BEST THINGS TO DO IN DA NANG IN THE RAIN

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I had a lot of plans for my four week stay in Da Nang, ranging from pool days and beach relaxation to excursions to nearby temples, towns, and sights. What I did not anticipate was the weather.

Sure, I know it rains in Vietnam but thought mostly in the rainy season and not in March! And if I did think of rain I thought it would be a quick downpour in the afternoon like I am used to from Florida. But I never expected the unrelenting pouring rain, cloudy skies, and November gloom that I experienced in my first two weeks in Vietnam.

And whereas many tourist centers in colder areas (like the UK) are set up with loads of indoor activities, Da Nang has surprisingly little to offer if the rain washes out your plan.

Eventually, I did come up with a list of possible activities in the rain. Luckily, the weather finally turned better before I did most of them (I managed a couple), but I thought I would share them with you just in case your beach holiday also ends up watery in a different sense than expected.

Top Tip for the Rain

Do not underestimate the rain! Don’t be like me and think you can make it just with a raincoat. By the time I got to the mall (a 15 minute walk) my pants were drenched, my shoes were dripping, and my shirt had gotten wet even through the raincoat!

Instead, spend a couple of bucks and get a Grab! Using Grab in Da Nang is easy, inexpensive, quick, and avoids most scams.

Best Rainy Day Activities in Da Nang

1. Go shopping at the Mall

Da Nang’s only mall, Vincom Plaza, isn’t a splashy sight on its own like you find in Bangkok. But it does offer a decent selection of typical international brands, like Skechers, H&M, or adidas, as well as a good-sized grocery store, and various restaurants. Not the worst place to spend a rainy afternoon (or two or three…)

2. Watch a Movie

You don’t even have to step outside to move from activity one to activity two. There is a movie theater right on the top floor of Vincom Plaza Da Nang. Grab some popcorn and watch one of the English originals (or be brave and watch with subtitles).

3. Get pampered at the Spa

If you read that I was too chicken to get a massage in Chiang Mai, you can already guess that I also didn’t go to the spa. But hopefully you are braver than me – a spa would make for a great treat on a rainy day.

You will find a wide variety all over town, there is sure to be one that will fit what you are looking for.

4. Visit a Museum

Museums are of course always a good rainy day activity and luckily there are several in Da Nang. Don’t expect the British Museum or the Met, but you can find information about the Vietnamese War, the history of Da Nang, Cham sculptures, or Fine Art. In general, the museums in Da Nang are not too impressive as far as presentation or engagement is concerned. But the collections are solid and the entrance fees are very affordable.

5. Learn all about Coffee

Vietnam is big on coffee culture. There is a large variety of beverages, from coconut coffee to egg coffee. I am not a big coffee drinker (at all) and to me they all taste fairly similar. So a coffee class would probably have been wasted on me but if you have an interest it may be just the right thing to while away a rainy afternoon!

6. Spend the Day at the Waterpark

If you are travelling with kids, the Mikazuki Water Park 365 would make a great change, especially if it is raining several days in a row. This waterpark is a bit outside of town but shouldn’t be too hard to get to with a Grab.

There is an outdoor area (which obviously is not helpful in the rain) but most of the attractions seem to be indoors. Not quite cheap but at also not horribly expensive.

7. Take a Cooking Class

Cooking classes are popular tourist activities, especially in Asia with its diverse and delicious cuisines. I did not attend one but did go on a Vietnamese food tour in Hoi An and wish I had learned how to cook some of my favorite dishes!

I found two cooking classes on GetYourGuide that look good – one that specializes in Pho and a second one with a market trip and 5 local dishes.

8. Hang out at a Board Game Cafe

Maybe not the best solution for a solo traveler (unless you are an extrovert) but if you are visiting Da Nang as a family or in a group and are bored stuck in your hotel room this would be an excellent choice. What could be better than battling each other over a new game? Definitely beats sniping at each other over the lousy weather!

9. 3D Art in Paradise

3D Art in Paradise is a highly rated museum/photo op close to the Son Tra Peninsula. As far as I can tell there are various installations in different zones (like aqua, safari or fantasy) that allow you to take photos that make it look real/like you are really there. A good way to spend some time during bad weather with kids or if you enjoy cool photo ops.

10. Hang out at one of the many cafés

This activity kind of goes with the coffee class but takes no planning and is cheaper. There are cafés at every corner. Just take a book (or your phone) and hang out at a cool one near you, sipping on the local beverages or eating a banh mi. Definitely beats staying cooped up in your hotel room!

11. Play a round of Mini-Golf

For me, playing miniature golf is the ultimate vacation activity. Unfortunately, it is also one of the few activities I don’t want to do on my own. Consequently, I did not try this in Da Nang but there is an INDOOR miniature golf place called Bao Mini Golf & Coffee as well as several places with screen golf (never heard of it before but then I am strictly a MINIATURE golf player).

12. Take the kids to an arcade or indoor playground

Constant rain is a pain for anyone but if traveling with kids it is even worse. It is no fun trying to stop them from jumping from bed to bed (been there, done that) to get rid of all of the pent-up energy. An indoor playground may be just the solution you need. For older kids the arcade might be a better option. You can find both inside the Vincom Plaza Mall (yet again).

A visit to an indoor playground or arcade may not be your idea of a perfect vacation day (it isn’t mine either) but it will at least keep the family happy.

13. Sing your heart out at karaoke

If you are on an adults only trip, karaoke may be better suited to you. Definitely a chance to let it all out – and a good opportunity to experience this very Asian pastime.

Da Nang has quite a number of karaoke bars and as I didn’t go (not ideal on your own) I can’t give any recommendations. Do check reviews carefully to make sure about prices and vibe so you find the right place for you.

14. Have a blast at an Art Class

I never made it there but Create Art Space Da Nang looks like it would be a lot of fun. They offer various workshops (prebooking recommended) as well as a cafe. Offered activities include canvas painting, soap making, mosaic coasters and more. I enjoy crafts so this is what I would try out next time I am in Da Nang in the rain.

15. Browse for souvenirs at a market

Da Nang has two markets that are convenient for visitors: Han Market near the pink church (Da Nang’s Cathedral) is more geared towards tourists and offers inexpensive clothing, various sweets and treats, as well as souvenirs. Con Market is closer to the actual city center and more authentic, mostly catering to locals with a variety of fruit, vegetables, and daily necessities. Both markets are indoors and would work well in bad weather.

Can’t stop the rain in Da Nang

Da Nang’s biggest attraction are definitely the beach and the beautiful outdoor spaces. I would be lying if I said rain does not matter here at all. However, while not ideal there are still activities you can enjoy even if the weather is disappointing.

I have listed the places I went to myself as well as those I had on my rainy day list if the weather hadn’t improved. Let me know if I forgot anything though and I will add it to this post!

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