Vietnam’s floating homes protect residents from rising floodwaters
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Residents of Tan Hoa Tourism Village in Quang Tri province, Vietnam, built homes that rise with floodwaters after devastating floods in 2010.
The village, recognised by UN Tourism in 2023, lies in a region prone to flooding. Following the 2010 floods, people began constructing floating homes initially as simple rafts, then evolving into sturdy houses equipped with roofs and walls.
These homes float on 15 to 30 oil drums, evenly distributed for balance, and are held in place by four tall poles, called ‘chung’ poles, at each corner, allowing them to rise and fall with the water level. Truong Thi Anh Dao uses her floating home as a grocery store, ensuring she can continue her business during the rainy season.
Currently, 650 of the 722 households in Tan Hoa have these flood-resistant homes, particularly in areas most affected by deep flooding. Twelve families now earn extra income by operating homestays from their floating homes in partnership with Oxalis, a local tourism company. Local leaders plan to continue developing tourism that adapts to the weather, preserving the village’s identity while supporting residents and visitors.
