10 Useful Tips For Traveling Vietnam In Rainy Season

How to travel to Vietnam in the rainy season safely?

Each year in Vietnam, there are likely about 10 – 12 storms and tropical depressions, of which about 4 to 5 storms affect the mainland directly. 

If you happen to visit Vietnam in rainy season, read this article to plan your trip.

1. Choose a location

Before planning a trip to Vietnam, you should choose the destination carefully if you do not wish to see the rain.

Vietnam is a country with a diverse climate.

While the South has two distinct seasons, the rainy season and the dry season, the North does not have a clear distinction but is divided into four seasons with typical weather types.

It starts raining in the North from May to August and near the Tet holiday (December to February).

In the South, the rainy season starts from May to June and ends in November.

The Central region has two weather patterns: the rainy season in the South Central region and the Central Highlands, with rains starting in September and October.

Besides, some provinces have rains most of the months, such as Hue or Da Lat.

The best time to visit Vietnam changes according to the area, so don’t forget to check this article before you go!

2. Check the weather forecast

After choosing your location, you should also search for a “10-day weather forecast”.

You will then know a range of weather information for the next ten days. Although the weather may change, you still have a general understanding of the climate of the destination.

More or less, if you can not change the destination, you will also have a thorough preparation for the trip to become perfect.

3. Don’t go to the islands

You shouldn’t visit Vietnam islands in the rainy season. 

There have been many cases of tourists being trapped on the island.

The most recent case was that nearly 2 thousand tourists were stranded on Co To Island, Quang Ninh Province, due to tropical depressions and storms.

The weather may be completely normal before the departure, but the storm comes during your visit.

Stay on the island during stormy days is too dangerous, not to mention the high cost.

4. Don’t climb mountains during rainy days

During the rainy season, erratic rainfall is sometimes unpredictable. The rain can cause slippy roads and unexpected events such as landslides or rock slides.  

Also, remember to purchase travel insurance while traveling!

5. Drive carefully in the rain

You should always remember to obey the traffic rules and drive at a slow speed to control your vehicle.

If it’s raining, you should refrain from driving to avoid fallen trees, rocks, lightning, or flooding.

Ideally, you should return to your hotel or find a safe place and continue the journey only when the storm has cleared.

Also, you should avoid driving at night. Some streets and areas in Vietnam do not have lights, so that it can cause an accident, especially on rainy days. 

Moreover, before you leave, you should make sure that your vehicle is in good condition. In unusual rain, imagine if the vehicle’s signal is broken, it is dangerous for you and other people.

6. Use waterproof backpacks

Instead of carrying suitcases, prepare yourself for compact and convenient waterproof bags. Your items will be completely dry regardless of the type of weather.

Currently, many types of waterproof backpacks guarantee quality and design.

7. Prepare a raincoat

You should make sure there is always a raincoat in the backpack as you may get sick of getting caught in the rain.

Although you can find some stops to buy raincoats on the road, preparing a good coat in advance is still a better idea.

Fold it neatly and place it on the bottom, and you’re ready to go!

8. Dress smartly

You should choose simple and lightweight clothes such as a tank top and shorts instead of jeans.

You should avoid wearing tight, thick, water-soaked clothes that will be very uncomfortable, causing itching and rash.

Also, you should bring clothes that are easy to dry. Don’t forget to bring a pair of plastic sandals to move if the road is slippery.

9. Always have a backup plan

To make the best of your trip, you can visit some indoor attractions if you change your plan during the storm.

In the rainy season, visiting museums, cultural exhibitors, entertainment areas, or trying dishes is an excellent idea.

In case you can not go out of your hotel, you can still visit the cafe at the hotel or a nearby location.

Also, don’t forget to have an off-line map and save the address of nearby shelters in heavy rains. 

10. Enjoy the rain

Besides the tips above, adapting to the weather and the environment will give you an authentic experience while traveling to Vietnam in the rainy season.

There are truly breathtaking views in the rain, and there are also dishes that are best to try on rainy days. 

The beauty of Vietnam in rainy season

There are cities in Vietnam where rain seems to accentuate its charm further and capture visitors’ footsteps.

Hue is such a city. You can enjoy hot and spicy dishes such as Bun Bo Hue, Banh Beo, or Banh Xeo, having a warm cup of tea while listening to the raindrops pouring outside.

Another place that brings a unique beauty on rainy days is Hoi An.

Choosing a cafe located on the 2nd floor of an old house, sipping a cup of hot coffee while looking at the rain cover on the old houses, is an unforgettable experience when you travel to Hoi An Vietnam.