Recommendations for Vietnam in May 2025
Hello all!
We are planning a 2 week trip in May 2025 to Vietnam to see some of the endangered primates there. Places that we are thinking of going to are 1) Cat Tien National Park, 2) Son Tra Nature reserve, 3) Bach Ma National Park and 4) Cuc Phuong National Park & 5) Ha Long bay
In addition to the primates we are keen to see other mammals and birds and reptiles (especially snakes) are always an exciting sight!
I am finding it very difficult to understand how the weather in Vietnam could be in the month of May. If anyone has been to these places in May or June then it would be great to get some feedback, or if you have any knowledge of how the weather could be at that time of the year in Vietnam then I would be really grateful.
Our absolute target is the Red-shanked Douc which can be seen at Son Tra and I found out that May is probably the best time to visit the Central coast of Vietnam as there is little chance of getting caught in a typhoon then.
If you have any other recommendations or advice then please do share! 🙂
Atif
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4 Comments
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Tuan Bui Van
Hello Atif,
I have guide several mamal watchers to observe and photography primates and other mammals in Vietnam. You can ask Paul Carter, Alex Coke, Mogen Trolles, Alex Schouten. I am a founder and director of HIVOOC Co. Ltd, a travel agency is located in Da Nang city, focusing on primate conservation eco-tours for private small groups. You can contact us via WhatsApp +84 813 949 222 or email tourbooking@hivooc.com. We will help you to make a suitable plan and explain your concerns. Tuan.
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Martin Walsh VN
Hello Atif
Regarding the weather, it’s tricky to answer, as you discovered from Googling! Vietnam is huge, so the weather will be very different in Hanoi in May than in Saigon or the Central Highlands. Typically, the central coast gets the brunt of the worst weather each year, while everywhere else is visitable year-round if you don’t mind some afternoon monsoon deluges. May is OK for Da Nang (Son Tra) and is the beginning of the wet (monsoon) season for most of the south, so pack a raincoat.
On your current place list just a couple of thoughts. Just to set expectations, Son Tra isn’t really a nature reserve, and last couple of times I went they had closed the best road/walking route around the peninsular because of landslides. So don’t go expecting a national park-like experience. You will certainly see red-shanked douc there though. If the main road is closed, they can reliably be found around the Intercontinental Hotel. You’ll also see them in Bach Ma in a less habituated state.
If you’re after more than mammals, then I’d add Con Dao (sea birds, turtles) and Da Lat (basically all of Vietnam’s endemic birds) to your list. Also, most people looking for primates also head to Ninh Binh for Delacour’s Lutung, would be easy to squeeze in as you’re already going to Cuc Phuong. Fair warning on Cuc Phuong – it’s beautiful but hard work to see much.
Hope this helps.
Martin