Monsoon Season in Da Nang and Hoi An

@afar
 on 2022.02.03
Multiple locations
6 Places
@afar
From October to December (and often longer), Da Nang and Hoi An are hit by the winter monsoon, ensuring wet conditions for much of the time. Thankfully there are plenty of rainy-day activities in the area, with everything from attractive cafes to secondhand bookstores to explore. Credit: Collected by Duncan Forgan, AFAR Local Expert

Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture

Heritage museum · Hai Chau

"Memories of a Kingdom Central Vietnam was once the seat of the Kingdom of Champa, which held sway over the area for over 1000 years before being absorbed and annexed by the Vietnamese state in 1832. This fine museum has the world's largest collection of Cham artefacts and is a must visit for anyone with a wider interest in the heritage of the area."

Photo by Greg Willis

"Ease Your Weary Limbs Vietnam is no slouch when it comes to pampering weary limbs, with nearly as many massage therapists in Hoi An as tailors. Standards vary according to price, but the strong competition means that you can get a very reasonable kneading for a highly acceptable price. For the full pampering experience, there are a handful of more upscale options to choose from; the spa at the Nam Hai resort is particularly sumptuous. For something a little different, try the blind therapists at Hoi An Blind Massage Centre who are known for their skilled, sensitive hands."

Photo by Rose Trinh

Cargo Club Cafe & Restaurant

Restaurant · Hoi An

"It's a Piece of Cake You could say that the entrepreneurial Ms. Vy has the magic touch, as the owner of the Morning Glory has a slew of other successful dining venues and hotels in Hoi An. On a trip to Australia , she observed the growth of café culture in Melbourne and Sydney , and especially how good coffee was best enjoyed along with an expertly made pastry. Transplanting this concept to Hoi An, she opened the Cargo Club, now the go-to place for an indulgent (and very fairly priced) sugar fix. The in-house bakery pumps out fresh pastries daily, as well as decadent desserts."

Photo by Yorimitsu Naito

Randy's Book Exchange

Permanently Closed

"Hole up With a Good Book Choice reading material is prerequisite for monsoon season in Hoi An and Danang. The best place in the area to stock up on books is Randy's Book Exchange, which has thousands of second-hand titles."

Photo by Tony Hall

Burgers Tam's Pub and Surf Shop

Restaurant · Ngu Hanh Son

"Surfs Up In Danang Vietnam is not the most obvious surfing destination in the world, but the swell near Danang is actually excellent -- especially during the monsoon season. The centre of the surf scene is Tam's Pub in Danang, which is a good spot to rent a board and get advice on conditions and choice surf spots."

Photo by Ian Sanderson

Han Market

Market · Thanh Khe

"Shop the Traditional Way Danang's main market, known as Cho Han, is a typically Vietnamese retail experience. Here guests will find 28,000 square metres of shopping opportunities under one roof. Everything is on offer here from tourist tat, to jewellery, flowers and fruit and fresh veg."

Photo by Khan Hmoong