When does Hoi An flood and should I avoid visiting in October?
Published · 5 min read ·
Contributed by 1 local
Quick Answer
Hoi An floods annually from late October through mid-November, with depths from 30cm (minor) to 1m+ (severe). The 2023 flood submerged the old town under 1m for 5 days. Typical floods last 2–4 days. Some restaurants and homestays stay open with rubber boots provided. Travel insurance covering trip disruption is essential. Shoulder months (late September, early December) are safer.
VERIFIED · MAY 2026 Read below ↓
Flood season timeline
Typical flood season: Late October through mid-November Peak risk: Last 2 weeks of October, first 2 weeks of November Shoulder (lower risk): Late September, early December
2026 Flood Risk Calendar
| Period | Risk Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 1–30 | Low | End of dry season, occasional showers |
| Oct 1–15 | Moderate | First rains, streets drain quickly |
| Oct 16–31 | High | Historic flood period, monitor forecasts |
| Nov 1–15 | High | Peak flood season, daily rain likely |
| Nov 16–30 | Moderate | Tapering off, occasional floods |
| Dec 1–15 | Low | Dry season begins |
What flooding actually looks like
Minor flood (30–50cm)
- Streets have flowing water, ankle to shin deep
- Motorbikes can navigate slowly
- Shops raise thresholds with wooden planks
- Rubber boots provided by hotels
- Daily life continues with adaptations
Major flood (50cm–1m)
- Old town streets become canals
- Motorbike traffic impossible
- Boats replace taxis for some routes
- Ground-floor businesses may close temporarily
- Hotels on higher ground remain accessible
Historic flood (1m+)
The 2023 flood submerged the old town under 1.2 meters for 5 consecutive days. This is a 1-in-50-year event — not typical. Expect:
- Evacuations from ground-floor homes
- National Guard deployment
- Heritage sites closed for restoration
- Flight delays at Da Nang airport (30 min away)
Should you visit during flood season?
Yes, if:
- You have travel insurance covering trip disruption
- You’re flexible with dates (can leave if severe)
- You don’t mind wading through water
- You want to see Hoi An in a rare state
- Your hotel is on higher ground (ask when booking)
No, if:
- You have a tight itinerary (heritage sites may close)
- You’re uncomfortable with uncertainty
- You’re visiting specifically for the lantern festival (may be cancelled)
- You have mobility issues (walking becomes difficult)
What stays open during floods
Usually open:
- Restaurants on elevated floors
- Hotels (most have raised entrances)
- Convenience stores (with boat delivery)
- Some tailor shops (upper floors)
May close:
- Japanese Covered Bridge (water enters structure)
- Assembly Halls (ground floor flooding)
- riverside cafes
- Ground-floor homestays
Always closed during major floods:
- Museum of History and Culture (low-lying)
- Traditional theaters
- Some heritage houses
Practical preparation
Before you go
- Travel insurance: Must cover “trip disruption” and “natural disasters”. Read the fine print — many policies exclude “foreseeable events” like seasonal flooding.
- Hotel selection: Ask if the property floods. Higher ground = better. Cẩm Phô and Sơn Phong areas are elevated.
- Packing: Rubber boots (or buy there for 50,000 VND), waterproof bag for electronics, quick-dry clothing.
During a flood
- Getting around: Walk or hire a boat (200,000–500,000 VND for short trips). Motorbikes stall in 30cm+ water.
- Eating: Restaurants on second floors stay open. Street food is limited but available on higher streets.
- Money: ATMs may be underwater. Carry cash before floods hit.
- Health: Don’t walk barefoot in floodwater (debris, sewage risk). Wash feet after exposure.
When to reschedule
Reschedule if:
- Flood warning issued within 48 hours of your trip
- Your hotel confirms they’re closed
- You’re visiting specifically for outdoor activities (lantern festival, boat rides)
Stay if:
- Flood is minor (30–50cm)
- Your hotel is operating normally
- You’re flexible with activities
Alternative destinations during flood season
If Hoi An is flooded, consider:
- Đà Nẵng (30 min north) — beaches, museums, urban attractions
- Huế (2.5 hours north) — imperial citadel, tombs, less flood-prone
- Nha Trang (8 hours south) — coastal city, diving, dry season
Related
Also asked
Related questions, answered.
Should I cancel my trip to Hoi An in October?
Not necessarily. Flooding typically occurs late October through November. Early October is usually dry. If you're visiting late October, buy travel insurance with trip disruption coverage and pack rubber boots. Many businesses operate normally during minor floods.
How deep does the water get?
Minor floods: 30–50cm (ankle to shin deep). Major floods: 50cm–1m (knee deep). The 2023 historic flood reached 1.2m in places. Old town streets become impassable to motorbikes; boats replace taxis.
What stays open during floods?
Most restaurants and homestays remain open with raised walkways and rubber boots for guests. Heritage sites (Japanese Bridge, assembly halls) may close if water enters. Hotels on higher ground operate normally.
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