Best Time to Visit Hoi An Ancient Town: Da Nang City’s Climate and Sustainable Travel Guide

Hoi An Ancient Town, now a ward of Da Nang City following the merger of Quang Nam Province, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its lantern-lit streets, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage. Nestled along the Thu Bon River, this former 16th-century trading port attracts over 4.5 million visitors annually with its blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European influences. Understanding Da Nang City’s climate is key to enjoying Hoi An’s outdoor attractions, from exploring ancient houses to relaxing at An Bang Beach. With a tropical monsoon climate, Hoi An offers distinct dry and rainy seasons, each with unique experiences. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, offers eco-friendly tours tailored to Hoi An’s seasonal charm, bookable via links throughout this guide. Plan your visit wisely and reserve your tour to experience Hoi An’s magic responsibly!

Legend Travel Group crafts authentic Southeast Asia experiences, prioritizing sustainability and cultural immersion. Our Hoi An tours feature low-impact activities like cycling, river cruises, and artisan workshops, using electric bikes and eco-friendly boats to minimize environmental impact. We support local communities and align with Da Nang City’s “Heritage for Future” initiative to preserve Hoi An’s cultural and natural assets. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless travel experience. Discover Hoi An’s seasonal beauty with our curated tours—book via the links on this page

Hoi An Ancient Town, within Da Nang City, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with two primary seasons: dry (February to August) and rainy (September to January). The average annual temperature is around 25.6°C (78°F), with highs reaching 39.8°C (103.6°F) in summer and lows dropping to 19°C (66.2°F) in winter. Humidity averages 80–85%, peaking in November. The dry season offers sunny, mild weather ideal for outdoor exploration, while the rainy season brings lush scenery but risks flooding, particularly in October and November. Seasonal planning ensures you enjoy Hoi An’s cultural gems and nearby beaches comfortably.

Quang Nam Province has merged into Da Nang City, making Hoi An a ward under Da Nang City’s administration. This restructuring eliminates the district level, but Hoi An’s UNESCO status and tourism appeal remain intact. Da Nang City aims to enhance Hoi An as a “Global Cultural Ward,” promoting sustainable tourism with improved infrastructure and eco-conscious initiatives.

Dry Season (February to August): Ideal for Outdoor Adventures

The dry season offers clear skies, moderate humidity, and temperatures ranging from 20°C to 38°C (68°F to 100.4°F), making it the prime time to visit Hoi An.

• February to April: The best period, with cool, pleasant weather (18–28°C or 64.4–82.4°F) and minimal rainfall (25–50 mm). Perfect for exploring Hoi An’s Old Town, cycling to Tra Que Vegetable Village, or attending the Full Moon Lantern Festival. Fewer crowds compared to summer ensure a relaxed experience. Book accommodations 2–3 weeks ahead.

• May to August: Warmer and sunnier (25–38°C or 77–100.4°F), with occasional showers (90–120 mm). Ideal for beach visits to An Bang or Cua Dai, water activities at Cham Islands, or paragliding over rice paddies. Peak domestic tourism in June–August means higher prices and crowds; book tours and hotels early.

Highlights: Vibrant festivals, sunny beaches, and outdoor markets thrive. Sustainable activities like eco-boat tours and organic farm visits are at their best. Tip: Pack light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat; mornings are cooler for sightseeing.

Rainy Season (September to January): Budget-Friendly and Cultural

The rainy season brings frequent showers, high humidity (up to 85%), and temperatures from 19°C to 29°C (66.2°F to 84.2°F). Flooding risks peak in October–November, but short bursts of rain allow for indoor exploration.

• September: A transitional month with moderate rain (150–200 mm) and comfortable temperatures (22–30°C or 71.6–86°F). Great for cultural sites like Phuc Kien Assembly Hall or tailoring shops, with fewer tourists.

• October to November: Heaviest rainfall (300–500 mm) and flooding risks, especially in low-lying Hoi An areas. Indoor activities like cooking classes or museum visits shine. Budget travelers benefit from 10–20% discounts on accommodations and tours.

• December to January: Cooler (19–24°C or 66.2–75.2°F) with frequent showers (150–250 mm). Ideal for visiting historic sites like Tan Ky House or enjoying Hoi An’s cozy cafes. Cultural events like Tet (Lunar New Year, typically January–February) add vibrancy.

