Rain is an inevitable part of life in Vietnam. Most of the time you will miss the storms, but sometimes you’ll get caught out in the rain! The best plan of action is to always be prepared. Make sure to research the region you plan on staying in, and consider these tips when packing for your new adventure!
What to prepare for your trip if you meet the rain in Vietnam?
  • Light clothes: Dressing smartly will help you to avoid being wet. Avoid heavy cotton, denim, wool, or knit materials at all costs! Instead, opt for lighter materials like linen, silk or nylon. Or use a poncho that you can easily find from street vendors, it costs only 15,000VND. You also should bring a waterproof cover to protect your backpack. This will protect your gadget, electronic devices, identity, passport and your money. Moreover, it is suggested to bring an umbrella, so you can use it both when it rains and when it is shiny.
  • Umbrella: Always bring an umbrella with you as if you must face raindrops anytime
  • Mosquito repellent: The monsoon season is the breeding season of mosquito. To protect yourself from disease caused by mosquitos, it is necessary to bring mosquito repellent and anti-itch cream. When sleeping at night, remember to use a portable mosquito net to avoid itching bites.

Where to go

Vietnam has 3 main regions: the North, the Central, and the South. Each region has different topographic, weather, and climate features. The only common point of the three regions is that they are deeply influenced by the monsoon season because Vietnam is located in the humid tropical monsoon region with huge annual rainfall.

1. Hue city
Anyone who has been in Hue on rainy days will find that Hue rain is quite melancholy. The city is quiet, life is slow, trees here and there, moss-covered ancient monuments as though it is covered by a perpetual curtain of rain. There is not much heavy rain but drizzle all day creates romantic spaces on every corner of the ancient city.
 
If we waited for the sun to shine, we would never have seen the most impressive sites in Hue. Armor up with a poncho or an umbrella and set out into the mist, we have a list of impressive sites in Hue to eplore:
 
The Imperial City
Khai Dinh Tomb
Tu Duc Tomb and Residence
Thien Mu Pagoda
 
2. Mui Ne
The area from Mui Ne to the white sand dunes is a micro climate with the least amount of rain recorded in Vietnam.
 
Mui Ne Fishing Village
The Red and White Sand Dunes
The Fairy Stream
Fishermen Show
3. Ho Chi Minh city
 
Ho Chi Minh City enjoys clear skies and warm days almost all year long, especially between December and March. If you’re travelling between May and September, rains tend to come in short bursts, but it’s possible to still enjoy sunny days during these wet summer months.
Here are some cool places to visit during rainy days:
Bitexco Financial Tower/ Landmark 81
TIPS
1. Tips for safety
  • Many people have a love-hate relationship with the rainy season. On one hand, a short, pleasant summer shower is always a timely remedy against the scorching heat of the season. It’s also incredibly soothing and romantic if you’re indoors away from the pitter-patter of wetness and cold. On the other hand, sometimes with the rain comes flooding, waterlogged streets and throngs of paralyzed traffic that clogs up city’s entire road network.
  • Most of the cities, even big one like Ho Chi Minh city with poor flood-prevention infrastructure leads to massive flooding after every heavy downpour. Streets and roads turned into rivers. Severe traffic congestion and broken-down motorbikes are the common chaotic scenes.
  • Be mindful of flood: Avoid going out when the streets are flooded because of the torrential rain. If you are unlucky, you can be stuck in the massive gridlocks in which most vehicles can’t move through the water.
2. Tips for photograph
What do you like to do on rainy days?
Snuggle up with a good book and a cup of hot coffee, catch up on sleep, organize the photos from the trip, share an intimate moment with your partner, or simply do nothing (like the Italians do)
As for us, we love shooting in the rain.
How to shoot in the rain???
  • A camera that works well in low-light conditions. You probablyneed a wide dynamic range and the possibility to shoot at high ISO.
  • A raincoat for your camera and one for yourself. Use a transparent plastic bag and make sure your camera stays dry. And don’t forget about your own comfort. You won’t have enough patience, energy, and creativity if you’re soaking wet.
  • A tripod. Some rain scenes need long exposures for a more dramatic effect. Even if you don’t use very slow shutter speeds, a tripod eliminates the risk of blurred images and camera shake. If you choose a night rain photo session, a tripod is a must.
In Vietnam when it starts to rain, people pull over on their motorbike, put on their cool rain poncho, and get back on and keep going. No one complains, no tears, no one stops what they are doing and changes their plans; they just keep going. They appear to have no reaction to the discomfort. Eighty-five percent of the Vietnamese don’t have a car, so there is no protection from the rain. There’s no escaping it, no calling in sick, and no working from home. They often commute in some of the worst traffic, for 45 min to an hour to get to their work, yet no one complains.
Rain doesn’t stop them – and it shouldn’t stop you.