Foreign visitors deeply moved by historic flooding in Hoi An Ancient Town

By Thursday afternoon, floodwaters had begun to gradually recede but remained at high levels, still covering large parts of the old town in murky brown water, according to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters on the scene.

Prolonged downpours over several days caused the Thu Bon River to swell beyond historic levels, inundating parts of Da Nang, including Hoi An Ward — home to the ancient town.

Earlier that day, many areas in the ward were submerged under two to three meters of water, with some places reaching 3.4 meters, completely disrupting daily life and traffic.

Locals said the flood level matched that of the great flood of 1964, one of the worst ever recorded in Vietnam.

In lightly flooded streets, first-time foreign visitors walked with awe and disbelief, surprised to see the ancient heritage quarter underwater.

Despite heavy rain, many tourists ventured into flooded areas to take photos and witness the rare sight for themselves.

On the edges of severely flooded zones, residents and rescue workers stood waist-deep in water, carrying goods and food into isolated neighborhoods to reach families trapped by rising water.

The scenes of solidarity and selflessness were filmed and photographed by many foreign visitors, who were visibly moved by the community’s efforts.

Some even joined in, removing their raincoats and helping locals load supplies onto canoes bound for stranded homes.

With roads completely submerged, canoes and boats became the only means of transportation, ferrying people, goods, and tourists from hotels and restaurants to safe areas.