Hoi An in the Rain! Curse or Blessing?
1993, 2003, 2023, 2025. When we first visited Hoi An in 1993, it was nothing more than a historic Chinese port town: the buildings were dilapidated, there was a single hotel that...


Published: 23.11.2025
















































































Upon our arrival in Hoi An, we were surprised at how quickly the flood damage from late October - just three weeks ago - was being cleared up.
The flooding we experienced was much less severe. As the water level recedes, the cleanup efforts begin promptly. The streets are left with mud and debris, everything must be swiftly removed so that shops and businesses can resume operations. The water has not completely receded yet, but where it dries up, everyone pitches in. Heavy machinery arrives, hoses are connected. They work hard late into the night, urgently bringing back and storing what was moved to safety before the flood.
While the cleanup is ongoing, it rains again the next day. The water level, which seemed to have dropped, rises, falls, and then rises again. Water gushes up from a manhole cover. In the café across the street, tables and chairs have just been set out, only for the guests to get wet feet once more. Empty beer crates are turned upside down in a row so that patrons can leave the café with somewhat dry feet. And through it all, everyone remains patient and accepts a fate they cannot change.
