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Hoi An works tirelessly to recover from floods as foreign tourists keep visiting

Translated by THƯ LÊ • Nov 01, 2025 09:28

DNO - After the historic floods receded, Hoi An residents have been working around the clock to clean up mud, debris and waste, hoping to restore the UNESCO World Heritage site to its normal rhythm of life and tourism.

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Floodwaters have receded across most parts of Hoi An’s ancient town. Photo: QUOC TUAN

The old town was among the hardest-hit areas in central Vietnam, with floodwaters exceeding the historic peak recorded in 1964.

Since the afternoon of October 30, as the water gradually withdrew, residents have rushed to sweep streets and reopen their shops to welcome visitors back.

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Despite the floodwaters not fully receding, many groups of tourists continue to visit Hoi An ancient town. Photo: QUOC TUAN

A local business has provided excavators to help remove debris and ensure sanitation around the Cau pagoda, which was originally built on a bridge over a small creek by Japanese tradesmen in the 17th century.

Despite the devastation, foreign tourists have already begun returning to parts of Hoi An’s old quarter that were not submerged.

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Foreign tourists walk along Tran Phu Street. Photo: QUOC TUAN
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A tourist captures the moment as Hoi An’s heritage site remains partially submerged in floodwaters. Photo: QUOC TUAN

On October 31, groups of international visitors were seen walking through dry streets and taking photos, even as guided tours and official heritage activities remain temporarily suspended following a notice issued on October 27.

Authorities and residents say restoring cleanliness and safety remains their top priority before tourism activities fully resume.

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Residents take advantage of the receding water to push away mud as it retreats. Photo: QUOC TUAN
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Cleaning souvenir items after the flood. Photo: QUOC TUAN

The determined cleanup effort highlights Hoi An’s enduring resilience, a community united by pride in its heritage and an unbreakable spirit to overcome hardship, ensuring the ancient town’s timeless charm continues to shine even after the floods.

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Taking advantage of the sunny weather, a man dries items soaked in the flood. Photo: QUOC TUAN

Translated by THƯ LÊ