Visiting Hoi An during the rainy season might sound tricky at first, but trust me, it’s one of the most magical times to experience this charming city. The streets get quieter, the yellow walls shine brighter in the soft rain, and everything feels more peaceful. When I first visited Hoi An in October, I expected the weather to ruin my plans, but it actually made my trip more memorable. The cool breeze, the smell of wet earth, and the gentle rhythm of raindrops created the perfect backdrop for slow travel.
What is weather in Hoi An in rain season?
Rainy season in Hoi An typically runs from late of Sep to early January, but these recent year, this expericen change from Oct to Dec.
During this time, the weather brings frequent light showers, occasional heavier downpours, and a cool, refreshing breeze. Temperatures usually stay around 19–25°C – it is cold for Vietnamese but normal for traveler from North America or Euro, making it comfortable despite the rain. A rain coat or light jacket is fine.
Flood and typhone: Some days may see brief flooding in low-lying areas, and Hoi An Ancient town in Sep – Oct, but overall the town remains calm, atmospheric, high humidity… the kind of weather that makes Hoi An feel extra cinematic.
If you’re wondering about top things to do in Hoi An when it rains, here’s a complete list of experiences that let you enjoy the town to the fullest — rain or shine.
Best activities for a rainy day in Hoi An
Enjoy Hoi An’s Cozy Cafés and Tea Houses
When it rains, I love nothing more than curling up in a cozy café with a warm cup of Vietnamese coffee. Hoi An has countless charming coffee spots. My favorite is Hai Café (98 Nguyễn Thái Học/111 Trần Phú street), where you can watch the rain fall softly on the old town streets. Another great option is Tam Tam Café (110 Nguyễn Thái Học street), known for its rustic vibes and delicious pastries.
If you prefer tea, head to Reaching Out Teahouse (131 Trần Phú street). This peaceful place offers a traditional tea-tasting experience. It’s also run by hearing-impaired staff who communicate through handwritten notes — a humbling and heartwarming moment you’ll never forget.
Tip: A cup of coffee costs around $2, and tea experiences are slightly more, but absolutely worth it for the atmosphere.
You can read more about how to explore the city rain or shine in this detailed local guide to Hoi An.
Relax Your Body and Mind at Hoi An Spas
Rainy days are perfect for slowing down and treating yourself. I decided to spend one afternoon at KOI Resort & Spa, and honestly, it was the best decision of my trip. The massage melted away all my travel fatigue.
There are many great options for every budget:
- Luxury: Woosah Spa ($45), KOI Resort & Spa ($38), Akoya Spa ($52)
- Mid-range: Citrus Spa ($16), Palmarosa Spa ($17), Five Senses Spa ($20)
- Budget: Natura Spa ($12), Pandanus Spa ($12), Hidden Gem ($18)
Whether you go for a full-body treatment or just a foot massage, you’ll walk out refreshed and ready to explore again.
Join a Cooking Class and Taste Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine
Another fun way to spend a rainy day is by joining a cooking class. I took one at Red Bridge Cooking School, and it was such a great experience! Under the guidance of a local chef, I learned to make crispy spring rolls and fragrant pho.
Other good options include Hoi An Eco Cooking Class ($32) and Thuan Tinh Island Cooking Tour ($39). Most classes include a market visit, where you get to talk with locals and discover how fresh herbs and spices shape Vietnamese dishes.
This indoor activity is not just about food — it’s about connection, laughter, and a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture.
Create Your Own Lantern – A Symbol of Hoi An’s Spirit
Lantern-making is one of the most meaningful rainy day activities in Hoi An. Locals believe that making a lantern brings happiness and good luck. I joined a small class near the Ancient Town where an elderly craftsman patiently guided me through the process.
Each class lasts around 2–3 hours and costs about $15. You’ll work with silk and bamboo to create your own colorful lantern — and yes, you can take it home as a souvenir! The experience felt calming and creative, especially with the rain tapping softly outside.
Here are some popular and friendly spots where you can join:
- The Lantern Lady: Lantern Making Workshops – 3/6 Phan Bội Châu Street
- Hằng Dũng Lantern Making & Painting Class – 51 Nguyễn Thái Học Street
- Lantern Making Class With Lynn – 8/6 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Street
Explore Hoi An’s Art and Handicraft Galleries
If you’re an art lover, Hoi An’s indoor galleries will keep you inspired for hours. I spent a whole morning at the Precious Heritage Gallery (26 Phan Bội Châu Street), which showcases stunning portraits and stories of Vietnam’s ethnic groups. You can also visit Cui Lu Art Space (Trường Sa street) and Hart Hoi An (25 Phan Bội Châu street) for contemporary works.
Each place tells a different story of Hoi An’s evolving identity. The mix of rain outside and colorful artwork inside created a poetic contrast I’ll never forget.
