Tourists flock to Hoi An despite rising floodwaters on October 27.
Despite heavy flooding, large numbers of visitors continued to arrive in Hoi An on the late afternoon of October 27, as water levels in many areas of the ancient town kept rising. Most major streets, including Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc, and Bach Dang, were submerged between 0.5 and 2 metres.
People travel by boats on a street in Hoi An on October 27.
Locals and curious tourists flocked to the area to take photos and witness the town’s unique flood season atmosphere.
Armand, a visitor from Belgium, said it was his first time seeing the entire old town under water. “It’s an unforgettable experience wading through floodwater here. I’m surprised how calm the locals are, they seem used to it,” he said.
A group of foreign tourists visit Hoi An on October 27
On Tran Phu Street, where the water level was about half a meter, visitors waded through the flooded streets while residents hurried to lift their belongings to higher places. The scene created a bustling atmosphere unique to Hoi An’s flood season.
“I’ve heard about the floods in Hoi An, but this is the first time I’ve seen it. I plan to stay a few more days to see what the town looks like after the water recedes,” said Ha Ngoc Anh, a tourist from Hanoi.
Meanwhile, many residents were busy moving their possessions as water levels rose. Nguyen Kiem, 72, said his house was flooded by more than 1.5 metres on the afternoon of October 27. “This is the first major flood of 2025, and it’s higher than all the floods last year. We’ve moved our furniture and motorbikes and evacuated to a safer area,” he said.
At a souvenir shop on Tran Phu Street, shop owner Thanh Thuy said, “I didn’t expect the water to rise this fast. It’s already flooded half the street, and the rain just won’t stop, I’m worried it’ll go even higher.”
According to Hoi An’s local authorities, the Thu Bon River’s water level is rising rapidly. Rescue teams have been stationed in low-lying areas to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. Evacuation plans are ready for heavily flooded zones, and tourists staying in the An Hoi area have been advised to relocate to safer places.
