Hoi An is one of those rare towns that belong to both the past and the present. Once a major trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, visitors know it for glowing lantern streets, riverside cafés, skilled tailors, and a food scene that attracts travelers worldwide.
What truly makes Hoi An special, however, is its pace of life. You might cycle through rice paddies in the morning, wander the Ancient Town by afternoon, and end your evening along the Thu Bon River as lanterns light up the water. Each season shows a different face of the town, and Hoi An in October reveals a fresh, rain-washed charm. With fewer crowds and a cozy, authentic atmosphere, this month is one of the most underrated yet unforgettable times to visit.
What can you find in this travel blog?
- Hoi An in October: What to Know Before You Go?
- Best Things to Do in Hoi An in October
- Seasonal Highlights in October
- Suggested Tours for Hoi An in October
- Practical Tips for Visiting Hoi An in October
- FAQs
Hoi An in October: What to Know Before You Go?
October marks the start of the rainy season in Hoi An. Showers happen often; however, they leave the town refreshed, quiet, and beautifully green. This makes the month ideal if you prefer fewer crowds and want to enjoy cultural activities at a slower pace.
Of course, rain may occasionally keep you indoors. Even then, Hoi An in October offers plenty of alternatives. From food tours and tailor visits to spa retreats, you’ll find that many experiences do not depend on sunshine. In fact, the cozy atmosphere makes them even more enjoyable.
Hoi An Weather in October
October brings frequent showers, but they usually pass quickly rather than lasting all day. The rain refreshes the town, cools the air, and leaves everything looking more vibrant.
While some travelers worry about wet weather, it often adds to Hoi An’s charm. Lanterns glowing on rain-slick streets create a magical reflection that feels unique to this season.
How to Get to Hoi An and Around
Getting to Hoi An
Hoi An doesn’t have its own airport or train station, but it’s easy to reach via nearby cities:
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By air: The closest airport is Da Nang International Airport (DAD), about 30 km away. It has daily flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other Asian hubs. From Da Nang, you can take a private car (45 minutes), shuttle bus, or taxi to Hoi An.
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By train: Da Nang Railway Station is the nearest stop. Trains from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City are long but scenic. From the station, it’s a 45-minute drive to Hoi An.
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By bus: Open buses and minivans connect Hoi An with Hue, Nha Trang, and other central Vietnam cities.
Getting Around Hoi An
After arriving in Hoi An, you’ll find that moving around is easy, and in fact, it’s part of the town’s charm.
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On foot: The Ancient Town is pedestrian-friendly and best explored slowly.
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By bicycle: Many hotels provide free bicycles, perfect for short rides to the countryside or the beach.
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By motorbike: Available for rent if you’re confident on Vietnam’s roads.
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By taxi or private car: Convenient for day trips to nearby destinations like Da Nang, Marble Mountains, or My Son Sanctuary.
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By boat: A Thu Bon River boat ride is a relaxing way to see another side of Hoi An.
Best Things to Do in Hoi An in October
Explore the Ancient Town’s Lantern-Lit Streets
For many travelers, October makes Hoi An’s Old Town feel even more magical. Showers brighten the yellow façades, lanterns glow against rain-slick streets, and the peaceful pace lets you savor every moment.
Learn Local Recipes with a Cooking Class or Food Tour
If you’re a food lover, October is your month in Hoi An. Take a cooking class to unlock the secrets of cao lau noodles, or join a food tour to taste the city’s diverse flavors. Both will show you why Hoi An is hailed as Vietnam’s food capital.
Discover Tailor Shops, Art Galleries, and Traditional Crafts
Hoi An’s reputation for tailoring is well deserved, with suits, dresses, and even shoes crafted in just a few days. But tailoring isn’t the only creative outlet, because art galleries and handicraft workshops also showcase the city’s rich cultural talent.
Make Your Own Lantern in a Workshop
Lanterns define Hoi An’s charm, and in October, you may be lucky enough to witness the Mid-Autumn Festival. Expect glowing streets, lion dances, and children’s lantern parades that make the Old Town even more magical. To make the experience yours, try a lantern-making workshop. This is a hands-on, rainy-day activity that leaves you with a meaningful keepsake of Hoi An’s spirit.