Highlights: Lush greenery, quieter attractions, and lower costs. Rainy days offer a poetic ambiance for photography in the Old Town. Tip: Bring waterproof shoes, an umbrella, and a light jacket; check flood forecasts before booking.

Hoi An’s climate is influenced by its coastal location, with risks of typhoons and flooding during the rainy season, particularly in October–November. Climate change exacerbates these challenges, increasing the frequency of extreme weather events like heatwaves and heavy rains, which can impact tourism and local ecosystems. Sustainable tourism is critical to preserving Hoi An’s UNESCO heritage and natural assets, such as the Cham Islands-Hoi An Marine Protected Area.

• Eco-Friendly Practices: Choose accommodations with sustainable certifications (e.g., Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An) and tours using low-impact transport like bicycles or electric vehicles. Support local artisans and organic farms to reduce environmental strain.

• Flood Preparedness: During the rainy season, stay updated on weather forecasts via apps like AccuWeather. Opt for hotels north of Ly Thuong Kiet Street to avoid flood-prone areas.

• Community Support: Engage in tours that benefit local communities, such as those offered by Legend Travel Group, which promote cultural preservation and economic resilience.

• Accommodation: Hostels $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND); homestays $15–$50/night (375,000–1,250,000 VND); hotels $70–$200/night (1,750,000–5,000,000 VND); resorts $180–$450/night (4,500,000–11,250,000 VND). Rainy season discounts apply (10–20%).

• Activities: Ancient Town ticket $6 (150,000 VND; covers 5 sites); boat rides $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND); cooking classes $25–$45 (625,000–1,125,000 VND); lantern workshops $12–$20 (300,000–500,000 VND); paragliding $50–$80 (1,250,000–2,000,000 VND).

• Transport:

  • From Hanoi (750 km, round-trip): Flight $70–$140; train $35–$60 + $6–$12 taxi; bus $20–$35 + $6–$12 taxi; private car $160–$230.

  • From Ho Chi Minh City (900 km, round-trip): Flight $80–$160; bus $30–$45 + $6–$12 taxi; private car $200–$280.

  • From Da Nang (30 km, round-trip): Taxi/Grab $14–$22; shuttle bus $6–$10; motorbike rental $6–$10/day + $4 fuel.

  • Within Hoi An (1–5 km): Bicycle $2–$4/day; motorbike $6–$10/day; taxi/Grab $3–$6/trip.

• Dining: Street food $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND); restaurant meals $3–$15 (75,000–375,000 VND); drinks $0.50–$4 (12,500–100,000 VND).

• Total Daily Cost: $20–$150 (budget: $20–$50; mid-range: $50–$100; luxury: $100–$150).

• Tip: Use VND; ATMs in Hoi An Ward (Vietcombank, BIDV); book tours for eco-transfers to reduce carbon footprint.

Hoi An has no airport; Da Nang International Airport (30 km, 45-minute drive) is the primary gateway.

From Hanoi (750 km, ~1–1.5 hours by flight, 14–16 hours by train/bus)

• Flight: $35–$70 one-way to Da Nang; 45-minute taxi ($14–$22) to Hoi An.

• Train: $17–$30 one-way to Da Nang; 30-minute taxi ($12–$18).

• Bus: $10–$17 one-way to Da Nang; 30-minute taxi ($12–$18).

• Private Car: $80–$115 one-way.

• Guided Tour: Our tours ($100–$200) include eco-transfers.

From Ho Chi Minh City (900 km, ~1.5 hours by flight, 18–20 hours by bus)

• Flight: $40–$80 one-way to Da Nang; 45-minute taxi ($14–$22).

• Bus: $15–$22 one-way to Da Nang; 30-minute taxi ($12–$18).

• Private Car: $100–$140 one-way.

• Guided Tour: Our tours ($120–$220) include transfers.

From Da Nang (30 km, ~30–45 minutes)

• Taxi/Grab: $7–$11 one-way.

• Shuttle Bus: $3–$5 one-way; departs hourly (6:00 AM–9:00 PM).

• Motorbike Rental: $6–$10/day + $2 fuel.

• Guided Tour: Our half-day tours ($55–$75) include transfers.

