What to Do When It Rains in Hoi An: A Guide for Rainy Days

Hoi An is known for its charming lantern-lit streets, ancient temples, and beautiful countryside, but sometimes, the weather doesn’t cooperate. If you find yourself in Hoi An during the rainy season (typically from September to January), don’t worry—this enchanting city has plenty of activities that are perfect for a rainy day. From cultural experiences to cozy cafes and hands-on workshops, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy your time, even when it’s wet outside.

Here’s your guide to the best things to do when it rains in Hoi An:

1. Explore Hoi An’s Museums and Ancient Houses

Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich history, and many of its best attractions are indoors, making them ideal for rainy days. Spend your time visiting the town’s ancient houses, museums, and temples, where you can dive into the city’s fascinating past.

Must-Visit Spots:

• Tan Ky House: One of the most well-preserved old houses in Hoi An, this 200-year-old building showcases traditional architecture and is full of history.
• Hoi An Museum of History and Culture: Learn about the town’s long history as a bustling trading port and its mix of influences from Chinese, Japanese, and European cultures.
• Phung Hung House: Another beautifully preserved house that reflects Hoi An’s unique blend of architectural styles.

Tip: Many of these historic houses are small and intimate, making them a perfect escape from the rain while immersing yourself in the town’s rich cultural heritage.

2. Take a Vietnamese Cooking Class

A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to try something hands-on—and what better way to experience Vietnamese culture than by learning how to cook its famous cuisine? Hoi An’s cooking classes are renowned for teaching travelers how to prepare local dishes like pho, banh xeo, and cao lau. Most classes include a trip to a local market where you can learn about the fresh ingredients used in Vietnamese cooking, followed by a step-by-step cooking session.

Popular Cooking Classes:

• Red Bridge Cooking School: Set along the river, this school offers a complete experience, including a boat trip to the market, cooking class, and a feast of the dishes you prepare.
• Vy’s Market Restaurant & Cooking School: Located in the heart of Hoi An’s Old Town, this class offers a fun and interactive way to learn local recipes in a vibrant market-style environment.

Tip: Many classes include vegetarian or vegan options, so be sure to ask in advance if you have dietary preferences.

3. Relax in a Cozy Cafe

Hoi An is famous for its cozy cafes, many of which offer great views of the old town or the river. These cafes are the perfect places to escape the rain and enjoy a warm cup of Vietnamese coffee or tea while watching the world go by. With plenty of options offering pastries, light meals, and unique coffee experiences, you can easily spend a few hours relaxing.

Recommended Cafes:

• Reaching Out Tea House: A peaceful, non-profit tea house run by hearing-impaired staff, offering a calm atmosphere and ethically sourced teas.
• The Espresso Station: If you’re a coffee lover, this is a must-visit, known for its specialty coffee brews and artistic presentation.
• Cocobox: A charming blend of a cafe and organic store, Cocobox offers delicious juices, smoothies, and sandwiches made from fresh local ingredients.

Tip: Bring a book or journal and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Hoi An’s cafes—some even offer traditional board games or books for you to browse.

4. Visit a Spa for a Relaxing Treatment

Rainy days are the perfect excuse to pamper yourself. Hoi An is known for its affordable and high-quality spas, offering a range of treatments from traditional Vietnamese massages to facials and body scrubs. Relax with a hot herbal bath or unwind with a soothing foot massage while you wait for the rain to pass.

Top Spas to Consider:

• La Siesta Spa: Offering luxury spa treatments in a beautiful setting, La Siesta Spa is ideal for those seeking indulgence.
• White Rose Spa: A mid-range option with great services and a focus on traditional Vietnamese massage techniques.
• Five Senses Spa: Known for its relaxing environment and excellent service, this spa offers a wide range of treatments at reasonable prices.

Tip: Many spas offer packages, so consider spending a full morning or afternoon enjoying a combination of treatments.

5. Take a Lantern-Making Workshop

Hoi An is famous for its colorful silk lanterns, and a rainy day is the perfect opportunity to learn how to make one yourself. Lantern-making workshops are a unique way to get hands-on with Hoi An’s culture, and you’ll get to take home a beautiful souvenir that you crafted with your own hands.

Where to Take a Workshop:

• The Lantern Lady: A popular spot in the old town that offers workshops where you can choose your lantern’s shape, size, and fabric.
• Gioan Craft Workshop: Known for its friendly staff and detailed instructions, this workshop is perfect for beginners looking to learn the art of lantern-making.

Tip: These workshops are often held in cozy, indoor spaces, making them a great activity for families and kids when it’s raining.

6. Discover Hoi An’s Traditional Markets

If you’re willing to brave the rain with an umbrella, exploring one of Hoi An’s traditional markets can be an exciting experience. The Hoi An Central Market is full of life, even in rainy weather, offering fresh produce, seafood, spices, and handcrafted goods. Walking through the aisles under the shelter of the market’s roof allows you to experience the hustle and bustle of daily life in Hoi An.

What to See at the Market:

• Fresh Produce and Spices: Sample the flavors of Vietnam and pick up some unique spices to take home.
• Street Food Stalls: Try local dishes like banh mi, pho, and cao lau, prepared fresh right in front of you.
• Handicrafts: The market also has stalls selling souvenirs, textiles, and ceramics, perfect for finding gifts or keepsakes.

Tip: If it’s raining heavily, bring a reusable tote or plastic bags to protect your purchases from getting wet.

7. Visit the Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum

For art and photography lovers, the Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum by Rehahn offers an immersive look into Vietnam’s diverse ethnic communities. The gallery showcases stunning portraits, traditional costumes, and stories about Vietnam’s lesser-known ethnic groups, giving you a deeper understanding of the country’s cultural richness.

Why Visit:

• Incredible Photography: Rehahn’s work captures the beauty and diversity of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities, with detailed stories behind each photograph.
• Cultural Insights: Learn about Vietnam’s 54 recognized ethnic groups through their traditional clothing, customs, and way of life.

Tip: Entry to the museum is free, and it’s located indoors, making it a perfect rainy day destination.

8. Take a Vietnamese Language Class

Why not use the rainy weather as an opportunity to learn some basic Vietnamese phrases? Many language schools in Hoi An offer introductory Vietnamese language classes, where you can pick up simple greetings, numbers, and phrases that will enhance your travel experience. It’s a fun way to engage with the local culture, and you’ll be able to practice your new skills when the rain stops.

Where to Learn:

• Hoi An Language School: Offers short Vietnamese language courses for travelers, focusing on practical phrases and conversational skills.
• Personal Tutors: Many tour companies and local guides offer language lessons, and you can often arrange one-on-one sessions for a more personalized experience.

Tip: Even learning a few phrases like “hello” (xin chào) and “thank you” (cảm ơn) can make a big difference in connecting with locals.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Rainy Days in Hoi An

Even when it rains, Hoi An remains a captivating destination with plenty to offer. Whether you’re relaxing in a cozy cafe, learning how to cook Vietnamese dishes, or diving into the city’s rich history and culture, rainy days in Hoi An provide the perfect opportunity to experience the town from a different perspective.

With a variety of indoor activities and workshops, you can still make the most of your time in this beautiful city, rain or shine. So, grab an umbrella and embrace the magic of Hoi An, even when the weather isn’t perfect!

Need help planning your rainy day adventures in Hoi An? Contact us for personalized tour recommendations and indoor activities to make your trip unforgettable, no matter the weather!