Flooding hits 11 points in Ho Chi Minh City

Heavy thunderstorms on May 2 flooded 11 locations across Ho Chi Minh City, with the worst pooling in former Thu Duc City. Water reached 0.5m on Le Thi Hoa Street, 0.35m on To Ngoc Van Street and Provincial Road 43 and up to 0.3m near Thu Duc Market, local drainage officials reported.

Rain fell from 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. and totalled 52.9mm to 58.4mm at monitoring stations. The downpour lined up with high tides of 1.15m at Binh Trieu and 1.26m at Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe, then receded quickly after the rain eased.

Who felt the disruption most

Motorbike riders in Thu Duc City saw the sharpest impact, with some roads half-submerged and slow traffic raising the risk of engine trouble. Expats and digital nomads in areas such as Thao Dien also face repeat ankle- to knee-deep flooding when heavy rain hits, especially near low-lying streets and markets.

Tourists may find access to local neighborhoods and markets slowed during storms. The wider rainy season has just started and forecasters expect 15 to 20 rainy days in May with above-average rainfall through July, according to the Southern Regional Hydro-Meteorological Centre.

What nomads should watch now

The city’s drainage company said pumping and cleanup crews are operating, so floodwater can clear fast when rain stops. Still, drivers should avoid flooded streets, since deep water can damage engines and increase electrical hazards.

Authorities are warning of stronger thunderstorms, winds and tidal flooding risk later in the season, with peak tides projected at 1.70m to 1.80m. For current weather alerts and travel-impact updates, check visa updates and read our full Vietnam guide for the complete picture.