Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An: The Timeless Charm of Central Vietnam’s Rainy Season

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Nov 6, 2025
3 min read

After weeks of heavy rain during Central Vietnam’s annual monsoon season, tourism activities have resumed across Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An, welcoming visitors eager to experience the region’s serene beauty under a softer light.

Visitors stroll through the ancient streets of Hoi An, admiring its iconic yellow houses and lanterns after the rainy season.

Tourists enjoy a peaceful walk through Hoi An Ancient Town as the weather clears, revealing the city’s signature yellow walls and timeless charm.

Tranquil Hoi An in the Flood Season

As the early winter chill begins to settle, Hoi An Ancient Town takes on a peaceful and nostalgic charm. The UNESCO-listed heritage site, home to over 1,400 historic structures nearly 400 years old, often experiences seasonal flooding from the Thu Bon River each October.

Local residents in Hoi An clean the streets after seasonal floods, quickly restoring the ancient town to its usual beauty.

Hoi An locals work together to clean up after the annual floods — a tradition that reflects the town’s resilience and community spirit.

Yet, the town’s residents have long mastered the art of adaptation — cleaning up and restoring normal life within 24 hours after the water recedes. For visitors, the scene of moss-covered houses reflecting in the calm floodwaters creates an ethereal beauty that feels timeless.

Many international tourists choose to stroll through the old town during this season, enjoying its quiet streets, misty atmosphere, and golden reflections on the river. Even during floods, Hoi An retains its unique allure — like an antique jewel shimmering beside the Thu Bon River.

Visitors experience a coracle boat tour in Cam Thanh Coconut Village, Hoi An, guided by local rowers during the rainy season.

Travelers enjoy a coracle boat tour through the peaceful waterways of Cam Thanh Coconut Village in Hoi An — one of the most memorable rainy-season experiences.

Hue’s Heritage Shines Through the Storm

Not far from Hoi An, the former imperial capital of Hue also faces the central region’s annual weather challenges. Thanks to the resilience and preparedness of locals and authorities, heritage sites remain safe, and tourism quickly recovers once the skies clear.

The city’s landmarks — including the Perfume River, Thien Mu Pagoda, Truong Tien Bridge, Khai Dinh Mausoleum, and the Imperial Citadel — have all reopened, drawing crowds of visitors exploring this UNESCO World Heritage complex.

Hue in the rain exudes a poetic melancholy — lanterns glowing through the mist, ancient walls darkened by moisture, and the scent of wet earth lingering in the air — an experience that many travelers find deeply moving.

A large group of international tourists visit the Imperial Citadel of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, under the soft post-rain sunlight.

Visitors explore the Imperial Citadel in Hue, where the ancient architecture glows beautifully after the rain.

Da Nang Welcomes Tourists Year-Round

Meanwhile, Da Nang, Central Vietnam’s most vibrant coastal city, continues to welcome tourists even during rainy days. Despite scattered showers, attractions like Ba Na Hills, the Golden Bridge, Dragon Bridge, and APEC Park remain bustling thanks to flexible itineraries tailored by local travel experts.

Nguyen Son Thuy, CEO of Visit Indochina, shared that with a deep understanding of local conditions, the company always plans suitable routes to ensure travelers enjoy meaningful and comfortable experiences.

A Thai tour group poses in front of the Arc de Triomphe replica at Ba Na Hills, Da Nang, during their Visit Indochina trip.

Thai tourists take a group photo at Ba Na Hills — one of Da Nang’s most iconic attractions, blending European-style architecture with mountain views.

“Even during the peak of the rainy season, our groups still enjoy memorable journeys across Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An,” Mr. Thuy said. “Good logistics, flexible planning, and professional coordination make every trip rewarding.”

Northern Vietnam’s Cool Season Beckons

As Central Vietnam enters the late monsoon period, the North begins to embrace its cool, crisp winter air. Popular destinations like Sa Pa, Hanoi, and Tam Dao are now entering their high season, attracting waves of visitors seeking misty mountains, golden sunsets, and cozy winter vibes.

From the lush green hills of Sa Pa to the glowing lanterns of Hoi An, Vietnam’s diverse landscapes remain beautiful in every season — proof that rain or shine, the country’s charm never fades.

The summit of Fansipan Mountain, known as the “Roof of Indochina,” stands above the clouds at 3,143 meters in Northern Vietnam.

Fansipan Peak — the highest mountain in Indochina — offers breathtaking views above the clouds, marking the beauty of Northern Vietnam’s cool season.

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