Unwind with Spa and Wellness Treatments
When the rain rolls in, it’s the ideal time to indulge. Hoi An’s spas offer everything from herbal massages to centuries-old Vietnamese treatments, giving you a chance to unwind and reset.
Enjoy the Spectacular Hoi An Memories Show
With more than 500 actors, dramatic staging, and evocative music, the Hoi An Memories Show transforms the town’s past into a vivid performance. Running 70 minutes at Hoi An Impression Theme Park, it’s Vietnam’s largest outdoor show and a must for any visitor. October’s cool evenings make it even more enjoyable.
Seasonal Highlights in October
October offers unique cultural highlights. The most famous is the Hoi An Lantern Festival, held on the 14th day of the lunar month. On this evening, the Old Town switches off electric lights, and thousands of colorful lanterns glow along the streets and river.
The atmosphere is festive and intimate at the same time. Locals release paper lanterns onto the water, while traditional music and performances fill the night. If your trip falls on this date, it’s truly an unforgettable experience.
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Quieter beaches: At An Bang and Cua Dai, this month feels serene. The waves pick up, making swimming less ideal, but it’s still a lovely time for coastal walks and unwinding at beachfront cafés.
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Countryside tours: Cycling through rice fields or joining hands-on farming activities is still possible in October, as long as the rain eases up.
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Lantern traditions: Hoi An has two different lantern events that many travelers mix up: the Lantern Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival.
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One of the highlights is the Hoi An Lantern Festival, held every full moon. On these nights, the Old Town is lit by silk lanterns, and visitors join locals in floating paper lanterns on the Thu Bon River.
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In contrast, the Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu) typically takes place in September or October. It’s a family-oriented event featuring lion dances, mooncakes, and colorful star-shaped lanterns carried by children. Should your trip coincide, you’ll enjoy a lively seasonal highlight.
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Is October a Good Time to Visit Hoi An?
The answer depends on your travel style.
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Pros: fewer tourists, lower prices on hotels and tours, and a cozy atmosphere with lanterns reflecting on rain-washed streets.
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Cons: unpredictable showers and possible flooding in some areas.
If you’re someone who loves culture, food, and authenticity more than endless sunshine, October is a wonderful time to discover Hoi An.
Suggested Tours for Hoi An in October
Option 1: Hoi An Highlights: Ancient Town, Countryside & Lantern Evenings
Day 1: Ancient Town & Evening Culture
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Morning: Explore Hoi An Ancient Town, visiting notable sites such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky House, and the Central Market.
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Lunch: Taste cao lau noodles and banh mi at a local eatery.
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Afternoon: Lantern-making workshop or tailor visit for a custom souvenir.
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Evening: Walk along the Thu Bon River, release lanterns if it’s the full moon, and watch the Hoi An Memories Show.
Day 2: Countryside & Foodie Experiences
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Morning: Cycle to Tra Que Herb Village for a farming or cooking class.
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Lunch: Enjoy the dishes you cook or a countryside meal.
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Afternoon: Relax with a spa treatment or coffee at a riverside café (a good rainy-day option).
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Evening: Street food tour. It’s worth trying some white rose dumplings, seafood, and local snacks, and then ending with a lantern-lit stroll.
💡 Experience the charm of Hoi An in a perfect blend of culture, countryside, and culinary delights. From exploring ancient streets and historic architecture to hands-on lantern-making and cooking classes, this tour immerses you in the town’s unique heritage. Relax by the river, enjoy local specialties, and discover the vibrant flavors of Vietnam’s culinary traditions. For a complete journey through Hoi An and beyond, explore the full Vietnam Culinary Highlights – 12 Days tour.
Option 2: Hoi An in Depth: Ancient Streets, Countryside & Festive Nights
The first day: Old Town Highlights
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Morning: Walking tour of Ancient Town with historical houses, temples, and markets.
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Lunch: Riverside restaurant featuring local specialties.
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Afternoon: Lantern-making workshop + shopping for silk or handicrafts.
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Evening: Lantern-lit walk through the Old Town, dinner, and the Hoi An Memories Show.
