The Rainy Season in Hoi An | Flooding & Activities

Today, I’m telling you everything about the Rainy Season in Hoi An. When is the rainy season? What should you expect? What activities can you engage in?

This less crowded period allows you to enjoy a more authentic and serene atmosphere.

Whether it’s wandering through picturesque streets, visiting temples and pagodas, or tasting the local cuisine, Hoi An during the rainy season offers unforgettable moments. So don’t hesitate to plan your trip, no matter the season – you won’t be disappointed by Hoi An.

So don’t let the weather deter you from discovering this gem of Vietnam.

In this article, I have intentionally included photos of the floods in Hoi An. Even though in 90% of the cases, you won’t encounter them during your trip at this time, it remains a possibility. And I think it’s better to know what it can look like.

When is the rainy season in Hoi An?

The rainy season typically extends from September to January, falling within the tropical monsoon pattern. However, the rainiest period is concentrated from October to December.

It is important to note that the rainy season does not mean constant rain 24/7, far from it. In reality, you can expect many sunny days, with temperatures often exceeding 28°C (82°F). It is not uncommon to sunbathe at the beach during this period. What surprises many tourists I meet is that they read on the Internet that it’s apocalyptic.

The showers, usually brief, intense, and in the evening, alternate with long periods of clear weather, offering a unique atmosphere to the city.

Average Rainfall:

• Annual average rainfall: approximately 2110 mm
• Wettest period: October to December, totaling 1331 mm
• Wettest month: October, with an average of 549 mm

From August to January, Hoi An experiences an average of 16 rainy days per month. October stands out as the month with the most rainfall, seeing 20 days of precipitation.

Despite the rains, temperatures remain mild, ranging between 22°C and 28°C, offering a relatively pleasant climate.

What is the duration of flooding in Hoi An?

The rainy season is often accompanied by floods of varying intensities. Just one day of rain is enough for Bach Dang, a street adjacent to the harbor, to flood (which is a non-event for me since it’s a street that floods easily). If the rainfall stops, it generally does not disrupt the daily life of locals or tourists.

However, if the rains persist, the floods spread to secondary streets, such as Nguyen Thai Hoc and Nguyen Phu Chuc, and paralyze parts of the old town as well as parts of Hoi An.

These significant floods can last two to three days, rarely longer. Businesses in the old quarter shut down, and the central market moves to the adjacent streets.

Major floods generally occur 3 to 4 times during the rainy season, which is relatively infrequent over five months.

Contrary to what one might think, the floods attract many people who come to take photos, and sometimes these events become significant attractions.

Typhoon Season in Hoi An

The typhoon season extends from October to November in central Vietnam. Although few typhoons directly hit Hoi An (though I have experienced a few), they can disrupt your travel, especially due to the closure of Da Nang airport and the suspension of flights.

If a typhoon is approaching Hoi An or Da Nang, you can check my “Typhoon 2024” page where I list the new typhoons.

While floods can provide a unique spectacle in Hoi An, I do not recommend staying in the region during a typhoon.

Traveling to Hoi An during the rainy season: pros and cons

Visiting a tourist destination at any time of the year always has its pros and cons. Even if you come at the best time, with perfect weather, you will still face certain challenges that everyone must deal with.

Each season offers a unique experience during a trip, and the chosen period of visit will inevitably influence your stay. Even in the most favorable weather conditions, each destination presents its own challenges.

While the tendency is to avoid traveling during the rainy season, this period can offer a different and enriching perspective on a destination. Let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of visiting Hoi An during the rainy season:

Advantages:

• Unique boat rides through the old town
• Fewer tourists, allowing for a more authentic experience
• More attractive prices for accommodation and some activities
• Lush landscapes refreshed by the rains
• Romantic and soothing atmosphere
• Unique opportunities for photography (reflections in puddles, dramatic skies)

Disadvantages:

• Risk of flooding in some areas
• Some outdoor activities may be limited
• High humidity can be uncomfortable
• Need to be more flexible in planning activities
• Need for additional equipment (raincoats, umbrellas)

Ultimately, visiting Hoi An during the rainy season can offer a unique and memorable experience for open-minded travelers. With proper preparation and a positive attitude, this period can reveal aspects of the city that would not be discovered at other times of the year.

Must-Do Activities in Hoi An During Floods

You’ve carefully planned your vacation to Hoi An, but upon arrival, you are greeted by relentless rain and 1 meter of water in the streets. Don’t panic! Hoi An is full of interesting activities, even during floods. Here are some suggestions to fully enjoy your stay, regardless of the weather:

1. Walk around the Old Town of Hoi An

If the floods are not too high, you will see many people, including foreign tourists, walking in the floodwaters. As I said, the floods attract a lot of Vietnamese from Da Nang who come to take photos. It’s a spectacle in itself.

