Is Hoi An Worth Visiting in October & November 2026? Yes: Sunny Days, Empty Streets

Last updated: 22 October 2026

“Is it worth going to Hoi An right now?” I get this question every week in October and November. This year there is a new twist: Hoi An Old Town is unusually empty. My honest answer as a Da Nang local: this is the perfect time to go. Here is why.

Tonight: Hội An Legendary Night (Friday, 23 October 2026)

If you are in town on 23 October 2026, don’t miss Hội An Legendary Night (“Đêm phố cổ”), held in the Ancient Town on the 14th day of every lunar month. Under the glow of coloured lanterns, the old houses, street performances and traditional games recreate the way of life in Hội An’s past. It is a gentle step back in time, and one of the best ways to feel why Hội An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What you can see and do:

• Children performing traditional Vietnamese martial arts on the street, to the beat of a drum
• Folk songs (hát dân ca) and small live bands with moon lute, guitar and keyboard under the lanterns
• An old calligraphy master writing your wish in brush calligraphy (outside 64 Trần Phú)
• Locals playing Chinese chess by candlelight and street musicians playing old melodies
• Rustic folk games, and candle lanterns floated on the Hoài River

Tip: the atmosphere is best from early evening, roughly 6 PM to 10 PM. The next Legendary Nights fall on the 14th day of each lunar month, so check the lunar calendar when you plan your trip. Follow Visit Da Nang on Facebook or Instagram for daily Hội An and Da Nang updates.

Why is Hoi An so quiet right now?

On 22 October 2026, Tuổi Trẻ newspaper reported that Hoi An Old Town has been “unusually empty” for about a month. At 9:30 in the morning, Trần Phú, Nguyễn Thái Học and Bạch Đằng streets, and even the area around Chùa Cầu, had only a few visitors. A shopkeeper on Trần Phú told the paper that at times there is “not a single tourist on the whole street”.

• Cancellations: one Hoi An homestay owner said bookings for October and November were down by about 50% on last year, because guests are worried about floods and storms.
• The reasons: the Vice Chairman of the Da Nang Tourism Association pointed to the difficult economy and to heavy media coverage of the floods in Hoi An during the 2025 flood season.
• The numbers: from 6 September to 10 October, 121,402 visitors bought Old Town tickets (110,690 of them international), according to the Hoi An heritage centre.
• What the town is doing: two new themed tours (architectural heritage and traditional tuồng opera), more action against pushy street vendors and rearranged boat-ticket points on the Hoai River.

The same homestay owner also said something worth repeating: this year the weather has been “nice, with lots of sun”, and the quiet streets are perfect for sightseeing. The visitors are simply missing.

What is the weather really like in October and November?

Much drier than usual. October and November are normally the wettest months on the central coast, and November is usually the single wettest month in Da Nang. But 2026 is a strong El Niño year, and as a local I can tell you it has really been much less rainy than other years. The forecast also points to lower typhoon and flood risk than a typical autumn (see my September–December 2026 forecast).

That doesn’t mean it never rains. On one day this month we did get caught in a downpour in the Old Town and spent the afternoon at a resort instead (read our rainy day at Hoiana Resort). So keep one spare day, but expect mostly sunny, comfortable days.

The upside of visiting now

• No crowds. You can walk the lantern streets, photograph Chùa Cầu and find a café table by the river without the usual crush.
• Full Moon Lantern Nights: 23 October and 22 November 2026, when the Old Town dims its lights and the river fills with lanterns (see my Hoi An guide).
• The Hoi An International Lantern Festival runs from 3 to 6 December 2026 (festival guide).
• Cooler air makes walking around the Old Town much more comfortable than in the summer heat.

The downside

• It can still rain. Even in a dry year, the odd heavy shower can last a few hours, and low-lying parts of the Old Town can flood after very heavy rain.
• Beach days are not guaranteed. The sea in Da Nang and Hoi An can be rough in this season.
• Boat trips and outdoor tours may be paused in bad weather.

How to plan a trip in October–November

• Stay 2–3 days in Hoi An, not one, and keep the Old Town for your first dry morning.
• Book rooms and tours you can cancel for free, and check the forecast 2–3 days before.
• Have an indoor plan B: museums, cooking classes, spas and cafés (see my rainy day in Da Nang ideas).
• Pack a light poncho and sandals: you will see locals do the same.
• Follow official weather warnings and ask your hotel before heading out on a stormy day.
• Use the bus: Route 02 runs from Da Nang to Hoi An for 8,000–30,000 VND (see my Da Nang bus guide).

👉 Planning your stay? See where to stay in Da Nang and my hand-picked hotels and tours on the Book your trip page.

FAQ: Hoi An and Da Nang in October and November

Is it worth visiting Hoi An in October?

Yes. Thanks to El Niño, October 2026 has been much less rainy than other years, and the Old Town is unusually quiet. As a local, I think it is the perfect time to visit. Keep a spare day in case of a heavy shower.

Is November a good time to visit Da Nang and Hoi An?

November is normally the wettest month, but 2026 is an El Niño year with less rain than usual. Expect very few crowds, cooler weather and the Full Moon Lantern Night on 22 November 2026, with the odd shower.

Why is Hoi An so empty in October 2026?

According to Tuổi Trẻ (22 October 2026), local tourism leaders blame the difficult economy and heavy media coverage of the 2025 floods. One homestay reported about 50% cancellations for October and November.

Does Hoi An flood in October and November?

Low-lying parts of the Old Town can flood after very heavy rain in this season. Check the forecast and official warnings, and ask your hotel before you go.