds and taking the coffee to enjoy. Therefore, it has a slightly bitter taste but is very fragrant and fatty, leaving a special impression on visitors.
Filter coffee shops are mostly quite small, simple and rustic. You can enjoy it at sidewalk cafes, sitting on plastic chairs to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city. The most famous and oldest filter coffee shops in Saigon are Cheo Leo Cafe, Filter Cafe, Uncle Thanh’s Filter Coffee and Ba Lu Filter Coffee.
Filter coffee, a cultural beauty of Saigon
Landmark 81
Saigon in May often has sudden rains, you need to have a backup plan for those cases. Visiting the Landmark 81 building is a suitable choice with a complex of many entertainment, dining and entertainment areas. This is the tallest building in Vietnam and one of the tallest buildings in the world. One of the most attractive features of the building is the rooftop observation deck, offering impressive panoramic views of the city and Saigon River, especially at sunset.
The building also has a high-end shopping mall with many stores and diverse dining options from fine dining to casual dining. Visitors can enjoy many activities, including an ice skating rink, a cinema with modern technology and themed events taking place throughout the year.
Landmark 81 in Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon River
The Saigon River is over 225 km long, winding through the city’s bustling urban landscape. The river has been a place of trade and transportation for centuries, witnessing the history and development of the city. Take a river cruise to explore its beauty and the city’s famous landmarks, the skyscrapers on both sides of the river. In the evening, the river is reflected by the lights of the city, creating an enchanting and romantic atmosphere, suitable for dinner on a cruise or riverside restaurants.
Cruise the Saigon River
>>> If you’re curious about where to find the best rooftop bars, vibrant night markets, and hidden late-night gems, read this blog for more information.
Must-try dishes when visiting Saigon in May
Com tam
Com tam is a very familiar dish for the people of Saigon, appearing everywhere from street stalls to luxury restaurants. A broken rice dish with grilled ribs, pork skin, sausage and fried eggs is often a popular breakfast dish. When served, add fish sauce to make the dish more attractive.
Com Tam Saigon
Banh xeo
This is a rustic but extremely delicious dish, with crispy fried dough. The filling can be prepared as desired, usually shrimp, meat, bean sprouts, … dipped in a special sauce. The word “xèo” in the name of the cake is because when the dough is poured into a hot pan, the dough makes a “xèo” sound and cooks immediately, giving off an attractive aroma, so it is called banh xeo. You can enjoy them at the following restaurants: Banh Xeo Tom Nhay, Banh Xeo Dinh Cong Trang and Banh Xeo Ngoc Son.
Banh xeo – Vietnamese pancake
Banh mi Saigon
Banh mi is one of the iconic dishes of Vietnam, named by CNN as one of the best street foods in the world. The crispy bread crust combined with soft meat, pate, pickled vegetables and herbs creates a dish that is the brand of the country. In addition, meat sandwiches can be varied with many different types of fillings such as grilled meat, pork roll, char siu, nem chua, pate… depending on each person’s preferences.
Banh mi Vietnam
Fresh spring roll
This dish was once in the top 50 most delicious dishes in the world, becoming a long-standing dish and symbolizing the beauty of Vietnam’s sophisticated cuisine. The dish includes ingredients such as rice paper rolls, vermicelli, raw vegetables, boiled meat, and boiled shrimp dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce.
Fresh spring rolls
Pha lau
This is probably the most special dish in many generations of Saigon people, imported from China with a unique flavor that cannot be found anywhere else. A dish made from carefully prepared beef and pork organs served with bread or vermicelli. Pha Lau is often sold at street stalls, creating a unique cultural feature of Saigon.
There are many ways to eat with pha lau
Beef stew noodles
This is a familiar breakfast dish in Saigon, with a special broth. The broth of beef stew noodles is stewed from beef bones, beef, beef tendons, lemongrass, chili, shrimp paste and other spices, creating a characteristic sweet taste. The broth is thick, viscous, and has a beautiful reddish-brown color, along with chewy, soft and opaque white noodles.
Beef stew noodles
Season tips for your trip in May
Ho Chi Minh City in May has quite high temperatures and sudden rains, so it is necessary to prepare for the weather. Here are some practical tips for your trip:
- Choose clothes made of thin and quick-drying materials such as polyester or nylon. Bring a raincoat or foldable umbrella in case of rain.
- Check the weather forecast from reliable apps and websites to prepare a suitable schedule. However, you also need to have backup plans to be able to make the most of your trip.
- Hot weather and high humidity can make you feel tired, so bring medicine and water to avoid losing energy while exploring the city.
- May is shoulder season in Vietnam, so there will be fewer visitors and you can visit the landmarks comfortably. This season also has promotions, discounts on tours and accommodation, air tickets. Take advantage to reduce the cost of your trip.
In May, Ho Chi Minh City offers a dynamic mix of cultural attractions and tropical charm. Although it is the rainy season and brings occasional showers, it only adds to the lush beauty of the city and creates a refreshing atmosphere. From exploring historical landmarks and indulging in delicious cuisine to enjoying scenic river cruises and exciting events, Ho Chi Minh City in May is a destination filled with unforgettable experiences. Enjoy the city’s energy, plan wisely according to the weather and you will create memories that will last a lifetime!
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