【Objective】The main objectives of the study were to collect socioeconomic data to help assess adaptive capacity； identify negative impacts of sea level rise （SLR） and adaptation strategies； and determine lessons learnt to prepare for SLR. 【Method】The present study was conducted in Giao Thien commune，Giao Thuy district，Nam Dinh province，Vietnam. Three household groups with total of 99 households were selected to conduct survey by semi questionnaire interview，face-to-face interview，household group discussions，interview of the key persons，and informal interview of  local residents.【Result】The results showed that the SLR has raised and caused great impacts to local communities such as reduction in crop productivities，loss of land，increase of salined land areas，damage in infrastructure，etc. The community has been aware of the negative impacts of SLR and responded by various ways. The changing economic structure，selection of appropriate crop varieties，transferring aquaculture land to households，encouraging fish men to form fishing cooperative and establishment of early warning system are the main lessons learnt  to combat  SLR.【Conclustion】Different adaptation strategies and methods should be taken to reduce the damages and loss caused by SLR through determining the rising regulation of water level according to the sea tide schedule and occurrence of typhoons and storms.