Within Hoi An (1–5 km, ~5–15 minutes)

• Bicycle: $2–$4/day; ideal for Old Town.

• Motorbike: $6–$10/day; good for beaches.

• Taxi/Grab: $3–$6/trip.

• Walking: Free; most sites are walkable in Hoi An Ward.

Route Tip: Base yourself in Hoi An Ward for walkability; use offline maps (e.g., Maps.me). Parking: $0.25–$0.60/motorbike (6,250–15,000 VND).

• Dry Season (February–August):

  • Pack: Light clothing, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses; comfortable shoes for walking or cycling.

  • Activities: Explore Hoi An Night Market, visit My Son Sanctuary, or relax at An Bang Beach. Join eco-tours to Cham Islands (May–August) for snorkeling.

  • Festivals: Full Moon Lantern Festival (14th lunar day monthly); Lunar New Year (January–February). Book early for festivals.

• Rainy Season (September–January):

  • Pack: Waterproof shoes, umbrella, light jacket; quick-dry clothing for humidity.

  • Activities: Focus on indoor attractions like cooking classes, tailoring shops, or Hoi An Folklore Museum. Enjoy rainy-day photography in the Old Town.

  • Flood Safety: Monitor weather updates; avoid low-lying areas during October–November.

• Sustainability: Choose eco-friendly accommodations and tours to reduce environmental impact. Support local vendors at Hoi An Market and avoid single-use plastics.

• Budget Wisely: Expect $20–$150/day; carry VND for small transactions. ATMs are plentiful in Hoi An Ward. Confirm prices to avoid overcharges.

• Cultural Respect: Dress modestly in temples (covered shoulders, knees); tip guides ($1–$2); ask permission before photographing locals.

Our sustainable tours are tailored to Hoi An’s seasonal climate, ensuring an eco-conscious and immersive experience:

• Hoi An Heritage Tour ($70–$90/person): Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, Tan Ky House. Ideal for dry season; includes transfers and lunch.

• Hoi An Night Glow Tour ($60–$80/person): Full Moon Lantern Festival, Hoi An Night Market, river cruise. Perfect for evening explorations year-round.

• Hoi An Eco-Farm Tour ($70–$90/person): Tra Que Vegetable Village, cycling, cooking class. Best in dry season; includes transfers and meals.

• Hoi An My Son Adventure ($80–$100/person): My Son Sanctuary, Cham history, local lunch. Suitable year-round; includes transfers.

• Hoi An Beach Escape Tour ($65–$85/person): An Bang Beach, water activities, seafood dining. Ideal for May–August; includes transfers.

• Hoi An Sky Adventure Tour ($100–$130/person): Paragliding, Old Town exploration, rice paddy views. Best in dry season; includes transfers.

• Hoi An Cultural Explorer ($350–$550/person, 3–4 days): All key sites, homestays ($15–$50/night), eco-activities. Year-round; includes all activities, meals, eco-transfers.

Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, activities, and meals/snacks. Group discounts (10% off for 10+ travelers) and seasonal promotions available. Book now via links around this page

Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Quang Nam Region, 30 km south of Da Nang and 850 km from Hanoi, captivates as a year-round destination with its tropical climate, drawing millions annually to its lantern-lit streets and historic charm. The dry season (January–July, 25–35°C) offers sunny adventures on An Bang Beach and cycling through the Old Quarter ($2–$5/day bike rental, 50,000–125,000 VND), while the rainy season (August–December, 20–30°C) brings serene ambiance to landmarks like the Japanese Covered Bridge and Tan Ky House(combined ticket $5, 120,000 VND). Supported by sustainable practices like eco-friendly tours and local artisan support, Legend Travel Group’s Quang Nam Tours ensure a responsible, immersive Quang Nam Travel experience, blending seasonal adventures with visits to Thanh Ha Pottery Village and culinary delights like cao lầu ($1–$3, 25,000–75,000 VND). Contact Legend Travel Group at www.legendtravelgroup.com, info@legendtravelgroup.com, or (+84) 825862222 to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to explore Hoi An’s seasonal wonders? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable Vietnam adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Hoi An Ancient Town Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, vinpearl.com, hoianworldheritage.org.vn, localvietnam.com, tripadvisor.com