I’ve seen Vietnamese set up a table in the water to continue drinking their beer. It’s a competition to see who can take the most unusual photo. 

2. Unique boat ride through the streets of Hoi An

Paradoxically, the heavy floods in Hoi An offer an extraordinary opportunity to discover the old town from a completely different angle. This unusual experience has become a popular attraction for visitors in recent years.

Tour details:

• Cost: about 100,000 VND per boat
• Duration: variable depending on conditions and your preferences

Highlights of the experience:

• Unique view of partially submerged ancient houses
• Exceptional photographic opportunities
• Unusual perspective on the city’s architecture
• Immersion in a surreal atmosphere

This boat tour during the floods has become a sought-after service by many tourists, turning what might be perceived as a disadvantage into a memorable adventure. It offers a unique way to appreciate the resilience and beauty of Hoi An in the face of nature’s whims.

3. Seek refuge in Hoi An’s cafes and bars

When rain visits Hoi An, the city’s cafes and bars become true havens of peace. These establishments offer a great opportunity to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the city while staying dry.

Cafes like the Cargo Club and Tam Tam Café offer a diverse menu, combining local and international cuisine. They also feature a second floor, which is an ideal vantage point to continue admiring local life. If the floods are significant, you can take refuge in the many cafes on Tran Phu Street, a street that leads to the Japanese Bridge in Hoi An and always remains dry.

A rainy day in Hoi An can thus turn into a memorable experience, allowing you to discover the city from a different perspective. Whether it’s for a morning coffee or an evening cocktail, these breaks will provide a unique glimpse into the daily life in Hoi An.

4. Relax at a spa

When it rains in Hoi An, what better than a spa session to escape the gloom? It’s a great way to rejuvenate, especially if the pace of your vacation has been intense.

This allows for complete relaxation without regretting missing outdoor activities.

Spas and resorts offer a range of varied treatments:

• Massages and body therapies
• Foot care
• Facial treatments
• Hair removal
• Herbal steam baths
• Saunas
• Hair and nail care

Suggestions for spas in Hoi An (rate for a 60-minute massage):

Luxurious:

• KOI Resort & Spa (38 €)
• Akoya Spa – Vinpearl Resort & Spa Hoian (52 €)

Mid-range:

• Citrus Spa (16 €)

Economical:

• Nature Spa (12 €)
• Pandanus Spa (12 €)

No matter your choice, from the most luxurious to the most economical, enjoying a spa session in Hoi An is the ideal way to turn a wet and rainy day into a moment of absolute relaxation and well-being.

5. Take a cooking class in Hoi An

Participating in a cooking class in Hoi An during the rainy season is an exciting activity to discover. If the richness of Vietnamese cuisine has seduced you, you might be tempted to learn how to prepare it yourself. If bad weather forces you to postpone your outdoor excursions, why not take the opportunity to join a cooking class? Hoi An, with its unique mix of culinary traditions from the north and south of Vietnam, offers the ideal setting to learn authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

In a friendly atmosphere and under the guidance of an experienced chef, cooking becomes not only easy but also very entertaining. It’s also a unique opportunity to interact with locals and immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture. Several establishments in Hoi An offer cooking classes, each providing a unique experience.

Among the best cooking schools in Hoi An, you’ll find:

• Red Bridge Cooking School (35 €)
• Hoi An Eco Cooking Class (32 €)
• Thuan Tinh Island Cooking Tour (39 €)

Each of these options will enable you to master the basic techniques of Vietnamese cuisine and bring home an unforgettable culinary souvenir.

6. Get tailor-made clothes

Hoi An, often nicknamed the world capital of tailor-made shopping, is the ideal place to find excellent tailors.

The town has over 200 artisan tailors capable of creating tailor-made suits, dresses, and casual wear. The rates, although very affordable, meet international quality standards.

Prices for a tailor-made suit vary from 90 € to 280 €, depending on the materials and design chosen. After taking your measurements, you can pick up your clothes a few days later, or even a few hours if you opt for an express service. Making a suit generally requires 2 to 3 days, while simpler garments can be ready in half a day.

For those in a hurry, a surcharge is applied for the express service.

Among the most reputable tailor shops in Hoi An, you’ll find Be Be Tailor, Yaly Couture, A Dong Silk, and Kimmy Tailor. Enjoying these tailor-made clothing services on rainy days is undoubtedly one of the best activities in Hoi An.