The second day: Village & River Life
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Morning: Boat trip along the Thu Bon River, with stops at Thanh Ha Pottery Village or Kim Bong Carpentry Village.
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Lunch: Enjoy fresh seafood at riverside restaurants, where the catch of the day comes straight from local fishermen.
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Afternoon: Explore An Bang Beach or take time for a spa session (rain plan).
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Evening: Sunset river cruise with dinner onboard or a night market visit.
The last day: Countryside Escape
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Morning: Cycling to Tra Que Herb Village or Cam Thanh Coconut Village (basket boat ride).
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Lunch: Cooking class or countryside-style meal.
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Afternoon: Free time for shopping, tailor fittings, or exploring hidden alleys.
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Evening: Lantern Festival night (if it matches your dates) to release paper lanterns and join the festive atmosphere.
💡Dive deeper into Hoi An with a journey that blends ancient streets, riverside life, and festive evenings. From exploring historical houses and vibrant markets to hands-on lantern-making, pottery visits, and countryside cycling, this tour offers a full immersion in the town’s culture and local lifestyle. Savor fresh seafood, enjoy river cruises, and experience lantern-lit nights that bring Hoi An’s charm to life. Discover the full adventure with the Vietnam Highlights Experience – 15 Days tour.
At Vietnam Travel Online, we design Hoi An journeys that bring out the charm of October. Imagine wandering lantern-lit streets in the Ancient Town, cycling through the countryside with the fresh scent of rain, and unwinding with cultural shows like Hoi An Memories. Whether you’re seeking hands-on workshops, cozy riverside dining, or authentic village encounters, every itinerary is shaped around your pace and interests. Connect with us via this form or email [email protected], and let’s craft a season-specific Hoi An experience just for you.
Practical Tips for Visiting Hoi An in October
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Check the forecast daily: Rain showers are common, so plan outdoor activities (cycling, boat trips) for clearer mornings and keep indoor options ready.
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Pack light rain gear: A foldable umbrella or lightweight raincoat is essential. Waterproof sandals or quick-dry shoes help too.
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Stay flexible with plans: Some days may have heavy rain or mild flooding in the Old Town. Use those times for spas, coffee houses, or tailoring sessions.
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Book accommodations in the Old Town or nearby: Easier to walk around if the streets get wet or traffic slows down.
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Bring insect repellent: After the rain, mosquitoes are more noticeable, and carrying repellent makes evenings more comfortable.
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Keep electronics safe: Use a waterproof pouch for phones and cameras if you plan on cycling or boating.
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Don’t skip evenings: Lantern-lit streets, food tours, and the Hoi An Memories Show are especially atmospheric in October nights.
FAQs
1. Does it rain a lot in Hoi An in October?
Yes, October falls in the rainy season. Showers are common but usually come in short bursts rather than all day. At times, heavier rain or flooding may occur, so it’s best to check the forecast and carry a light raincoat.
2. Can I still enjoy the beach in October?
You can, but expect rougher seas and cloudy skies. An Bang and Cua Dai beaches are better for walks or seafood meals than for swimming this month.
3. Is the Lantern Festival still held in October?
Yes! The Hoi An Lantern Festival happens every full moon, regardless of season. If your trip coincides, it’s magical. October may also overlap with the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is different but equally festive.
4. What should I pack for Hoi An in October?
Light, breathable clothing for warm days, a foldable umbrella or raincoat for sudden showers, comfortable shoes for walking, and insect repellent. A light jacket is useful for cooler evenings.
5. Is October a good time for sightseeing?
Yes, especially for cultural activities like food tours, cooking classes, craft workshops, and evening shows. Outdoor plans like cycling or boat rides are still possible, but may need flexibility in case of rain.
6. How many days should I spend in Hoi An in October?
At least 2–3 days in Hoi An is recommended, giving you space to balance history, countryside adventure, and nighttime culture like the Memories Show or Lantern Festival.
7. Are floods common in October?
Floods sometimes occur in late October, but they usually affect only the Old Town and last a day or two. Locals are very used to it, and many travelers even find it a unique experience.
