Hoi An Reopens to Tourists After Devastating Vietnam Floods

Tourists are returning to Vietnam’s ancient town of Hoi An. Residents are cleaning up mud and debris to reopen the UNESCO-listed site. This follows severe floods that devastated central Vietnam.

The historic floods submerged Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets last week. They forced hundreds of local businesses to temporarily close their doors. The disaster killed at least 35 people across the region.

Economic Impact on a Tourism-Dependent Town

Tourism is the backbone of Hoi An’s economy. Official data shows the town welcomed over 4.4 million visitors last year. This activity contributed nearly two-thirds of the region’s income.

Small shop owners reported significant losses. Their losses reached hundreds of millions of dong. This equates to thousands of US dollars for many family-run businesses. According to Reuters, domestic and international visitors were already seen strolling the riverfront over the weekend.

Ongoing Challenges and Regional Recovery

Authorities continue to warn of potential renewed flooding. River levels remain high with more rain expected. The nearby city of Thua Thien Hue has also reopened its iconic citadel to visitors.

The floods left five people missing. They inundated more than 16,000 houses and vast areas of crops. Around 75,000 people are still experiencing power shortages. Vietnam’s storm season frequently causes such widespread damage.

The swift return of visitors is a positive sign for Hoi An’s recovery. The community’s cleanup efforts highlight its resilience. The Vietnam floods present a major challenge, but the historic town is determined to rebound.

Info at your fingertips

Is it safe to visit Hoi An now?

Yes, tourists are already returning. Businesses are actively cleaning and reopening for the peak travel season.

What areas in Vietnam were affected by the floods?

The floods hit central Vietnam, including Hoi An and Thua Thien Hue. Over 16,000 homes were inundated across the region.

How many people were affected by the flooding?

The disaster killed at least 35 people. Five others remain missing, and thousands lost power.

What is the economic impact on Hoi An?

Tourism drives the local economy. Small shop owners suffered losses amounting to thousands of US dollars.

When is Vietnam’s typical storm season?

The storm season usually lasts from June to October. The country is prone to severe weather during this period.