Discover Hoi An’s Tailor Shops for Custom Clothing
Did you know Hoi An is known as the tailoring capital of Vietnam? Even on rainy days, the hum of sewing machines fills the air. I had a suit made at Be Be Tailor, and the result was stunning — great quality for a fair price.
Here’s what you should know:
- Top shops: Be Be Tailor (05-07 Hoàng Diệu street), Yaly Couture (358 Nguyễn Duy Hiệu street), A Dong Silk (62 Trần Hưng Đạo street), Kimmy Tailor (70 Trần Hưng Đạo).
- Price range: $90–$280 depending on fabric and service.
- Express option: Some tailors finish clothes in just one day!
The process is simple: choose your fabric, get measured, and return in a few days to pick up your custom outfit. It’s an experience that combines craftsmanship and personal style — perfect for a rainy afternoon.
Rainy Season Travel Tips for Hoi An
Traveling in the rainy season (October –January) requires a bit of preparation, but it’s nothing to worry about. Here are some tips based on my own experience:
- Always pack a poncho or umbrella. Almost hotel in Hoi An has umbrela, you can ask borrow.
- Wear waterproof shoes — flip-flops or sandals work best.
- Check weather forecasts before planning outdoor trips.
- Bring light clothes for the day and a warm jacket for January nights.
- Keep some cold medicine handy, just in case. In Hoi An Ancient town, you aslo easy to find a pharmacy store and English speaking staff.
Moving in Hoi An’s flooding time
1. ⚠️ Severe Mobility & Access Issues (Especially in Ancient Town)
Submerged Streets: Hoi An Ancient Town is the most affected area. Main streets like Bach Dang, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, and the riverside areas are often submerged in water, sometimes reaching well over a meter (knee- to waist-deep or more).
Need for Alternative Transport:
Walking is Impossible/Difficult: You cannot walk or use motorbikes/bicycles in the flooded streets.
Boats become the only option: Hoianese often use small wooden boats (sampans) to navigate the flooded streets, which becomes the primary (and sometimes only) way for tourists to move around the Ancient Town. This is often offered as a unique ‘flood tourism’ experience, but it is a necessity for moving to high area.
2. 🚫 Attraction & Business Closures
Attractions Close: almost the old houses, museums, temples, and assembly halls in Hoi An Ancient Town (e.g., Phung Hung Ancient House, Cam Pho Communal House) close their doors to protect their historical artifacts and wooden structures from water damage.
Shops and Restaurants Close: Businesses in the Ancient Town will close completely or move their operations and merchandise to higher floors to protect them, making shopping and dining in the main areas impossible.
The Hoi An Night Market becomes inaccessible.
The Lantern Boat Ride on the Hoai River is suspended due to high water and safety concerns.
Out-of-town activities like the My Son Sanctuary and the Cam Thanh Coconut Village (basket boats) may be flooded and inaccessible by road.
3. 🚨 Safety and Health Hazards
Landslides/Road Closures (Regional): Extremely heavy rain can cause landslides and block major highways connecting Hoi An to Da Nang and Hue, disrupting regional travel plans and transfers.
Tipping for moving on Hoi An’s flood time:
Let’s contact with hotel if we can stay at that time, and how to get hotel at that time? Walk or Boat, if they can pick you up at meeting points or you have to change hotel
Book private car transfer and request a high SUV for more safe. Cost for transfer from/to Da Nang airport from Hoi An about: 12 – 15 USD/car
Leave Early (The “Buffer” Rule): In bad weather, a 45-minute drive can turn into 90 minutes due to detours. Recommendation: Depart Hoi An 3.5 to 4 hours before your flight time.
Request a High Vehicle (SUV / 7-Seater): Even if you are only 2 people, pay the small extra fee for a 7-seater (like a Isuzu Mu-x or Toyota Fortuner). These cars are higher off the ground and can navigate flooded sections that would drown a standard 4-seater sedan.
If you’re flying in or out of Da Nang International Airport, it’s best to book a private car in advance — during this time taxis often can’t accept last-minute bookings or car is not standby at that time because of heavy rain or flooding.
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It’s an easy step that makes the whole trip feel smoother from the start. Da Nang airport transfer services |
The average temperature stays around 22–28°C, and while October can be very wet, the air is cool and refreshing.
Why Visiting Hoi An in the Rainy Season Is Worth It
Some travelers avoid the rainy months, but for me, it’s the most authentic time to visit. The streets are quiet, the lanterns glow softly, and the locals have more time to chat. Prices drop, too — making it easier to enjoy premium services without breaking your budget.
The rain doesn’t wash away the beauty of Hoi An. It shows a softer side of the town. Whether you’re sipping coffee in an old café or making your own lantern, every moment feels like a scene from a movie. To make your trip even better, check out the ideal time to plan your Hoi An trip.
So, next time the skies open up, don’t hide indoors too long. Step out, explore, and discover all the wonderful things to do in Hoi An when it rains. You might just find it’s even more beautiful under the rain.