Things to do in Hoi An when raining: Top 10+ best rainy-day activities

Rainy days in Hoi An don’t make your trip less enjoyable, in fact, they open the door to experiences that are even more charming than sunny days. When the ancient streets glisten under the rain, Hoi An reveals a slower, more romantic rhythm that many visitors fall in love with. Here are 10+ things to do in Hoi An when raining, giving you a completely different perspective of this cultural town.

Learn to cook local dishes – A culinary experience in the rainy Hoi An

When gentle rain falls over the ancient rooftops of Hoi An, there’s nothing better than finding an activity that keeps you dry while immersing you in local culture. Joining a cooking class to learn traditional dishes is on the top of things to do in Hoi An when raining. Here, you’ll get hands-on experience preparing iconic specialties like cao lầu, mì Quảng, and bánh xèo, guided by skilled local chefs. The cozy, intimate setting makes cooking both fun and relaxing, especially with the soft patter of rain in the background.

Among the many cooking classes, the one in Tra Que Village is a favorite and one of the most popular among travelers. You’ll stroll through the organic herb gardens, handpick fresh ingredients, and soak in the peaceful, rustic rhythm of village life. The experience of cooking while listening to rain trickling on leaves creates a vivid, unforgettable memory.

For a fully immersive experience, consider Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness’s tour – Cooking Class & Basket Boat Tour. This tour not only guides you through cooking but also lets you explore the herb gardens, enjoy the dishes you make, and fully experience the charm of Hoi An’s countryside – a lively yet cozy day of culinary and cultural discovery amidst the romantic rain.

Discover hidden cafés in ancient houses

Wandering into the city’s hidden cafés – one of must things to do in Hoi An when raining is a perfect way to stay dry while soaking up its charm. Many cafés are tucked inside ancient houses or behind quiet alleys, offering intimate spaces where you can sip a warm drink and watch the rain paint reflections on the old stone streets. These cafés provide a peaceful escape from the drizzle, letting you experience the city at a slower, more thoughtful pace.

Some popular spots to explore in the heart of Hoi An include Reaching Out Tea House, Rosie’s Café, and The Cargo Club. Each offers a unique atmosphere: from rustic, traditional décor to cozy nooks ideal for reading or sketching. You can savor Vietnamese drip coffee, herbal teas, or specialty desserts while listening to the soft patter of rain outside.

If you prefer a more private and relaxed setting, away from the busier streets of the Old Town, Cham Beach Bar at Bliss Hoi An is an excellent choice. Here, you can enjoy a selection of coffee, teas, fresh juices, and cocktails in a serene environment, letting the gentle rain enhance the cozy, intimate atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, reflect, and enjoy a quiet moment in Hoi An.

Try your hand at Hoi An’s handicraft workshops

When gentle rain falls over the ancient streets of Hoi An, you can still enjoy a full day of memorable activities through craft and art workshops. Held in cozy indoor spaces, these classes allow you to stay dry while exploring your creativity and experiencing local culture in a hands-on way.

One of the most popular workshops is traditional lantern making. Here, you’ll learn to build the bamboo frame, attach silk fabric, and decorate your own lantern. After 1–2 hours, you’ll have a finished lantern with your personal touch, perfect as a keepsake or home decoration.

For pottery lovers, the workshop at Thanh Hà Pottery Village offers a wonderful experience. You can hand-shape clay into bowls, plates, or decorative items, then paint and finish them. It’s a fun and educational activity that lets you understand the process from clay to a beautiful final product.

Art enthusiasts can also join painting, lacquerware, and traditional craft workshops. Guided by local artisans, you’ll learn techniques, colors, and materials to create unique pieces that reflect both your style and the rich artistic heritage of Hoi An.

A particularly memorable experience is handmade ring workshops. You’ll design, shape, and finish a ring, choosing materials and styles to suit your taste. The result is a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry, carrying both personal significance and a special memory of Hoi An.

Additionally, there are workshops for embroidery, weaving, and fabric decoration, allowing you to create charming, handcrafted items infused with local tradition. These classes provide a close connection to the lifestyle and customs of the local people.

These workshops are more than just rainy-day activities, they offer a chance to create lasting memories, craft your own keepsakes, and enjoy a relaxing, creative day while immersing yourself in Hoi An’s unique culture, all while staying cozy indoors as the rain falls outside.

