Flood season is no longer a nightmare but has become a part of life, and even a unique travel experience in Hoi An. When heavy rains last for days, the gentle Hoai River suddenly becomes turbulent, weaving into every street and alley of the ancient town, taking on a completely new appearance. River travel during the flood season in Hoi An is not just about watching the ancient town submerged in water, but also an opportunity to discover hidden beauty and one-of-a-kind experiences that only the flood season can offer. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel the World) to explore the interesting and unique aspects of river travel during the flood season in Hoi An, an experience that you will surely remember forever.
The Unique Beauty of Hoi An in Flood Season
Hoi An is already famous for its ancient and serene beauty, with moss-covered tile roofs, time-worn yellow walls, and streets adorned with shimmering lanterns. But when the flood season arrives, the ancient town takes on a different beauty, both poetic and magical. Familiar roads suddenly transform into small canals, and ancient houses cast shimmering reflections on the water, creating a colorful watercolor painting.
Walking through the ancient town during the flood season, you will feel an unusual tranquility and peace. Unlike the usual hustle and bustle, Hoi An in flood season offers a calm and slow-paced atmosphere. The gentle sound of rain, the splashing of paddles, and the soft murmur of conversations all blend together to create a soothing symphony for the soul.
The sky in Hoi An during the flood season is often overcast, with dark clouds swirling, but this actually highlights the warm yellow tones of the ancient houses and the vibrant lanterns. The contrast between the somber colors of nature and the vibrancy of the ancient town creates a beauty that is both classic and modern, melancholic yet heart-stirringly romantic.
Two foreign tourists experiencing Hoi An flooded for the first time after heavy rains
River travel during the flood season is also an opportunity to admire familiar streets from a completely new perspective. Bach Dang and Nguyen Phuc Chu streets, usually bustling with tourists, now become deserted and quiet, with only small boats gliding gently on the water. Sitting on a boat, slowly admiring the ancient town from the water, you will discover interesting things that you have never noticed before.
Unique River Travel Experiences in Flood Season
Traveling to Hoi An during the flood season is not just about sightseeing, but also an opportunity to experience unique, one-of-a-kind activities.
Boat Ride to See the Ancient Town: This is definitely a must-try experience when traveling to Hoi An during the flood season. Sitting on a small boat, gently gliding through the flooded streets, you will feel like you are lost in another world, a Venice of the East. You can rent a boat to cruise around the Hoai River, admiring the ancient houses, moss-covered bridges, and shimmering lanterns reflected in the water.
British tourist couple having an unforgettable experience in Hoi An flood season
Drinking Coffee “Soaking Feet in Floodwater”: This is a “specialty” experience unique to Hoi An during the flood season. Many coffee shops along the Hoai River have taken advantage of the flood season to create a unique experience: sipping hot coffee while dipping your feet in the cool floodwater. This feeling is both strange and thú vị (interesting), especially for young people who love to explore and experience new things.
Drinking coffee while soaking feet in water – a novel experience for young people
Exploring Street Food in Flood Season: Flood season is also a time when Hoi An’s street food becomes even more special. You can enjoy local specialties such as Cao Lau, Mi Quang, Banh Xeo, right on the flooded streets. Many sidewalk eateries have raised their tables and chairs to serve tourists, creating a unique and intimate dining atmosphere.
Photographing the Ancient Town in Flood Season: Hoi An during the flood season is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Moments of the ancient town submerged in water, boats gliding gently on the streets, flooded coffee shops… all create unique, impressive, and emotionally rich frames. You can unleash your creativity and capture memorable moments during your flood season trip.
Many tourists taking boat rides to see the ancient town in floodwater
Learning About Local Life: Traveling during the flood season is also an opportunity to better understand the life of the people of Hoi An, how they adapt and live with floods. You can chat with locals, listen to their stories about the flood season, about the difficulties, and also the beauty in their daily lives. The openness, friendliness, and optimism of the people of Hoi An will surely warm your heart.
Hoi An Cuisine in Flood Season: Rich Flavors in a Unique Setting
The flood season not only brings a unique beauty to Hoi An but also influences the local culinary culture. Despite the harsh weather conditions, Hoi An cuisine retains its distinctiveness, and even becomes more interesting and worth experiencing.
Flood Season Coffee: As mentioned, “soaking feet in water” coffee has become a unique trend. However, not only is the way of enjoying it novel, but the flavor of Hoi An coffee in the flood season also has its own nuance. Sitting in the quiet atmosphere of a coffee shop, watching the rain fall, and sipping rich coffee, you will feel the relaxed, slow pace of life in the ancient town during the flood season.
Hot Dishes: In the chilly weather of the rainy flood season, hot dishes are always popular. You can find roadside eateries serving hot and delicious Cao Lau, Mi Quang, Hu Tieu, Bun Bo, and more. The rich, warm flavors of these dishes will help you dispel the cold and feel the warmth of Hoi An’s hospitality.
Foreign tourists rent boats to navigate pedestrian streets for taking photos of the ancient town
Local Specialties: Flood season is also a time when many kinds of fresh seafood are caught. You can enjoy fresh seafood dishes such as shrimp, squid, fish, prepared in the characteristic style of Hoi An. In addition, snacks like Banh Uot, Banh Beo, Ram Cuon are also great options for exploring Hoi An street food during the flood season.
Unique Dining Atmosphere: Dining in a flooded space is also an interesting experience. Many restaurants and eateries have created special dining areas where you can enjoy delicious food while watching the ancient town submerged in water. This unique dining atmosphere will surely bring you unforgettable memories.
Important Notes for Traveling to Hoi An in Flood Season
To have a complete and safe river travel experience in Hoi An during the flood season, you need to take note of the following:
Follow Weather Forecasts: The flood season usually occurs around October and November. Before planning your trip, you should follow weather forecasts to understand the rain and flood situation and make the best preparations.
Choose the Right Time: If you want to experience river travel during the flood season, choose a time when the flood has just started or when the floodwater is not too high. Avoid going during times of major floods with strong currents, as it will be dangerous and limit sightseeing activities.
Prepare Appropriate Clothing: You should bring lightweight, quick-drying clothes that are easy to move in water. Choose non-slip shoes or sandals suitable for wading. In addition, raincoats and umbrellas are also essential items.
Ensure Safety: When participating in river travel activities, always follow the instructions of locals and tourism operators. Do not go to dangerous areas with deep or fast-flowing water on your own. Always wear a life jacket when boating.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Anh (25 years old, from Da Nang City) says that every time it rains heavily and the Hoai River rises, she and her friends come here for the experience
Book Accommodation in Advance: The flood season may be the low tourist season in Hoi An, but many tourists also enjoy experiencing the flood season. To ensure you have satisfactory accommodation, you should book hotel rooms or guesthouses in advance, especially on weekends or holidays.
Prepare Your Mindset: Traveling during the flood season will have certain inconveniences, such as flooded streets, difficult transportation, and unfavorable weather. Be mentally prepared to face these difficulties and enjoy the unique experiences that the flood season brings.
Conclusion
River travel during the flood season in Hoi An is a unique and different experience, bringing you unforgettable emotions and memories. It’s not just about seeing the ancient town in a new light, but also an opportunity for you to discover hidden beauty, experience interesting activities, and better understand the life of local people. If you are a person who loves to explore and experience new things, then traveling to Hoi An during the flood season is definitely an unmissable choice. Come and feel the unique beauty of Hoi An in the flood season, you will not be disappointed!