DNO - Days of heavy rainfall have caused the Hoai River to overflow, flooding much of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Vietnam.

Yet instead of dampening the travel spirit, the floods have created an unusual but captivating scene that many tourists find unforgettable.
Amid the gentle rain and rising waters in Hoi An’s ancient town, visitors from around the world were deeply moved not only by the quiet beauty of the heritage site, but also by the warmth, hospitality, and solidarity of its people helping one another.
Several streets in the ancienttown have turned into narrow waterways, with locals navigating small boats through familiar alleys.
Despite knee-deep water in parts of the city, tourists, many from abroad, were seen strolling through flooded streets, umbrellas in hand, capturing photographs and soaking in the atmosphere of a heritage town “living with floods.”
On October 27, Tran Phu Street, the main route leading to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, remained lively with visitors, even though nearby areas were submerged by nearly a meter of water.

Many travellers expressed admiration for the endurance and hospitality of Hoi An’s residents, who continued daily life with smiles and generosity despite the challenging conditions.
Visitors also shared admiration for the community spirit and cooperation between residents and local authorities.
The sight of people helping each other, from guiding tourists to navigating boats through submerged alleys, reflected the enduring solidarity that defines Hoi An’s character.

Officials have warned that rainfall could persist in the coming days.
Still, for many visitors, the experience of wading through the submerged streets of Hoi An offered a rare glimpse into a place where history, humanity, and nature converge, a reminder that even in adversity, the town’s timeless charm continues to shine.