Tourists pose for a photo by the Japanese Bridge in Hoi An on November 24.
By the afternoon of November 24 the UNESCO-listed quarter had been swept clean and restored to order, its alleys humming again with the rhythm of traders, tour groups and street vendors. Along the main arteries, tourists meandered between heritage houses, sampling local dishes and photographing the revived charm of the old streets. The Hoai River, which only days earlier churned with brown floodwater, now lies placid under rows of freshly lit lanterns.
Heritage sites have reopened, their wooden beams drying quickly in the sun, while the town’s trademark lanterns glow as if determined to erase any trace of the deluge.
Alvaro Calderon Gomez from Spain said he was taken aback by the speed of the recovery. "I truly did not think this place had gone through a major flood. Everything looks clean and orderly, the houses are still beautiful. The effort from residents and authorities is remarkable."
Tour guide Luong Van Hai said the rapid rebound was no accident. Authorities and residents, long accustomed to seasonal flooding, mobilised immediately. "As the water receded people cleaned whatever they could. Many streets were covered in mud and rubbish, yet after just two days they were spotless. Thanks to that, tourism restarted quickly and visitors can stroll comfortably again."
Bach Dang street along the Hoai River, among the hardest hit, has also been cleared. More than 70 per cent of restaurants and souvenir stalls have reopened, pulling chairs, lanterns and merchandise back onto pavements.
At The Brothers restaurant at 99B Bach Dang, staff worked through mud and debris to reopen their doors. "We were worried about the damage, but the quick clean-up made reopening possible. I hope there will be no more floods so people can run their businesses with confidence," a representative said.
Tong Quoc Hung, vice chairman of Hoi An Ward, said the swift restoration was crucial as international arrivals pick up. "Even during the flood days tourists still came to Hoi An. Now that the water has receded the number of visitors, especially international travellers, has risen clearly. Many are fascinated to witness how residents and authorities restore the old town after a flood."
