Hoi An's Streets Flood as River Swells Overnight

Hoi An's ancient quarter experienced another round of flooding late on November 15, following several days of widespread heavy rain. The rainfall led to the release of water from upstream hydropower reservoirs, which submerged much of the UNESCO-listed town overnight. By around 10 p.m., water had risen over nearly the entire stretch of Bach Dang Street, with the deepest areas reaching approximately 0.4 meters. The overflow extended into nearby streets such as Hoang Van Thu, Le Loi, and Chau Thuong Van, causing almost all nighttime businesses to close.

Bach Dang Street in Hoi An in central Vietnam is flooded on the night of November 15, 2025. Photo by Cuong Art
Residents quickly moved to lift belongings, push motorbikes and e-bikes to higher ground, and prepare for further flooding. Many cafes and restaurants closed early, but some foreign tourists remained to observe the rain. A few even waded through knee-deep water to explore the old town.

Locals have long known that Bach Dang floods when heavy rain coincides with strong upstream runoff. Earlier this year, the same street saw water levels rise to 2.5 meters during what authorities called a historic flood.

"People here know how to live with floods, but no one gets complacent," said Nguyen Anh Cuong. "Many households stayed up to raise their goods, just like at the end of October."

From late October to early November, the ancient town faced repeated inundations that significantly impacted shops selling souvenirs, silk, and clothing. Bach Dang Street finally dried completely on November 8, only to be submerged again days later.

Foreign tourists watch floodwaters rise in Hoi An, Vietnam. Photo by Cuong Art
Meteorologists reported that Da Nang and surrounding areas have experienced moderate to very heavy rain over the past 24 hours, with rainfall totals ranging from 40 to 80 mm across the city and up to 140 mm in southern and mountainous districts. Rainfall is expected to increase to 150–300 mm in midland and southern mountainous areas through November 18, with some locations exceeding 400 mm.

The intense rainfall caused a sharp increase in inflow to hydropower reservoirs, prompting several dams to conduct regulated discharges into downstream districts. By Sunday evening, water flowing into major reservoirs continued to rise, leading to localized flooding in low-lying parts of Nong Son and Thuong Duc.

Twenty consecutive days of rain have triggered a series of landslides across the region. On November 13, a collapse in Put Hamlet, Hung Son Commune, left three people missing. Another landslide on November 16 buried a section of National Highway 40B between Nam Tra My and Tra Linh; people nearby managed to escape in time, avoiding casualties.

Hoi An, recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1999, has seen its tourism industry, the main economic lifeline, repeatedly disrupted by the ongoing rains. Several streets, attractions, and boat services on the Hoai River have been shut down, visitor numbers have dropped sharply, and shop owners are operating cautiously amid fears of sudden new floods.

Impact on Local Economy and Tourism

The repeated flooding has had a significant impact on Hoi An’s local economy. Businesses that rely on tourism, such as souvenir shops, clothing stores, and restaurants, have suffered due to the drop in visitors. Many shop owners have had to close temporarily or reduce their operating hours, fearing further damage from potential floods.

Tourism, which is crucial for the town’s economy, has taken a hit. With several key attractions and transportation routes affected, fewer visitors are coming to the area. This has created uncertainty for local businesses, many of which are trying to adapt to the unpredictable weather conditions.

Response from Authorities and Residents

Local authorities have been monitoring the situation closely, issuing warnings and advising residents to take precautions. Emergency services have been deployed to assist those affected by the flooding and to manage the flow of water from reservoirs.

Residents, however, have shown resilience. Many have developed strategies to protect their homes and businesses from the recurring floods. Some have invested in elevated platforms for their belongings, while others have formed community groups to share resources and information.

Future Outlook

With the rainy season still ongoing, experts warn that the situation could worsen in the coming weeks. Continued heavy rainfall and rising water levels in reservoirs may lead to more flooding in Hoi An and surrounding areas.

Authorities are working to improve infrastructure and implement better flood management systems to mitigate future risks. However, for now, the town remains on high alert, with residents and business owners bracing for more challenges ahead.