Luc Ngan, Thanh Ha
Early-season lychees
Early-ripening lychees start appearing in late May; the main harvest peaks in June. They're great fresh, chilled or in fruit tea.
Seasonal Calendar
May: early lychees, ripe plums and the first cool tea of summer
Northern Vietnam welcomes early summer with lychees, hậu plums and the first lotus blooms. The South gets its first afternoon showers. May also brings International Tea Day, an occasion made for Nhà An.
Weather across Vietnam
Early summer, sun and rain trade places
In May the whole country moves into summer, but each region does it its own way. In the North, hot sun is mixed with thunderstorms; in the South, the rainy season often begins with sudden afternoon showers.
- North: getting steadily hotter, with the occasional thunderstorm
- Central: plenty of sun; the beaches of Da Nang and Hoi An are usually lovely and easy to visit
- Central Highlands: shifting into the rainy season, cool weather with frequent late-afternoon and evening rain
- South: hot and humid, with short afternoon showers that soon clear
Seasonal produce
May delicious in January
Harvest timing can run a few weeks early or late depending on the region and each year's weather.
Moc Chau
Hậu plums
Moc Chau's hậu plums (mận hậu) usually ripen from around May to June, depending on the year. Crisp, sweet-tart and juicy, they're perfect dipped in chili salt or preserved in sugar.
Southern Vietnam
Ripe golden cát mangoes
At the start of the rainy season in the South, cát mangoes (xoài cát) are still around, depending on the harvest and growing region. Thick-fleshed and fragrant, they're great fresh, in baking or blended into smoothies.
Mekong Delta, Southeast region
Mangosteen, rambutan, durian
These tropical fruits start coming into season around May and peak gradually through the middle of the year, depending on the orchard and region.
Hanoi
Early West Lake lotus
West Lake lotus usually starts blooming around May and peaks in June; some years it comes earlier. Lotus season is also the season for lotus-scented tea made the traditional way.
Holidays this month
Days worth remembering days
Lunar dates are calculated on the Vietnamese calendar (UTC+7) for 2027. When planning, double-check against the official calendar.
- 1/5
International Workers' Day
In 2027 it falls on a Saturday. The holiday schedule is announced by the authorities, so keep an eye out when planning your trips.
- 7/5
Dien Bien Phu Victory Anniversary
Marks the 1954 victory. In 2027, May 7 is a Friday.
- 9/5
Mother's Day
Widely celebrated on the second Sunday of May, though not an official holiday. In 2027 it's Sunday, May 9, a good day to treat Mom to tea and cakes.
- 19/5
President Ho Chi Minh's Birthday
In 2027 it's a Wednesday, which is also the 14th day of the 4th lunar month, the day before the full moon.
- May 20 (full moon of the 4th lunar month)
Vesak (Buddha's Birthday)
In 2027 it's a Thursday. Many families eat vegetarian and visit the pagoda on this occasion.
- 21/5
International Tea Day
Recognized by the United Nations since 2019 to honor tea growers, tea makers and tea-drinking culture. In 2027 it's a Friday, a perfect time to gather friends around a pot of tea.
At Nhà An
Teas & bites for early summer
Iced wood-fired oolong
Wood-fired roasted Bao Loc oolong, with the tea base freshly brewed every 4 hours and served over ice for sunny days. You choose the sugar level from 0–100% and the amount of ice.
Lotus tea in bloom season
Lotus tea scented with Bach Diep West Lake lotus, served hot or iced. The Tea Dictionary has a guide to brewing it at home.
Seasonal fruit tea
Nhà An plans to offer fruit teas made with Luc Ngan lychees and other fruits in season; flavors change with the seasons.
Pastries baked every morning
Baked goods from 5 am, perfect with a cool tea. Dishes with mango will depend on the season.
Suggested activities
May at Nhà An
Exam season
The final sprint in the Deadline Room
A quiet zone with a power outlet at every seat and its own wifi for exam-prep days, open 24/7. Student discounts are planned and will be announced later.
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International Tea Day
Sit down with a pot of tea
Nhà An plans a tea-tasting event for May 21; details will be announced on the website and on Zalo.
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Mother's Day
Cakes and gift boxes for Mom
Birthday cakes ordered 2 days ahead, plus tea and pastry gift boxes neatly wrapped for loved ones.
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Vesak
A light vegetarian meal
Everything on Nhà An's menu is vegetarian; vegan dishes (no eggs, no dairy) are specially marked at the counter.
Xem thêmLittle tips
Pick great fruit, enjoy early summer
Choosing produce
- Lychees: pick fruit with an even pinkish-red skin, green stems and no dark spots; eat within a few days
- Plums: pick plump fruit with white bloom and fresh stems; rinse well before eating
- Mangoes: pick fruit that feels heavy, smells sweet at the stem end and is turning an even yellow
Staying comfortable in early summer
- Bring a water bottle or your own cup
- Wear a hat and avoid the harsh midday sun
- Eat a variety of fruits rather than too much of just one
Getting out in May
- Lychee and plum orchards often open for fruit picking in season; ask about harvest dates first
- Da Nang and Hoi An: go to the beach early in the morning or in the late afternoon
- On the 14th of the lunar month, Hoi An Ancient Town usually holds a full-moon night with lanterns and floating flower lamps; check the details before you go
Quick questions about May
What fruit and produce is in season in May?
Early lychees and Moc Chau hậu plums in the North; cát mangoes, mangosteens, rambutans and durians in the South; and West Lake lotus begins to bloom. Exact timing can shift by a few weeks depending on the year.
When is International Tea Day?
May 21 every year. The United Nations recognized it in 2019 to acknowledge the role of tea and the people who make it.
When is Vesak in 2027?
The full moon of the 4th lunar month in 2027 falls on Thursday, May 20. You can use the solar-lunar calendar converter on the website to look up other years.
Start early summer with a cool cup of tea
See all 12 months of produce and occasions. Nhà An is opening 5 branches soon, and details will be announced on the website and on Zalo.
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