Hoi An flooded, tourists still flock to visit, sit on boats to see the old town

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Prolonged heavy rains and the release of water from upstream hydropower plants caused the water level of the Vu Gia – Thu Bon River to rise. The water level of the Hoai River, a branch of the Thu Bon River that flows through Hoi An ancient town, also rose rapidly, flooding many streets. This is the third flood in 20 days in Hoi An.

The water level rose, the usually poetic Hoai River now turned into a vast water surface, with only the anchored boats helping to recognize the familiar river.

According to VietNamNet reporters , on the afternoon of November 18, many ancient streets along the Hoai River were still deeply flooded, forcing a series of shops and tourist attractions to close and evacuate, disrupting people's lives.

Many Hoi An residents are exhausted after having to endure the third flood in just 20 days.

Even though Hoi An is flooded, this afternoon there are still many tourists, especially international tourists, flocking to visit Hoi An.

Taking advantage of the rising water, many locals take small boats and canoes to take tourists around the old town. This activity is not new, but every rainy season it becomes a typical experience, attracting tourists and helping locals earn extra income during difficult days.

Many tourists, especially foreigners, have rented boats and canoes to weave through the ancient streets to experience Hoi An tourism during the rainy season.

The mossy old town was submerged by floodwaters, but still retains a rustic, unique beauty.

Despite concerns about floods, many tourists still take the time to visit Hoi An. Many are willing to pay to take a boat ride around and see the flooded areas.

For Hoi An residents, boats are not only a means of transportation during flood season but also an important source of income for many households living in the old town.

Each trip to take tourists around the old town by boat during flood season costs from 50,000 to 200,000 VND per person, depending on time and route.

Floodwaters may cover the paths, but cannot erase the beauty of the ancient town and the unique peace of Hoi An.

Most boat passengers are provided with life jackets.

Many tourists, especially young people, are excited to take a boat ride around the old town to capture images of the green moss-covered tiled roofs on the old houses, which they say are not easy to find elsewhere.

Ms. Nguyen Phuong Lan (32 years old, from Nghe An ) said that every time heavy rain causes the Hoai River to rise, she and her group of friends often go to Hoi An to experience flood season tourism.

"I had only seen pictures of the flooded old town online before, so I was very curious. Now I can sit on a boat and see Hoi An in a very different setting. It feels very strange. Although it is a bit inconvenient because of the rising water, this is a very unique experience of this place," Lan shared.

Tourists take photos of Hoi An during flood season

Police forces are also on duty at flooded areas, reminding tourists to wear life jackets and requiring boats not to carry more people than the prescribed number. During times of heavy rain and high water levels, boating activities will be completely suspended to ensure the safety of tourists.

Two Korean tourists are capturing memorable images while visiting Hoi An during flood season.

A cafe in Hoi An is on the water's edge. Just one street away, the water is a meter deep.

Many tourists leisurely sit and drink coffee while watching the flood scene in Hoi An. This is also a typical experience that many tourists find when visiting the ancient town at the right time when the flood from upstream flows in.

As of 6:30 p.m. on November 18, many roads along the Hoai River in Hoi An were still submerged in water. In the photo, floodwaters cover Nguyen Thai Hoc Street - one of the central streets of the old town.