Read more: Discover Hoi An custom clothing for unique tailored styles

Explore art galleries & exhibitions in Hoi An

When gentle rain falls, visiting art galleries and exhibitions is the perfect way to continue your trip immersing yourself in the city’s culture and creativity. These spaces offer a chance to explore traditional and contemporary art, as well as the unique cultural identity of Hoi An, all while enjoying a cozy, inspiring environment.

Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum

Founded by photographer Réhahn, this gallery displays over 200 photographs, traditional costumes, and artifacts from dozens of Vietnam’s ethnic groups. It’s an ideal place to gain deep insight into local culture and community life. Housed in a charming old building, it creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, especially delightful when it’s raining outside. The gallery is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and admission is free, making it convenient for a rainy day visit.

Art House Gallery Hoi An

Located at 2/6 Le Loi Street in the heart of the Ancient Town, Art House specializes in oil paintings and contemporary art featuring Hoi An landscapes, rural scenes, and creative works. Open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, it’s the perfect spot to admire artworks, purchase a unique piece, or simply enjoy the tranquil ambiance while the rain softly falls outside.

T&G Art Gallery

One of Hoi An’s long-established galleries, T&G Art Gallery exhibits silk paintings, lacquer art, acrylic, and oil paintings by local artists. Its welcoming space allows visitors to interact with the artists, learn about their techniques and inspirations, and fully appreciate the diversity of Vietnamese art. It’s also an excellent place to escape the rain while experiencing art in a relaxed setting.

In addition to these highlights, Hoi An has many smaller galleries specializing in lacquer, contemporary art, and traditional crafts. These intimate spaces are perfect for strolling, admiring artworks, and enjoying a peaceful break during rainy weather.

Strolling through Hoi An’s rain-kissed ancient streets

Hoi An under a gentle drizzle reveals a unique beauty, both romantic and serene. As raindrops fall on the mossy rooftops and the faded yellow walls, the Ancient Town seems to wear a soft, misty cloak, creating an atmosphere that is at once historic and poetic.

Walking through the narrow streets, you can admire ancient houses, artisan shops, and hidden cafés tucked away in small alleys, feeling the slow, tranquil rhythm of the town. The sound of rain tapping on brick-paved streets and colorful lanterns, combined with the subtle aroma of tea, coffee, and damp earth, makes the experience vivid and completely different from a sunny day.

The lanterns reflect shimmering colors on rain puddles, creating scenes as if from a painting, turning each step into a memorable moment. You might stop to take a few photos, or simply lose yourself in the peaceful ambiance, listening to the timeless heartbeat of the Ancient Town.

A rainy stroll also allows you to discover hidden corners few tourists see, from small craft shops and tiny galleries to local tea houses and eateries, offering a full, intimate connection with Hoi An’s culture.

Take a traditional Vietnamese tea tasting 

When gentle rain falls over the Ancient Town, savoring a cup of traditional Vietnamese tea is the perfect way to enjoy a peaceful and warm moment. Tea houses in Hoi An are often decorated simply yet elegantly, with wooden tables and chairs and soft yellow lighting, creating an ideal space to escape the rain and relax.

During a tea tasting, you can experience a variety of signature teas, from fragrant lotus tea and delicate jasmine tea to unique herbal blends, often accompanied by traditional sweets or fruit preserves. The art of Vietnamese tea-making, with its graceful and deliberate rituals, allows you not only to enjoy the flavors but also to appreciate the culture and calm lifestyle embedded in each cup.

Notable tea spots in Hoi An include Reaching Out Tea House, Faifo Coffee & Tea House, and hidden small tea cafés tucked in quiet alleys. Here, you can sip your tea while listening to the soft patter of rain on tiled roofs, creating a private and tranquil atmosphere.

Enjoying tea on a rainy day also helps you connect with the slow rhythm of life in the Ancient Town, savor Vietnamese culinary culture, and experience rare moments of true relaxation amidst the bustling modern world.

Watch a traditional Vietnamese Puppet Show 

One of the most distinctive cultural experiences and things to do in Hoi An when raining, is watching a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show. Performed in a cozy indoor space, with soft lights reflecting on a small water stage, the atmosphere is lively yet poetic, a stark contrast to the gentle drizzle outside.

Water puppetry is a unique Vietnamese folk art, performed by skilled artisans. You’ll enjoy folk tales, legends, or everyday life stories, brought to life through intricately crafted wooden puppets dancing gracefully on water. Traditional music accompanies the performance, creating a magical and immersive experience for the audience.

In Hoi An, notable venues to enjoy water puppet shows include Hoi An Traditional Art Performance Theatre and Hoi An Lune Center. Tickets typically range from 100,000 to 150,000 VND per person, and performances usually last about 45–60 minutes.

