May: Where to Go in Asia
May — best bets
All countries ↓Rains begin on the mainland. Bali, central Vietnam and the Malaysian islands shine.
Country by country
| Where | Weather | Crowds | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | Warm, green · ~24°C Tokyo | High 1–5 May, then low | $$$ to 5 May, then $$ | Hiking, Fuji Five Lakes, green maples in Kyoto; cherry blossom in Hokkaido early May |
| Thailand | Rains start mid-May · ~35°C | Low | $ | Deals. Gulf islands (Koh Samui & Koh Tao) stay drier. |
| Vietnam · north | Hot, first storms · ~32°C | Mid | $$ | Golden rice in Ninh Binh (late May), Ha Long Bay |
| Vietnam · centre | Hot, sunny, calm sea · ~33°C | Mid | $$ | Beach season: Da Nang, Hoi An, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang |
| Vietnam · south | Rainy season starts · ~34°C | Low | $ | Short showers; Da Lat, Mekong Delta |
| Cambodia | Hot, first rains · ~35°C | Low | $ | Quiet Angkor, greener countryside |
| Malaysia · west coast | Showers · ~33°C | Mid | $$ | Penang, Langkawi, cool Cameron Highlands |
| Malaysia · east-coast islands | Best water · ~32°C | Mid – high | $$ | Perhentian, Redang, Tioman |
| Bali & Indonesia | Dry, sunny · ~31°C | Mid | $$ | Bali, Komodo, Lombok & the Gilis, Bromo & Ijen |
| Philippines | Hottest; rains begin late May · ~34°C | Mid | $$ | Siargao, Palawan early in the month |
| Taiwan | Plum rains from mid-May · ~29°C | Mid | $$ | Fireflies, tung blossom, Taroko Gorge before the rains |
Temperatures are typical daytime highs. Price: $ low · $$ normal · $$$ peak, for that place.
Dates to know
| When | What |
|---|---|
| 1–5 May | Golden Week in Japan — book early or arrive after 5 May. |
| Early May | Cherry blossom in Hokkaido — Sapporo and Hakodate (typical). |
| Mid-May | Rainy season starts in Thailand; plum rains start in Taiwan. |
| End of May | US summer travel season begins — fares from LAX rise. |
From LAX: Southeast Asia’s low season brings cheaper fares and hotel deals. Japan costs more until Golden Week ends on 5 May. Live departures →
May in short
May starts the rainy season on the mainland — usually short afternoon storms, low prices and empty sights. Thailand’s Gulf islands stay drier than the Andaman coast.
This is the best month for Bali and Komodo before the July–August crowds, for central Vietnam’s beaches and for Malaysia’s east-coast islands. Japan is green and calm once Golden Week ends.
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