Hoi An Bounces Back: Vietnam Historic Town Recovers from Devastating Floods, Tourism Slowly Returns to Vibrant Attractions!

Published on November 23, 2025

Since the afternoon of November 21, 2025, the floodwaters that had once engulfed the historic streets and residential areas surrounding the Hoai River in Hoi An have largely receded. Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed heritage town and a popular tourist destination in Vietnam, is slowly recovering from the aftermath of severe flooding. This event, which was caused by heavy rains and the release of water from upstream hydroelectric power plants along the Thu Bon River, has significantly disrupted the tourism industry. However, the city’s efforts to recover and restore its charm for travelers are already well underway.

Bach Dang Street: Still Undergoing Cleanup, But Tourism Resumes

Although floodwaters have receded considerably, the middle section of Bach Dang Street, one of Hoi An’s most popular thoroughfares along the Hoai River, remains affected. The flooding in this area reached about 0.4 meters in depth, leaving the streets covered in mud. The authorities, with the support of the Hoi An Public Works Company, have been working tirelessly to clear the mud, using specialized excavators and water tankers to remove the debris. This ongoing cleanup effort is key to restoring access to the city’s vibrant waterfront, a hub for both locals and tourists alike.

Bach Dang Street, particularly the stretch between Chau Thuong Van and the Pagoda Bridge, has been given priority for cleanup due to its importance in tourism. The area is home to some of Hoi An’s most popular cafes, restaurants, and shops, and its restoration is critical to ensuring that tourists can once again enjoy the beauty and charm of the Hoai River’s banks.

The Causes of the Flood and Its Impact on the City’s Infrastructure

The flooding began on November 16, 2025, after a series of heavy rains, which, combined with discharges from hydroelectric power plants on the Thu Bon River, caused water levels to rise rapidly. The situation worsened as the floodwaters reached their peak, submerging Bach Dang Street under 1.5 meters of water, while many of the inner streets saw water levels of 0.8 to 1 meter.

This rapid onset of flooding has caused significant disruption to Hoi An’s tourism infrastructure, particularly in the pedestrian zones and streets that form the heart of the city’s tourist experience. While the flood caused temporary damage, Hoi An’s resilience is evident in the way the community has come together to restore the city and its amenities.

Cleanup Efforts: A Collective Response to Restore the Tourist Town

With the waters receding, Hoi An has shifted its focus to an extensive cleanup operation. The city’s streets are covered in mud, with some areas experiencing layers as thick as 0.2 meters. Environmental workers, alongside businesses and local residents, are working to clear the mud from the streets. Workers use rakes to gather the debris, pushing it into the Hoai River while also removing trash and clearing blocked inlets. This collaborative effort between environmental workers and business owners is key to restoring the town to its vibrant, tourist-friendly state.

Local businesses, particularly those in the heart of the ancient town, have mobilized staff to assist with the cleanup. Shop owners are working together to clear their storefronts, ensuring that the path back to normalcy is swift. These combined efforts will help restore access to one of Vietnam’s most beloved tourist destinations.

Tourism Impact: Attractions and Services Affected

Tourism is the lifeblood of Hoi An’s economy, and the recent flooding has undoubtedly caused disruptions across various sectors. Although Hoi An’s ancient town has yet to resume ticket sales to allow for thorough cleanup, the authorities have made it a priority to restore the area as quickly as possible. Despite these setbacks, visitors are still finding ways to enjoy the town, particularly through the tourist boats that continue to operate along the Hoai River.

In addition to Bach Dang Street, other key areas like Ton Nu Ngoc Hoa and Nguyen Phuc Chu were also significantly impacted by the flooding, with water levels reaching up to 2.5 meters in October 2025. While many businesses were temporarily closed due to the flood damage, the community’s quick response has helped reduce the impact on long-term tourism.

Tourists Navigate the Streets Amidst the Mud

For tourists visiting Hoi An during this challenging time, navigating the streets covered in thick layers of mud has become part of the experience. Despite the difficulties, tourists are still making their way around, slowly and cautiously, as they explore the town’s less affected areas. Nguyen Hoang Street, though still covered in mud, has seen groups of tourists walking through it, adapting to the conditions while continuing to appreciate the city’s beauty.

Tourism in Hoi An may be impacted in the short term, but the city’s charm is undeniable. Visitors who have adjusted their travel plans to accommodate the flooding still find value in the experience, whether it’s enjoying a boat ride along the river or exploring the quieter areas of town that are not directly affected by the floods.

A Recurring Challenge: Hoi An Faces Frequent Flooding

This recent flood is the third such incident in the past three weeks, with previous floods in October also causing significant damage. The October floods saw streets along the Hoai River submerged under up to 2.5 meters of water, resulting in widespread damage to businesses, homes, and infrastructure. These recurring floods have highlighted the vulnerability of Hoi An to seasonal rains and the management of upstream reservoirs, underscoring the need for more robust flood management systems to protect the city’s vital tourism industry.

However, Hoi An is no stranger to flooding. The town has faced similar challenges in the past and has shown remarkable resilience. Each flood has prompted further improvements to the city’s infrastructure and response systems, helping it bounce back stronger each time.

Conclusion: Hoi An’s Path to Recovery and Resilient Tourism

As the floodwaters continue to recede and cleanup efforts progress, Hoi An is determined to restore its iconic streets and revive its tourism industry. While the flooding has caused significant disruption, the community’s collective efforts to clean and restore the city have been swift and efficient. Local businesses, environmental workers, and government authorities are working together to ensure that the streets of Hoi An are once again accessible to locals and tourists alike.

Hoi An’s resilience, combined with the dedicated efforts of its people, ensures that the city will continue to be a top tourist destination in Vietnam. The beauty and charm of the ancient town will undoubtedly continue to captivate visitors, and the tourism sector will once again thrive, even in the face of recurring challenges.