Watching a water puppet show on a rainy day not only helps you stay dry and relaxed, but also allows you to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese folk culture and art, leaving you with unforgettable memories amid the charm of Hoi An’s Ancient Town.

Visit museums and cultural centers

When rain falls over the Ancient Town, visiting museums and cultural centers is the perfect way to stay dry while gaining a deep understanding of Hoi An’s history, architecture, and culture. These spaces not only display artifacts, images, and documents from the past but also allow visitors to feel the old-world rhythm and the creative spirit of the local people.

Notable places to visit include:

• Hoi An Museum of History and Culture: Exhibits showcase Hoi An’s development, from its bustling days as a trading port to the everyday life of its residents. Open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with tickets around 30,000–50,000 VND per person. Spacious indoor areas make it ideal for strolling, learning, and staying dry during rainy weather.
• Hoi An Cultural Center: Hosts art programs, temporary exhibitions, and traditional cultural activities such as folk music and dance performances. A great place to explore the unique local culture, especially on rainy days, when the indoor space feels cozy and tranquil.

Tailor experience – Create your own outfit on rainy days in Hoi An

Hoi An is famous for its skilled tailors, where you can choose your fabric, design, color, and accessories to create garments that fit perfectly your personal style. The tailor listens to your ideas and suggests suitable styles, materials, and colors to match your body shape and personality. Next comes selecting fabrics and accessories, with hundreds of options available, complemented by details such as buttons, zippers, or embroidery. The tailor will then measure and fit a sample, making adjustments to ensure the final piece is flawless.

Typically, garments take 1–2 days to complete, which is why many guests opt for the service at Bliss Hoi An, where the staff can receive your finished items on your behalf, or recommend reputable tailors that offer delivery services, making the experience even more convenient and stress-free.

Some notable tailor shops in Hoi An include: 

• Yaly Couture, known for dresses, gowns, ao dai, and premium suits, with prices ranging from 600,000 – 1,500,000 VND per outfit.
• A Dong Silk, famous for silk, suits, and ao dai, priced from 500,000 – 1,200,000 VND per outfit.
• Bebe Tailor, ideal for casual wear, cocktail dresses, with prices from 400,000 – 1,000,000 VND per outfit.

A tailor experience on a rainy day not only allows you to own a perfectly fitted, personalized garment, but also offers a journey into the meticulous craftsmanship, creativity, and artisan spirit of Hoi An. The moments spent choosing fabric, fitting samples, and completing your outfit in the warm, cozy shop create a relaxing and culturally immersive experience that is truly unique. So why not try the tailor experience – one of the most unique things to do in Hoi An when raining? It must be a lasting memory.

Read more: Ring making Hoi An: Craft your keepsake in the ancient town

Relax at the Spa at Bliss Hoi An 

Rainy days in Hoi An often bring a gentle chill and a slower pace, perfect for treating yourself to a peaceful moment of relaxation. Among the best things to do in Hoi An when raining, unwinding at the Bliss Hoi An Spa stands out as a soothing highlight. Warm aromas, soft lighting, and the attentive care of skilled therapists create an ideal escape from the rain, allowing your body and mind to settle into complete calm.

The spa space is designed with a minimalist yet elegant style. Warm tones, calming music, and the subtle scent of essential oils help you unwind the moment you step inside. You can choose from a variety of treatments such as full-body massages, foot massages, herbal therapy, facial care, or specially curated relaxation packages crafted to ease tension and restore balance.

One of the spa’s special touches lies in its use of natural ingredients, from essential oils and herbal compresses to mineral salts and gentle masks. Every wellness treatment is performed with precision and care, helping to release muscle tension, improve circulation, and bring a deep sense of relaxation from within.

Your spa session becomes even more soothing with the sound of soft rainfall outside and the tranquil atmosphere of Tam Thanh Beach. It’s an ideal experience for anyone wanting to rest, recharge, or simply enjoy a quiet moment during their stay.

Rain only makes Hoi An softer, calmer, and more beautiful in its own way. Don’t let the weather interrupt your journey, instead, let each drop of rain become a unique part of your travel story. Whether it’s a cup of hot tea, a handicraft workshop, a tailored outfit, or a soothing spa session, every rainy-day experience helps you discover a warm, intimate, and soulful side of Hoi An that you won’t find anywhere else. May your rainy-day visit be filled with memorable and meaningful moments.